i'm all grown up now

... you know? Married 'n' stuff.

Well, I decided to shake off the wedding planning and start a blog that is very much ME. It's going to be my platinum blonde head splattered all over your monitor in the best most creative way possible. I am going to use it to talk about anything and everything. There will be some weekly features and also a whole lot of blogging about marriage and our big dirty honeymoon of exotic travels. My new home is...

If you're here to talk wedding, you can find my wedding report and all my posts over on the glorious polka dot pages of Rock My Wedding. If you want to follow my life and marriage, please feel free to follow on over to Rocked By Life. It will be beautiful and fun. I promise.

xo

no time to breathe

Shopping, cleaning, drinking and blogging. I don't remember what any of these feel like.

Everything has stopped, except my head.

I lie awake at 6am thinking. Thinking about remembering and thinking about doing. Then I get up and do what I'm thinking about. My life has transformed into a series of lists and tick boxes.

But I feel cool, calm and oh so collected. Like a swan. Graceful and serene, but under the blissful water, the legs are going like fuck.

If this is what wedding stress feels like, I'm kinda enjoying it.

I've turned into a crazy, haven't I?

the L word

As some of you may or may not know, I have been off ill with the aul Swine Flu. It was not a wonderful time to be truly honest. Spent most of it on the sofa watching crappy day time TV and feeling sorry for myself. In the midst of all the eucalyptus, tissues, cough syrup and Lockets, I began wondering about something.

Now I'm going to get all like the bloke that did the "always wear sunscreen' song on you here. But it's purely just me voicing my own thoughts and ponderings on the big L word... Life.

I have spent most of mine, very aware that I will only get one. And any of you reading this that haven't realised that yet, consider this your boot up the backside. You will never have this moment again. It will be gone and before you know it you could be 80 years old thinking "What the hell did I do?". So my mission in life is to do all of the things I want to do and knock as much craic out of it as possible in the process. There is no point pursuing a lifetime worth of goals and not having fun. At least, if for some reason you do not meet those targets, you can always think of the love and laughter you gained in the process of trying. 

When I was about 18, I made a list. A list of all the things I wanted to do in my time on this earth. I thought about the things and experiences that would make me happy. I made a point of having some easily achievable things, some difficult things and some just-for-the-fun-of-it things on my list. So here is my 5 year old list. The pink things are those I've done.

• Get a degree
• See U2 in concert
• Take my kids to Disney Land Florida
• Live in a different country
• Learn Latin
• Learn to play piano
• Own a house with a garden
• Have my own studio
• Jump through a pane of sugar glass
• Own a motorbike
• Learn to drive
• Get a tattoo
• Live somewhere where I don't speak the language
• Travel the world

I was speaking to my bridesmaid Becks about this (which was my inspiration for this post), who made me realise that it's ok to review your list. It is not definite. It will change as you do. I am now getting married and will be embarking upon a new chapter in my life, so what better time to revise my list. I've pondered it in my feverish state and came up with a new list... and here it is:

• Sit somewhere and try to comprehend something incomprehensible
• Grow vegetables
• Ride a bike with streamers and a basket
• Make fudge
• Own a car
• Do a cookery course
• Judge a competition
• Sail a boat
• Get my hair cut pixie short
• Have a house with a red or navy door
• Wear jewellery on a beach
• Eat street food in Thailand
• Do some aid work
• Fall asleep in a hammock
• Perfect my evil laugh

Please bear in mind that this is by no means a resolution list. These are things I would like to be able to look back on when I'm wrinkly and old and say, I did that and God it was fun.

So, have any of you got lists of your own? I love having sneaky peeks so please share! Seriously... I love lists.

beyond devine

My quest for jewellery has been, well... it hasn't been anything. I have not seen ONE piece of pretty that I want to drape around my neck on my wedding day.


All I wanted was a little bit of something that's 'me'. Something a bit different. Something a bit rock & roll. Because in all honesty, the only piece of expensive jewellery that I wear is my engagement ring. I have had gorgeous 'spensive stuff bought for me over the years. They stay wrapped up in their lovely little boxes kept for the sentiment only.


However I am a jewellery junkie. How can this be? I hear you ask. Well my love affair is with jewellery of the costume variety. Pieces of quirky, sexy treasure that are to be found in high street stores, boutiques and vintage shops alike. I love to mix them, match them, break them and remake them. I find myself wearing a piece until I hate it, only to find it 6 months later and fall in love with it all over again. 


When thinking about my wedding, I always knew it would be costume. After all, that's what the dress is essentially... a costume. So, although I did not want something sparkly and silver that would forever lie in a drawer. I didn't really want to go high street either.


That is when Bijoux Devine entered my life. As if by magic, my prayers were answered. A wonderful little online cave of hand crafted treasure and trinkets, made right here, in Edinburgh. Designer Anne Marie Wood had me at 'octopus'. 

Her collection of amazing necklaces were exactly what I was looking for. Something beautiful, well made and a little bit edgy. The only thing that shook me more than the beauty of these pieces was the cost! How this lady can afford to sell pirate treasure for such a great price I shall never know... nor shall I grumble. 

Her signature off centre detail along the chain (I'm guessing roughly around where your collar bone would be) and beautiful choice of pendants, give the necklaces that stamp of special that make them wedding worthy.

Although impressed by her sexy little collection, I couldn't shake the bridal need for something extra special. I emailed Anne Marie with a cheeky request for something bespoke and she could not have been more cool and helpful. I will be meeting with her over coffee for a chat about what I want. I will keep you posted every step of the way.


But as for now, here's a few words from the über cool Anne Marie:

I love it when people... Show how passionate they are about music. I feel like I know them better instantly.

I don't know what I'd do without my... Internet connection. Whether it's blogging, satisfying my fashion fixation or checking my bank balance, my world would come crashing down if didn't get online for at least a few hours each day.

My inspiration comes from... My idols such as David Bowie, Freja Beha Erichsen, Alison Mosshart, Gareth Pugh, Jethro Cave, Tim Burton... I could go on. Individuality, androgyny, the concept of alter ego and the darker side of everything. The pieces are intended to be worn by boys and girls alike and are designed to be stacked and mismatched and draped like pirate treasure.

I like to rock out to... Muse, Depeche Mode, Kasabian, B.R.M.C, The Horrors, The Presets, David Bowie, The Strokes, Crashdïet, Sohodolls, Placebo, Wolfmother, Joy Division, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Kills, The Cribs, The Smiths, Goldfrapp,  ... actually, how long have we got?

Seriously... don't you love her already? So if your thinking of something sweet, special and a little bit different for yourself, something personalised and stunning for your maids that you KNOW they will wear again, or just fancy having a nosey, head over to Bijoux Devine. You will not be disappointed.

standing in the way of control

Its taken me years to get to this point, so although it's difficult, I'm just going to come out and say it as I did about an hour ago to an awesome bride friend of mine on twitter.

I think... I THINK... I might be a control freak.

I don't know whether it's because I'm used to taking control of my own designs, or whether I am just "one of THOSE people", but I cannot-for-the-life-of-me relinquish control on anything wedding related. What the fudge is all that about?

At the start I thought, "wowzers... wedding... big task. But that's ok because I'll  have my nearest and dearest to help me." Now I am finding myself taking (imaginary) baseball bats to the faces of those that try to help me. That's right... help me. Nice, lovely, soft, gentle help. And I persist to smash it to pieces with a nervous "No, I'm fine, I have it all sorted. Don't you worry!".

The truth...? I am fine. I have got everything under control and I am ok with that. What I am not ok with, is this recent feeling that I'm pushing people away and making them feel a bit helpless, all because I can't let go of a tiny bit of responsibility. The reason for this childish grip on all things mine is... well, to be absolutely, hand-on-my-heart honest about it all... Here it is...

I think I can do a better job at everything than everyone else/ I'm afraid they'll do something I don't like.

There... I said it. I know that makes me sound like a horrendous pompous bitch. But it's how I feel. I think I've built the day up to be worth so much that I am afraid of other people messing it up on me. I'm absolutely, totally and utterly ready to hand over all control on the actual day itself. I do not care if Auntie Jo is hanging upside down from my carefully crafted pompoms with my veil between her teeth. Because it will be the day. The lead up to it, I just don't want to have to stress about other people getting things done. I would rather do them myself. Is that really so so horrible?

In typing this I have seen that the main reason behind all of this is fear. So what's the saying? Feel the fear and do it anyway? I know... I need to let go of things and accept help. But I think I'll hang on a liiiitttle while longer. Just in case.

i hate snow

Ok, bold statement.

But I am slightly disenchanted with the powdery white shite. In general terms, I actually really love the stuff. I love watching it fall when I'm cosied up on my sofa with a steaming cup of tea. I love the childish fascination of wanting to build the best snowman in the world! I love the adult fascination of exactly how many inches of snow have fallen in your area or how low the temperature got.

What I do not love is the constant scare mongering by the media. The pictures of cars wheel spinning and bumper to bumper motorways. People complaining that it's "too cold!". It's fucking winter! What do you expect? And I shall bet any money that they're the same people winging that it's "too hot" when we occasionally get a wee week of summer.

The first day of snow in our street.

Now, I am not proposing that we all go frolicking into the wonderland in celebration of the snow. I am just saying that I think we need to live with it, learn from it and get on with it... like everyone else in the world seems to be able to do.

I know that there may be some of you reading this thinking "Aye, ok for you to say.. I haven't been able to get to work/catch my flight/ receive post/buy presents" (delete as appropriate). But I do know how this feels. It's not nice is it? Gavin and I have suffered greatly because of the stuff. Not only has my sexy man friend been  out of work for the last few weeks (and he's a driving instructor so no work = no money) but we are due to fly home tomorrow night to Belfast to spend Christmas with my family.

The love of my life walking into the wilderness. How Dramatic.

We managed to get home by the skin of our teeth last year which was great... but this year, I feel that I NEED to get home. If I don't get home, we will be spending Christmas with Gavin's family, which in essence I have no problem with, I love them all and already see them as an extension of my own family. But I feel that I would be spending the whole time pining for my own Christmas, my own traditions and my own family. I also feel that it would be a topic of conversation. A topic that I would have to put a brave face on for when inside I would be secretly gutted. Gutted and heartbroken...

You see it's my last year as Naomi Farrell. The last time I can really indulge in the childish nature of Christmas with my family. I know that I can always go home at Christmas even after I'm married, but it kinda feels like this is my chance to say goodbye to my childhood. Next year I will be Mrs Naomi Liddell. A lady. A woman. A Mrs. and potentially in some years to come A Mummy. So I want to spend this one in my PJ's that my Mummy buys me, eating stuffing that my Daddy makes, watching Christmas films with my Brother and Sister.

Am I the only one attaching so much emotional importance to this? How do you feel about your last Christmas as a "insert maiden name"?

6 month bliss

So we now have 5 months and 21 days to go.

And I feel glorious.

As you may have known through following the blog or my tweets, I have been a tad stressed about the impending day... on occasion. It's a very twisty road for me. Some days I am bursting with pride and anticipation, some days I am bursting into tears at the thought of not having a colour scheme (which, of course, I still do not have). But I can honestly say that in the entire 16 months that I have been planning the shenanigans, I have not felt so blissfully happy and at ease with the whole process as I have done this past month.

See... this is me really really really happy
(at our engagement shoot)

Seriously, everything is rosy. Gavin and I have been having so much fun together and I don't feel at all consumed by the wedding. Which is how I thought I would be feeling at this point in time. But I have a delicious balance on the go at the moment. Both in my head and in how I spend my time. However, I think the main change has been my attitude toward the task. It's so much more relaxed and enjoyable.

I am a bit unsure as to why this is... It may be because I am now doing rather than planning. It may be because the 27th of May is in sight. It may be because I am now making solid decisions. Or it may simply be because people have changed comments from "2011? Och, you've got looooads of time pet." to "May? Not long now, eh?". Whatever the reason, long may it last.

I am not quite blonde enough to believe that I will feel no pressure or strain as the days tick by, but I would certainly like to keep this sense of equilibrium that I seem to have found. So please tell me, is it possible to remain cucumber cool in the last throes of wedding planning or are we all doomed to a complete emotional upheaval as the day draws nearer?

the other woman

One more sleep to go.

Then I will be joined by none other than my best friend Becks and her lovely Fiancé Horse.  Horse has got a real name, but as I have never known anyone to ever call him by it, he shall (in this post and also life) forever remain Horse.

Becks and I have been friends from we were at school together, we were brought together in Art class and have since enjoyed one of the best friendships I have ever had. She is the one person I can talk to about anything. Even though I now live 162 miles away from her, she is still the person I turn to for love, support and advice, no matter what the circumstance. Sure I have my friends, but I would honestly marry this woman if I was that way inclined. We just get each other, and we always will.

Becks, Rachel and Myself donning random found Tina Turner-esque wigs

So, she is coming to see me! Excited! 

You see, Becks is one of my Bridesmaids and also in the early stages of planning her own wedding. So I am longing for some girly company to swoon over gorgeous wedding things with. In fact, we have a bit of a wedding day planned for Friday. Its goes as follows:

10:00am - Appointment at Emma Roy to try on my Wedding Dress! MY actual one that I will be wearing on my actual wedding day!! Super excited about this. Although my plan to be svelte has not really worked as I continue to eat all the pies.

11:30am - Go and see my reception venue The Caves. Take some measurements and run around quietly screaming inside about getting to show the venue to Becks.

Lunch somewhere lovely, yet to be decided!

2:00pm - See Ceremony venue Winton House and speak to new wedding planner (as the last one is all lovely and pregnant). Swan around feeling grand and imagining everything that will happen there in 6 months time. (Again... run around and quietly scream inside about getting to show the venue to Becks).

Also planned... will be getting Becks to try on her Bridesmaids dress, attempting to plan a hen do and discussing photographers for her wedding. 

The rest of the weekend will be a concoction of booze, food and mischief. 

Better get cleaning my flat. xo

what love smells like

Wow-wee.  It's been a while eh?

Well I'm back. And I dare say that I will be posting a bit more regularly in future.

So the latest in the wedding saga? Well, I'm sure there have been a few little stories but the one that I shall focus on today is going to be perfume. Wedding perfume to be precise. That sweet smell that you plan to exude on the day that will be bottled up in that gorgeous little glass diffuser, ready for the photographer to take the token 'here is a piece of jewellery casually draped over my chosen scent shot'. Because that's where we usually store our expensive designer bracelets.

Well, it's not something that I had really given much thought to. After a few brief flirtations with Issy, Coco, Dolce, Givenchy and an unexpected fling with Diesel... I always return to my safe and comfortable Donna Karan. Be Delicious to be precise, the one that looks like an apple. It's the perfume that upon a reunion with friends and family sparks comments such as "I missed how you smell", "I always smell this off other people and think of you" or the good old " You still smell like Naomi".  Now don't get me wrong, I am not swanning around constantly doused in a cloud of DKNY, but it has been my regular for about the last 5 years. So the thought that I would wear something else on my wedding day does kinda feel like I'm cheating on my favourite perfume.

DKNY Be Delicious

But to be honest folks, I haven't been sniffing around any of the recent newcomers for such a long time now, that I don't know what's out there. So I decided to reacquaint myself with the perfume stalls of a few department stores. Anytime I was passing, I would jump in for a quick chat and a few smelly sticks with designers names scribbled on them and would inevitably come out smelling of something foreign. A bit like when you wear someone else's scarf and are acutely aware that you smell like them all day.

So after a few of these express testings, I got speaking to a lady who got exactly what I was looking for. I said "fresh and clean with a slight hint of floral, not too sweet, bitter or musky." She said " I know exactly the one, would be perfect for your wedding". Out comes the bottle, a beautifully classic square piece of glass with a vintage looking metal tag label donning the word "Prada".  

Prada infusion d'iris

She refuses to spray a piece of card as she wanted to see how I would "wear it". Unbeknownst to me, perfume changes slightly depending on your body chemicals and temperatures. So I get dutifully misted, I pause for a moment and finally concede myself to the fact that I have fallen for another. Donna Karen is no longer my one and only. I am upgrading to Prada darling!

So after giddily agreeing that this would be my wedding day perfume and that I would buy the shower gel and body lotion also (to ensure that I was sufficiently wafting my new light and fresh fragrance to those in my company), I thought better and decided to let Gavin smell it. After all, this would be the perfume he would be breathing in as he leans to kiss his new wife. It should resonate with him as much as me and have him wanting to breathe me all day long, forever reminding him of the happiest day of his life.

I hastily drag him to John Lewis the next chance I get. I douse myself in a heavenly mist and walk towards him in a confident and sexy way asking him what  he thinks. He leans in, as if to kiss my neck, sending goosebumps all over my body, I can feel him breathing me in. He finally straightens up to face my beaming smile and says ... "smells a bit like disinfectant."

F*cking boo.

coca cola ginger cake

This delicious little recipe was featured in Tesco Real Food mag. I have since made it twice. It's super easy, super evil and super tasty.

Warning: I will not be held responsible for various weight gain due to the inevitable mass consumption of this cake.

Ingredients:

230g self-raising flour
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
110g unsalted butter
110g black treacle
110g golden syrup
110g dark brown sugar
140ml milk
45g stem ginger (chopped)
140ml Coca Cola
2 eggs (beaten)

1. Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200C, fan 180C. Grease and flour a 900g loaf or cake tin.
2.Sift the flour, bicarbonate soda and all spices into a bowl. Rub in the butter so that it resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Melt the treacle and golden syrup in a pan, then leave to cool.
4. In another pan, heat the sugar and the milk, until it dissolves. Stir in the stem ginger and the Coke.
5.Pour into the flour mix, along with the treacle mix and the beaten eggs. Stir to combine.
6. Tip into the tin and bake for 45 mins (or until done). Serve with whipped cream and lemon zest.

sweet dreams and not so beautiful nightmares

So I'm sitting here at 7am in my dressing gown eating Coca Cola and ginger cake (a recipe I would highly recommend) and sipping on a scalding cup of tea. Work does not beckon me for another few hours. So the reason I'm up, awake and eating cake. Well... I had another nightmare.

When we first got thrust into the crazy gravy of wedding planning, I have been having beautiful night visions of how wonderful my day will be. There have been fairys lighting candles for me, celebrities in attendance, that dress that I loved but could not afford, a lottery win, a Thai beach ceremony that was freakishly still in Edinburgh, countless blissful first kisses and more glitz & glam than an Elton John birthday bash.

Nuts what a little bit of pressure does to my head. Last week I made a to do list. I have 7.5 months to go and I plan to have everything organised so that I am not running around like a crazed monkey when the impending day/week before arrives. This has in turn made my sweet little wedding planning dreams into bridezilla worthy nightmares. I have had no registrar, an undelivered dress, invitations not sent out, invitations sent out the day before, horrible guests, Nazi groomsmen, dead flowers, a clashing colour scheme, a cheating groom, a rotten ex-boyfriend as my groom and last night I was stood up at the altar.

Each time I wake up, I roll round and look at Gavin. He cuddles me, listens to my terror and tells me everything will be ok. It's so good to wake up knowing that he's there, but even better to then realise that there are a whole 7.5 months to avoid Nazis and invitation malfunction.

i'm rocking my wedding

YeeHaa!

My first post has officially been published on RockMyWedding!

I am very proud and excited about this, but also rather nervous. It's pretty scary posting yourself up in all your wedding glory on such a fabulous and influential website. I just hope that it's as enjoyable for folk reading as it is for me to write. I am also looking forward to the rest of the RMW Real Brides posts.

Just thought I'd share my joy!

Another, more lengthy and potentially poignant post coming up soon.

xo

the i miss... list

Here I am, alone in my flat with a big bowl of pasta and a tall glass of white wine. Gavin has disappeared off to football. And so, I sit with poised digits waiting on some sort of wedding related matter to push its way to the front of the gathering of thoughts in my head.


But I cannot think of anything... nothing to do with dresses, cakes, guest lists or favours. Strange, as all of the above have plagued my mind continually since the day I became a wedding research fiend.


Because, I am homesick.


As some of you may or may not know, I live in Scotland. I am from Ireland. I know this will seem like a pathetic distance compared to some of you (Fliss) but I cannot help but crave my home comforts and mourn the pop-round-for-tea relationship with my family and friends.


So, allow me to indulge myself in a little list of things I miss about home (in no particular order) :


- The smell of my Mum making apple pies at Halloween


- My Dad calling me to the computer to watch the latest U2 tour video


- My mental cousin (now cheif bridesmaid) coming round for wine and nostalgic stories of our childhood


- Wheaten Bread


- Getting head massages and cuddles from my Nanny


- Seeing my beautiful friend (now bridesmaid) everyday in college


- Belfast Black Taxis


- My wee sister crawling into my bed on a saturday morning for a cuddle


- Having breakfast and a heart to heart alone with my Dad at the weekend whilst the rest of my family sleeps in


- Making my Mum laugh with the latest Youtube video, she shares my stupid sense of humour


- My brother and I having a laugh and listening to music in the dining room after dinner, when Mum and Dad head to the living room to watch the news


- The smell of Irish rain (it's different, I swear)


- Beer mats... no where to be seen here


- Tayto cheese and onion crisps


- Being able to ask for a curry chip and people know what your talking about


The list could go on and on and on, but I won't because quite frankly I am becoming an emotional emma just typing this and Gavin will come home to a sad sight of me crying into my Pinot Grigio.


 Are any of you living away from home? No matter how far, what is your i miss... list?

StayGoldMaryRose

You know what? I didn't even have to come up with a title this time. Because the name of this melt-your-heart designer's brand is just so feckin cool! Stay...Gold...Mary...Rose. I love it.

Anyway, back at the ranch, I was trawling the punterweb looking for something gorgeous for my bridesmaids. That's when I came across these! Are you ready for it? Vintage Bone China Teacup Bracelets. Correct. Teacups that have been beautifully crafted into jewellery!

These are honestly the most beautiful pieces of hand crafted gorgeousness that I have ever seen. I must own one.

To top it all off, I contacted Abigail, the one woman team behind StayGoldMaryRose, to ask her permission for featuring her work (as that's what us lovely bride bloggers do) and she even agreed to answer some questions. The questions is a new thing I'm trying out here, 'borrowed' from my real life job, so let me know if you like it. Here it is, the insight into the mind of a craft genius extraordinaire...

I love it when people... leave things in books and then donate them to charity shops. I have found a few gems before. Photos, letters and drawings. It's like your own mini 'found' magazine.

I don't know what I'd do without my... (workshop) typewriter, records, books and coffee machine!

My inspiration comes from... (at the moment) Jules Verne's books and Ernst Haeckel's 'art forms in nature' I'm getting a bit obsessed with old explorers and collectors who had to voyage on ships and document their finds by pen and ink.

I like to rock out to... anything really. A few sailor jerrys and I'm away! I saw Beirut perform two nights ago at their sold out show. I am still glowing from that. They were amazing.

So sweet and breezy. She signs the email off with 'Stay Gold'. Abigail officially rocks.

are you a weirdo?

Blogging... it's a funny thing isn't it? It's pretty much like a virtual diary of things that you love, loath, experiences and rants. It also puts you in contact with people who are like minded. People who share your interests which, in my case is wedding planning and a little bit of design. It also creates a kind of hype, a weird little industry of getting excited over looking at things on screens. Nosiness really.
As a very visually stimulated person, I love sharing and stealing ideas form people. Not in the horrible copyright breaking way, but in the oooo I want that too kind of way. I love talking to people online who can really understand what it takes to get a wedding pulled together.

So why then do some people see it as weird?

There seems to be a bit of a taboo around using the internet as a social tool when it doesn't involve Facebook or Twitter. People are cagey about forums and blogs. Are they more geekish than the major social networking sites? I have never understood this, but I do know that I usually have to test the water with someone before I tell them that I blog. Not because I don't want them to read it, but because I am slightly embarrased about this internet life that I lead.

The world of blogging is somewhat addictive and I have been spending most evenings trawling through various websites for ideas on my own wedding, but also talking to these brides and wedding industry folk via Twitter.

This morning Gavin and I had a bit of an argument over this very thing. Over me spending time on the computer. My arguement was this... he goes out to football 2/3 nights a week. I am more than happy for him to do this as it's what makes him happy. And I know that if i was out participating in some sort of activity, it wouldn't bother him. But for some reason blogging does. It has since been resolved but I thought I should ask this... do any of you get the same reaction from people? And why do you think it is?

you, me & the tipi part 2

The second part of loveliness brought to us by Daffodil Waves Photography, who had this to say about the shoot...

I was very fortunate to spend the day photographing an Engagement shoot with the beautiful Jade and Anthony at a very unique location. The Tipi Adventure in Hereford was gorgeous and even though the weather wasn't that great we still had a lovely day. We just shot inside the tipi when it rained! I hope you like the photos and thank you Jade and Anthony for a perfect day. You were both so much fun x

They just look like they ooze cool in some of these shots. Very model-esque. 

Apologies for the late arrival of part 2, hope I didn't keep you waiting too long! For any of you that have loved Nicola's shots, you can find more eye candy here.

Happy Sunday!

n

you, me & the tipi

This engagement shoot submission had me at the first image.  It was a delicious concoction of  the gorgeous couple, the unusual location and the dreamy photography that made this a cert for my first photo shoot post. I could not chose from all the beautiful images I was sent and so have split this feature into two parts. Part two will be posted for your pleasure tomorrow.


Jade and Anthony, (one good looking couple I think you'll agree) made their way to The Tipi Adventure, where they met with Nicola from the ever gorgeous Daffodil Waves Photography. I need to not say too much more guys and dolls, the gorgeous photography speaks for itself...

Loving the photography so much.  The outfits are also amazing! Jades kaftan dress is to die for. Remember that part two of this bohemian dream will be coming up tomorrow along with some words from the fabulous Daffodil Waves Photography.

Jades outfits : Necklace : Location : Jewellery

Give a little love

Here in the world of wedding lunacy, we can easily become obsessed with the abundance of eye candy offered up to us. We are constantly surrounded by gorgeous options for just about every detail of our day. I get a double dose of trouble by also being a slave to all things design related. 

We are prepared to pay a lot of money on embellishing what is in essence a really simple ceremonial tradition. Embellishments in the form of favours, stationary, decoration and even the wedding breakfast itself are not truly necessary. 

But who's to stop a girl making stuff look pretty eh? I am a sucker for anything gorgeous and often find myself melting into a puddle of gooey awe at the sight of the silliest of things... most recent being a suitcase on Rock 'n Roll Bride.

So I say lets embrace the consumer within, but lets be savvy about it. What if I told you that you could save lives with gorgeous girly purchases? Literally save lives.

Well that is what this post aims to do. Inspired by the fantastic news that Lucy Ledger Design's Mum has received the all clear and also in preparation for the up coming Breast Cancer Awareness month of October, I have decided to post up gorgeousness that will not only make your day super stunning, but will also raise funds for Breast Cancer Care who promote early detection and help people affected by the disease gain the best treatment, information and support possible.

First up we have the Elemis limited edition 'Sparkling Beauty' collection for face, neck and bust. As a huge Elemis fan I love this. How nice would it be to buy one of these as a little thank you to your gorgeous bridesmaids?

£50 available from www.timeforspa.co.uk, spas, salons and selected retailers

I think this has to be one of my favourites. As either a present for the bridal party, a hen weekend or just a sneaky wee bit of prettiness for your honeymoon plastic, the print on this super cute travel card holder by Julian Macdonald is enough to convince me I need it. But how about the tiny price tag and the fact that all proceeds go to Breast Cancer Care? Sold.

£5 available from Breast Cancer Care Shop

As tradition and good manners dictate, the mama's involved in the wedding planning often get a wee thank you bunch of flowers on the day. However by buying them a Next 'Breeze' vase (a mix of aqua roses, lavender spray roses, pink germini, pink alstromeria and eucalyptus foliage) not only do they get a beautiful pink glass vase to keep when the flowers are long gone but you also contribute 10% of the cost towards Breast Cancer Care. 

From £25, order on 0844 844 8050

And last but by no means least, what better way to celebrate and promote looking after our breasts than supporting (or displaying) them in something sexy. Everybody loves a pair of girly pink underwear. Sure to bring out your inner sex kitten whilst pleasing your bank card at a mere £10 for the set!

£6 Pink Bra, £4 Pink Shorts available at ASDA Stores nationwide

So ladies, while we're all saving and slaving away for the big day, why not use some of the money to not only make the day gorgeous and special for everyone involved but to look after each other and help improve the lives of those who need it most.  Many more products are available at the Breast Cancer Care Shop. Please take the time to have a look.

chocolate just got sexy

I know, I know... chocolate was always sexy, right?  Well take a look at these gorgeous ladies.

You could be forgiven for mistaking them as promotional models hired by Miss Coco. When in fact these ladies are the fabulous Miss Coco.  A gorgeous plan devised by Scotland's Sarah Finlay, this boutique chocolatier is devoted to creating sparkly delights that take the term eye candy to a whole new level.

  

Now who wouldn't want to eat these sparkly little numbers? Vintage rose and violet crémes... mmm makes my mouth water just typing it.  These would make delicious favours especially for those of you having a vintage hollywood glamour wedding.

 

Looking like little upside down fairy wands, these Hot Choc Dip's are wooden spoons that are sunken into blocks of chocolate, embedded with marshmallows. The idea behind them is that you dunk them into warm milk, give them a swirl and voila!  Hot Chocolate.  An exciting favour or place name for small and big kids alike, these would be sure to warm up those at a winter wedding.

The above are just a little taste of what's available at Miss Coco.  So pay the ladies a visit to see what other delectable delights are on offer.

some things are more important

It's been almost a year. I can hardly believe it! A year since the day Gavin proposed. 


Which, in a backwards kind of way, reminds me that I should post the proposal story. But another time. For now my mind is preoccupied with wonder at how the hell I've arrived at this point in my wedding plans.


In the sheer heart exploding happiness of new engagement, my obsession with the W word commenced. I found myself planning the most spectacular event that would be in itself, worthy of an oscar.  I wanted to wow. 


We were to get married in New York. That was certain. It's the city where we fell in love and as a place, it holds so many gorgeous, happy and hilarious memories for us both.  After searching for a venue that would do the city justice, I found Midtown Loft & Terrace in Manhattan. A rooftop wedding. That was the wow I was looking for.

This venue is beyond stunning and I would highly recommend that any of you thinking of an NYC wedding have a look at this place. The staff were fantastic and more than helpful with my many transatlantic questions and queries.

Your probably now wondering where this fantasy comes to an end. Well, lets just say here. I had a conversation with my Dad, who wanted me to take my head out of the romance cloud for a moment and realise the consequences of my idylic notion. 

At first I was a little bit angry at my oh-so-perfect bubble being burst.  However, my Dad is making a hefty contribution to our wedding and so it was only fair to listen to what he had to say.  I can now say that I am so glad I did. 

I was quite happy to have a small wedding of 30 people. I knew there would be those that would be unable to attend for various reasons due to the distance. But selfishly, my opinion was "If people want to be there, they'll find a way to get there". I cringe at the thought of this now. I don't come from a rich family and don't have many well off friends, so (as my Dad rightly pointed out) we would be imposing a financial strain on a lot of our guests. This was enough to get me rethinking the whole thing.

Then there is my Nanny. The only grandparent I have left and the one with whom I have always been the closest. She has never left the home. Afraid of flying and uninterested in traveling. She is also, as much as she doesn't like to admit it, getting on in years.  I knew that this trip would but a lot of pressure and stress on her but she wouldn't miss it for the world. I did not want to put her through that.

So Gavin and I regrouped and came to a solid decision that we would forego the intimate rooftop wedding in New York in favour of a total blow out Rock & Roll party at home! I have to say that typing this up has made me realise how glad I am that I changed my mind. I am loving planning every bit of this wedding, it has organically grown into a perfect expression of Gavin and I, of everything and everyone we love. 

There is a lot of talk these days surrounding the whole "your day your way" attitude. And trust me, I totally believe that every person deserves their perfect wedding, whatever that may be. However, I think a lot has to be said for looking after your family and friends. I am not saying you should bend to every sugared almond favour request or gasp of horror at your venue. All I mean is that I now know I will have my Nanny there, all glorious, happy and proud... and that means more to me than any fairy tale in New York.