abroad – Melissa Verwey

K and M
Weddings are beautiful and magical, and behind every bride, there is a load of stress. I’d say it’s like event planning on crack. You have to orchestrate many moving pieces to come together in perfect unison and form your dream day, and you also have family politics, traditions and childhood fantasies to adhere too while looking fabulous. It is extraordinarily tough to accomplish all of this while still staying under a reasonable budget.
Kiss
I decided to plan our wedding from abroad, with no assistance from a formal planner. I have experience in event planning and TV production anyway, so why not. It came with its own challenges for both myself and the groom, however, in the end, it all came together perfectly and I would not exchange it for anything in the world.
Taco Bout A Wedding
If you want to know more about the planning process, or the details such as what I wore, what venue we decided on and what we ate, check out my latest article for Verge Magazine HERE. If you are looking for gift ideas for your Groomsmen, check out my latest article at Geargreed Men’s Magazine for ideas on what to purchase HERE.
Reception
Honourable mentions to our Best Man, Maid of Honour, Mint Room Studios, Good Fortune Bar and our patient loving friends and families for all their help!
In The Chair
Let me know what you think! Have you planned a wedding abroad? What was your biggest challenge? Leave a comment below!

Cheers,
Melissa

Happy Valentine’s Day! Sending love, hugs and chocolate kisses from Amsterdam.
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Living abroad is exciting and very fulfilling. But what they don’t tell you in the pamphlet is that it can also be lonely, especially during holidays. It can be very challenging trying to celebrate one of your favourite traditional festivities when it is not as popular abroad. Thanksgiving and Halloween are great examples of this. Though slowly picking up in popularity, they are still not big social holidays in The Netherlands. Don’t get me started on finding cranberry sauce or pumpkin pie! Even though we did find a Halloween party for expats, we were the only ones dressed up in costume while on public transit – maybe they thought we were crazy? Then again, it is Amsterdam!
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On the flip side, you also get to participate in new holidays, such as Kings Day or Sinterklass. It’s not every day you see “Santa” arriving by boat and then riding past you on a white horse, or over one million people all dressed up in orange. So if abroad, try to immerse yourself in the local cultural traditions as well as maintaining your own.
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Not to worry, I have been able to find some heart shaped desserts in Amsterdam at Leef, though St.Patrick’s Day decor seems nonexistent!? Has anyone seen this anywhere? Most stores are prepping for Easter now!

Want to know more about my thoughts of living abroad? Check out my feature online in Expats of Amsterdam here: http://expatsofamsterdam.nl/country/canada/dutch-blood-veins-also-made-feel-home/. So grateful to be part of this! Also, a big thank you to kvdvphotography.com for the Valentines photoshoot, and the white vintage sweater found at Treasure Hunters Amsterdam!

Cheers,
Melissa

Tag: abroad

Pop the Bubbly, I have a Hubby!

Holidays Abroad