#43 Speaking of Which...

Um hello doily wedding dress!!!

Now why didn't I think of that?!?

via - jillian & dax - gia canali photography

Simply genius.

#42 A Horse and Controversy...

Hi there! Remember me?

Whilst it would appear to most that I had fallen off the proverbial horse of blogging, ok ok - be apparent to most that I had taken a tumble - I really do have quite a legitimate excuse.

It is a tale of spur of the moment decisions, 3 cities, 1 dressmaker most exceptional, many cuppas - wines - & over indulgence in all things that fatten, news of the elating/devastating variety, & much loved up-ness from those whose hugs are too often too too far away...

Before the whirlwind that has enveloped me this last while, I had a Wedding (& everything else) To Do List about as long as your arm. Actually, make that my arm.

Now that same To Do List is about as long as the arm of the BFG. (High 5 to you if you get the reference?)

The said list included, somewhere among the reams, a bit more effort on my part in getting around to posting on here with some kind of regularity.

BUT. I was also thinking (dangerous to be sure!), 'Why?'

Is there any point in this blog? It hasn't saved my nearest & dearest from wedding talk nearly as much as I hoped it would, It feels mighty self indulgent, & i was also starting to wonder if it was a little cuckoo to be writing to myself?

Then while away, one of my delicious bridesmaids told me that she had seen another lovely friend recently, who I haven't caught up with for quite a horrible length of time.

This friend told my BM that although she hates weddings- or more specifically all the kitsch that come with them, she has been enjoying reading these pages of ramble & that she thinks I will have a beautiful wedding & will BM please take lots of photos to show her.

CUE WARM FUZZY FEELING! Bless her socks & silver (pearly white) jewelery ;)

Even though I have what feels like a thousand exciting things to update on, it would seem that oddly enough, this warm fuzzy feeling has manifested in me a desire to sabotage myself & this page & quite possibly ostracize me...

I LOVE DOILIES.

Via - unknown & laura splan/museum of contemporary art

Via - apartment therapy

There. I've said it. It's out there.

I'm a loud & proud doily lover.

Please don't judge me?

Sanity from now on.

Mostly...

It's good to be home!

x

#42 Baskets Anyone?

If the results for an internet search of the words 'flower girl' is anything to go by, people subject their flower girls to a whole lot of scary.

I'm talking cringe worthy hideous. In numerous layers. Upon layer. Upon layer...

So I was wading through these marshmallowy nightmares and I started wondering...Do they know? These brides I mean? Do they they know it's so very 'ugh'? Is it a misguided budget decision perhaps? Or is this actually the taste of the majority as google would have me believe?

Most importantly- HOW DO I KNOW I'M NOT ONE OF THEM???

How do I know that my taste too, does not make people desperate to steal one of those drowning in kitsch flower girls baskets away to use as a sick bag substitute?

Calm down now eh?

I also wondered how I've lasted this long without starting a 'worst of' blog.

Anyway, I've been pretty wedding slack lately but I think I'm finally getting my wedding mojo back. So rejoice dear friends! Or despair? ;)

Here's some flower girl baskets that I think are pretty sweet. Minus the puffy stuff!

My favourite overall is the second one, it's quite unique I think?

Via - craftzine/Andrea DeHart, wedding flowers&reception ideas, tickled pink.

The centre one with the lavender in this next row - I don't actually like, but I like the concept.

Loving the Chrysanthemums and the Succulents.

Fun fact: Apparently you're not supposed to be able to kill Succulents... I can kill any plant. It's a talent.

Via - project wedding, pink chalk studio, tickled pink.

I already have my ring 'pillow' picked out but I think this one is a bit awesome too!

Via- tickled pink.

Is there anything you have ever loved, wedding or not, that you look back on later and ask yourself "WHY?"

Others than ex's of course! Ha.

Do share!

x

#41 Dress Ups Take Two - The Result...

In short, disheartening.

Not to mention somewhat alarming?

Via - Nicky Thomas

Here's a quick rundown.

I hate wedding dresses. (Ok this is a lie, because in fact I love a fair few of them, just none that are in any of the shops here, and none on the internet that are within budget.)

It would seem that people who work in bridal shops must first obtain a masters in how best to look down their noses at customers?

It turns out I can't count, and our wedding is 2 months closer than what I was thinking...

I have been informed that when it comes to dresses, you can count December and January out. My Wedding Dress will need to be completely fitted and ready by the end of November before everyone closes up shop.

Mocha is exceptionally good at letting me have a panic attack and making sure I'm laughing enough about it to come out the other side!

But yeah. Officially freaking out that I have been stuck in a wedding rut for so long and am now so far behind in all our preparations ie: Save the Dates, that due to the number of interstate and o/s guests, I wanted to have sent out 4 months ago... AND when I tried to get stuck into them the other day, realised that my plan was a flop and now needs a total rethink? Eek.

Among about a hundred other things...

How did this happen?

Help me universe! Help meeeeeeee!!!

x

#40 Dress Ups - Take Two...

Tomorrow I'm going with Mocha (my MOH) to play dress ups :)

Via - pxlshots

Last dress up mission, whilst a most interesting mixture of absolutely hilarious and disheartening, was not particularly successful... Fingers crossed for better luck this time!

It's exciting, but I've noticed that I have a bit of the whole ' champagne tastes on a milkshake budget' thing going on?

So whilst hopeful, I'm certainly not counting my chickens until I've found them on the dress rack. And tried them on. And get that feeling. If you know what I mean... ( Seriously, if you do - Congratulations!)

Wish us luck!!!

x

#39 Green?

Yes. Yes they are. Even the right shade in fact.

Most appropriately named "Bells of Ireland"? Why yes, they are indeed.

And their meaning is? Apparently - 'good luck' (not that i'm paying heed to such things!)

Available in Australia? No idea...

But I think they are a bit interesting. In a good way.

Also found out that Chrysanthemums (see previous post) are the flower of my birth month. I find that randomly amusing.

Totally lazy post from me? Check.

#38 My Little Flowerzilla

I am the eldest of the bunch that is my family.

No, the vague bananas reference is not entirely unintentional...

My youngest sister -Miss I- is a wee thing of only 4 years old & being so much younger than the rest of our family, she often 'speaks old'.

We recently asked her to be a Flower-girl at our wedding.

Here are some exerts of that conversation... (Please indulge me & imagine a "Charlie & Lola" induced British accent & incredibly matter of fact tone as you read?)

Me: So you know how 'Mr N' & I are getting married?

I:Yes.

Me: Well that means we will have a wedding, do you know what a wedding is? Have you ever been to one?

I: Look, I've read about them in books & I've seen them in movies, so yes, I know what they are.

Me: So then you probably know how there is a path, & 'Mr N' will stand at one end to wait for me, & before I come to meet him, some of my friends who will be called Bridesmaids will walk down the path & also some children who will be called Flowergirls?

I: (Most impatiently) Yes Yes yes, I've seen it in a MOVIE ok?

Me: Well Mr N & I were wondering if perhaps you would like to be a Flowergirl at our wedding? (In all honesty, I'm expecting some excitement at this)

I: Look 'C', it's yours & 'Mr Ns' wedding, so really, it's your choice ok? Do whatever you want?

Me: We already spoke about it & we would love you to, if you would like to?

I: Hmmmmm...................... Look 'C', I'm just not sure. I'll have a little think about it & get back to you ok? I can't decide right now.

Me: Ok, well there's plenty of time, you don't need to decide right now, but just so you know, you would get to wear a beautiful dress too...

I: I might just want to watch? I might not want to walk. I might just like to watch everyone else. Me: If you did decide to, & you don't have to decide right now, you wouldn't have to do it by yourself - interrupted-

I: I just don't know who I would do it with? I'm not sure who would want to do it...

Me: Well there will be other children & you would get to meet them before hand & all walk down together...

I: Look, 'C', I'll think about it, it's a lot to think about & I just don't know how I will feel on the day. I might just want to watch....

(A photo of Miss I on her last visit to see us)

And tonight talking on skype with her & the eldest of my younger siblings, my sister E.

E brought it up again & asked her of she had decided yet, & did she realise that it would be with her since E will be a Bridesmaid. I chimed in here with the info of what colour dress she will (?) be wearing, this particular colour, she excitedly informed me, was her most VERY favourite. After a little think she proclaimed, to E -

"Look, if you go? I'll go. If you will do it? Then I will do it."

There was then some discussion about flower petal scattering & whether or not it is allowed at our venue & the possibility of carrying something else for me, (I'm keeping secrets) at the suggestion of this she firmly put her foot down.

" No no, I don't really like ___?I'll carry flowers down instead. Yep. I'll carry some flowers. Like this (hands clasped in front)."

I then entered into delicate negotiations with Miss I regarding what would & wouldn't be carried/worn/done.

Uh oh....

What room is there for Bridezillas when there are Flowerzillas about?!?!

I don't have a hope. So there goes that plan eh! ;)

So. If someone turns up in our wedding photos dressed as nemo...or an elf...or a horse... no explanation necessary right?

x

#37 Tea For Two

I find this to be utterly delightful.

And also somewhat amusing.

Which results in me find it even more delightful.

In short? Yes. This delights me.

Via crazyfortea (naturally!)

#36 Trashing the Dresses Angelsmith Style!

I have been most suprised to find how many people have not heard of Trash the Dress sessions...

I first heard about them years ago & I think it's an absolutely fabulous idea.

Our gorgeous, sweet, hilarious & INCREDIBLY talented photographer Karalee of Angelsmith Photography recently shot this session with a twist - not one, but 2 beautiful brides!

Below is just a tiny portion of the shoot & more loveliness can be seen on the Anglesmith website (follow the link below this snippet of sneak peek).

A huge Thank You to the stunning brides Amy & Kat, & to the enviably amazing Karalee for letting me bring these to show and tell ;)

Via Angelsmith Photography

Breathtaking indeed.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the concept???

x

#35 Once Upon a Time

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places.

Once upon a time i found love in a news agency.

And I guess you never know your luck because once I found it waiting for me on the footpath at the bus stop too.

Luck must know where I live hey?

And that I don't drive.

x

#34 Men in Grey

It would seem I'm on a roll (or not?!) with the dad jokes?

I think I *ahem* we have decided on grey suits.

This kind of pale shade of grey.

I have however, discovered that I am a little (ok a lot) suit ignorant?

There's so much to learn!

So apparently you can wear either brown, black or grey shoes with a grey suit.

I'm thinking that perhaps grey shoes could have a leaning towards being very...white shoe-ish though?

I haven't seen anyone, either about the place or in photos wearing brown shoes so I'm not sure what i think about that, and I'm thinking that black shoes look good - but do you think that means that you have to wear a black tie as well???

What would you think of a green tie? And would you think a charcoal grey tie would also be ok?

And that's not even getting into morning suits, dinner suits, yadda yadda yadda...

Not that I care too much what you are 'supposed' to do? hehe

I have a preference for the suits to be quite casual I guess, or maybe I mean semi-formal?

I've talked Mr N down from tuxedo-ing it at any rate.

I love vests. I love skinny ties. I love braces. I love hats?

So! What I would like to know, is what your preference is for a wedding suit - both in colours and styles???

#33 Toppers that take the Cake...

Ooo dad joke much?

Now don't get me wrong. I like the top of cakes.

There's sometimes icing there - that's fun.

There's sometimes nice stuff written there - that's nice & sweet (even if your name is spelt wrong)

There's sometimes candles there - that can be fun depending how many there are & whether they are those type that make you laugh once because they won't blow out & then just make you angry when they continue to not blow out & then require everyone else add their spit to the cake below & then make the kitchen bin catch fire 3 hours later.

I also like the crust sort of bit on the top of cakes as long as it isn't a dry cake. I like when it's a bit chewy?

I'm not sure about cake toppers. I've seen some lovely ones but for whatever reason, it just ain't my thing.

So, I like them? But don't want one.

I want cake toppage. Half a cake just won't do after all! Cake toppers & 'top of cake decoration' - a fine line? And yet at the same time, somehow very different?

Do you like them? Did you have one/Will you have one? What do you think of the different styles? ie: Couple vs Animals vs Initials

Here are some pretties anyhow...

These first ones are paper can you believe?! Nifty.

Via Etsy - concarta

Via Etsy - urastarhouse

Via Etsy - danceswithclay

The birds are super cute I reckon, & I do like a lot of bird weddingness that I come across, the thing is, birds=wedding...why? That's a whole post unto itself though. Oh the perplexment!

P.S My lack of posts of late. I wasn't giving you lovelies the silent treatment I swear, we moved house and phone companies suck. You know? Course you do. hehe

xxx

#32 Chrysanthemum (umumums)

Green ones.

I love them.

Everything about them.

Actually, I wish their name was a little easier to remember how to spell...

But other than that!

We go to the markets on the weekends & there is a brilliant florist there that often has them.

I don't usually buy flowers (for myself) but sometimes I have a moment of weakness & buy a bunch of these little darlings...

I LOVE the shape of them & the 'pop' of the colour.

I'm thinking of including them someplace along the way as well as basing our highlight of green on this shade...

#31 Booked!

Big news. A fair bit of it really!

So firstly, we have officially (Finally - Thank goodness she has the patience of a saint) booked Karalee from Angelsmith Photography.

It took us SO long to get around to it, even though we pretty much decided as soon as we saw her work, & decided for certain when we met her way back in November :s

Thank goodness she didn't kick us to the kerb 'eh?

Thank you Karalee!

This weekend just past, we booked our venue.

This is hugely exciting, both because I was starting to feel fairly stressed that nothing ticked all the boxes & even at a compromise the dates were so filled up for next year...

Also, this venue, is the very first i looked at - fell in love with - but we thought we wouldn't be able to afford it.

Having gone over our guest list a few times since then, we didn't realise we had made enough changes to effect our ability to choose this venue until Mr N's parents heard of the place from someone else & re-suggested it...

We decided that it best not to delay given it's popularity so on the fantastic recommendations it has received & the mother outlaw having visited, We booked it.

So here it is, both our ceremony & reception venue - Glen Ewin Estate!

I don't want to give too much away about the decisions we make because I still want there to be suprises for our guests on the day, so I think one photo from afar will do ;)

We have decided to go with Glen Ewin's partner caterers, D&G Catering.

They seem very flexible & receptive to our ideas which is fantastic - because we have a few!

Looking forward to talking menus :)

Lastly, we have changed our wedding date.

It was a hard decision, given that the original date since was our anniversary & contained both our lucky numbers, but it wasn't available at Glen Ewin.

Also, our original date fell on a Sunday, which isn't the most practical for our interstate guests - of which there are a significant number - whereas now the date falls on a Friday which should be a lot easier for them & also makes it possible for them to get cheaper flights before the weekend begins.

So our new & final wedding date is : Friday 11th February 2011

Lots of my lucky number now! hehe

Annnyhow, in my excitement I have babbled on.

I'm just so relieved to have these things booked & not be feeling stressed about them anymore.

Back to all the fun stuff :)