Yay Yay Yay

Four. Months. Today. That is all I have to say.

The Journey Continues...

I thought I'd start with a favourite photo for me to remember my amazing engagement holiday.... no real reason except for that!

After a bit of a wedding lull, which was actually quite refreshing and gave us some time out, we've got back into it a bit more in the last few days, its becoming easier now that the big decisions are made, although still lots of fiddly bits to sort out and decide - but these are the good decisions like how many diamonds I'd like on my wedding band and what dessert we'd like to have!

Reality is starting to hit now and I'm getting really excited about the actual day.  I'm getting used to becoming Mrs Elliott - although that still looks very weird in print!  I'm walking myself through the day and many things are giving me big butterflies.  When my school friends booked their accommodation and when people talk about travelling up to the venue and what they are going to wear; it's really making me believe that this is actually happening and I'm getting married!  Its such a lovely, nerve-wracking, exciting, poo-in-my-pants scary feeling!

We've chosen the ties for the Groomsman which are really stylish,  We've got a good idea about what wedding rings we'd both like and we're moving forward with our invitations now ready for send out late November/early December. 

Tom is going to sort out the honeymoon details, as this is something that I would like to hand over to him and trust that he'll choose us somewhere fantastic, which I know he will.  He did an unbelievable job with the engagement so I know I'm in safe hands (Tom - no pressure!)  It's going to be so amazing just to get away from it all for a couple of weeks and totally relax as newly weds.  I'm going to change my passport before we go so that I can travel as Mrs Elliott - I can't wait!

We have our menu tasting on my birthday!  The venue have a really cool way of doing menu tastings as they invite everyone who is having a wedding in the next 6 months to the venue for an evening, where the barn is set up for a wedding so you can see what it will look like, decorated etc.  They then lay out lots of different dishes from canapes, starters to mains and desserts for us to look at and try.  The wine flows freely and you can buy any other wines on their list for half price to try at a later date.   They have warned us not to eat much beforehand as its a massive feast.  I can't wait for this birthday treat - very original this year.

Helen xxx

Woooooooooooowwwwoooh - my planning is on fire.....

We are on fire at the moment, with regards to planning that is! All the important things are booked or in progress - I think! My dress is being made as we speak, it’s going well and the clock is ticking away. Less than five months to go until our big day!

I got a beautiful invitation through the post yesterday from Rachael and Victoria for my Hen Party - I don't know any more details as I've just handed it over to them and left myself in their hands; I cannot wait!  It will be really nice to spend some girly time with my friends and family.

I've become the haggling queen and I don't think that me and Tom have booked anything yet without asking for a discount or added value and we've got some absolute bargains - It really is true that as soon as you say the W word that prices are just hiked up for some reason.  Asking for a discount isn't as bad as I thought it would be and Tom has given me some good tips on things to say and do.

We've found a lovely florist that will do the majority of our flowers.  Everyone seems to think that it's hilarious that I want a giant white pouffy ball bigger than my head.... but that's what I'd like and apparently as I'm the bride - that's what I can get!  Our flowers are going to be hot pink gerberas and white roses, we're not too sure in what combination yet but it's a definite work in progress.  Hair and Make up is also sorted.  Tom's found me one of his old school friends; Sam, who is a make up artist to the stars - I've had to cut down on hair budget to afford her but she looks great and I want my make up to last all day so hopefully she'll be good.

We went back to the Church and to the Venue and it reconfirmed our decisions; they are both so beautiful and its going to be magical spending our wedding day at them.  We tried some of their delicious canapes and had a chat to some of the staff at South Farm, everyone was really friendly.  We had a look round the cottages and the bridal suite took my breath away - gorgeous!

So left to do now:  Honeymoon, Men's suits, Rings, Flower girl dress, lingerie and honeymoon outfits, (of course!) Gift List, Invitations and then the fiddly organisational bits which can mostly be done in January - we are well and truly getting there.....

The nightmares have also begun!  Anyone who’s been through a wedding of their own will know what I mean. I can only imagine they’re going to get worse too! Others have been having them to apparently:  Vic told me that she dreamt that Tom's mobile rang during the ceremony and she got told off when she had a go at him for answering it - hilarious!

Love Helen xx