Storyboard & Fairytale Wedding Invitations

I've absolutely fallen in love with storyboard and fairytale invitations! It is a fantastic opportunity to give your guests an insight into how you met, how you romanced each other and how you came to be planning your big day.

By supplying the stationer with some details about your story and relationship they will create a unique, fun and quirky story line to entertain your guests and make your invitations look amazing.

I have found three companies that do such an amazing job that I myself have contacted them for quotes and I can't wait to hear back from them. I thought I'd be generous and share my fantastic findings with you.

Please meet Gorgeous Invites. These guys are based right here in the UK which is handy as most of these creative type companies are based on Etsy in the U S of A.

Next up is the very talented Be Mine Designs, also based in the UK.

And last but definitely not least is Anthologie Press who you can find on Etsy. Jen is located in the US but she happily ships to the UK. Her work is so brilliant that dealing with shipping costs would be worth it.

I hope you've enjoyed my findings and I would love to hear about any of yours..

Much love

T x

Decoration Ideas - Bride & Groom Champagne Flutes

I came across this cute idea when I was browsing the Confetti catalogue which, by the way, I would recommend any bride 2 be reads for great ideas and wedding inspiration. The top picture is of the gorgeous toasting flute wraps which can also be used for napkin rings but any of these flutes featured would make a great addition to the top table, setting the mood for the 'Just Married' bride and groom.

Much love

T xx

A List Of My Favourite Wedding Songs

Hello hello,

I haven't quite figured out in which categories I would put these songs (walking down the aisle, first dance, wedding video etc) but here is a list of songs that touched my heart when i listened to them.. and almost made me shed a tear. Boy do weddings bring out the emotion in me. Enjoy!

Please send me your favourites, I'd love to hear them!!

Much love

T xx

Far Longer Than Forever - Jeffrey Osborne & Regina Belle

Not only is this a beautiful song, it is from the Disney movie The Swan Princess so can add a special fairy tale touch to your wedding day.




You & I - Michael Buble

I just love Michael Buble, his voice and music is just so romantic and sensual.


Thousand Years – Christina Perri

This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes and make my heart skip a beat. Just gorgeous. Twilight made it famous.. but my sister claimed it as her walk down the aisle song years ago. Haha. Bit upset that means it's off the cards for me but then again I don't want to be a sobbing mess when walking down the aisle. ;-)


Marry Me - Train

Such a sweet catchy song.



Rest Of My Life - Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars Marry You is a great, fun song but I feel could be a bit over done.. here is one of his songs that is a bit off the radar.



I'm Yours - Jason Mraz

I will never get tired of this song.. I simply love it and always will!

Funny, Romantic, Classic and Unique Wedding Cake Toppers

Hello Hello..

I am in the process of moving my blog and all of the posts from Wordpress to Blogger which is proving to be time consuming and to make up for my lack of posts I wanted to share some of these incredible cake toppers I came across from Confetti. They have every kind of cake topper you can think of and they would be a great addition to any wedding cake.

Enjoy!!

T xx

Happy Valentines Day!!

I hope everyone has had and is having a wonderful and romantic Valentines Day celebrating your love with your lurrrrved ones. I myself am one LUCKY gal.. aside from Mr A waking up terribly ill, he still managed to spoil me rotten.. once again! I would have been a happy girl to just be able to spend this romantic day together, go for a nice breakfast and a walk along the river in the gorgeous sun (that decided to show it's face today) and then go for the special dinner we had planned at C London. BUT.. Mr A was unable to shake off the bug and has been sofa ridden all day. I spent the day at the gym and running around trying to find stuff to make him better, he's only just starting to get some colour back in his face now so as you might have guessed.. our dinner reservations were cancelled. Sounds romantic.. I know!

Not to worry.. as George Clooney said.. "I don't think you need a special day to tell people you love them". So as nice as it would have been to hop on the Valentines train and act like hopeless romantics all day, my fiance and I find special ways every day to let the other know how much we love them and we always fit in quality, hopeless romantic time together as well. So really it would have just been another 'day in the life' so don't you worry, we will be making up for it.

Anyway, back to the spoiled rotten bit. Although Mr A was feeling like death and all of our plans had to be put on hold, he still managed to make the day special and make me feel like a Princess (as every girl should when they've found their Prince). Slowly throughout the day I received little gift by gift, it was like a Mary Poppins bag of Valentines gifts. First I was given the most beautifully written card and a cute little red package to open, when I ripped it open I found this inside..

One of the cutest books I've ever seen.. 'London for Lovers' by Sam Hodges & Sophie Vickers. The blurb reads 'For first dates and soul mates, long term Londoners or just visiting.. London for Lovers freewheels through the capital to find you through a few hours that could change everything'. This book is incredible, it literally goes through the city of London and takes you through some amazing date days and nights out including hidden secrets and famous landmarks. A brilliant read and a great find.. huge points to Mr A.

Then I kissed the fiance on the head and set off to run my errands.. when I returned home with a bag full of medicine in tow there was a stunning bunch of flowers awaiting me on the kitchen table. No Mr A did not do a Superman and miraculously fly out to get these himself, he had arranged for them to be delivered.. too sweet!!

While I started taking my Instagram shots of my lovely gifts he then appears with a bag of goodies.. it was the sweetest thing and it was like a showbag.. who doesn't LOVE showbags. So I started pulling out gift after amazing gift.. and this is what it looked like. Spoiled right?!?

Chocolates, chocolates and more chocolates, a tea light candle holder full of a bag of mini marshmellows (YUM), a mini hot water bottle hand warmer (my hands are always freezing) and a diamond ring key chain. So amazing and so thoughtful in everyway.. one very lucky girl right here.

Charbonnell Handbags and Heels Chocolate

I couldn't help myself, the handbags and heels chocolates were demolished. Anyway.. that was not the end, he then comes out with ANOTHER bag. This one was home to a treatment voucher for The Grove which is a stunning estate complete with spa, restaurants, bars, afternoon tea etc. Mr A received a voucher for The Grove for his birthday so we will be able to enjoy a spa day there together some time soon. Woop!

I wasn't the only one who was spoiled, I did my best to spoil my man as well.. not the easiest feat when he is feeling so poorly but I hope my pressies helped to cheer him up. I fell in love with this card immediately and snatched it up straight away, it was perfect.. I especially loved the hanging heart and key detail. Super cute. I picked it up from The Card Factory.



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY LOVE BIRDS!!

What are your Valentines Day stories? How were you spoiled or how did you spoil??

T xx

A Wedding Timeline

Hello beauties,

In amongst all of the wedding shows, dress fittings, wedding magazines and pinterest marathons it's easy to forget that in order to successfully organise a stress less or less stress wedding of your dreams we must stick to a schedule and complete tasks in good time so you (or your wedding planner) is not running around like a chicken with it's head cut off when the day grows quickly closer.

Your wedding might be 18 months away or 6 months away but in wedding years this translates to days since times flies by so quickly without us even noticing. Scary!! Not to worry, if you follow a trusty timeline that your wedding planner will supply you with (and make sure you're on top of) then all will fall into place.

Below is an example of a basic wedding timeline, a more detailed one would include dates and details specific to a particular bride. The wedding day has only a few tasks mentioned as this special day requires it's very own timeline.

Organising your wedding day should be fun and exciting, so enjoy every little bit of it.. and if things do start to get a little stressful then remember to take some time our for yourself. Run yourself a nice hot bath, organise a spa day with your bridesmaids, go on a shopping spree.. just forget the wedding planning for a short while and you can come back to it with fresh excitement and a clear mind. Otherwise, just hand it ALL over to your wedding planner. ;-)

If you would like some assistance creating a timeline for your wedding day please get in touch.. I'd only be too happy to help, complimentary of course. 

Much love

T x

Wedding Timeline

8 - 12 Months Before Wedding……………………...…………………......

	Decide on a wedding date and time
	Decide on local church and contact to discuss possible dates
	Arrange to speak with the vicar/priest
	Divide and categorise expenses
	Decide on the type of wedding (Formal/Semi-formal/Informal)
	Devise initial guest list
	Find location for reception
	Send ‘Save the Date’ cards
	Select and inform a bridal party (bridesmaids, maid of honor/groomsmen, best man)
	Find a photographer
	Find a videographer
	Arrange wedding insurance
	Give notice of marriage to the local register office
	Contact register office in district where marriage is taking place. This is to ensure registrars are available.

6 -8 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Discuss and select colour theme
	Shop for bridal gown and matching attire (shoes, veil, jewellry, garter etc)
	Find a caterer (food and drinks)
	Find a band
	Find other entertainment (fireworks, magician, giant gameboards etc)
	Find a florist
	Arrange ceremony and reception music
	Compile names and addresses for the guest list
	Reserve accommodation for out of town guests

4 - 6 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………......

	Select menu with caterer
	Select drinks packages
	Order invitations and other stationary
	Shop for bridal party dresses/suits
	Plan and book the honeymoon
	Book wedding night accommodation
	Arrange and book transportation
	Plan wedding decorations and favours
	Confirm floral arrangements
	Order wedding cake
	Finalise arrangements for ceremony and reception
	Ensure all deposits are paid and contracts are signed
	Devise gift lift or wishing well
	Select readings/poems
	Book a hair and makeup artist

3 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...………………...........

	Buy wedding rings
	Select gifts for bridal party, parents and helpers
	Buy guest book

 2 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Send wedding invitations
	Have hair and makeup trials (cut, colour, style etc)
	Begin making arrangements for rehearsal dinner

1 Months Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Confirm and finalise all aspects of the wedding
		Church and priest
		Reception venue
		Caterer (Food and drinks)
		Attire (Dresses/Suits/Accessories)
		Florist
		Cake
		Decorations
		Transport
		Accommodation (Bride and groom and other guests)
		Honeymoon
		Other suppliers
	Send suppliers and venues event schedule
	Have final dress fittings
	Pick up wedding rings
	Select relatives or friends for certain jobs (guest book, music etc)
	Devise seating chart
	Bride and groom to work on their vows (if writing their own)
	Discuss photos and/or arrange trial shoot with photographer
	Discuss requirements with videographer
	Discuss requirements with the band

 2 Weeks Before Wedding……………………...…...…………………......

	Post wedding announcement to be prepared
	Contact guests who have not responded
	Finalise seating arrangements and placecards

1 Week Before Wedding……………………...…...……………...……......

	Pick up wedding gown, bridal party and grooms wear and accessories
	Reconfirm all suppliers and venues
	Send event schedule to bridal party and helpers
	Give final guest count to reception venue and caterer
	Wedding rehearsal
	Brief bridal party and other helpers
	Ensure all balances are paid
	Give rings to best man/ring boy
	Manicure and pedicure

 The Wedding Day…………………….……...…...……………...……......

	Hair and makeup
	Begin dressing 2 hours before the ceremony
	Ensure photographers capture the process

February Wedding Shows In London

Calling all London Brides.. There are two great weddings shows coming up this month that you can have a lot of fun at. Meeting potential suppliers, getting some fabulous inspiration, watching catwalk shows, trying on dresses, sampling goodies and more.

In date order the first one to grace London is The UK Wedding Show.



The Show: Taking place at the UK’s fastest growing venue, this show will have over 120 stands at our 2013 exhibition. An extended area will be used which will enable the provision of more facilities for our visitors than ever before, including a new Coffee Bar and an extended Champagne Bar. National and local suppliers will be displaying an extensive range of items, with designer pieces and bespoke packages provided by several companies. Everything that a couple could need is here under one roof at this dedicated exhibition, with stunning fashion shows to watch, and a free goody bag for all of our visitors.

Here's one for you Brides.. Brides get to register for free entry Woo Hoo!

Date: Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th February 2013

Opening Times: 10.00am - 5.00pm

Price: £9 Advanced and £10 on the door.

Fashion Show Times: 12.00pm, 2.00pm & 4.00pm

Address: One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL

Venue Website: http://www.excel-london.co.uk/

The next show is a MUST for all brides to be.. It's The National Wedding Show.



The Show: Whether it’s inspirational ideas straight from the catwalk, expert tips and on-trend advice or the unrivaled range of dresses, nowhere else offers brides-to-be and their closest family & friends such an amazing, fun and stylish day out. Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life but it can also be stressful – that is why we have been working hard throughout the year to bring you a selection of 250 wedding experts and suppliers, enabling you to source all the products you need for your special day, all in one place. So whatever you are searching for and whatever your budget, The National Wedding Show has it covered: from bridal and grooms wear to florists, venues, photographers, cake designers, jewellers, wedding planners and honeymoon destinations.Our flagship show feature: the glamorous Catwalk Show offers insight and information on the latest fashion trends, not just for the bride-to-be but also the groom, bridesmaids and mother of the bride.The Vintage Area celebrates this growing trend for weddings with exquisite antique dresses to vintage-style flowers, décor and wedding invitations, culminating in a Vintage Café where you can unwind with a traditional afternoon tea. And to start the celebrations early, indulge yourself and party with a glass of bubbly and a delicious bite to eat in the Champagne Bar or VIP Lounge.

www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Date: Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th February 2013

Opening Times: Friday; 12pm-7pm, Saturday; 10am-6pm, Sunday; 10am-5pm

Price: Advanced - Friday £13.50, Sat/Sun £15.50, Child (5 - 15) £6.50, VIP £35, Weekend (Sat/Sun) £18, Friday Group (4 + people) £11.50, Sat/Sun Group £12.50.

On The Door - Friday £16.50, Sat/Sun £18.50, Child (5 - 15) £7, VIP £40, Weekend (Sat/Sun) £20, Friday Group (4 + people) £14.50, Sat/Sun Group £15.50. Buy tickets here.

Fashion Show Times: Friday – 12:45, 14:15, 16:00 Saturday – 11:00, 12:30, 14:45 Sunday – 10:45, 12:05, 13:45

Address: Hammersmith Road, Kensington, London W14 8UX

Venue Website: http://www.olympia.co.uk/

So get your bridesmaids, mothers, friends, aunties, cousins and everyone else together to make a girly day of it. I've already registered for my free entry at The UK Wedding Show.. ;-)

Do you know of any other Wedding or Bridal Shows that are a MUST DO??

Until next time..

T xx

The Perks of the Proposal..

Hello hello,

Extremely sorry for my lack of posts last week, I was completely consumed by making sure the fiance's 30th birthday party was all planned.. down to the last minor details. The party was on Saturday night just passed and it was incredible. As a host you don't get to experience the party as a 'party goer' but that in no way means we didn't have a good time because we absolutely did. The feedback we have had from all of our family and friends has been amazing, with our American friends proclaiming 'this party has made my London trip, whenever I think of London I will remember this party'. So Woo Hoo.. I succeeding in organising a fabulous 30th birthday party which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, especially the birthday boy. It's always such a great feeling!

We invited about 180 people and ended up having just over 100 guests. The venue we held it at was the Champagne Bar in Beaufort House Chelsea, London, the perfect private party venue. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and management team there, it is rare to find such hard working people these days but I definitely found them all hiding away in Beaufort House. Every single detail we had discussed was executed to perfection and if anything had to be changed (as it always happens at events) it was dealt with flawlessly. I highly recommend Beaufort House as a venue to anyone, whether it be birthdays, weddings and even children's parties. I went their during the day to sort out decorations and two of the function rooms were being used for kids parties.. they were screaming, singing, dancing, having an absolute ball. You can view their events page and information here.

I haven't finished bragging yet.. we have been lucky enough to receive an amazing engagement gift from my in laws to be. We are now the proud owners of a brand spanking new Magimix Nespresso coffee machine. Making a Barista worthy coffee could never be easier.

 

The Finished Result!

This is such a simple machine to use, it's a matter of filling up the water, selecting your coffee capsule, inserting it into the little slot at the top, putting milk into the frother/heater, put cup under nozzle and press the required button. With minimal cleaning involved as well, it is a welcome member to the household.

I actually look forward to making a coffee, I don't think I've ever experienced more perfect froth as well.. so fine, light and fluffy. It's simply delish!! I love a sprinkle of cinnamon on top as I don't like to use sugar and it keeps my sweet tooth cravings in check for the afternoon.

Great gift for engagements or perhaps for the wedding gift registry??

T xx

Top Tips For Newly Engaged Couples

Here is a list of 7 tips that newly engaged couples can start working on, whether your wedding is in 2 months or 2 years this list makes a great starting point.

Top tips for newly engaged couples | Gallery Story | National Wedding Show.

Wedding guru Kate Smallwood offers helpful advice on how to plan your big day

1. Tell the world

You’ve just got engaged - so shout it from the rooftops! Think about how you’re going to tell your nearest and dearest, and decide whether or not to have an engagement party.

2. Set your budget

Work out what you can afford to spend on your big day, allocate roughly what you’re going to set aside for each element and stick to it. Remember - it doesn’t matter whether you have £10,000 or £100,000. Fabulous weddings can be created no matter what you spend and going in to debt is NOT romantic.

3. Write an initial guest list

Before you can book anything, you need to know how many guests you’d like to invite. Sit down together and make a list. Chances are, your first list will be long and you’ll need to cut it down a little!

4. Make a date

You’ve said ‘yes’, now you need to decide when you’re going to say ‘I do’. Consider whether you’d like a summer or winter wedding and try to avoid key dates like bank holidays, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day - suppliers may be more expensive, and guests may have other plans.

5. Choose your engagement ring

Unless your fiancé has bravely chosen your ring already, you’ll probably be planning to shop together. Stick to your budget, do your homework and have a good idea of what you’d like before you splash the cash.

6. Find your venue

As soon as you have an idea of your guest list, start looking for ceremony and reception venues. Decide whether you’d like a civil or religious ceremony and get hunting.

7. Choose your helpers

You’re planning a wedding and you’ll need a little support along the way. Ushers, best man and bridesmaids are key, so think about who you’d like to share the experience with and pop the question.

Is there anything else you would add to the list??

T xx

The Proposal!!

On Christmas Eve of the year 2012 my gorgeous boyfriend (now fiance) got down on one knee and popped the famous question.

The Magical Moment!!

Yes that's right, he actually got me to take a photo of this unforgettable moment.

I'm not the easiest person to surprise and he even had to stop me from googling what I assumed was a Christmas Eve trail walk in Ashridge Forest, since the trail walk no longer existed. But I can honestly say the last thing I expected when we were both feeling under the weather, attempting a walk in the rain and wearing muddy welly's.. was a proposal. Best surprise ever!

The Story

We had driven to my fiance's parents house the night before Christmas Eve so we could wake up there and head into the forest for the supposed Christmas trail. We were not feeling too well, a bit stuffy and sniffy and his parents were acting a bit more crazy then usual but I just put that down to not feeling great. Unknown to me, Andy was desperately trying to get me out of the house so that (if I said yes) we could come back and skype with  my family in Australia before they went to sleep. My Mum had been kept in the dark but my Step Father was in the know since F had called to ask his permission a few weeks earlier.

So we head off in the car, dressed in muddy welly's and a big, warm puffer jacket, glad to be out of the crazy house and out into the fresh air. When we arrive at the forest I see a small house type of building at which a group of people with Santa hats were sitting and (as I assumed) eating mince pies and sipping hot drinks. Andy is just nodding and smiling along at my naivety, he points out that our trail walk starts down the path to the right.. and so we trod through the muddy wet grass with me none the wiser.

With no idea where we were actually going or what he was going to do, as the path was turning into a bend Andy stopped in front of the beautiful tree (as pictured), handed me the umbrella and declared he needed to wee (totally romantic, I know). As he disappeared behind the gorgeous tree I took my camera out to take a photo of the clearing and that is when he reappeared, spoiling the view of the photo I was trying to take. He then says to me 'What would you say if I said we weren't going on the trail walk?', not having a properly functioning brain and confusing me further my fiance, who hates having his photo taken then says 'Take a photo of this', and proceeds to get down on one knee. By this point I think my heart has stopped but I manage to take the photo anyway. Then my brain and voice kicks in 'What do you mean? What are you doing?!', Andy starts to walk towards me and proclaims 'I'm asking you to marry me!' and then for the second time gets down on his knee in the mud again. After a few more confused seconds or what felt like minutes I started screaming 'OF COURSE OF COURSE' and then my beautiful ring was slipped on my finger.



Back at the house my now in-laws, had wishfully prepared champagne. So that left us one thing to do.. Celebrate! We skyped my Aussie family and broke the news, they did shots, we drank champagne.. then we drank more champagne when the in-laws arrived back home.

Skyping with the Mother and Father of the bride.

Nothing prepares you for how amazing it feels to get engaged to the one you love, the excitement you feel when you break the news, show people the ring, tell them your proposal story and of course getting to use the word 'Fiance'. It rolls off your tongue and melts in your mouth like an amazing Malteser Bunny!



Now.. let the planning begin!!

T xx