Honeymoon

We've decided on our honeymoon!

We're going to see the Northern Lights in Jeris, Finland.  We're planning on husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, eating sausages cooked over an open fire whilst in the middle of nowhere and soaking in the picturesque sights from the sauna (in our log cabin) and jacuzzi which is down by the lake.  

Image courtesy of Winter Wedding Company
Northern Lights

We're booking through the Winter Wedding Company who are tailor making our package which enables us to decide which activities we'd like to do while we're there which is ideal as we're asking guests who would like to buy us a gift, to contribute to the activities.  Basically, the more contributions we're lucky enough to receive, the more activities and memories will be able to be made!

To Update You & a Bonus - A Cheap, Easy DIY Wedding Decoration Idea!

I know it's been over a month since my last post but it has been such a hectic time so please forgive my absence.  Firstly, and as my last post explains, I had to see to my poorly dog Barney (who is now in doggy heaven) as well as try and train up our new puppy Dudley.  He's such an obedient and clever dog but he has a problem with nipping our hands which I'm really trying to get him out of the habit of doing.  Secondly, it's been Christmas and with me having such a big family, it's been a busy period of parties, cooking, get-togethers and socialising.  

So I hope whoever is reading this had a lovely Christmas and I'm sending wealth, health and happiness for the New Year.

My beautiful engagement ring which
Mr S picked out all by himself!

In the midst of indulging in the seasonal festivities, Mr S and I took a trip into our local jewellers and chose our wedding rings.  I did toy with the idea of having a traditional plain white gold band but in the end I decided it didn't compliment my engagement ring so have chosen something a bit more special.   I'll not show it just yet as I'd hate to jinx anything but the most important thing is that I love it and can't wait to wear it!  Mr S really surprised me with his choice but, to be honest, it is very 'him' and it's lovely.

Any Other Wedding Plug!

Just a quickie to urge all Brides to Be to visit one of my favourite wedding blogs; Any Other Wedding.  Clare, Anna and Aisling have, on many an occasion, had me in stitches with their quick wit and dry sense of humour which as you may have noticed, is right up my street.

From teaching us all how to honeymoon to naming me winner of their 'One of Kind Handmade Weddings' by Laura Maffeo and Colleen Mullaney' book (I haven't received it yet but I'm far too excited.  Seriously, even Mr S has told me to "chill out, it's only a book".  What does he know anyway (he'll definitely know about it come the Big Day when EVERYTHING will be handmade.  Check out my next post which will feature just a few things that I've made so far...and that's without the book!

My Prize!  Handmade Weddings by Laura Maffeo & Colleen Mullaney
A must for all Brides on a budget.

After being approached by a gypsy last week and saying "no" when she asked me to buy a lucky charm from her, I was told by most people (especially my grandma who was more than mortified with me) that I was destined for a lifetime of bad luck.  So that afternoon I entered AOW 's giveaway to try and prove everyone wrong.....TADAAA!*insert fanfare noises here* I'm living proof that saying "no" to a gypsy does not equal an eternity of bad luck and misery.

Thank you ladies for my fantabulous prize and for making me smile on what was a horrible grey morning!

Venue Hunt Over - The Next Step

Ok, so because me and my other half we're arguing over the 2 shortlisted venues, we booked to have a look around a 'mutual venue', i.e. a venue that neither of us had an opinion on or knew anything about so that we could compare it to our 2 shortlisted.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I wasn't too thrilled at the thought of looking around somewhere new but, both of us actually really loved it!  We are due to go for a taste session of the menu in just over a weeks time and if that goes well, we'll be putting our deposit down there and then. 

I still prefer my first choice but this new place ticks more boxes on keeping everyone happy so I'm very prepared to compromise.  The wedding co-ordinator was lovely too.  She got excited with me and even presented me with a table number holder she thought would fit in with my scheme and it was the exact ones I'd been looking at on the web - coincidence?  fate? Meant to be I think!

This new venue decorates the whole place including flowers, has a pianist to play through the wedding breakfast and can allow us to offer our guests a menu choice with no extra cost.  Add to that the convenience of hotel rooms for our family and friends to stay over should they wish.  We also asked for a few minor adjustments on the first quote that was provided and we've managed to save nearly £2000!  I'll share some tips in another post.

I'm very happy with our new found venue! Hurrah!

Now all I need is wedding insurance and because everything is taken care of by the wedding co-ordinator at our venue, I don't need to do anything else now for another 6 months, which will be to book the honeymoon.  The fiance had the say in this so we will be jetting off to the luxurious, white sand, crystal blue waters of the Maldives - a fine choice I must say. 

My sister has just recently gotten engaged too.  She is waiting 3-4 years before they get hitched but she is starting her planning now.  I am (or will be by that time) Matron of Honour which equates to more planning, stress and comforting her when the tears start, which, lets face it, is inevitable. 

Then in 7 months, it'll be time to start looking for The Dress....