Wedding Blog
Before Mr Frenchie and I knew where or when we were getting married, we were able to answer at least one of the most popular questions being asked: “Where are you going on your honeymoon?” However, we always get mixed reactions to our answer: French Canada, more specifically, Quebec City, Montreal and Ottawa. Everyone says, “Oh, that is nice,” but only about 20% of them mean it. I don’t know why most people have such a hard time with us not wanting to go to Hawaii or Tahiti. It’s not like we have anything against those places, as they look lovely and relaxing.
Us Frenchies just wanted to see and explore somewhere new on our honeymoon, and thought we could relax in a fancy hotel anywhere. Also you can’t beat the price, since FH gets Marriott benefits, and the dollar is worth more in Canada… YAY!
The Mr has been all over the World Wide Web searching for the best, cheapest, and most efficient way to get us to Canada. Ultimately, we discovered it was much cheaper (like half the cost) to fly into Vermont and drive across the border, than to fly directly into Canada. We’re good road trippers and are really looking forward to taking in the scenery, so the drive doesn’t bother us.
Okay now, are you sitting down? Last week we booked our flight, and the entire airfare for our honeymoon is costing us $608.40! SIX HUNDRED EIGHT DOLLARS AND FORTY CENTS for both of us, TOTAL, round trip! And we’re not going through Priceline, or anything like that. We booked directly with the airline, which to me just feels safer when it comes to airfare.
The funny thing is, who would have thought where we will sit on the plane would become a 45-minute discussion? When I fly alone I like to sit in the aisle. I’m only 5’2″, so the little extra legroom isn’t the main reason, I just don’t like getting smooshed in with strangers. I’m pretty sure it stems from when I was younger and my parents had season tickets to the Performing Arts Center. The man with the ticket right next to us was rather large, and Sister Frenchie and I used to fight over who would have to sit next to him, because part of him would take up about 1/3 of our chair. Now, when I go on an airplane, I’m always afraid of who is going to sit next to me. Anyway, I asked Mr Frenchie where he would want to sit, and of course he wants to sit on the aisle as well. It’s not like I thought the Mr would offer to sit in the middle, but I just wanted him to realize that when he sits in the aisle, it sticks me in the middle. It’s not like I’m going to sit across the aisle from him on our honeymoon. He also apparently likes to sit near the lav… I don’t mind sitting in the back, but I DON’T want to be right next to the bathroom - GROSS! Mr Frenchie doesn’t want to have to walk down the aisle half way down the plane if he needs to use the facilities, and I don’t want everyone congregating near my seat. WOW, we’re a little neurotic!
So, 45 minutes after discussing the layout of the 4 different flights (2 there and 2 back), and with the help of Seat Guru and the seat selector on United’s website, we came to a compromise and we have seats. PHEW!
What was your biggest argument/discussion in regards to your honeymoon?
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Share this post: Oui, Aye
We briefly talked about our honeymoon, which we probably won’t take after the wedding (November), but rather wait until December or 2010. I think we both agreed on going to a metropolitan place and not sight see, but spend most of our time enjoying the best restaurants in town and taking walks down lively streets. We did mention Montreal as one of the places we’d like to go. So congrats for going to Montreal! I’m excited for you!
Where! I really wanted to do South or Central America but Mr. Joey didn’t want me to do all the work of translating. He knew I’d be responsible for us in some of the remote areas we would visit. He wanted this to be a vacation for me (since I’m doing most of the wedding work) so he insisted on somewhere he spoke the language or niether of us did. Down Under it is.
I’ve driven a similiar route (well, burlington vt to ottawa, then on to Toronto) after skiing- and the drive isn’t too bad at all! 
You’ll have fun in Quebec City- it’s neat there. Montreal is a great time, and Ottawa is pretty as well.
Wow, I’m jealous of your cheap-o airfare. The Bruschettas were not so lucky…but I can’t so any more about that until I reveal our honeymoon location in a future post! 
we’re planning a honeymoon in Banff Alberta and get the same half-hearted responses. I hope you love the trip. When it comes to the flight you probably won’t even realize where you are sitting… it is a honeymoon afterall.
Yay for you on coming to Canada for your honeymoon! My FI is originally from Montreal and we visit there often!
And great deal on the airfare! It’s unfortunate how much more it costs to fly across that dang border.
We’re not really arguing about our honeymoon. It’s more that neither of us have any idea about where we want to go. Somewhere relaxing, yes. But apparently that determination doesn’t really narrow locations down…
I’m actually from Ottawa. If you need recommendations on must-see sights, restaurant suggestions, etc, you should totally make a post about it. I’d love to chip in my ideas! I have lived here my entire life & love this city. You will especially like Montreal, it’s the Paris of North America.
We haven’t had any arguments about it yet…we’re both very easy going about things. But I think I’ll call him tonight and ask him which seat he wants! Maybe this will stir the pot…
We haven’t even gotten to that point yet, we’re still trying to decide where to go! I hadn’t even thought about where we would sit on the plane…
A note for you from a Canadian: it’s spelt “eh.” But good for you for picking up the vernacular!
I’ve never been to Quebec City but I’ve heard it’s marvelously European.
I’ve been to Montreal a few times and it’s an amazing place. It just has such a vibe. It’s such a fun and beautiful city.
I’m so excited to hear that more ppl are going to Canada!
@cbgg: Thank you!
@roguesparkle: That is a good point, I’m sure you’re right.
@Katya: I would LOVE some suggestions on were to go and what to see. We bought a couple books on the locations, but I trust ppl with actual experiences much more. I’ll post on the entire trip soon and ask for suggestions. Thank you
Kudos to you Miss French Bulldog for coming to Canada! And I think you’ve picked some of our very best cities. I live on the east coast of Canada but visit Ottawa often and LOVE LOVE LOVE Montreal! I can’t wait to hear details of your travel plans and expected sites.
oh my gosh, ME TOO! We’re going to Vancouver and Victoria Island, our airfare was 600 buck flat for the two of us, and people always seemed less-than-thrilled about where were going. However, I am so happy!!
We picked the location easily. We are not agreeing so much on what to do.
Thats a pretty funny story about finding out where to sit! We took a trip to LA before and used SouthWest…who doesnt have assigned seating…so when you get on the plane your lucky to find two seats together…but we did and he was such a nice boyfriend at the time that he gave me the seat I wanted…the window! And he sat in the middle next to a little boy who was on the aisle seat. I actually need more leg room because Im six foot tall, but I like the window! But I think its awesome that you are going where you want to go…no matter what…its about you two! We’re probably going to Florida…and sometimes we get people saying why not the Bahamas or Hawaii too…but Florida is as nice as the Bahamas and it’s cheaper! And we would like to go to Hawaii on a non honeymoon trip when we would like to do more than just relax…I see Hawaii as a place to explore…and we just want to sit back and relax on our honeymoon! GO CANADA!
We actually aren’t sure where we are going yet, since we won’t take it until a year after we are married. I will be done with school, but FH will not, and actually goes back to school the week after the wedding. Thus, honeymoon will have to wait. I think that was hard for FH, because he really wnted to take a honeymoon right away. I think we have reached a compromise, and that is we are going come home, pick up our pup, and spend the first half of the week somewhere close that allows dogs, possible NC (I hear they have surf there). When we do decide to take our honeymoon, we are thinking somewhere beachy where we can relax, surf, scuba, and celebrate, what will be a very exciting few years (my graduation, wedding, and his graduation)
I hate to break this to you, but United has the worst legroom I’ve ever experienced on any plane. We flew to Vancouver on a United flight and you had to hold onto the back of the seat in front of you and scoot in. Even the aisle seat was bad!
Quebec City is BEAUTIFUL. I love it. I’ve been on road trips there the past 2 winters in a row. It is definitely freezing cold in the winter, but it is so beautiful. And it really is the Europe of Canada; you will have a marvelous time. Montreal is also great; especially Old Montreal. Ottawa is full of history, and being the capital of Canada, trips to the parliament and watching the changing of the guards and such things is always great. I just LOVE Canada (can you tell I’m Canadian? haha). You’ll have a great time!
Yay a Canadian honeymoon! As a Canadian girl living in Ottawa, who has been to Montreal and Quebec city, you will definitely looooove it!
Quebec city has so much culture, its amazing…you definitely have to try traditional french cuisine!
Montreal is to die for…shopping is amazing…plus 98% of the people there speak English, so no languge barrier!
Ottawa is a pretty great little city…My fiance and I were driving past the parliament buildings a couple of days ago and were talking about how lucky we were to live in a city with so much history and fantastic architecture! I will make a recommendation for a restaurant here (so everyone from Ottawa area reading this can take note too!), if you like asian cuisine…look no further than Mekong Restaurant! Prices are amazing, service is fab, and even better the food is the best…al housed in a trendy little spot.
Anyway, I just wanted to express my happiness for you guys and your future trip to Canada
I am from Ottawa and have been to both Quebec City and Montreal several times. Quebec City is gorgeous, make sure you visit Old Quebec!
Yay! I nice choice and great job on the airfare! We actually got free first class tix to Italy (vis a vis copeous miles and a mileage card). No arguments on it–he planned it!
OMG we’re also going to Quebec City for our honeymoon this summer!!
I went to French language summer school there a few years ago and loved the place so I’m so excited to go back and show FI around town. You’re going to love it (and you really don’t need to know much Frech to get around!)
We’re going to Quebec City for our mini-moon right after we get married. I think it will be fabulously fun. I can’t wait to stay at our hotel — it looks like a castle! My fiancee and I travel together pretty frequently, and we typically just book the window and the aisle seat in the same row. Best case scenario, the middle seat is empty. Typically scenario, one of us will ask the person in the middle to switch (who doesn’t want to give up a middle for a window or an aisle). If we’re planning on sleeping or not feeling well, etc., we just keep the window and aisle seat — we’ll spend enough time together once we get there!
Driving from Vermont to Toronto is a common occurance for me, since my fiance and I have an “across the border” relationship. The route you are taking will take you through the Champlaign Islands, and it is a really lovely drive, particularly during the day. Quebec City is also my absolute favorite city in all of Canada. You will have a blast!
Montreal is my favourite city in Canada - as loyal as I am to the West Coast, the majority of my family still lives in Quebec. Definitely spend as much time as you can in Old Montreal - it’s beautiful, the shopping is great, the food is wonderful, and there’s normally some kind of fun event going on whenever I’ve been there. Enjoy!!
I’ve actually heard Quebec City is really beautiful and one of these days we plan to make a trip across the border! =D Good Job to Mr. Frenchie for finding such a cheaper alternative! How far of a drive is it from Vermont to Quebec City?
That is an unbelieveably good rate! Burlington tends to be a little expensive - at least from DC! As a native Vermonter, I have taken that route up through a few times and it is beautiful. You will love Old Quebec City. If you have a little time, Central Vermont is WONDERFUL as well (Ben and Jerry’s!!). Honeymoons don’t have to be about beaches, and it sounds like you’ll have a blast!
@cbgg - lol I was trying to figure out what Aye was!! I was like is she saying “Aye and it’s like a pirate - Aye Cap’n!” I somehow never realized that non-Canucks would not know how to spell Eh lol
@ Miss Frenchy - You will LOVE LOVE LOVE your trip! Especially if you love shopping - Montréal is fantastic for shopping!
And don’t mind the faces you get when you mention where you are going. The hubs and I got those faces and the “Oh, that sounds nice/ fun” when we told people we were doing an Orlando Universal Studios/ Disney honeymoon. People can be dumb lol - Enjoy your trip!
I loved Montreal! A bunch of friends and I did a road trip up there in college. It’s much nicer driving through Vermont than New York like we did. Shopping is great, and the casino was too! I won like $200 (Canadian) at the slots.
My aunt lives on the border of NY close to Ottawa, we like to drive into the city cause its only 40 minutes away from her house! Make sure you have your passports though, because as of this month drivers licenses/birth certificates wont be enough to get you over the border.
The Parliament building is gorgeous! You should def put that on your list if you like architecture.
If you like art, you should try to check out the National Gallery of Art.
We always try to eat at The Black Tomato when we’re there. It’s a small space, but the food is FANTASTIC and it has a cute outdoor patio.
The Byward Market is very cool as well. It’s an outdoor market with loads of art/craft, and food vendors.
This is another attraction you should try to see, we haven’t experienced it yet, but plan to this summer:
http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16298-22878&lang=1
Our honeymoon planning has been fairly effortless. I think we decided where/when in a matter of 10 minutes.
Yay! I’m so happy you posted about this! I’m from Montreal and live in Ottawa. It’s a beautiful part of the world - some of the oldest parts of North America and full of culture and life! The nature is also spectacular!! Consider spending a night in Mont Tremblant (ski resort town). My brother and his wife mini-mooned there and stayed in an amazing chateau hotel that rocked their socks off!
I live in Montreal and there are a lot of places to check out!
Botanical garden
Biodome
and not to forget Old Montreal which is SO nice.
Also, I would recommend one of the many Bring Your Own Wine restaurants in the Plateau area of Montreal - they don’t charge anything for your booze, no corkage fees! Among my faves: Khyber Pass (Afghani food), Les Heritiers (French cuisine) and L’Academie (Italian fusion). All have great prices and are merveilleux! That’s also an interesting, hip part of Montreal, so enjoy!
For Ottawa, you will probably visit the Byward Market (visited by your very own Prez Obama on his trip to Canada in February). I would recommend eating at Social, or the Black Tomato. There is looots of sightseeing in Ottawa since it’s out nation’s capital. Make sure you take the tour of Parliament and check out the amazing views from both the Ottawa side of the river and the Gatineau side of the river (Parliament hill sits on a river separating the provinces of Ontario and Quebec). The Museum of Civilization is great and it’s on the Quebec side - it has awesome views of Parliament! phew! there’s my two cents (Canadian cents actually ;))!
I’m originally from Montreal and live in New York City and work as a wedding photographer. My beau and I really enjoy the drive up from Brooklyn to Montreal and Mont Tremblant at least 3 times a year. As for Montreal, there is plenty to see! We love Mont Tremblant for cross-country skiing and crepes in the winter In the summer you can canoe on Lac Tremblant (Don’t forget your bug spray, eh?)
As for Montreal in the Summer, the Jazz Festival is from June 30-July 10 or so every year. The city comes alive. The Juste for Laughs festival and the International Fireworks competition is then too. The bars/clubs/restaurants in the Plateau are really cool. St Lawrence Street (rue St. Laurent) houses the best smoked meat sandwiches in the worls at Schwartz’s deli! McGill Univ. campus is on Sherbrooke St, as well as our MoMA/Musee des Beaux Arts. Old Montreal has some new incredible French restaurants–Ruth Reichl wrote about in Gourmet recently. If you like the outdoors and being active, there is the longest bike path in the country around the Lachine Canal. You can rent bikes (reg or tandem) and ride along it on a nice sunny day. Fun and beautiful!
My parents honeymooned in Quebec City. It is primarily French speaking with tons of history and so charming. I was there once in grade 6 for a French immersion class trip. (We weren’t allowed to speak a word of English for 3 whole days!)
Feel free to write me directly for more info about Montreal, my hometown. Best, Karen Wise
we haven’t had any arguments b/c i’m letting my fiance plan the whole thing. i have no clue where we are going…
We are going to British Columbia for our honeymoon for the same reason! We wanted to go some place new, we had both been to numerous islands and beaches, and where we thought our money would go further so we could upgrade. Plus we wanted to do some whale watching and Vancouver is one of the best places to do that. I think you will have a wonderful trip!
A few years back I was in Montreal for a convention and decided to find the best French Onion soup in the city… it’s at the Marriott (Chateau Champlain)!
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Mrs. French Bulldog, Orange County
Age and Occupation: 28, Administrative Assistant & Interior Design Student
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Purchasing Analyst
Engagement Date: November 8, 2008
Wedding Date: August 2009
Venue: Bernardo Winery
About Me: I've lived in Atlanta, Dallas and Laguna Niguel; although I've lived in Orange County, CA most my life, I'm a Southerner at heart. I work full time for a Commercial General Contractor (aka my father) and I go to school for Interior Design at night. I love modern design, music, wine, crafting, DMailing, my family, my Westies, and of course, Mr Frenchie! Mr Frenchie and I met 3 years ago on Match.com and have been best friends ever since. I love his "old soul" and how he laughs with his whole body, among many other things. We are planning our summer wedding at the winery near his hometown, just 45 minutes south of Orange County.
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