The Dress!!

You would think having a dress made here in Bangkok would be easy..... the land of knock offs, dress makers on every corner, but no it isn't! The land of smiles has a separate agenda when it comes to getting things done. Quick and efficient are not words in the Thai vocabulary....I love Thailand no hate on here.....it is just when you are all alone in this mad city searching for the dress...maybe the most important dress you will ever wear....you tend to be a little more ...particular! I have finally found a place near school that will replicate the dress I tried on in Toronto....the one that elicited that 'this is it' moment .....this is the dress I will wear as I walk down the isle to AK! The one that everyone in the Toronto shop stopped to stare at the blushing bride with glossy eyes and tears forming....well no tears but I knew I had found it! With glee I said this is it...I want it....the kind shop girl said she knew too and ushered me over to share details......details as in exactly how much this oh so beautiful must have perfect dress would cost.......the girl slowly reached for her pen wrote the price and slid the card over, not a word was spoken......I gleefully lifted the card, really how much could it be.... well $8000 Canadian dollars to be exact. At that moment I was picturing AKs face earlier that week as we discussed our 'Wedding Budget'....ha ha, I nervously reached for the shops business cards....."thank-you yes I'll be in touch...oh I must have forgotten I have that other appointment at that other oh so beautiful wedding shop downtown....yes yes, how did I forget. Thank you, I'll let you know." As I rounded the shop corner with Jan I made up my mind that somehow that dress would be mine.....which brings us all back to here....Bangkok......and me scouring the streets for the dress maker of my dreams. After many useless attemtpts, pointless meetings, google searches and reference checks......I have found the maker of the dress. Which actually came in a daughter/mother combination. They have assurred me that not only can they replicate the dress to a tee but they guarantee that it will be more beautiful than I can imagine....so fingers crosssed, the measuring was detailed, which is GOOD. I have never stood naked while strangers lifted, pressed and proded my entire body before. I will have the first real fitting in the next 2 weeks....I will update you then. Till then, think off us often. Miss you! XO

Our Parents

Our amazing parents, who without them this wedding day would not be possible. Not only for the fact that they physically brought us into this world but continue to support us emotionally and financially when needed. We love you. Thank-you!

Jeanette Slater Norminton (Mother of the bride)
My momma,

Jan Kloosterhuis (Mother of the groom)

Robert Hillis (Father of the bride)

Harry Kloosterhuis (Father of the groom)

Graydon Hall Manor - July 16th, 2010

Our Venue is Graydon Hall Manor

http://www.graydonhall.com/

185 Graydon Hall Drive
Toronto, ON M3A 3B4, Canada
Get Directions
(416) 449-5432

Wedding Party

Andrew Blakeley ( Best Man )
Andrew has know Andrew since the early 80's, pre-kindergarten to be exact. He was Andrew's roommate in University and evidently the first one to get Andrew drunk.
Andrew and Andrew were hockey and baseball teammates and went to camp together. AB as we all know him was also the first friend to question Kristy's intentions. Being protective over his best friend AB was quick to give me the run down. As long as I have know AK, AB has been there right beside him. Through it all, the great moments, the sad moments AB has proven again and again what it really means to be a friend. AB you're like a brother to AK, he treasures you and values your word. There was no question you were meant to be AK's best man. We both love you, I feel now that you are not only AK's best friend but a true friend to me. xo




















Rebecca MacEarn O'Brian (Maid of Honor)
My cousin Rebecca has always been more like a sister to me. Becca was the first to show me how to wear make-up, style my hair and dress for boys! I have always looked up to Bec. She can truly call me on anything she knows me so well. Bec I have always admired you, your drive, generosity and love of life. You know life is too short not to live it, those are your words. You are that voice in my head when I choose directions because they are safe, that voice that pushes past boundaries to try harder and do more. You have an endless bank of energy and ideas. When i was growing up I always tried to be more like you, fearless, fun, and loving. People are naturally drawn to you, they just want to be or have a little part of you. I always wonder if you know how you have this effect on others. I love you so much Becky. I love that you will be there as I take this unknown step, holding my hand and right beside me. Thank-you.














Sheel Webber
Sheel was part of Andrew and Kristy's Australian family. Sheel is like a sister to both Andrew and Kristy. She is an incredible euchre player and karaoke singer. Sheel always goes above and beyond, always. Whether it is creating a goodbye DVD, listening for hours on end, or assisting with wedding duties...Sheel you are always there...and not just present but fully, completely available. You give yourself to whoever is with you at that moment, not thinking about other things but making that person next you the most important person at that time. You amaze me, I try to be more like that everyday. I feel so blessed to have you as a friend. For Andrew and I you give us inspiration that marriage can still be what we think it can be. Your relationship is a reflection of what we hope to achieve. Thank-you Sheel! xoxo

















Ryan Webber
Besides looking identical to Elvis, Ryan is Sheel's husband and an important person to both Andrew and Kristy. Ryan loves animals, is an amazing father and has an unbelievable fascination with the moon and multi tasking. Andrew also taught Ryan everything he knows about sales. Andrew and Kristy feel very blessed to have Ryan in their lives. He always says it how it is. It is so rare to find such strong friendship when you're finished school. The kind of friendship that feels like you have known each other since childhood. That is how it is with Ryan. He has this way of making those around him feel so special. The day we asked Ryan and Sheel to stand for us Ryan said "Man I was wondering when you were going to ask!" We love you Ryan!















Tony Smith
Tony was Andrew's roommate in Peterborough and also his boss and personal bouncer at the Rooster. Tony and Kristy bartended together at the Lounge. Tony taught Kristy everything she knows about bartending. Tony and Andrew raised and share a dog together, Jager. Tony is the kind of friend that would do anything and be anywhere that we needed. Travelling around the world to see us, Tony always takes any party to the next level. We love him like a brother and treasure his friendship. We both are incredibly happy to have him stand for us. Love you Tony!





















John Ansara
John is one of Andrew's high school friends. John and Andrew met in the early years of school and became friends almost instantly. Inseparable inside school and outside, John and Andrew developed a life long friendship. They were hockey line mates and worked at Onondaga together.




















Amber Spencer
The first night I met Amber was in university, she was on stage singing and playing guitar. Amazed by her ability I thought I need to know this girl. We have been best friends ever since. Seeing each other through the good and the bad times, she has always been my number one supporter. Weither it is lending a couch in need or driving all night to be by my side Amber you always did it. Whatever it took. I stood for her as she married her wonderful husband Eddie and now I'm so excited to have her stand for me as I take this next step in my life. Love you Am!
















Peter Simon
Peterborough Dad as he is known to Andrew is more then a friend. Pete is a source of advice and source of leadership. He was our boss for many years and taught us both a lot about the bar industry and how to motivate others. He is an amazing air DJ and is almost as good as Andrew is at golf. Pete is a wonderful friend and father. Having Pete stand at our wedding was required. He has been there through all the years as we built our relationship into what it is now. We love you man!


















Katie Thorne
Katie, Katie, Katie! Katie and I met in university through Amber. My dancing partner any night that required one. The only girl I ever knew who never attended class but always aced every exam. Having Katie in Bangkok this year was amazing. Weeks, days and months can go by but it is as if we never left off. I know we'll be friends for life. The day I asked Katie to stand for me in our wedding she yelled and then cried. I'm so thrilled to have you stand at my wedding Katie!

Robert Hillis (Baby brother)

My little brother, my crazy little brother. I couldn't have had a wedding without him standing there beside me. Robbie has been there through it all. My little side kick who looked up to me, hung on every word I said....if I thought it was cool than it was cool. From building forts together, planning air bands for our parents and fighting over the phone my brother knows me like no other. It is amazing to have someone out there in the big world and no matter what happens, whatever mistakes or achievements you make they will always love you, be there for you and still be proud to say that is my sister. I love you Rob!

Jenna MacDonald
Jenna and I met during university. We worked together too at the best bar in the world. It was when we went off to Australia for post grad that we really got close. I couldn't have done it without her, I don't think I would be a teacher today without Jenna's encouragement. Jenna is the friend that will call me on anything. Friendship is so important to Jenna, she always goes beyond her means to take care of the people she cares about. I'm so lucky to be one of those people. Jenna I'm really excited you'll be up there with me on the big day! I truly treausre our friendship. Even though I have been overseas for so long, everytime we meet it feels like nothing has changed. You've been there through some very hard moments in my life and I became stronger because of you. Your way of making me see the bigger picture. Love you Jenna. Smile!