Men & Marriage!

We all know most women are in love with the idea of marriage. But what about men? We always have been told that if you bring up the "m" word, they'll run. So I thought I would ask two men questions about marriage that I thought all women would be interested in knowing! Both of these men are currently planning weddings and I have asked them questions about planning, budget and the idea of marriage. Enjoy! 

James! James is from Kitchener, Ont. He is 23 and he is currently planning a wedding with his Fiance Keira! 

1. What have been your thoughts on marriage growing up?

A: Growing up I didn't really think about getting married a whole lot. The only model of what marriage was like was through my parents. Which was I suppose positive in some respects but looking at it as a whole it made me work harder and think longer about the girls and relationships I had. (Mind you I'm a 100% guilty of being blinded by what I thought was "love"). Growing up I made a conscious decision that my parents marriage won't be my marriage, ill leave it at that. 

2.Have you always wanted to get married?

A: It was on and off. My thoughts on the topic was directly affected by the people who broke my heart mainly and how married I was to my career path. An amazing woman will eventually come and save you from a potentially lonely Swarley existence. I hope you watch how I met your mother. 

3.What did you look for in a partner?

A: independent, not much for drinking or partying, creative, has a car (very important), not a vegetarian (I know it's appalling that your diet is a deal breaker, cry about it...). Non smoker.

4.When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?

A: When she met all the above requirements... Just kidding - but not really! Coming back to the land of Serious now. I knew I wanted to marry Kiera when I realized that she was 100% behind my crazy dreams of being an artist. She probably will tell you that it takes a lot of patience to love an artist, because they're a little on the crazy side. 

5.How did you purpose?

A: I bought the ring one afternoon took it home and I sat at the kitchen table looking at it with my mother. She asked me when I was going to propose... The original plan was to do it on the long weekend we met for the first time which was in two weeks. Seeing as this ring was burning a hole in my pocket and my mothers apparently she put the idea in my head to do it immediately! I looked at the clock and it was 3pm and did the math because kiera gets off work at 5. Gave me two whole hours to come up with a plan. minus showering, changing and getting yourself stoked to propose. Give or take I would say an 1hr and 20min tops. I ended up buying a beautiful oil paint brush (because she loves painting with oil paints) carefully wrapped it in ribbon, made a bow and put the ring on the handle. I caught her at chapters right at the end of her shift got down on one knee and handed her the paint brush with the ring on it and proposed. Really I probably couldn't have planned it any better.

6.Are you helping with a lot of wedding planning? Who does most of the planning?

A: it's a joint effort. I actually am having a lot of fun coming up with and creating pieces with kiera. It's brought us together and caused a lot of stress at the same time. 

7.Why do you think men are turned off of the idea of marriage?

A: It's scary. Look at all the statistics and stuff we see where peoples lives are in shambles because of marriage. It's hard to ignore numbers.

8.Are you doing anything unique for your wedding/did you do anything unique that you have never seen done before at a wedding?

A: That's a though question. I love wedding blogs and people show casing weddings and what other people are doing. Though really I find it counter productive to the creative process. I sit around for hours looking at other people work without starting my own. I end up just becoming intimidated and not even starting. I kinda just ignore it now and just go with how I feel. It's important to feel creative and original even if it's not possible you can make it feel like it is. Something I'm doing is hand silk screening our invitations and other stationary items. I'm really doing it for me and my own selfish elitist reasons. It's not quicker and I'm not really saving any money. I would like to tell you more about the wedding decor but that would be like giving away your recipe for secret sauce. 

9.Suggested vendors or venues?

A: Cambridge Mill and Ancastor Mill (both related) the lady who is taking care of the details is awesome. The place is also gorgeous. Make an appointment to see the place in person. 

10. What was your wedding budget and did you find it hard to stick to that budget?

A: Our budget was $15 000 at first and then that got ousted because things are expensive. So at the end of the day we're probably spending $5000 more than we originally wanted. Nothing is in stone except the $15K for the venue and food etc.

Next is a man of few words. My friend Amanda's finance may be quiet but he's crazy about her! They have 2 kids and are located near Kitchener ON as well! 


1. It wasn't something I really thought about, when I did think about it, I just thought of it as a part of growing up.

2. Yes

3. My life companion, someone compatible, similar interests.

4. Once we feel in love.

5. Brought home a tea with the ring tied to the tea bag string.

6. No, I told Amanda I just show up.

7. Being locked into something.

8. I'm not sure yet.

9. Lady Erin Photography, Liberty North Banquet Hall

10. 10,000 and no it was fairly easy so far to stick to budget so far.


Now I know this was a short post but I thought it would be neat to see this kind of stuff from a groom's point of view! 
Stay tuned friends! Im doing my first featured wedding this month! 
Thanks for reading!