small wedding big honeymoon

Part 2

2010-01-22T17:24:00.005+11:00

And day two in Oaxaca was a long day, we grabbed a tour van, which we thought was transport only - again a lack of Spanish played in this, it wasn't too bad though. Our 1st spot was a giant tree in a church court yard, C thought it was amazing I was more interested in the wedding that was happening in the church, everyone, the entire wedding party, the family, and all the guest followed a marching band all the way through town to the church, after the guest went inside the bridal party followed once they where all inside a guy started letting of fireworks and bungers in the church yard, which seem strange to me as no one but him could see them - everyone was inside the church I assume having the ceremony. But I learnt during my time in Mexico people will take any excuse to use fireworks, they where everywhere and it was a rare night we didn't hear any.

After the tree we visited the highlight of the day for me a small village famous for their rug making. They showed us the complete process, from combing the wool to spinning, dying and weaving. It was so great to see particularly the dying process - our favourite dye came from a little white parasite that grows on the cactus, when you squash it on your hands you're left with a red die. this is where it gets tricky, the die reacts to the PH levels in each individual's skin so everyone gets a slightly different red. When you drop a few drops of water on the dies it changes colour, it will change colour again with lime and limestone, each giving a different colour - it was amazing. You can get colours ranging from deep red through to orange, yellows, and even purples this way. After the demonstration it was shopping time, and I admit I walked away a little broken hearted as we simply couldn't afford to buy all of them. We narrowed it down quickly picking 2 rugs with traditional patterens (copied from local Zapotec and Mixtec ruins) one in grey and white the other in reds and purples, made from the parasite. I couldn't decide it was 2 hard so the decision was handed to C and he picked the red one. I still wish we had been able to afford both of them, but maybe next time.

After that we went to Mitla, an amazing ruin covered in the best geometric patterns I loved it, they where only small but they would have to be one of my favourite ruins, they stand out as different and the detail in the design really was something. Across the road from the main ruins was a Spanish church that was literally built on top of the temple, with some of the original still standing behind it. This was not the 1st or the last time I was totally blown away by what the Spanish had done when they conquered Mexico. They hadn't simply moved in and started their own rule they had calculatingly gone through Mexico building on top of traditional import sites, and imposing not only their rule but their religion and way of life of the local people. But I truly loved how Mexico now incorporates all of it's ancient culture along with the Spanish culture into a very unique blend.

After Mitla we took a rather bumpy ride into the mills to some mineral springs. The springs has left mineral deposits over the years, and the rocks appear as a waterfall, running down the edge of the cliff. The view was breathtaking and it was freezing, I had go buy myself a Nanna wrap to keep myself warm.

Back in the van we headed to a Mezcal factory, well the back of someones house anyone, they took us through the process - similar to tequila but they smoke the plant rather than steam (which defiantly comes across in the taste). Than on to the tasting, personally the anejo (aged) was the nicest, not unsurprising also the most expensive. They also had a range of fruit infused mezcals that where amazing such a rich strong flavour, very sweet and tasty.

Oaxaca

2010-01-14T15:21:00.010+11:00

So after our trip through the mountains we found ourselves in Oaxaca at night fall without accommodation, again. The honeymoon planning had been C's job, unfortunately planning isn't really C's strong point, I thought this would be fine allow for a bit more flexibility in where we went and when. Unfortunately arriving in a foreign city where you speak only the most minimal of the language and understand even less without having accommodation prebooked was something that C found fairly stressful too. He felt a bit of a duty to look after us over there and worry about these things I guess, leading to stress when we didn't have accommodation sorted out. So after a frantic search, with C making a number of phone calls and trying to get by with his very limited Spanish, we found a small (English speaking!) BnB within walking distant of everything, and we could get down to the business of exploring.

Personally Oaxaca was a big highlight, we saw heaps, got out of the city and explored further afield, took in breathtaking ruins, and its a great center for art and culture. So we managed to pick up some really nice pieces.

We didn't have enough time in Oaxaca we could easily have spent a week or 2 exploring, so we each picked 2 things we each wanted to do and got straight into it. We started with a trip to Monte Alban, amazing ruins atop a mountain with 360 degree view of the surrounding country. It was breathtaking. We'd arrived at opening time so we had the place mostly to ourselves, it gave the place an unearthly feel. It was a much smaller site than Teotihuacan and hadn't been as restored as other sites but the location and layout was great for imagining it in its hey day. We covered the site pretty easily in 3 hours than headed back to the city to check the place out. It didn't take me long to realise I didn't have enough room in my bag. Oaxaca and the surrounding areas have some amazing hand crafts including, the most amazing black pottery I've ever seen, hand dyed and woven rugs - everyone of which I wanted, cheap leather, cool silver (everywhere in Mexico had cool silver), Mezcal by the barrel, and contemporary art.

I think I'll wrap up this post here still heaps more to tell about Oaxaca but that will have to wait for another day.

oh and photos, check back for them I'll add them in

Cerveza, Tequila, Mezcal and Cocktail-y goodness

2010-01-03T11:42:00.003+11:00

So for this post it seems only fitting that I hand over to C.

So, the drinks in Mehico have been plentiful, cheap, tasty and, well, tasty.

First the beer, or cerveza as those in this part of the world call it. Having only a limited selection of mexican beers available at home, it is fairly easy to think that they are all light-as-water summer drinking lagers like corona. Indeed, a lot of them are, and they go down very nicely indeed while sitting on the beach in mid-30's warmth. But there are a lot of other far more interesting brews available too. My favourite would have to be a beer by the name of Bohemia. It's quite a full flavoured job, more reminicent of an Australian beer, yet with that nebulous and undefinable super-refreshingness that Mexican beers seem to have in spades. There have been many more goodens - here is a partial list of sampled brews - Sol, Corona, Dos Equis, Pacifico, Tecate, Buchanero, Bohemia, Modelo and the list goes on. Did I mention that it is pretty difficult to find a beer costing over about $1.50 at almost any place over here? How about $5 for a six-pack of corona? Yep - strike another one up for Mehico.

We have sampled quite a few cocktails over here, but the most noteworthy one that Brooke and I have gotten into is the Bull, or the el Toro Bravo. It consists of a beer, into which is placed a shot of rum and some lime juice, a lime and that is all. It is very tasty.

We have also tried plenty of tequila and mezcal. Mezcal turns out to be astoundingly nice - it is like a smoky tequila. We did a tour of the Jose Cuervo distillery, where we learnt a fair bit about tequila and the processes that go into making it. We tasted some extremely nice tequilas - they bear almost no resemblance to the tosh that destroys the nights of underage teenagers everywhere. The good stuff is remarkably smooth and subtle - so we bought a bottle of the 'special family reserve', and will open it for a special occasion. We've also picked up 2 bottles of Mezcal, an Anejo (aged) and a fruit flavoured.

Anyway, no photos for this post - you all know what an alcoholic beverage looks like.

we survived the vomit comit

2010-01-03T11:11:00.005+11:00

So to make our way from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca we had 3 options, fly (in a 13 seater plane - very $$$) catch the bus for 8 hour the long way round, or catch a van they nick-named the vomit comet through/up the beautiful winding mountain highway for 5 hours. We opted for the vans. And where rewarded for it, the scenery was amazing and no one on the bus was sick.

We'd heard and read a lot of stories about the van - how winding the road is, that it would making the best traveller sick, so just prior to getting on we each took a travel sickness tablet, lucky neither of us really needed it - we don't normally get car sick and while it was definitly the windiest roads I've been on neither of us had the slightest bit of sickness.

Not the best photos I know but they where taking out the window while hurtling around the mountian

In paradise with no clothes...

2009-12-26T03:02:00.004+11:00

...No, we haven't gone all naturalist and become nudest, we flew from Guadalajara to Puerto Escondido via Mexico city and my bag didn't arrive - C's made it but for some reason mine got lost along the way. At 1st I had a bit of a laugh about it, they assured me that it would arrive the next day and everything would be fine, I figured I'd just buy a few things to get me through until the bag arrived. Little did I know how stressful shopping in a country where you don't speak the language could be. The sizing system in the shops was very different from home and we couldn't ask for help because we didn't know enough spanish. we got it all worked out in the end and managed to buy swimmers and a change of clothes but it was hard work. We decided our time in Puerto would be relax time, no rushing around sight seeing or waking up early. So we had 2 days of pure blissful relaxing on the beach. we discovered an amazing coastal walk that took us to the secluded little beach/fishing port a perfect place to cool off and swim. I did consider jumping out of a plane (skydiving) over Zicatella beach but I was a bit worried about the safety standards in Mexico. I don't really think there is much I could say about Puerto, except that it was amazing - the water was warm and azure blue, the beaches were stunning, the people were chilled out and friendly, the weather was hot, the food was awesome (one of the best seafood dinners we've ever had), and, as ever, the drinks were dirt cheap. We could have stayed there for a very long time...

Yup - tasty as it looks.

Told everyone that we'd send 'em a photo of me chilling out on the beach with a pina colada.

In the rather inviting ocean.

One of many of the beautiful little bays that make up puerto escondido.

The coastal walk

Overlooking the main town

To Guadalajara

2009-12-20T17:39:00.006+11:00

So, got the bus to Guadalajara. Got off, and immediately realised that we were thoroughly lost after getting out of our taxi. The driver swore black and blue that we were at the address we pointed him too. The lack of presence of our actual hostel begged to differ. After some directions from a local hotelier, and walking through a few sketchy streets and back alleys, we happened upon our destination. We knew things wouldn't be so easy though, when our friendly neighbourhood hostel manager kept glancing repeatedly from our booking confirmation to his computer records and back again nervously. Turns out our room had been booked out for the first night of our stay due to a lag in the computer system (or some non-sensicle excuse), but that we could have a whole dorm to ourselves for the first night and a cut in the price as compensation. Seeing as we were only paying about AU$25 for the private room per night in the first place, this was not such a great deal.

Anyway, went out and about to see the town after this and knew immediately that we would be in for a treat. Mexico's cities are all about their zocalos - the central squares in the centre of the city where everybody comes to hang out, chat, play chess, smoke cigars, drink tequila or beer, and, of course, eat good food. Guadlajara's zolcalos were many and impressive - they kept going one after the other forever, with a good deal of sculpture, water features, colonial buildings, art work, live music and performance art thrown in to the mix to make it especially awesome. So we spent the first day just wandering around, snapping piccies, sampling the food and beer. You know - enjoying life and soaking the place in. Of course, it almost goes without saying that there were many impressive cathedrals, monuments, dedications, government buildings etc etc. to check out. We called it a night on day one with a sense of excitement about the place.

Day 2, we got up and headed out again to see the place in some more light and to check out some museums. All were interesting, but the highlight would have to have been one that contained a fully recontstrcuted whoolly mammoth skeleton inside. I don't have to tell you that it was pure awesome. Next, on to the cathedral. Let me just say that it was impressive. Damn impressive. However, it has become apprent that, in mexico at least, catholics (of which the country boasts an 85% subscription rate) are into some odd, and let's just say, plane freaky stuff. In this particular cathedral, a little girl who died about 100 years or so ago is a revered figure within the church. They have this doll, all dressed up in white modelled on her, lying in a glass cabinet in the church. What is truly freaky is that a) the paint is all faded and pealing off the doll, making it look more than a little menacing, if not downright scary, and b) that they HAVE THE ACTUAL BONES OF ONE OF HER HANDS IN A HAND-SHAPED FISHNET GLOVE PROTRUDING FROM ONE ARM OF THE DOLLS DRESS, ALONG WITH A POT OF HER BLOOD SITTING IN THERE WITH THE DOLL. It is literally the scariest thing I have ever seen, and surely in poor taste. Yet there it is, and the people of guadalajara absolutely adore it. Anyway, that pretty much filled in that day, along with a lot of other walking around seeing the sights, eating good food and finding a few cool little bars.

The next day we did a tour out to the town of Tequila, famous for, yes, being the origin of the drink Tequila!! We did a tour around the Jose Cuervo distillery, where we learnt all about how the drink is made, sampled some tequila at various points alongt the production line, and sampled some very very nice stuff that I had no idea existed at the end (Anejo Tequila, anyone?) We bought a bottle of some of the nicer stuff we tasted there, and then went out to another tequila producer to sample their wares. Then home again, when we went to a little restaurant that got a shining review in the lonely planet guidebook (also up the road from our hotel, and busy every time we walked past it). It was a tiny little out of the way and unassuming place, but I can honestly say that the food we ate there was trancendental. Easily the best mexican we've had in mexico, and easily the best mexican i've had ever. Possibly the best FOOD i've had ever, damn it all! Pure awesome.

Anyway, Guadalajara was awesome - could have spent a week there easily, but we decided that we needed some time at the beach. We flew to Puerto Escondido the next day, which was possibly even better - heaven on earth. But that's a story for the next post, isn't it?

i love this city

possibly the worst drink in the world - food is suppose to be spicy and salty not drinks. also the worst photo of brooke.

not the best photo but the creepy bone hand and blood viel.

the mamonth

the magic agave fields in the magical town of Tequilla - they actually called it the magical town of tequilla which was strange.

Brooke's commander in chief;
Craig.

Brooke'll be back tomorrow.

moving on

2009-12-19T16:06:00.004+11:00

So day 3 C and I intended on an early morning breakfast a quick wander around the city before we left Mexico city and headed for Morelia - thats not how it worked out, C and I had been struggling a little with the time change and still recovering from the long flight, in the morning we had been setting multiple alarms to get up, it was hard but we had managed it, today however we weren't so lucky. We still aren't 100% sure what happened but I'm pretty sure we slept through 5 alarms and woke up at 11am. Needless to say it was a rushed and crazy start to the day. But we managed to buy our ticket and arrive at the bus terminal 5mins before the bus left, perfect timing.

At the other end things went a lot better, we managed to get a taxi driver that spoke a little english and taught us a bit more spanish. the 1st hostel we tried had just had a cancelation so they had a free room, and the city was awesome.

We walked around it for some time - all of the buildings were restored colonial buildlings from the time of spansish rule. The centrepiece of the city was, without doubt, their amazing cathedral.When lit up at night, it is a very impressive sight. So we had some dinner, wandered into the cathedral and generally walked around, sampling the regional sweet specialities, and generally checking the place out.

The next day, we got up and walked down the markets to a church at the end of the street that we heard was pretty weird/amazing. No sonner had we come upon it than a weird mexican catholic parade of marching band and dancing old ladies marched down the street, into the church and started with all kinds of dancing and partying. The inside of the church was truly something to behold - it was like Salvador Dali and Lewis Carroll's love child, however that would work. The inside was ornate gold filligreed wood carving pretty much everywhere the eye looked, with pink and green patterns everywhere, truly creepy carvings of various saints, the virgin mary and many other catholic figureheads, flowers everywhere, candles, incense, alters, symbology, blah blah blah - it was over the top x 1000. The parade into the church added another level of truly odd, and then the icing on the cake was provided by those amazingly dedicated individuals who WALKED ON THIER KNEES down the ~1 KM OR SO OF COBBLE-STONED STREET to the church, inside and up to the alter, presumably as some sort of petition or penance. All I can say is that it would hurt beyond imagination, and the looks on their faces pretty much confirmed that in my books.

Anyway, after this, we spent the arvo visiting a few museums, eating some mighty fine mexican and drinking a couple of cervezas, and forumlating the next part of our trip - off to Guadalajara tomorrow!

Women dancing in a marching nad parade in your local Morelian Catholic Extravaganza.

Just the dome of what must surely be the most ornate church interior in the world... The photo really doesn't do it justice.

Another quiet little corner of Morelia.

Old colonial government building in Morelia.

The Morelian cathdral - truly an awe inspiring sight, particularly at night.

we made it...

2009-12-17T12:30:00.006+11:00

To the top of not one but 2 pyramids. Our second day in Mexico City C and I went out to Teotihuacan to check out the pyramids. We managed to drag our very unfit and out of shape bodies up not one but 2 pyramids. There was a warming sign at the bottom which we couldn't read, but showed vividly enough via a picture of a stylised man cluthing at his heart with cracks through it made us question whether we should really attempt it, but in the end we did and I was rather impressed with our efforts.

We also went to the anthropology museum, caught a crazy bus - they don't have bus stops in mexico you stand on the side of the road and hail a bus, which leads to the bus stoping every 5m for the next person for the entire length of the journey, more eating (this as you may have guessed is a bit of a theme in our trip/lives.) and more aztec dancing in the street.

View of the moon pyramid, before climbing it.

View from the top of the moon pyramid

The beast (the Pyramid of the Sun)

On the way up the Sun Pyramid (jeans were a bad choice - much warmer than expected)

The view down to the city below from the Sun Pyramid.

greetings from Mexico

2009-12-13T03:47:00.005+11:00

So I'm not one for being on the internet during your honeymoon but we've got a 4 hr bus trip ahead of us and free WiFi so it seemed like the perfect time to send a quick update home.

What can I say... we flew into Mexico City, which is huge and has so many people, it was a bit overwhelming at 1st. But the winter Christmas festival and the party mood put us in the spirit. We got out and saw the ruins of Templo Mayor, the museum, did a hop on hop off bus trip around the city (really does make you appreciate how big the city is) wondered around the histroic distric, got our 1st taste of Mexican food, saw the mariachis and watched some Aztec dance - that was just the 1st day.

I'm tired just thinking about it. Hope all is well back home.

its offical

2009-12-08T13:37:00.002+11:00

Its offical, I'm a married woman. The wedding happened on Friday and it was amazing, a few slight hiccups but C and I had an awesome time and couldn't have been happier with the way it all went. The Saturday brunch also went perfectly, biggest shock to both C and I was the weather, it was perfect the entire weekend. I've got heaps to write about the wedding but I think I'll save most of that for after the honeymoon.

Now we're off on that BIG honeymoon we've been looking forward to for so long. We sent Friday-Monday down the south coast enjoying the sun, the quiet and recoperating - doesn't matter how much people worn you about be tried after the wedding your never quite ready for it when it hits you, we spent a LOT of time sleeping.

After some frantic last minute packing and some stressful moment unable to find our travel cards we made our 1st flight, now we are in LA waiting at the airport for our connecting flight. got another hour to burn before we can check in than more time to kill after that, not the most exciting part of our trip but we'll arrive bright and early in Mexico ready to hit the ground running, and I can't wait.

Do I

2009-11-25T17:23:00.003+11:00

Do I dare to dream it will be a sunny day next Friday and Saturday, I think I'll keep excepting the worst for the moment, and any luck it will be an amazing day, not to hot or cold.

Image from www.weatherzone.com.au

This time next week...

2009-11-24T22:53:00.001+11:00

I would have finished work and I can't tell you how excited I am about that. I'm in desperate need to some time off work, and hopefully next year when I go back I'll be refreshed and get back into the swing. But for the moment I'm counting down every day/every our hour and can't wait until I walk out of the door on Tuesday night.

I'm excited about getting married, the wedding and honeymoon as well of course but I last day of work comes 1st so I'm going to look forward to that at the moment.

Big Thanks

2009-11-17T16:19:00.002+11:00

Big thanks to my sister who put on my hens night on Saturday, had a great night. it was a murder mystery party with many cocktails and far to much food for someone that has a wedding dress to put on in a few week. Jo turned out to be the murder and we all had heaps of fun dressing up. Will update some photos soon.

C also had his bucks this past weekend and I'm thankful to say he survived in one piece with only a few bruises (all his own fault).

And on Sunday while we recovered from the festivities, the wedding started to seem so much closer than it had on Friday. Starting to get nervous, that same kind of nervous I get when I'm approaching a deadline at work, or before I do a speech. no more procrastinating, its full steam ahead.

Done and Done

2009-11-13T15:30:00.002+11:00

Its been a while since I've done this so:
Girls hair clips - Done
My veil - almost done just needs a few tweaks
Saturday brunch outfit - done and so much fun
Lolly bar - everything done
Vases - Almost all done 6 more to go
Ceremony - Done completely written
Vows - Rough out just need editing
Rings - ordered should be picking them up next week
Hair trial - done Craig still want me to have another one but I think I'll sick to one
Kids Bags - done they should keep them occupided and quiet during the ceremony
Bridesmaid dress fitting - next time should just be pick up
Nephews outfits - Done
My dress fittings - Hopefully next time it will be finished still a little big at the moment
Makeup trial - Done, MOH (also my little sister) is doing the makeup did a test last weekend

Still to do:
Chase up the last of the RSVP
Finish Signs - Sunday
Fans
Ceremony music
Reception music (for while the band are on breaks)
Write instructions
Flower trial - Sunday

Its looking manageable.

I've got my hens one Saturday which is really exciting but will mean I'm not going to get too much done this weekend. However I am still hoping to get 3 more vases poured and signs made and do a flower trial, ie learn how to make bouquets.

Should be a good weekend.

i imagine

2009-11-11T16:16:00.004+11:00

that I'll be a little like this...

Amazing photo by our labour of love

claping when I'm happy and excited. i may also add in a little jump and skip every now and than, who knows. I really love this photo because it really does capture the joy and excitement of the couple, nothing to posed, just how it is, who they are - that what I want from my photos to look at them and be able to see and remember how I felt at that moment.

Honeymoon

2009-11-09T23:53:00.004+11:00

C and I are diving head 1st into planning the honeymoon at the moment. For the most part we are backpacking, our resorses are limited, a bit more limited than I would like. However after tripping around for the 1st weeks of our honeymoon and the crazy year we've had we are going to spoil ourselfs a bit and book a waterfront resort for the last few nights, so we have some hardcore savings to do.

Thats the easy part, saving for the holidays, the hard part, is finding somewhere to stay, it will cost more than any of our other accommodation and it will be our last chance to relax and recharge before the even more crazy year we have ahead. We want to pick the perfect place, but its so hard to find the perfect place online they all look so amazing and I always have more questions I'd like to ask, I think its going to come down to which resort I get the best deal at.

Found at www.playadelcarmentravel.net

good weekend

2009-11-09T00:51:00.002+11:00

He's back, well he never physically went anywhere but for a while now C has really been here. This years C has gone back to school to do post grad studies part time and working full. In theory he his suppose to have time off to study unfortunatly his work load hasn't decressed at all so while he has had the time off to attend lectures he has more often than not had to make up that time after hours to get the work done, its made this year a hard one.

But Friday was C's last exams for the year, we are home free until Febuary. Yes we, I know he's the one doing the study but that kind of work takes a huge investment of time and energy, and in a relationship everyone is making sacrifies and changes. Its definatly made me appreciate what he goes through with my crazy/unpredicable work hours - creative customer service work the hours can he long and hard and now I understand how it effect him alot more.

The point is I get C back now, happy relaxed not stressed out C.

We had a busy but great weekend this weekend, movies, dress fittings, grandparents, lots of honeymoon planning and wedding organising and catching up on some much needed sleep. I'm much more excited about these last few weeks in the lead up to the wedding now I have C back with me.

1 month

2009-11-04T23:29:00.002+11:00

I getting married, ok so you probably knew that already, but after 8 years together and 8 month of being engaged we are only 1 month away. That right 1 month, I'm starting to get really excited, and I admit a little nervous (not about being married but the other stuff).

1 month and we still have a bit to do, things that I had thought I would have finished by now which may be playing into my nerves, my vases in particular I seem to be having a few problems with the last few. But I'm not too too busy, looking at the list its do able and I should have the last week or 2 reasonable free of jobs which is good.

I started checking the weather every day, and it changes every day, I know this far out it not at all accurate, I just really wish I know what to expect.

Its very exciting.

Christmas is coming

2009-11-02T10:22:00.004+11:00

The jolly man in the red suit is coming and its time to think of ways to celebrate the end of a huge year and the begining of a new one. I admit I LOVE giving presents, I often go over board and I spend months shopping for that perfect thing for people. This year C and I will be away for christmas, which is a little sad but next year, when we have our own place and tree I think I'll wrap everything in brown paper and string. I love the white tags and big red Christmas stamps.

Love this look. found on duet-weddings.com

Quickly

2009-11-02T09:53:00.003+11:00

The wedding is coming up quickly so its time to finalize the details and lock in all my ideas. So I thought I'd start at the beginning, the ceremony. We have a beautiful location so I didn't want to do too much to it.

We have:
- 20 few chairs some of them with reserve place cards hung by ribbon,
- A table with white tablecloth, for the signing with a feather pen that was given to us as a present, I think I'll have a mini tin pails, (that I use as balloon weights for the engagement party) to hold our bouquets while we sign,

We will have (when I finish):
- either a welcome or ceremony sign - need to finish signs
- a table with red and white table cloth, galvanised tubs with beer, sparkling and water for post ceremony toasting while we have our photos and the guest wait for the bus - need to buy drinks

Other ideas I'm tossing up:
- fans to be handed out to guest as they arrive - this might be too much work
- a table with flowers at the beginning of the aisle or where the guest get out of the bus - need to look into what the flowers would cost, would be DIYing.

Table inspiration, image found duet-weddings.com

yeah...

2009-10-30T17:24:00.003+11:00

its Friday, and I've got lots planed for the weekend. Night I'm making more vasesand I'm designing some jewellery, making hair combs for the girls and a quiet dinner with C, before a big day on Saturday. Bridal shower in the morning - unfortunatly with so much on this weekend (weddings, engagment parties, surgeries, people working or overseas) we don't have many people coming, but afterwards I'd hopefully headed to the beach for a bit before sign making, vase making, jewellery making, shopping, jar scrapping and many other crafty projects. More of the same on Sunday plus shopping with Mum.

Busy, but hopefully C will come away from the books for long enough for us to do something fun together, I don't like it when he works and studies so hard, I hardly get to talk or spend any time with him. And with C studying I'm bound to get lots of wedding jobs done and off the list, the list seems to be getting smaller quicker these days very exciting. Got heaps done with week, has lost to write about - when I get more time.

Sign making this weekend image from snippet and ink

Food

2009-10-26T17:19:00.002+11:00

So C and I had a busy weekend this weekend getting heaps of stuff done. One of my favourite jobs on the weekend was the food tasting. Food is something that's really important to C and I, it was really important that everyone gets enough food (we've all been to weddings where the food is a little light on) and that the food is good. It is were we are spending most of our budget so we really want to get it right. The tasting was great C we are really happy with everything we choose for the final menu.

We gave the food options a lot and of thought, the only concern now is for the canapes, making sure they are spread enough within the crowd and everyone gets feed, particularly as we are extending the canapes and not having an entree. There is also the problem of some people not liking this or that but I think we have some up with a menu that is pretty likable, and if they don't, well honestly you can't keep everyone happy and if we attempted to we'd be miserable.

Some my highlight of the menu where the:

hand formed poppy seed bagels with capsicum, Persian feta, rocket and almond paste - so much better than I'd expected.

baby beef fillet wrapped in prosciutto and truffle on potato galette - I could get an entire plate of this.

ginger crust - part of the main, I'm not 100% sure whats in this but I love it, I want the recipe.

twice baked passion fruit soufflés - actually backed in the shell the the passionfruit, and so light and summery.

Have to thank the team at The Boatshed, for pulling it all together and doing such an amazing job, really looking forward to eating it all again at the wedding.

Feeling guilty

2009-10-23T15:34:00.003+11:00

Ok so I'm feeling a little guilty at the moment. C and I received our 1st No's to the wedding and I have to admit I was a little excited, not because I didn't want these people at the wedding, far from it I was sad that they couldn't come. The realisation that I am about to get married and say my vows in front of a lot people has set in. I have maintain during the entire process that I want a small wedding and while 80 people is small to a lot of people it still seems huge to me. Let 80 people into a very personal, private and emotion moment is a bit scary.

Everyone I have invited I want at the wedding but at the same time there is a little part of me that is happy when people say no and the wedding becomes smaller. I can't help it and I feel bad but letting people into something so important is hard, and I think I have to struggle with it a little longer before I feel 100% comfortable.

No my dress

2009-10-22T12:17:00.004+11:00

But wow, how amazing is it and the dress is an original from the 1950s, I would love to have had an old dress, love the history of them. And to top it all of the bride only bought the dress a week and a half before the wedding.

Check out more photos at snippet and ink

such a good idea

2009-10-20T18:32:00.004+11:00

When C and I where looking at venues for the wedding we thought a lot about weather and how it would effect everything. I would really loved to have had the entire wedding outside but I just didn't trust we'd get the weather particularly after the engagement party mess.

If we had our wedding outside we'd have to have a marque. I have nothing against a marque but I just didn't want a marquee, if it did rain it would be a pain to get guest in and out and if it didn't rain we'd have this amazing location and the marquee would be totally blocking the view.

But today I saw this photo and thought it was an awesome idea, if the weather is good don't put the cover over the frame, if the weather is bad but the cover on. It looks really good.

Found on martha stewart weddings

Just because...

2009-10-20T18:02:00.002+11:00

the sun the finally out and shinning, and these made me smile.

found on black eiffel

I'm in love

2009-10-20T11:51:00.003+11:00

When I was a little kid you could walk to the corner store and buy these individually wrapped strawberry heart candies, they where the best, both C and I have memories of saving our pennies to blow it all on strawberry candy. Neither of us thought they existed anymore, but i found them on ebay when I was searching for wedding lollies and I couldn't resits. Today 3 tubs got delivered to my desk and I'm finding it difficult not to rip them open and eat them all myself.

When I get stuff like this I get really excited about the wedding, they are just fun little things that I love.

Image from theartoffee.livejournal.com

The sun comes out

2009-10-19T16:35:00.008+11:00

So a few weekends back C and I went down the coast for a wedding. We arrive early on the Wednesday night and the weather was awful, to be generous, it was raining. No one held much hope for the weather on Saturday. As most guest had arrived early everyone meet at the local pub for dinner and it seemed most of the female conversation revolved around what we were wearing and how we planed to combat the cold.

But on Saturday morning when we woke up the sun was out and it was warm, I'm not going to say hot but a huge improvement on where we had been. Looking back I felt that was appropriate, getting married within 2 month of one another the bride and I had spoken to each other a lot about the ups and down and helped each other out as much as we could during the whole process. She had a rough time planning her wedding so when the sun came out on Saturday and everything seemed to fall into place it seemed right.

I know there would have been problems and some things wouldn't have gone as planned, but as a guest I didn't notice any of it, to me it seemed perfect. The day they deserved after all the hard work.

I didn't take my good camera but I got a few shoots with my point and shoot, so I thought I'd share some of the awesomeness of it. (Just the details)

I've always said my weakness is food, Lollies, cake, dinner.

Done and Done

2009-10-16T16:34:00.002+11:00

So ever since I got the invites sent out things seem to be coming together really nicely and easily.

While we where away we picked 2 locations for the ceremony - one for if its really sunny and hot and one for if its not. We ordered and paid for out cakes, paid the deposit on the buses, booked a tasting.

And since we have been back I've started buying the lollies for the lolly bar (the best job ever), bought the last of our flights for the honeymoon, bought some us dollars while the exchange rate is good, booked hair trial, started working with my sister on makeup looks, made a new mould for vases, and I've scrapped heaps of labels off jam jars. I also received my awesome guest certificate, made by my friend Clare, I'm so happy with how it turned out, better than I could have expected - but this deserves its own post. will take a photo or 2 and fill you in later.

Things are moving much faster now and finally coming together.

This weekend I'm off to a dress fitting and out to help mum and dad pick there out fits, no I'm not a bridzilla telling them what they have to wear, they want me to come with them so I am. and hopefully I'll be able to buy some more lollies, and buy the rest of the drinks.

PARTY

2009-10-14T12:38:00.006+11:00

So I've reached that point in the planning process when you become very busy with all the last minute jobs and parties. Because everyone will be paying for accommodation for the wedding I didn't really feel comfortable having anything else that would cost people money so I said no parties. However some things just aren't in my control. My sisters are putting on a bridal shower. And it was made clear by everyone that it would be a big let down to everyone if I didn't have a hens.

So a parties we are having, the hens is still being worked out but I'm also having a shower in 2 1/2 weeks. I don't really know much about whats going on, just when and where, I did ask for them to say no presents (again don't want people to think they have to spend money) but I'm not sure they did that. Since we are having party now I have 2 requests

1. we play the toilet paper dress game - looks like some much fun
2. we have a Decorate your own cup cake stand

I 1st saw the Decorate your own cup cake stand on weddingchicks.com and after checking out the entire party at Boutwell Studio I decided I must have it. So simple, you start with the cake, tell people to decorate, provided some decorations, and there you have it fun.

The whole party is put together so well, I can't wait until I have a backyard to do something like this in.

Check out more over at Boutwell Studio

Holiday

2009-10-08T12:54:00.002+11:00

This weekend C and I have taken some time off and headed down the coast for a long weekend. We are staying in Gerringong for a friends wedding, I'm really excited, it sound like its going to be heaps of fun.

And while we are down this direction C and I thought we'd get some wedding chores knocked off, so later today we are headed to Nowra to work out travelling time between venues so we can finalise the running sheet, order the cakes, which we are now having on the Saturday at Brunch rather than during the wedding, to many people don't eat the cake at the wedding, and these cakes are really good we want people to eat them. The most exciting of all, we are picking our ceremony location, we'll stop in at about the time of the wedding to see where the sun and shade is to pick a nice place on the field to get married.

Its going to be a good weekend I think.

yeah

2009-10-08T12:42:00.002+11:00

So I've been a little absent of late, mostly because I've been working like crazy and I've been doing the invites, but they are done, yeah. Last night I did the finishing touches on all of them and printed the envelopes than wrapped up the family invites and my mum has kindly offered to wrap up and stuff the envelopes on the other while I'm away for the weekend.

Sorry no pictures yet of the invites, haven't taken photos yet.

Yeah It feels like a huge weight off my shoulders to know that by tomorrow all the invites will be in the post, now all I have to do is wait and see how many people RSVP in time. I know I will have to chase, and some people will just say they are coming but I really really hope people actually fill in the form and send it back. I am usually the sort of person that remembers everything but at the moment with so much going on I'm forgetting things, so if people just tell me "yeah we're coming and we are staying at x" I'm almost certain to forget. It would cut down stress so much.

What it should be

2009-10-06T13:26:00.003+11:00

Found on www.oncewed.com rest of this wedding is also well worth a look.

If you were to ask me a wedding cake should look like a cake you want to get, not a fancy table ornament. like this cake. I just want to want to eat it all and lick the plate clean, I mean fresh cream and strawberries who wouldn't want to eat that.

Me like

2009-09-30T16:37:00.003+10:00

I was sent a link to .mycatwalk.com.au today now seriously want to shop. Look at this cuteness how could I not want it. And it would make such a good beach to bar outfit when I'm in Mexico.

Found on www.mycatwalk.com.au

Reminder

2009-09-30T00:11:00.003+10:00

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Because we aren't perfect and we all need to be reminded from time to time. We owe it to all our love ones (not just our better halfs), and hopefully they return it. I have to admit I'm not always so good with the patience, bearing and enduring and I can get a bit irritable and resentful, but I'm working on it - we ALL need to work on something right.

Not talking about anything in particluar, we've just been working on the ceremony, and its been a nice reminder of whats important.

Exhausted

2009-09-28T11:26:00.004+10:00

I'm completely exhausted at the moment, things are been so busy I feel like I'm constantly running from on place to the next, and my wedding to do list isn't getting much shorter because I'm too busy with everything else to do anything. I need some time off to catch up on my sleep and I'm going to have to slow down a little. Unfortunately can't do that this week, I'm booked up every night this week and I think we only have one night of the long weekend free.

I'm booked up and exhausted but this week I have to get some more stuff done for the wedding, tonight we have a dress fitting for the girls, check and make sure the calicos are right so we can make the real thing.

Tomorrow we have a dance lesson, really excited C and I have really enjoyed the classes we've done, such a good way to get away from everything and send some time together, letting him lead (always funny), learning something new together, so much fun I recommend it to everyone not just people getting married, everyone definatly worth the money. Unfortunately in the last month or 2 we haven't been able to make it to any of the because I'm always working to late - going to be really good to get back to it and its a good opportunity to stretch out my shoes. I hope we are able to keep it up after the wedding.

This weekend I did manage to get a few things knocked off my list,
Visas - Mine Done still need to do Craigs
Soft drink, brunch - done
Lollies, capacity of vases, what we want, how much we need, prices - done still waiting to find a few other prices so we can order but almost done.
Kids ceremony activity books - done
Ceremony place cards - done
Readings for the ceremony - done, really glad we got this one done C and I both agree now to pick people to read, very hard.

So if my blogging is a little slow it probably means I stuck under a pile of work on my way to dinner somewhere after which I'll race home and do 1000 chores (home and wedding). FUN!

YEAH

2009-09-25T17:30:00.003+10:00

Just a quick one today, been super busy at work this week, and the last 3 weeks have been so hectic I've been out almost every night and all weekend, all I want to do is sleep. I've been falling a little behind my schedule for wedding stuff to I need to pick up my game so I'm not running around manic next week. This week has been made harder cause C is away thankful he's back tomorrow morning at 6am yeah, but our weekend is jam packed so we aren't going to get much time to catch up :(

Strangely this week with C away, I've found it easier to put some of my thought into words and made a start to my vows. Its hard work to write some like that, something so emotional and its harder still that you know people will be listening in hearing our private thanks yous, promises and I love you moments.

Another good thing my paper arrive, very exciting, my production manager was able to get it for free for me, he's the best. Now I just have to find a bit of time to sit down and finish the invites off.

So pretty, image by our labour of love

Never in Oz

2009-09-22T23:59:00.006+10:00

Ok so I'm starting to get very sad, I keep finding really great, fun, colourful clothing online and none of it is ever Australian, so sad. I'm am completely in love with the playful skirts and dress by Sika.

Image and dresses from Sika found though thebrokeassbride.com

And yes I do realise that they are all very similar, but hey if it aint broke don't fix it (and this shape looks good on me)

On a mission

2009-09-22T23:15:00.003+10:00

I'm on a mission to find a retro one piece swimmer before summer. I've love them for ages but I've never really found any, this year their are lot more around, I haven't had much luck yet finding one I like and fits right - but I'm sure its out there and I will find it.

found on emeryvintage.blogspot.com

I absolutely love this one, the colour is great and the cute ruffle adds a little fun.

100% postive

2009-09-22T12:50:00.003+10:00

that it will rain on my wedding day, its a family tradition my parents and both my sisters had rainy wedding days and I expect I will be no different - I admit I do hope that we had our share of rain for our engagement party. I'm ready for it though, so if it rains it rains and we put our back up plan into action. The only thing I'm a little worried about is photos so I've been thinking about it. Craig property has a run down broken old barn that would look really cool and I'm preparing myself to get wet, and I may need to get some gum boots and a brightly coloured umbrella. I think if it rains I'd like a photo of me jumping in a paddle.

Found on classicbride

I'm sure no matter what happens we'll get something good out of it.

its going to look great

2009-09-21T17:43:00.004+10:00

I've come to the conclusion after looking around at lots of flower inspiration its impossible for them to look bad. I mean if you get flowers you like you can't go wrong mix a few different flowers together or get lots of the same and bunch than all together. I admit i do like the loss more informal flowers best but flowers are pretty so its hard to go wrong.

I'm not doing a practice run of mine until closer to the date, so I'm practicing with whats in session for the wedding, but I'm looking forward to it, I think this will be a fun project.

So more inspiration.

Found on greenweddingshoes

Found on duet weddings

Worst day

2009-09-18T15:07:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was a horrible day and I wish I could go back and erase it. My phone got stolen while I was at a work function and C got a big fine for his car. Bad day. I can't believe people steal phone, and the worst part is all the information I lost, I didn't just loss a phone I also lost a diary, important notes, music, photos. Can't say I'm to happy about the fine, not good for our budget especially this close to the honeymoon.

But we have dinner with friends for Cs birthday tonight at our favourite Mexican restaurant hopefully it will cheer us up a bit.

Than on Sunday Cs off again for a work trip. Luckily only for a week, I hate it when he's gone.

Still more

2009-09-16T11:19:00.005+10:00

Yes I still have more ideas for the lolly bar back drop.

Coloured lights, I was shopping with friends a few weeks ago and saw this awesome light display, I automatically thought it would be perfect for the lolly bar.

Its a little out of my price range but I'm sure their would be a way to DIY this using fairy lights I already have. But I don't think this is something I want to attempt 2 1/2 months before the wedding, I have a few other things I'd rather do (Like plan my honeymoon)

And last but certainly not less, tissue paper fans. Cheap, easy, looks really cool this could definatly work. and it would totally work in with the spirograph stuff.

Found via Snippet and Ink from ahanadesign.com

Love it, and they look so good when the light hits them becuase they are slightly translucent.

So my top 3 options are:

material flower garland, my friend was able to get some fabric scraps large enough so as soon as I have time I'm going to give it a go and see if it ill work.

Paper Circle garland

Tissue paper fans think I'll give thes a go if the material garland doesn't work.

Inspiration

2009-09-15T13:15:00.006+10:00

I've been working on the invite set on and off for the last few weeks, very hard work. As a designer this is the hardest part of my wedding process, whenever I design a wedding invite I design heaps of variations and really try and make it fit the people an the wedding perfectly, I enjoying working with the couple, tweaking and changing to make sure they get exactly what they want. But when its your own invite you don't have that outsiders, you have so many ideas about your wedding its hard to fit them all in and work seamlessly. I'm not 100% happy with what I've done yet but I can't figure out whats annoying me about it.

So I'm look at inspirations, not necessarily invites like mine just looking at designs I love, hopefully looking at them I can figure out where mine is off.

Found on minnadesigns.com

Found on oncewed.com

Found on www.bellafigura.com

More ideas

2009-09-14T11:18:00.004+10:00

So I said I still had more idea for the lolly bar backdrop and I wasn't joking. Ideas are

Garlands of coloured circles, either hanging vertically uneven throughout the space or made to look like a big top.

Image from tenthousandonly.blogspot.com

Just imagine it colourful, fun right. i just hope not too fun, don't want it to start looking like a kids party.

Image from tenthousandonly.blogspot.com

Set up like a bit top, cool right and classy, they did this one using material flags but thats a little expensive for us, so we'd we doing coloured circles cut from paper. I think it would look fun and be a good use of the space.

But wait I'm still not done.

When I 1st saw these I wanted to use them for the ceremony, until I decided I didn't want to decorate the ceremony, let the beauty of the place speak for itself. More garlands this time made from with either coffee filters or cup cake cases, I like the idea of using lots of patterned cupcake cases.

Image from tenthousandonly.blogspot.com

Been to busy to blog...

2009-09-13T22:53:00.003+10:00

so much going on and when I have a bit more time, I've got heaps to post about but for the moment I thought I would leave you with this awesome and simple DIY bouquet by Brittni. For instructions check out 100layercake.com

Image and more from 100layercake.com

Update

2009-09-09T11:33:00.002+10:00

We have a brunch venue, we have come an agreement with the Lodge (our original venue) we still have to hire the toilets but we found somewhere that can do it for a reasonable rate provided we pick up and return - fine with me. They also agreed to drop the additional charges and let us use the one site BBQs. I was still worried about spending the extra money but we've saved in a few other areas and we really did want to send the day with everyone by the river.

One of the biggest thing that has shaped our budget during the process is the desire to spend time to everyone and share the things we love the most, food, drink, location, food (I know we really like food - its a problem for us). This has meant we have rewritten our budget 100 times to make it work, and honestly we'll be a little over in the end but I'm yet to say I regret anything we spent money on yet.

Decorations

2009-09-07T10:21:00.007+10:00

So I'm almost finished with the vases and I've been thinking about decorating the space behind our lolly bar. haven't decided if I defiantly want to decorate it or not yet, not sure if it will be to much or create a cool feature within the space.

1st the space - on the raised section, so we have quick a bit of space, the area is rather deep - space we aren't likely to need or use.

1st idea is to have multi-coloured ribbons randomly hanging from the roof uneven and deep. I think this might be a bit wasteful, I'd need a huge amount of ribbon to make this look good, and I'm not sure what I'd ever do with that much ribbon ever again.

2nd options - this is my favourite idea, to have a few fabric flowers garlands hanging vertically from the roof on string. Again hanging them from unevenly using the depth in the space.

Images from one of my favourite wedding ever - check out more pictures at oncewed.com

You can buys these on Etsy, personally I'd be making them, Martha Stewart has how too for a few different flower styles that could be mixed and matched. I wouldn't need a huge amount and it would be a really fun project, but material is expensive. A friend had earlier in the process offered to help with material and I had thought if they had off cuts we could use for free to create the flowers - however I'm not sure they will have the kind of colours will need, and the budget isn't going to allow for material.

3rd options - Paper garlands, as seem during the pop up wedding. we love the idea of creating a thick curtain of hanging paper garlands.

Image from Martha Stewart wedding

I'm just a bit worried that if we do something with our colours will be a bit strongh and overwhelming, our colours are so bright and dark in bulk like this it colour look like too much.

4th option - (yes we are still going I have alot of ideas.) This idea is cheap, easy and cool. Using honeycomb tissue paper balls in a few differnt sizes and colours hanging from the ceiling.

Image from Martha Stewart wedding

I like the idea but I'm not sure if it work in that well with the rest of the look might just be to heavy and over the top.

I still have more ideas. Post those later.

Delightful

2009-09-07T10:07:00.002+10:00

This weekend was great, C was away on a bucks weekend so I got heaps done and had a great day hanging out with the ladies and celebrated fathers day.

I'm now more than half way done with all the vases, I got 5 made over the weekend and think the second half will be quick and fun. I've got my technique down pat so they are supper quick and easy, so now I'm experimenting more with colour and style. Really happy with how they have been turning out. Not all of them are perfect few problem here and there but I'm OK with that, they are hand made and unique, you can't expect them to be perfect.

Saturday I spent the day with some ladies, 1st shopping and enjoying the sunshine in Newtown. I scored 2 new pairs of earring, than cooking up a storm and drinking a few cocktails by the water, great way to spend a Saturday.

Sunday was fathers day, so I cooked up a feast for fathers day and caught up on lost sleep.

If only I didn't have to work today.

I scream, you scream, we all scream..

2009-09-04T12:44:00.003+10:00

for ice cream. I have had a bit of a bad day today and this cheered me up straight away. I love the idea for a "Make Your Own Sundae" Ice cream Parlour. I'm already having a dessert buffet for my wedding, so I need to find another reason to use this one. Maybe for my next bday.

Check out more on www.eatdrinkchic.com

Done and Done

2009-09-03T13:39:00.002+10:00

Shoes - Done
Jewellery - Done
Band - Done (I think still waiting on the confirmation)
5 vase (out of 20) - Done

Yeah for getting things done. My shoes are exactly what I wanted but what I wanted was double the price and I didn't really want them that much.

The jewellery is great, I had a hard time picking something because I loved too many differnet things, and had too many ideas. In the end I decided I better just get something I liked rather than search for day/weeks for something perfect and never find anything and miss out on what I liked, and now I've bought them I love them and they will be perfect, becuase I'll wear them when I marry C.

I'm loving the vase the process and the results, they will look really good. Hopefully making more tonight and over the weekend.

loving every minute

2009-09-03T13:04:00.002+10:00

I hear a lot of people say planning a wedding is horrible and just wish it would hurry up and be over, I have to say I don't really feel like that, I mean there are defiantly moments, when things are going wrong or people are wanting or expecting thing I don't really have time or desire for. Those are the times I wish the wedding would go away and C and I would elope and get married on the beach me wearing a cute cotton sun dress and C shorts and an white shirt, bare foot, afterward we would jump on a boat and eat heaps and heaps of fresh seafood on the deck over looking some amazing tropical location.

Anyway I digress, what I'm getting at is that I really have enjoyed this process. Working on the ceremony, planning our future, the house the travel the way we'll be as we get older. I really have enjoyed thinking about our family/friends and guest and what they would like during the day/weekend and what things C and I love that we could share with them, things we'd all get a kick out of. Not to mention I love lots of beautiful detail and i have loved hunting around thinking of lots creative ways to entertain and decorate.

But I think one of the reasons I've enjoyed the process so much more than other people I know is because if unimportant things get too hard, too time consuming, to overwhelming, to expensive, I just don't do it. I've had heaps of good idea that aren't going to make an appearance on my wedding day - and I'm sure I'm not going to look back and be sad about it. I'm pretty sure the night before the wedding when C and I are out to dinner I look around and think I'm luck to have everyone, I'm luck C and I focused on us and I'm glad I'm going home to sleep not finish projects. And I think one the day when I see everything come together I'll be glad I put the effort in to what is there, I'll be glad dad and I spent the time together learning and make vase. I'm sure I'll smile when I see the kids eyeing the lolly bar (I'll probably join them in over indulging). I'll be happy with the fact what we have done is meaningful for us.

Its getting close and I'm getting excited.

head wear...

2009-09-01T10:53:00.003+10:00

I don't get it. Why when people get married do they feel the need to wear something on their head. It seems people feel the need to have something on their heads, if they don't wear a veil they have a fascinator, a hat, fresh flowers, a garland, headbands or hair jewellery. I know sometimes it finishes off the outfit or is part of a tradition they feel is important but I struggle to see why people feel they must have something in their hair, and stress over what to have. I'd love to see more people shun the bridal head wear, if its not right for you let your hair be naked I say.

Full discloser: I'm not going to be going naked, I'm going to wear a birdcage veil over my eyes, no feathers or flowers, probably just a brooche to hide the combs. Why, not because I feel I feel I have to wear something on my head but because it finishes off the look I'm after. I really want a vintage old world glam look.

Drew rocked the veil like the one I will make, though I think it will be a little smaller, only about halfway down my nose. Image found on www.dailymakeover.com

Anyway the reason I bring this up is because my MOH really wants to wear something in her hair, (she all has a desire to make everything matching). So what to do, I don't want to tell her not to wear something in her hair if she wants to but I don't want her to dress everyone up in matching head bands that look great on a 12 years but not so chic on a 25 year old and it needs to suit the outfits, I really don't want it to look out of place.

So now I'm searching for cool head wear, I never thought I'm be doing this, worrying about headwear... for bridesmaids. Anyone got any ideas.

Thinking of home

2009-08-31T18:51:00.004+10:00

I'd love this lamp in my home. Simple and style, I really like this vintage lamp. Not sure 100% about the colour for the lamp shade, might be a little dated, I know its vintage everything is dated but like vintage things that are made modern - if you get my drift, but love the shape.

Found on etsy (where else) www.etsy.com

moving on out

2009-08-31T12:55:00.005+10:00

C is moving this week, closer to me, yeah team. C and I have always live at least 30min away from each other, it hasn't been easy and after 8 years the travel is start to get old, so its supper exciting that he will now be living on a few short minute from my me, I can walk to his house. Yeah

The original plan was for C to move in with me before the wedding so we weren't paying heaps of rent while we were on the honeymoon, but the house it a little crowded at the moment and he definitely wouldn't have the quite he need for study, so he'd going to say with my sister and her husband until the wedding. We'll figure out what we do after the wedding later.

So busy week ahead, but its all for the greater good - more honeymoon spending money.

Found on www.funnyphotos.net.au

Wedding Spiders

2009-08-27T13:48:00.007+10:00

I was curious about the availability of some of the flowers I wanted for the wedding so today I stop passed a florist and casually asked. I was told I was dreaming that all the flowers I asked about wouldn't last for a wedding. I'm not sure why she said this, I mean I've seen heaps of flowers from real wedding using these flowers. But my sister was told the same thing, they said tulips wouldn't last the whole day, but they did - they lasted longer than just the wedding day.

But to be on the safe side I've found a few other flowers I like, and when I do my flower test a few weeks before the wedding (much to the discuss of my sister - who think I should just pay and get them done, or know exactly what I'm doing months in advance) I'll get a bunch of different things to try lots of options. I'm flexable, I go with whats good and available

I really like strange flowers, the kind you would see in Sci-fi movies, alien. So I thought Spider mums would be cool.

found on www.flickr.com

all the mums are pretty cool actually, cushion and football, I can just imagine a single giant white football mum coming out of one of the really bright vases, but a bunch like this could be cool too.

Also found on www.flickr.com

Cushions and Button poms come in lots of different colours, which is fun.

Images from www.wholeblossoms.com

Make pretty picture

2009-08-26T16:08:00.003+10:00

Contrary to populate belief designers don't sit around drawing pretty pictures all day, but I have to say, it would be cool if I did. and I'd have a desk with lots of colourful pens, pencils, and lots of pretty paper. but I don't think school kid pays every well, but working hours rule.

Image from www.ohmydeerhandmades.blogspot.com

moving on

2009-08-25T10:54:00.004+10:00

So we've had a little hiccup which we'll figure out some how, but I'm not going to let it stop me enjoying the process and wedding. so back to enjoying.

I've bought a bunch of tea light holders that work great with the vases to spread along the tables, they where a bargain, i got them from ikea and got 200 tea light while i was at it. It really starting to bring it all together, we'll really get that deep colourful effect i wanted.
From IKEA they look a bit more red and dark purple in real life, I wouldn't be getting anything to pink, C wouldn't like that.

I know IKEA isn't everyone cup of tea but they really do have some cheap/affordable decoration stuff that can save you a bucket of money, or time, I'd love to get everything second hand but I really don't have the time to search second hand stores every day.

:( rant

2009-08-24T12:07:00.004+10:00

So I'm not sure really want to say about this one, it seems reason doesn't always prevail and you can't always trust that spoken conversations are enough.

The problem is with our ceremony and Brunch venue the Shoalhaven lodge. Our plan for post ceremony had been to serve drinks post ceremony for the 45min so guest can mingle enjoy the surrounds and have some photos, while C and I have our photos. However they have decided that if we want to serve drinks we would have to hire portable toliets, even though we have hired all the the accommodation and the accommodation has 9 toliet (we only have 80 people max). This is dissapointing as it now means C and I plus the bridal party will stay have our photo and simply have to miss 45min-1hr of the reception.

The second problem, even though we had spoken about having all our friends back the next day and holding a brunch at the venue on the saturday a number of times both on the phone and in person, the owners have now decided we would need to pay $1200 + hire portable toliets. Considering we had hired the entire venue from Friday to Sunday and some of the venue on Thursday, $1200 seem to be crazy for having people stand and sit around for a few hours - we aren't putting up a maquee or anything. We where thankfuly able to negotiate this away, however the portable toliets are still a problem - C is looking into prices at the moment but I'm pretty sure we can't afford them.

What does it all mean, C and I + our wedding party will miss the 1st hour of our own reception and we have to find an entire new venue for the brunch and with only 3 month I'm alittle worried about being able to find anything. I'm alittle annoyed as i check all of this before booking anything, the reason we choose the Shoalhaven Lodge was because it was by the river we have and we were able to have all our friends back, if these problems had been brought up earlier we would never have booked, but 3month before the fact we aren't going to be able to find something else as everything is booked. We even offered to pay an additional bond and use the toliets in the cabins that we are already paying for anyway and any problems or damages (I can't really imagine any) would come out of the bond.

So now I'm running around talking to all of the other accommodation properties to asking if we are able to use their properties, hopfully that will be more helpful and reasonable. N ot what I wanted to do this close to the wedding, with so much still to do.

Lesson learnt

2009-08-21T13:27:00.002+10:00

Ignore what ever anyone tells you, forgot how much faster the phone is, email is the best form of communication when dealing with vendors. That way you have everything in writing and can solve arguments and problems when they come up. if you have face to face conversations with people go home and write a follow up email to them about what was covered and agreed.

I have almost all my communication in writing, expect... (more on that later, still working) very frustrating. Lesson learnt, I'm not going to make that mistake again.

it happens to everyone

2009-08-20T10:19:00.002+10:00

Everyone will as some point in the planning process will come up against a major issue.

I think I've just got mine. Its not pleasant, its got my stomach in knots and my mind racing 1000 m/h trying to find a solution. I've tried so hard not to get my heart set on anything for the wedding incase things go wrong and I can't have them. I only let myself get excited about things when we are booked/done ready to go, that why it is so disappointing to think its not going to work. It seems crazy that I'm getting so upset and worried, at the end of the day C and I will still get married and we'll still be surrounded my our nearest and dearst, but that silly person inside that says "but its my wedding and I really want it" I don't like that little person and I will overcome it if/when need but for the moment C and I are negotiating hard and coming up with backup plans. I'm just hopping we can figure something out.

I'm just think it would be good if this is our only wedding crisis, it would work out nicely to have it over and done with earlier in the game, rather than the week/weekend of the wedding, that would be a really good silver linning.

I know this is very criptic but I don't want to put anything negative out their until I have attempted everything to fix it every way I know how.

Esty Love

2009-08-18T16:23:00.003+10:00

I dream of a place to call my own. C and I have been thinking more and more about the home will we have together, and what we will fill it will. I hope it will be filled with pieces like this, simple and not over worked.

get the at www.etsy.com

I know that at some point I will defiantly have a light something like this. Oh for a house of our own and all the pretty things I could do with it, I will have it one day.

Cheering up

2009-08-17T15:40:00.004+10:00

A little worn down at the moment, not sleeping very well (hence the late night posts), but these pictured cheered my right up. These flowers are do big and colourful, and they are all picked straight from the garden.

Found on www.designspongeonline.com

Party

2009-08-17T00:12:00.009+10:00

As promised some photos of our engagement party. The inspiration came from Wedding Style Guide magazine.

Wedding Style Guide inspiratio n

All C really wanted was lots of meat on a spit

At the last minute we organised a marquee to minimised the effect of the rain

Pretty before the rain, we bagged peanuts and pretzels in brown paper bags and filled zip locked bags with fairy floss, we also set up some games and balloon dart game and a knock'em down tin can ball game.

One of my favourite parts of the night was sitting on the picnic rugs under the trees watching the fire twirler

This was a huge learning experience for C and I, and a defining moment for us in the way we have processed to plan our wedding. This was the moment we decided we needed a small guest list. The night was the beginning of a some slow changes in our life. It directed our focus on what was important to us, our marriage, the beginning of our new life, our incredibly loving and supportive family. The engagement party really brought out the best in some of our friends, I will be forever grateful for the lovely words and thoughtfulness of Mel, Ange, Casey not to mention our family who when everything was going wrong made me laugh and feel all was not washed down the drain.

Don't have many good pictures, the rain distracted people a bit.

Slowing down

2009-08-16T22:36:00.004+10:00

Things have been a little busy of late and its been making it hard to enjoy the planning process, so I've slowed down. I fully intended on getting back up to speed when other things slow down a bit, the wedding is just 5hrs of my life and I'm not so obsessed with planning small details that I'm going to wear myself down and get stressed out. I'm still getting things done, thinking and planning things but just not running around all weekend doing wedding stuff and working on a new project every night.

Its actually been really nice, its given C and I a chance to think and talk more about the really important stuff for the wedding... the ceremony. I know food, decorations, flowers, dress and shoes can seem hugely important when your the vacuum that is the wedding world, but none of that really matter. Slowing down has reminded me what I'm doing, I'm marry C, we are starting a new journey, building a life together. So C and I have started working on our ceremony and I'm getting really excited, it will be a long process and I'm thinking pretty emotional but really rewarding.

So for now I'm in slow motion, working on the important stuff and trying my best to keep everything in perspective.

stealing it

2009-08-13T13:25:00.004+10:00

I love these invites, and I'm going to steal them, well not quite steal them, just the idea - illustration on brown recycled paper coloured really brightly. We already have an idea for the wedding invite, going to follow along the same theme as the save the date, but I think we can work this in for the Saturday brunch invites.

Found on oncewed.com

I could do all of this myself but I really like the idea of having people help to create the our day, so maybe I'll ask a friend to do an illustration for me. I'm not sure, it would be fun to do the illustration myself and everyone is so busy, need to give that one more thought.

Success

2009-08-13T12:04:00.003+10:00

Things are hectic at the moment so this is just a quick one to show off my success. After the last amussing attempt at creating a vase I've had success. Dad and I pour a vase on Sunday and it looks really cool. We still have a few little kinks to work out but for the most part we have it sorted and can get started on making the rest. YEAH team.

I just need to do some sanding and polishing.

So fun

2009-08-11T11:06:00.003+10:00

I have to thank One Boy One Girls for today inspiration, this pre-wedding bash Nixon and Egan throw the day before their wedding would be perfect for a relaxed yet stylish wedding. I love weddings where everything is aimed at being fun. Wedding really should reflect the couple and if you not one for formal events than bbqs and carnival style parties are a great idea. This idea would also work really well for anyone on a budget

found on www.oneboyonegirl.com

Its similar to what i attempted to create for our engagement party however our budget DIY attempt wasn't quite as polished as this.

Introducing...

2009-08-10T16:09:00.004+10:00

Joshua Morris our photographer. Joshua was recommended to us by a friend of our who is a photographer. He isn't a traditional wedding photographer, but he has done them from time to time - which I'm not really worried about because his portraits are great and so are his landscapes, which that combination I don't see how the photos could be anything but amazing. And we aren't really looking for too many traditional photos, more natural candid shots.

check out more at www.joshuamorris.com.au

4 months

2009-08-05T14:22:00.002+10:00

Getting close now. Yesterday marked 4months to the day until the wedding. After a look over the to do list I've decided I need to step it up a notch, I need more action, start getting things finished.

So I'm organising for the girl to get measured - finally got a dressmaker quote I was happy with and the girls all picked their material.

I'm finalising the flights for the honeymoon - Craig's back at uni so I'm taking over his list again.

And I really have to get to designing the invites - I've been procrastinating on this one.

Party time

2009-08-04T15:37:00.012+10:00

Let me introduce you to some friends of mine Aaron and Lenya, you might know Lenya from www.7yearwedding.blogspot.com. Saturday night we celebrated their engagement and BJB studios in Surry hills, Lenya did a great job decorating and really bring the place to life, with pom poms, installations, vintage furniture, candles and beautiful flowers created by cousin Mattew (sorry don't have any more details than that.) They really managed to infuse the place with lots of personality and it made the perfect stage for a great party.

So without further adue,

Meet Aaron and Lenya, the photoboth was a great talking point and got everyone into the swing

Pom pom Love, multicoloured pom poms hang the entire length of the studio and made the place pop.
These where all made by Lenya and family and friends.

Lenya borrowed white chairs and bought second hand chairs and painted them white to fit with her vision.
She also used pieces from the studio itself and made it personal with her own pieces from home.

This master hang from roof above the bar creating a eye catching focal piece for the room.

The pictures don't do these arrangements justise , Lenyas cousin Matt made these (and more) amazing pieces that spread all over the room, light by candles they made dramitic displays.

I apologise my photos don't do it the credit its worth, my point and shoot doesn't perform well in the dark.

I almost forgot, I helped out creating the invites for the night. Lenya had a pretty good idea of what she wanted so this was a quick simple job for me.

Lenya bought me a picture of an invites she love that used handwritten font, so I hand drew the couples name than cleaned it up on the computer to use as a header the the rest was simple, clean and easy.

Shoe love

2009-08-03T18:41:00.003+10:00

I wasn't joking when I said I had a thing for shoes. I love them and in the process of looking for my wedding shoes I've found to had to my wish list, and todays 2 would have to be pretty high on that list.

I wish these Mimco badies came in a colour, I'd snap them up in a second (and figure out how to afford them later). The strap details is great, not over the top like so much of what I've been seeing.

Found on www.mimco.com.au

I'm keeping these shoes in mind as a back up plan incase I can't find red shoes I like. they would make really cute wedding shoes and i'd definately warm them all the time. Love the vintage feel.

Found on www.wittner.com.au

Sneak peek

2009-08-03T13:06:00.004+10:00

Went to www.7yearwedding.blogspot.com amazing engagement party on Saturday night, such a good night. And the place looked great, really created a look that reflected them - personally I think that the most important thing.

It was so good to catch up with people. Seems like such an exciting time for everyone at the moment, traveling, houses, weddings, new jobs, school, everything is happening. I love the energy so positive and excited.

Memories

2009-08-01T01:30:00.007+10:00

It's my friend's engagement party on Saturday night and its got me thinking about our party. What went well, what went wrong and what we've learnt for the wedding.

What went well - I organised a party that: looked good and had a fun theme (carnival), had everything set up and ready to go with enough time to relax and get ready, came in on budget, we had heaps of great food, heaps of drink and lots of friends and family to share the night with us, and I did it all in a short period of time.

What went wrong, that list is very very long, just listing the major problems - it poured rain for hours, flooding part of the backyard (read: party), the verandah roof leaked drenching the bar, the power shorted out leaving us in darkness. We had hired a spit and a fairy floss machine - both got wet, shorted, actually sparking (it was a horrible 20min waiting to find out if we had destroyed the equipment and lost our money - thankfully we didn't). Our room mate the night before said he didn't want the party at the house, and said no one was to come into the house under any circumstances. In the end, we had no choice but to let everyone in. During the chaos, I was asked 1000 questions; some understandable, like where can we move the bar to, where is the power box, others silly and trivial (I realise people were trying to be nice and I'm greatful I have friends and family that wanted to help but with everything I had to deal with at the time it would have been really helpful and decreased my stress if people could have just taken care of some of the obvious problems by themselves without checking with me first...)

So what did we learn for the wedding? Make sure everyone knows whats going on so people aren't asking me anything on the day - if it hasn't been organised I don't care (and I really do mean that) I don't care about heaps of the little stuff I'm suppose to care about. Make sure I tell people that I don't want to know if something has gone wrong - if they can fix or fudge go for it, if its something really bad hopefully I can deal with it the next day. Make sure everything I've hired is out of the way and can't be damaged. Don't plan anything outside, Ok so my ceremony is but I have a backup venue and I'm actually expecting it to rain so I'm preparing myself to get wet and dirty to get good photos. Plan the day you want - don't do something just because its tradition or because its expected - it your party have fun and enjoy it.

Oh yeah I forgot we also had to move house the next day - worst idea ever! It wasn't planned that way but the house (rented) was sold so we had to get out. And we had a small fire (almost burnt down the house) during the day when we were starting the spits.

I'll post some pictures later

P.S: At the end of it all we had a great night, even with all the things that went wrong.

dripping in jewls

2009-08-01T01:11:00.004+10:00

I still haven't had any luck finding wedding jewellery yet. Originally I wanted art deco style jewellery, however I'm not having much luck finding anything that I either like or that's in my budget.

So I've been thinking about pearls, I wouldn't want anything too traditional, I like the idea of wearing a number of different string in all different sizes like this. Than I could get a bracelet similar and antique style pearl earrings.

Image found on summerpicnicwedding.blogspot.com

kick up your dancing shoes

2009-07-30T16:19:00.005+10:00

I could imagine myself kicking up my heels int these babies. A friend of mine has a pair (without the hearts) and says they a super comfy. Shoes that are comfy and have a super cute heart up the front would make a perfect wedding shoes, the bonus being they are totally wearable after the wedding. i just wish they had a red pair with black or white heart.

Buy them from www.melissaaustralia.com.au

Brunch

2009-07-29T13:25:00.004+10:00

Since I still have heaps of stuff I need to organize for the wedding I thought it appropriate to ignore all of that stuff and focus on the brunch. (joking still doing wedding stuff as well). The recovery brunch for me a a time to relax, eat too much food, talk, swim, kick around a foot ball and generally hang out together. I would still like it to look pretty as well, so I've put together an inspiration board of my thoughts so far.

Images sources 1st row: Sorry not sure where I found this been in my I LOVE folder for ages, this is mine and is the brunch venue, thayerphoto.com, snippetandink.blogspot.com
2nd row: stylemepretty.com, twigandthistle.com, frolic, weddingstyleguide.blogspot.com,
3rd row: weddingstyleguide.blogspot.com, stylemepretty.com, snippetandink.blogspot.com, duet-weddings.com, snippetandink.blogspot.com

More on the plans and making this happen soon.

Me like

2009-07-28T11:50:00.003+10:00

I love this lamp, I've been on the hunt for an affordable lamp like this for the study forever. It good work in perfectly with my whole vision for the room.

Found on adaanddarcy.blogspot.com

wow...

2009-07-27T23:13:00.004+10:00

I love this top, I want this top. The colour the shape it so pretty I love. Can't really say much more about this, I think the picture says it all.

Found on www.garancedore.fr

1st anniversary

2009-07-27T22:51:00.004+10:00

So we aren't even married yet but I'm not going to let that stop me planning our 1st anniversary holiday. I love giving presents but personal I feel something like an anniversary is better celebrated with a holiday together to get away from it all. The Pretty Beach House seems like a perfect place to get away from it all, beautiful design, amazing location, Private, boutique luxury and to top it all of a top Sydney chef catering to every food lovers dream.

Found on www.thecoolhunter.com.au

Done and Done

2009-07-27T17:30:00.005+10:00

So I haven't said much about the wedding happenings of late so I thought it was time to do an update on where I was.

Groom and groomsmen suits hired -DONE
Grooms woman dress - DONE
Flat Shoes - DONE
Lollies Bags, bought and decorated - DONE
Book hire gear, chairs, urn, drink tubs -DONE
Tentatively book band - DONE
Picked and meet with a Dressmaker - DONE
Pastries, breads and fruit platters for brunch - DONE
Guest book/certificate/poster things (being designed and created by friends in London who sadly can't be at the wedding) - DONE

Pretty happy those things are off the list but the list doesn't seem to be getting any smaller, so many crazy little things that need to be done. Little stuff like finding my birth certificate - which I have completely lost, and can't find anywhere but need in order to get married and big stuff like booking a photographer.

pretty

2009-07-26T23:31:00.004+10:00

Beautiful Nashville bride Emily wore a stunning hair piece, could defiantly see myself with something like this on my birdcage veil.

Image from ohmydeerhandmades.blogspot.com

Wish list

2009-07-23T17:20:00.003+10:00

Furiously saving for a 5 week honeymoon means no lavish spending on clothing...but I like to torture myself. Today while I wishfully dreamed of the dresses I would buy for my friends engagement party I stumbled across the beautiful designs of Rose and Ruby. All so dreamy and fun, perfect for a party or a wedding. The 1st and the last would be my pick.

Images from www.roseandruby.com

I Must go to...

2009-07-22T15:25:00.002+10:00

Adriano Zumbo, a friend just set me the link to the website and now I must go. So when I have some free time again and a little bit of spare cash I'm going to attempt to organize a ladies indulgence day.

Images from adrianozumbo.com

Cake Alternative

2009-07-22T13:05:00.002+10:00

This cake alternative would be perfect for any chocolate lover, the only problem I can see is not wanting to spoil how amazing it looks by eating them. You could even have a few real flowers intermingles to add a pop of colour.

Found on weddingstyleguide.blogspot.com

I will have them

2009-07-22T10:46:00.003+10:00

How amazing are these flowers, I have to find out what they are called. The perfect colour, great size and I love how big and open they are.

Found on www.thebridescafe.com

Marthaish

2009-07-21T13:28:00.004+10:00

I'm feeling rather Marthaish at the moment. When I say Marthaish I mean crafty. I have a list of things that I really want to DIY - not wedding related, because it shouldn't all be about the wedding.

I am curious to try Homemade cordial. I haven't tried it yet but I'm already thinking of how I can improvise and create my own flavours. I think homemade cordial would be great in cocktails.

You can find the recipe and a label temple at styleguide.com.au

But it doesn't stop at one thing, I'd also really love to give Jam making a go, I don't eat that much jam but I imagine fresh homemade made jam on fresh homemade scones would be heavy in a tasty morsel. And can you image the smell while you are cooking it would smell amazing.

Images found on alovelymorning.blogspot.com she also has links to some recipies

Last but not least (this one is wedding related but not my wedding) is pom pom making. My good friend over at 7yearwedding.blogspot.com is having a pom pom making day on Saturday in preperation for her Engagement party and I will be helping with DIY engagement party magic. I know this probably sounds strange but I'm really excited about it, a fun ladies craft day.

Her inspiration found at 7yearwedding.blogspot.com

Also good news from the people at weddingstyleguide.blogspot.com Martha Stewart Celebrations range is coming to Australia and will be in stores at Spotlight soon.

Wish list

2009-07-20T23:00:00.003+10:00

Just a few things I found around the place that I wouldn't mind finding myself owning.

Found on www.unruly-things.com

Found on http://style-for-style.blogspot.com

love it

2009-07-20T10:28:00.004+10:00

i love this supper cute vegie bag. I'd be the coolest kid in the vegie market with these babies.

Found on www.twigandthistle.com by them from Wonderthunder on Esty

Photo Love

2009-07-18T20:23:00.004+10:00

Photos from Fuller Edge Photography, they do amazing work and this wedding is super cool. Love the dress.

Found on www.stylemepretty.com check out more of this wedding and heaps more amazing work fulleredgeblog.com

typography love

2009-07-16T09:53:00.003+10:00

i love typography and what possessed me posted some great work by Iranian designers that i just had to share.

Found on www.whatpossessedme.com

more drama

2009-07-16T09:44:00.003+10:00

And i love it, i don't know if i would be game enough to do something like this, but the result is amazing.

Found on brownbutton.blogspot.com

More flowers

2009-07-15T17:12:00.003+10:00

I'm loving flowers at the moment, I found these courtesy of frolic while I was on the train this morning (read, i love my iphone). I'd love to have lots of these through my house.

Found on Frolic

my colours

2009-07-15T17:03:00.003+10:00

Snippet and ink, the inspiration board bible did the sweetest board today, and it used my colours (if you added a bit of light yellow/neutrals).

Found at snippetandink.blogspot.com

Not really my theme so much but shows how nice the colours work. i love the berry's, and I must have a navy striped tops to wear with a cute white shirt.

This has inspired me to create my own board.

the impossible dream

2009-07-15T10:52:00.002+10:00

I dream the impossible dream - a creative job working my own hours with no overtime and the best clients that will take a risk or 2 to standout and create something unique, all while earning me enough money to travel and create a home for C and I.

Don't get me wrong I'm happy just to have a job at the moment, I know a lot of other people aren't so lucky, but I could really do with a break from working so hard.

Flower love

2009-07-14T11:56:00.004+10:00

Some flower inspiration to start the day. i heart dahlias and I think they would be a perfect match for blue/green succulent's.

found on jldesigns.blogspot.com

good drama

2009-07-13T22:56:00.003+10:00

So much drama involved in wedding planning that I'm trying to stay away from, but I still want a bit of drama... in my photos. Like this one

found on alovelymorning.blogspot.com

So pretty

Invites

2009-07-13T22:37:00.003+10:00

While we were away the other weekend C and I sat down with the parents and got the wording for the invite sorted, so this week I'm starting the design process, this could take some time.

We'll be doing invite packs which will include:
Invite, Map, Mini accommodation info, Transport info, Saturday invite or itinerary, RSVP card, RSVP envelope.

Found this RSVP card on a Lovely morning, really like the casual wording. We have a bit more info we need to get on our but the wording is a start.

Found on alovelymorning.blogspot.com

minor hiccup

2009-07-13T13:34:00.004+10:00

So we have our 1st minor hiccup this weekend. We went out to have all the boys fitted for suits and they looked bad. I know when you hire a suit you can't expect it to be perfect but the suits horrible, it looked liked they where wearing pants 3 sizes to big (but they where the right size). So we changed the suits, what else could we do?

So C and the boys will now be wearing darker suits and no jackets at all (expect if they want a photo with them on). C will be wearing a tie as well, he wants a fat light grey wool tie.

The new look

Anyone looking to hire a suit in Sydney should check out Spurlings in the next week or 2 they have a "Bridal Expo" special, so we got $70 off the price.

jewellery crush

2009-07-10T21:24:00.004+10:00

I have a new jewellery crush, Helena Emmans work is handcrafted and simple and beautiful. beautiful natural looking designs.

Check out more at helenaemmans.etsy.com