Who doesn't LOVE presents?

Now, many people would tell you that I am more of a present giver, than a present lover, but sometimes, it's just nice to be spoiled.  Most people also know that it's the WORDS that count the most for me (the card, a letter, words out of your own mouth). 

I love to give gifts.  The joy of shopping for that PERFECT gift, the look on someone's face when they get it (sometimes they are surprises...like my 10 days of gifts for Kathryn while we were on our honeymoon, so she would know that I was ALWAYS thinking of her even when we were gone), and the ability to really go the extra mile to show someone that you care enough to THINK about them.

Graham is the last minute gift sort of person.  I don't ever expect that to change.  Sometimes he needs hints, sometimes he needs to just be told "buy me this, it will be easier than looking for something and getting stuck in the end", sometimes he gets me to do his shopping for him (secret's out!).  But sometimes, on the rare occasion, he REALLY surprises me with a gift that leaves me flabergasted!

Enjoy these photo moments of each of us opening our wedding gifts.  It was strange seeing Graham's face through someone else's eyes and the eyes of a camera, but he later told me how much he loved his gift and how special it was.  Thanks so much DAD!  I can't wait for Carolyn's photos of me opening my gift from Graham, as I think those are some moments he really wishes he could have been there for.  My sister-in-law, Stephanie, my best friend from College, Kristin and my Mom, took some amazing photos for us to cherish in the meantime.  Thank you ladies!

Graham admitted to me that he felt a little emotional here, reading his "To my Husband card".  Sweet!

Graham's FAVOURITE chocolates from Hotel Chocolat, in England.  I got his Mom to fly over 3 of his favourite flavours!

Last summer, we were shopping with Graham's Mum, while she was visiting from England.  We walked into Harry Rosen's and Graham saw these cufflinks made by Tateossian.  They are silver gecco's with Jade eyes and Swarovski Crystals.  He couldn't stop looking at them.  This winter, I found them again, and had Graham's Mum fly them over with her as his wedding gift!  THANKS JILL for all of your help! He loves them!

They are such a fun element for Graham to wear.  He loved getting them photographed by Carolyn!

After seeing the size of my gift from Graham, I knew he BLEW the budget and I was going to be blown out of the water.  I tried my hardest not to feel guilty, but I still slightly felt like I should have spoiled him more.  Not because of the gift he bought me, but because of what came after it, something that was even better than the gift itself.  ENJOY!

I was a little bit SHOCKED and EXCITED about how BIG it was!

Graham's sweet little mini card...

I was being asked here if I knew what it was...?  I had a feeling, but thought he might have wrapped jewellery in a big box instead.

That's my "You're in trouble MISTER" face!

A BRAND SPANKING NEW Canon Rebel T3i DSLR camera!  I couldn't believe it!  We had talked about getting one forever (our love for travel just doesn't suit a point and shoot), but it was not in our budget (or so I was told!).  Hunny, you did GOOD!  Little did I know, Dad had something else to deliver to me when he arrived...

I was having a little "moment".  A little moment before the BIG one that was still to come!

Dad arrived shortly after this, giving me a hug, sharing in some tears and proudly smiling, telling me I was beautiful.  I told him what Graham got me, asked if he liked his gift (which he said he LOVED and got slightly emotional about), and pulled an envelope out of his pocket.  He told me I had to read it, and I had no idea what was in store for me...  Did you know that I HATE surprises unless they are truly a surprise (no hints, no torture, just true surprises)?  It's true.  Yet, I LOVE to surprise other people all the time!

Anyways, I opened the envelope and began to cry.  It was hard for me to get through the letter Graham had written to me, but it was more perfect than I could ever imagine.  See, Graham is a many of FEW words, emotions to show and ways to express himself creatively (totally opposite of me!), so when he writes me a card, or note, I save EVERY ONE.  They mean the world, and this one, was an undescribable moment.  I didn't care that all of the ladies were in the room with me, and after I read it to myself, shed some tears, and beamed with joy, I shared it with everyone, including my Dad.  It was a very special moment, and I am so happy that someone captured it on camera for Graham.  I can't wait to see any photos Carolyn might have of the moment.  Enjoy these photos and at the closing of this post, will be the letter.  A memory I am not blogging to necessarily share, but to have somewhere that I can always reference it, anywhere that I am.

Really Dad?  There's more?  What is this?

This was my "Graham's never this romantic moment" :)

I opened it up and dozens of rose petals fell out!  Sorry for your floor Jenn!  So romantic!

So many tears at just the first few lines, I really struggled to get through this.  This is why make up should be done AFTER!

One of my favourite parts of the day, was reading this and knowing it was only going to be a few hours till I became Graham's wife!

Me sharing with my closest friends and family.

He did it!  He shocked me, surprised me and was more romantic than I could have ever dreamed!

Lee-Anne,

You will never know how much I love you. Deep within my heart stirs a confidence, a feeling that glows brighter and stronger when I think about you. It is as if my soul sings and I am taken from this place to somewhere I cannot describe, beyond the comings and goings of this everyday world. You make me who I want to be, you raise me up and for that, I cherish every moment with you and I will do for the rest of my life. I only hope that in this life, I can bring you to this place so we can enjoy it together.

I will be waiting at the end of the aisle, nervous but excited to see you in all your beauty. Please come and stand with me now and forever more.

All my love and truly yours,

Graham