Our Engagement Story

Just Us

Our engagement story isn’t as romantic as some, but it is very us. In fact, it’s probably perfect.

Every year, on our anniversary, we treat ourselves to a little trip away. On our 6th anniversary, we had a short city break in Nottingham.

Nottingham was h2b’s idea. He was inspired by the Robin Hood theme, and had ideas about going to Sherwood Forest. He booked a city centre hotel, very convenient, but what h2b didn’t realise is that Sherwood Forest is 21 miles outside of Nottingham.

He knew I’d love to be proposed to in the middle of an Autumn forest.

Our Photobooth Project

H2b’s Update!

It seems my w2b has been blogging about this photobooth I’m making. I think I should let you know what’s going on.

We have chosen the frames to hang photos and for guests to put their heads through, they’re leaning up inside the living room ready to appear on the booth.

A Bottle of Pop

I’m Like a Bottle of Fizzy Pop!

I am excited about marrying my h2b. So excited, more excited than I can express! When I think about it my heart starts pounding, my face breaks out into a huge smile and I get a little light headed!

H2b is an amazing, wonderful man! He makes me happier than I have the words to describe! He is so talented, patient, kind, loving; he’s the absolute best! Which is lucky, because I’m marrying him.

I’m so proud of h2b, I love introducing him as my fiancé.

There are so many different elements of the wedding that I’m super excited about.

Being Married to H2b

Obviously, the whole point of this song and dance is to be married to my h2b. I’m excited about being his wife, I’m excited that he’ll be my husband. It’s like a commitment, something to solidify our relationship.

Some people think there’s little point in getting married when you already live together but I think it’s nice. I feel as if it’s more permanent.

UPDATE!

I Just Saw My Bridesmaids’ Dresses!

The bridesmaids dresses are in! I was really worried about the colour but I really like them! They match the colours of all the other items at the wedding, and the wedding flowers too!

Here’s a sneaky peek at three of the dresses. The colour isn’t quite right because of the lighting at the shop, but it’s close enough.

I hope my bridesmaids like them. Lilac isn’t to everyone’s taste, but they did choose the style of dress.

As I said in a previous post, I chose two styles of dresses and gave my bridesmaids the option of choosing two different dresses but the all chose the same, which was fine too.

I really do hope they like them. I’m really pleased with how they turned out. I was really worried they would look almost white but they were very strongly lilac. I just hope they’re not too pale for my bridesmaids.

Anyway, sooooo exciting! I text h2b to tell him I loved the dresses and he said, ‘everything is falling into place’ and it is! Yay!

Toilet Baskets

164 Days to Go!

Our toilet baskets were delivered a few days ago so yesterday, while Dad was over helping with his fantastic handwriting, I decorated the toilet baskets! My little brother helped too!

I’m really pleased with the toilet baskets! I didn’t want anything too expensive because when it comes down to it, I am just leaving them in the toilet!

H2b and I have been discussing what we are going to include in our loo baskets. I think it would be more useful if h2b was in charge of the men’s basket and I take the ladies’ one.

Christmas Wedding

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

If I wasn’t having an Easter wedding, I’d have a June wedding, but if I didn’t have a June wedding, I would love a Christmas wedding.

We were looking around venues at Christmas time and they were all decorated ready for a Christmas wedding.

I was so tempted to change our wedding date to Christmas, with all the warm colours and rich decorations, it was difficult not to want a Christmas wedding.

Christmas weddings can be as expensive as peak time weddings however, everyone will already be in a party mood and will be more willing to meet up. Many employers have a longer holiday allowance at this time of year so guests can be more flexible.

Of All the Seasons: Spring

Why Did We Choose Spring?

Our wedding is in five months, two weeks which means that it will be in spring!

There are a few reasons why we chose a Spring wedding.

Cost

My main idea was that a Spring wedding would be cheaper than a summer wedding. I am constrained by school holidays so that a honeymoon wouldn’t be much cheaper than the summer, but the other costs would be marginally cheaper. Flowers, cars and venue are all more expensive during peak times.

Also, depending on when the Easter school holidays fall, a Spring wedding could be off peak. Weddings between October – March (excluding Christmas) are cheaper than weddings from April – September.

No Updates!

It’s All a Bit Slow…

The main benefit to planning my wedding two and a half years before W-Day is that it’s a very relaxed, easy way to plan. I have lots time to change my mind, to find the best suppliers, to look around and book things. I have the piece of mind that everything is ready well in advance.

I can lie back and relax!

The only thing is that it’s not terribly exciting. I can go weeks at a time and not do anything wedding related! With 5 months, 13 days to go I would have thought I’d be doing some more wedding related things but it’s not happening.

More Cake Pops

Make Your Own Cake Pops

Cake pops are becoming the new wedding cakes. With sweet buffets becoming more and more popular with modern brides, cake pops are the perfect accessory.

We were in Hobby Craft the other day and h2b found the cake making section. There were heaps of tools for making your own cake pops! And on the internet, I found not on the high street.com which had a cake pop making kit.

The perfect, homemade touch to any wedding, cake pops are stylish, modern and are in small portions which is perfect for weight conscious guests.

Photo Booth

Do It Yourself!

H2b has decided to have himself a project! He is going to make our photo booth!

We had hoped to borrow my friend’s fantastic photo booth however she has sold it, but I’m not surprised! It was such a fantastic idea! I’m sure we’re not the only ones who wanted it!

I have posted before about what a fantastic idea it was at my friend’s wedding and how much fun we had being a part of it. There’s a video on You Tube that will show you the photo booth in action. Soul Bird Photo did a fantastic job!

175 Days to Go!

A Quick Update

Things are progressing nicely!

I’m still waiting to hear from the florist I liked with a quote for the wedding flowers but other than that, things appear to be sorted!

I’ve been measured for my dress, my bridesmaids have been measured for their dresses. My niece is just about to be measured for her dress.

I’ve sourced a bulk buy of sweets for the wedding favours and have made all the seating cards. I just bought some more ribbon and sequins to make the seating plan, but obviously I can’t start that until all the RSVP’s are in.

Stationary Questions

All You Need to Ask Your Stationer

Choosing your stationer can be very difficult. Every stationer has a different style, look and design ideas.

They also have different price ranges, from your very simple invitation starting at about £2.50, to a more complicated design with lots of inserts at about £12.50, or more!

But what to ask and where to start can often be a mystery. I’ve collected as much research as I can to help you through the minefield that is wedding stationary.

Top Questions:

1. Can I see a sample?
   Samples of work are essential! They will show you how much time and care your stationer will take over your invitations and also what sort of styles they have on offer.
   They will have samples of work at wedding fayres and exhibits, but even so, ask for samples of the invitations in your colours.

Here’s How It’s Going to Go

A Very British Wedding

I’m a British girl, h2b and I are having a very British wedding, with a few hints of Chinese.

Our wedding will have three main elements: the ceremony, the wedding breakfast, the evening reception but there are other elements that guests won’t necessarily see.

What to Wear?

As a Guest or Even as Mother of the Groom!

The bride has an outfit, the bridesmaids are all coordinated. Even the groomsmen have a cravat and suit, but as a wedding guest, how do you know what to wear? Even the mother-of-the-groom can get stuck at times.

The Mother-of-the-Groom

It is traditional that the mother-of-the-bride should buy her outfit first to set the tone of the outfits, however that is somewhat old fashioned and doesn’t make sense for this day and age. It’s best to just be flexible and open minded.

The mother of a British groom will often wear a similar style of outfit to the mother of a British bride.

When choosing an outfit, it is best to find something that is fitted and suits you.

Wedding Fayre Oct 2011

Chillington Hall

H2b and I went to a wedding fayre at Chillington Hall today.

Chillington Hall is a gorgeous venue anyway. The only reason we didn’t book was because we didn’t want a marquee, however now we’ve seen the marquee we were thinking it’s fairly spectacular!

There were all sparkly lights in the ceiling with amazing candle chandeliers hanging down. There’s a balcony terrace type area outside the marquee that just looks amazing.  

H2b and I were really thinking about our wedding choices but I think our wedding will be special because it’s for the two of us!

The Exhibitors

The Flower Shop

We went to the wedding fayre mainly to see the florist that I really liked, The Flower Shop. The flower displays were absolutely amazing, they had every different style from the tall, graceful and striking displays to the gorgeous short vases that I like. They had different styles of bouquet and boutonniere, and even an large urn with a fantastic display at the top.

Invitations!

How to Address Your Invitations:

There are a number of different ways to address your invitations. Some are formal, some are from the bride’s parents and some are from the bride and groom. Below are some examples to help you for invitations:

Formal, the bride’s parents:

Bride, groom and parents:

Casual and fun:

Bride and groom informal:

Wedding and reception at the same venue:

Good luck choosing your wording!