Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Heavenly Scent

Have you selected your wedding scent yet? I am always in awe of the way a certain smell can transport you back to a different time or place. I am on the hunt for something truly timeless but unique, so that every time I remove the lid from the bottle, a waft of memories from that one special day fill my head with such clarity that it will feel like only yesterday I was floating down the aisle towards my beloved. Really – that’s exactly what I’m aiming for!

I tried the department stores and perfume retailers, but not only could I not find anything really exceptional – I want to be sure my chosen perfume will still be available in years to come.

I recently visited Peony in Hawthorn. A sensory delight, this boutique offers a well rounded selection of rare and exotic perfumes, including many French brands. Owner Jill Timms will even guide brides through the extensive Michael Edwards fragrance database to come up with a truly one of a kind scent.

Jill describes perfume as an unspoken conversation, and suggests that brides should avoid spraying their skin with the chosen scent, instead spray their veil and the underskirts of their dress for a more subtle effect. Another idea she suggested was to wash your wedding day delicates in the matching body wash! Who needs another excuse to buy the set?

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Dress rehearsal!

On Friday night I rolled into the CBD, eager to try on my beautiful dress again! After a quick glass of Prosecco at CA de VIN with future-sister-in-law, I met wedding dress designer extraordinaire Wendy Makin, her assistant Kelly and lovely Louisa from Brides of Melbourne.
This appointment was to take measurements once and for all.

So far I've been in to BOM in November 2008 - when we decided on the dress. I expressly requested to only have measurements and alterations done by Wendy and her team, so I was measured at the time but with plans for a remeasure.

Tamra came back with me - just for some pictures in January 08 and then Louise and Mum came for another appointment with Wendy in July 08 (when there was a teensy bit of a problem getting the zip up all the way - was it my winter coat? I certainly hadn't been doing any upper body strengthening and didn't have anything to show for it!).

Tonight I was solo.

The sample dress happens to be exactly my size and I was sad to see that it had a blue biro mark right in the front of the skirt, I wonder how many times it's been tried on now, 12 months down the track? I was pleased that the zip went straight up without a problem (in fact I've lost half an inch from my waist!)and Wendy graciously took some photos of my dress with my hairpiece. She also snapped a pic for herself - so the girls back up in QLD know who they're making the dresses for, how sweet!

So it's decided, the next time I visit (in March) I will be trying on my actual dress, and then last minute adjustments will be made including adding the lace to the front of the skirt and finishing the hem.

On the way out I ducked into im boutique just to check if the lingerie I'd seen in a fashion show earlier this year had arrived yet. I was in luck! The parcel had just arrived that afternoon and I would be the first to try it on!
It was all sized Small but I was game and entered the changeroom, whaddaya know? The brand is Christies from Italy. The chemise definitely did me more justice than the cami set - but ... what was this? Was I really about to spend how much??

Oh, there's a 10% discount for signing up as a member? Well.. that reduces the pain just a touch... it's available for layby too? Hmmmm ... well ... OK Let's Do it!!!

Turns out I copped a $58 parking fine - but that really pales into significance compared to the total I'm spending on this sumptious negligie - what's another $58??

I'm thinking of wearing it for some photos to give to Trav the night before our wedding...

Friday, November 13, 2009

Hi-Biscus!

I love the idea of a signature cocktail for our guest when they arrive at the reception, but didn't want the added expense - so once again I've got the perfect solution!




This is a gorgeous Australian flower which comes in a scarlet syrup, just perfect for arrival drinks don't you think? And the best bit is I can buy a jar of 100 for just $65 right here!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I feel a rush coming on

OK, we've got less than 7 months to go - let's just call it six as the lead up to Christmas will be a write off - things are starting to get interesting now! We actually HAVE to make some decisions and plan the finer details of our big day weekend and I'm getting excited!

I checked the 'tester' champagne stopper tonight and after 2 nights it has worked a treat, there was a strong hissss as I released the pressure and it tasted like I'd opened a new bottle. Just the way it should be. Of course, what sort of bride would I be if I didn't test this multiple times over the next few months? Don't worry, I'm sure I'll fit it in - in the name of research of course!

Speaking to our neighbours last night, we were offered another great piece of advice:

'Make sure someone has a list of guests you want photos with - you'll regret missing out on the opportunity and definitely won't be thinking about it. Get them to buddy up with the photographer and collect each guests to keep things moving.'

Another idea that they loved was making a hollow picture frame, about 1 metre square and having it make its way around during pre-dinners and the reception - everyone who got their photo taken had their name ticked off and also signed the frame as a keepsake. Love it! It's so much more flexible than the popular 'photo corner' concept that's getting popular. I think we'll be visiting the Cairns Bunnings store to pick up supplies for this one...

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Pop the cork!

I received the champagne stoppers yesterday - so quick! They are each packaged in a little white box, althought I might use some pretty organza bags on the day. I had to crack open a bottle of bubbly just to test one out!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Life Online

I wouldn't have half my ideas if I didn't have the internet (and of course my gals in the Wedding Central Forum)! Of course we all know it's a great place to find inspiration, but what about sourcing items? And then there's also the deals...oh the deals!!

Tell you what, I know I wouldn't have the same wedding (within the same budget) if it wasn't for my great relationship with the WWW.

Here's a few treasures I've found so far...

This is the stunning hairpiece I bought ... looks expensive doesn't it!


eBay - myfreerange

I found my dream hairstyle right here...


And we're having our Invites, RSVPs and Thank You's printed through Vistaprint - yes their deals really are
that good! Our glossy RSVP postcards were just delivered and they look wonderful...


We'll have the same style invitations but probably printed on the linen stock...


These were the other two photos we chose from...
 
Lookout
 
Sugar Wharf

Oh and can't forget the wedding favours for the gals - eBay again! I'll be placing clear stickers printed with our monogram on each one



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The morning after the night before

We'll be having an informal get together the morning after the wedding at the Villa's where we're staying. It will be a very laid back BBQ breakfast and I've just purchased the dress I can see myself wearing from Ampersander at the Made It online market...

Josephine Dress

...It's waiting at the post office for me to collect this Saturday!

around and around and around

So it goes - sometimes having too much time can be a challenge! If we'd only had the standard 12 months to plan our wedding, I probably wouldn't have changed my mind so much, I think this is why I've backed away from  the planning for a while.

When I first started daydreaming about colours, I tried out colourstrology - it's a fascinating way to find out your birth colour and match it to his - creating a truly unique theme. The colours we came up with were Gull Gray (me) and Molten Lava. If you find that your birth colours aren't exactly an idea colour combination, you could always consider your birth months - or even the date you first got together or got engaged etc. The best thing is that it also gives you the Pantone colour code, so you can make a perfect match. Here are some monogram combinations I tried out after reading Brianna Nicholes' wedding monogram tutorials...


But then, after deciding I really wanted cymbidium orchids, I found a more muted theme of cream and dusty pink and plum was to my liking. I sat with that for about the last 9 months until today I couldn't get my mind off this colour combination - and how much easier it would be to coordinate - and how much more fun and brighter it would be too. I also love the style of one particular wedding on The Knot website - it's Jen & Gabe's wedding and it shows how a preppy tone can be casual and classy all at once. Here's some of their inspiration...



Monday, October 26, 2009

All eyes on the groom

Travis and his mum went shopping on Saturday for his outfit! We'd both liked this look from the latest Bride To Be magazine - but unfortunately the supplier is a tailor based in Sydney - this is definitely out of our price range!

 

I wonder what he came up with?

Way back when...

Well I thought it might be a fitting time to post the ideas I had back in March...


 
 
 

Uh Oh

Ever since I saw To Catch a Thief earlier this year, Grace Kelly's flowy white strapless evening gown has been playing on my mind. But until today I never considered it for my wedding dress.
Problem is, my wedding dress is on order from Wendy Makin and half paid off by now!!

Wendy Makin - Sari Gown

Do you think I should go and try on this new style I like (which I can find at Harvey & Ella or Alex Perry)...








...or is it better to drop the whole idea now before I am really torn?


Friday, October 23, 2009

238 days to go...

Things are moving now! To keep with our broad 'summer holiday' theme, we've designed some old style postcards for invites and RSVP Cards, I''m not putting pictures up yet - it's still a secret!
I've narrowed the Victoria's Secret Convertible bridesmaid dresses down to 3 colours now, Sangria Wine, Blackberry and Berryliscious and sent snapshots to the girls to see what their pick is.
The dresses will be a gift from me and I truly want them to want to wear them again and again. Getting the colour sorted will really help with preparing the rest of the decorations.


I tried making Martha Stewart's Carrick Knot napkin rings last night and they're so easy and effective. Right - time to set up the DIY To Do List


Jan 2010 - Invitations (we're getting them printed by Vistaprint but they'll need the personal touch)
April 2010 - Fan programs (templates from Custom-Programs)
April 2010 - Dress converting - practice practice practice!
May 2010 - Welcome Packs
June 2010 - Napkin knots
June 2010 - Seating cards (well - parasols)


And of course I intend to persuade them with lots of wine, tea and yummy things!

Travis and his mum are suit shopping tomorrow, Marian can hardly wait - hope they check out Travellers Apparel in Collingwood.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

13 Really Good Reasons to have an Engagement Shoot


Our photographer Shaun Guest is coming all the way down to Melbourne from Port Douglas this January.

It could be our Christmas present for each other

We could ask if our parents would like to put towards it instead of a Christmas present

We could have some beautiful pictures together and with Rossi

We could go to Sirens Restaurant and sit on the deck – or in our booth, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, or the Docklands Cotton Mills

Or we could go back up to Macedon for the day

We could go to Acqua e Vino or the Sun Theatre

It will be heaps of fun

It’s a great chance to get comfortable with Shaun before our Wedding in June

We’ll only have this opportunity once

It will be heaps of fun

We’ll regret it if we don’t

We’ll only be engaged once


… do I need to keep going???

One inspired bride...

I didn't ever want to lock the wedding into a theme - but these are the two constant questions I get asked - What's your theme? What are your colours?

But now I think I've got just the right blend.

I needed something portable - don't want to be lugging tin buckets or elaborate candleabra's up in our luggage and I don't like the thought of just hiring it all. So paper will be my friend.  I've always liked the look of paper lanterns bobbing in the breeze and they'll definitely look the part at Lure Restaurant - so why not expand on this idea bit then?
I love these instead of the traditional pew bows - maybe white lanterns with deep pink or purple ribbons?





And then at the reception...



This can keep the summer holiday mood we want to create without being too strict, and for the reception decorations...


I love these colours together too!
We'll also have parasols for the photos - I can imagine it already...




Sunday, October 18, 2009

Nightmares

It seems that as soon as I get the wedding on the brain, I start to have some crazy wedding dreams - all of which end in Trav and I not getting married because one reason or another. i'm going to put this down to normal jitters - I mean surely after two years of planning there'll be nothing we haven't thought of, right?
I've decided to start recording any little piece of advice I get right here so let's start with Helen from work. She planned her English garden wedding from Melbourne so I'm sure she's qualified to help me ... "Whatever you do make sure you get a hair and makeup trial - you' don't need to be worrying about those details on the day"
This is handy -after already meeting with Kristy, my hair & make up guru from Blush I was happy to just try a few things with my hairdresser in Mebourne and bring up some pictures - but now I'm thinking twice.
My new friend Jen (Trav's workmate's Steve's wife) also offered this gem
"Just enjoy the time and don't stress about anything on the day - it will go so fast"

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Casual Elegance

With just over 8 months to go now it’s definitely time to start daydreaming again. I am regretting that I didn’t begin this blog when we were first engaged, but maybe I’ll get around to putting some memories on here soon. The girls on Australian Weddings Forum are always great to bounce ideas off so last week I put together my thoughts on centerpieces for the tables – that is if we have round tables. We hope to have a mini banquet menu at Lure, and I’ve found a few good ideas I thought I'd share if anyone else is decorating for a similar menu style.

I'd try to incorporate cymbidium orchids and maybe palm fronds or monsteria leaves into the arrangement, or get a slightly shorter lantern that will be suspended above each table. In both cases  the guests will easily reach the food and a clear view of each other. What do you think?










Monday, September 28, 2009

Spring (and love) is in the air

Port Douglas: Mostly Sunny. Warm. 29.

We were so excited to hear that our close friends David and Andrea are now engaged and it’s great to hear about other people’s ‘perfect’ weddings. We’ll be engaged 2 years to the day when we wed, and this certainly wasn’t because we’re planning an elaborate affair – we just thought it would be better to give everyone lots of notice and to take our time with the planning. This is working out so well for us and we’re not rushing or stressing about anything. Andrea and David hope to have a registry wedding and dinner with close friends next February, a simple, sophisticated affair.

Spring Racing Carnival is a great time to start looking at ideas for my hairpiece, I’m thinking about getting a piece of hair vine with Swarovski crystals and attaching it and feathers to a comb. I’d like to make it myself, but then again why would I when these Australian made beauties are ready to go?

Elena Serra






Stephanie Browne for Pink Frosting






Vivienne Feather Comb

Friday, September 11, 2009

Tie THE KNOT down under


Port Douglas Weather: Sunny. Mild. Breezy. 28.

Well all you long distance knotties – the countdown is on and in this October The Knot’s Australian site will be launched!
Finally we can all avoid the frustration of finding exactly what we want – but then realizing it’s not available to Australia. I’m looking forward to real Australian inspiration, how about you?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Spring in SA

Port Douglas: Light Rain Early. Mostly Sunny. Mild. Humid. 27.

It's been 2 weeks since my last post - because things were nuts at work with the AGM and then it was holiday time! I picked Trav up from Sunbury after his boys golf trip and from then on, I felt totally removed from work and everything else. We had such a great time with Aunty Maureen, we went shopping in Hyde Park and saw some lovely jewellery and a hairpiece for the wedding at Miss Martinis, visited McLaren Vale and the Barossa, caught up with Bob & Trish, Angela and spent the last night with Joan and Wayne before heading through Coonawarra to Portland for a night.

We both really enjoyed spending time with Maureen and she was thrilled to receive our wedding invitation and seeing us trying on our wedding rings.

I really enjoyed the weekend with the girls in Lorne, fell in love with the solid coffee table which I was told I might find at Erskine River Trading Co or Asian Tide. The living area was also just beautiful, I think I miss the sunlight in our home, the living area was 9 metres long.

Going back to the wedding - here are my hair muses, Naomi Watts and Jackie-O.



Monday, August 10, 2009

So much to tell...

Port Douglas: Mostly Sunny. Mild. 26.

What a brilliant weekend! On Friday morning I finally ordered a stunning silk kimono from Plum Pretty Sugar - I've been staring at this for months and have looked everywhere but couldn't find anything like it. I'm going to wear it when getting ready for our wedding next June.

Plum Pretty Sugar loungerie

Friday evening: we snuggled on the couch and watched 'He's just not that into you' - didn't love it.
Saturday: Spinning and body balance before giving 2 chinese girls a lift to Nicholson street. not something I often do but they seemed harmless enough and they thought the same of me The weather was just beautiful - I wore my new denim witchery skirt (See below), black leggings, cream polo and green 3/t cardi with my brown ruffled ballet flats and we both went out to Flair Menswear in Preston to look for some suit ideas for the wedding. We tried Ted Baker - not many to choose from that included waistcoats but left our details there just in case. A 2 piece suit was around $800 and there were a couple of nice light greys.
Across the road - Hugo Boss had nothing with waiscoats and prices were approx $100 higher generally. The assistant suggested we try Zegna in David Jones but when I read on their site that they are one of the 'oldest business families in Italy' I figured they were well and out of our price range.
With time to spare we had a look around DFO - Politix had a couple of options, but no vests, LOGO suggested we try in a couple of weeks when the spring/summer range hits the store - there are generally more waistcoats out then.
At Tarocash Trav spotted a light grey 2 piece with a lighter stripe through it in white and blue, it was very subtle and he said he really liked the look of it. No waistcoat of course and the suit was synthetic but we were a step closer. I really would like to get a wool or wool blend suit for him as it will be much more comfortable for a full day in the tropics - not to mention it will last a lot longer generally!
Here are a couple of style pics inspiring me right now (left one is from a Real Weddings mag last year)


On the train this morning a guy was wearing a similar suit to the one Trav liked and said he got it a Man to Man. Once there I discovered it was synthetic but was suprised at the range of 2 pieces pure wool or wool blend they had for less than $400. Still no waistcoats. Why bother? Well, on page 80 of the latest issue of Bride to Be is a real wedding look that we both loved, relaxed but sophisticated, by the beach in NSW. So I decided to go straight to the source - it turns out Matthew Lawrence Bespoke was responsible for that outfit but being based in Sydney he won't really be that helpful.
I'd really like to get Trav something special - Herringbone, Saba and Rhodes & Beckett all come to mind, I want him to feel extra confident on the day.

Saturday night we headed to the Rochester Castle in Fitzroy for Kate's birthday drinks, I wore my grey chiffon witchery skirt, black long sleeve scoop neck knit, studded belt and lace up boots - love that outfit!

Sunday I rode to work then met Trav at Docklands afterwards for a wind down drink - before spending an early evening in bed and then watching Little Miss Sunshine - did love it!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Veil or no veil?

Feeling better and back on board now! On Friday night Louise and Mum came along to my dress fitting at Brides of Melbourne. Funnily enough, it seems my back is broader than last November as the dress wouldn’t zip up all the way! Well if only there was something to show for it on my chest! I think I’m really going to have to wear a g for this dress, nothing else will do the trick!

We experimented with some feathers on the side of my hair – and the beautiful matching jewelry. I definitely want something poking out of my messy bun – and it’s looking like the birdcage veil is going to be overkill. Looking at the prices of the hairpiece and jewelry we agreed we could have fun making it ourselves instead. Now I’m thinking about having one or two orchids in my hair instead of the feathers – I wonder how many more times I’ll change my mind?

On Saturday I was working at Passionfoods when I experienced ‘opposite déjà vu’. A lovely lady asked me whether we have any vacancies and if it was worth her bringing her resume in – I said ‘this is exactly how I got the job’ so bring it in – you never know! She returned a minute later saying that her boyfriend though I was so nice she better remember my name – and that’s how I met Kristy with a ‘K’! Colleen was the lovely lady who passed on my resume - will the cycle continue?

Waiting for the train on my home that night, the girl next to me struck up a conversation – it turned out that she works at Brides of Melbourne and she recognized me from the night before! If only more people chatted with the person next to them, waiting time would go much faster.

After a long hot bath I had another restless night’s sleep and woke up with a headache, I tidied up, walked Rossi to get the paper and when I was in my own little world – taking washing off the line I turned around for some reason and there was Trav – standing in the doorway watching me! Finally he’s home again! I think the last 2 weeks were harder this time as I hadn’t been feeling as strong as I normally would.

On Random acts of Kindness on Sunday night, a lady who provides the ‘Footpath Library’ to homeless people was featured. At the end she encouraged people to stop and have a chat with the homeless – not avoid them. We will discover that they are just like you and me. On the way to and from Monday’s meeting I was approached directly by two different homeless people. I had left my purse at home and when I told each of them this they didn’t believe me. I wonder if I would have stopped if I thought I could help them?

Friday, June 19, 2009

10 years of unmarried bliss

Yesterday Travis and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary and enjoyed another fabulous meal at Sirens in Williamstown.

For me the lead up has been quite eerie this year – possibly because there was no anticipation of a proposal – possibly because I knew we wouldn’t be doing anything too amazing considering our getaway to Port Douglas earlier this year, and our wedding next year. Possibly because we didn’t take annual leave as we have in the past.

The morning was quiet – there was no water in the taps and Trav was checking for iPhone updates. The day was also uneventful, except for a delicious lunch at The Deck with Kate – needless to say there was no brooch to be found but the glass of wine felt like pure indulgence for lunchtime on a work day!

Trav was checking out bikes at Beasley after work and we missed each other on the way home.

Finally we arrived at Sirens together, the fire was burning and we got a nice spot next to the window. We could see lights dancing in crazy lines across the water – a taste of things to come this time next year!

It was such an enjoyable evening – we weren’t rushed, we both enjoyed 3 whole courses (well I did my very best!) and we began to plan our mini honeymoon. We had the opportunity for a quick walk around Thala Beach Lodge in March – it’s an eco resort with lots of private rainforest, a private beach, a beautiful restaurant with views to the sea and stunning landscaping. Trav had in mind that we’d spend a couple of nights there before returning home. I suggested Cape Tribulation and they both seem very similar, maybe we can do a day trip to Cape Trib while still in town then head out to Thala.

Sounds so perfect – private, out of town, secluded, perfect.

Then we discussed the 2011 Europe trip – Trav said he’s really getting used to the idea and thinks we should include Scotland and Poland in our plans. He doesn’t have any family that he knows of but we could perhaps meet some of mine. He’s also keen to do some family history research for his dad’s side of the family. We won’t take a tour – we’ll go it alone and start speaking to friends who have also travelled Europe this way. We’ll create ‘Send us to Europe’ cards to include in the invites for guests who may want to contribute.

It was such an exciting night filled with wonderful plans. We have lots of research to do and I’m looking forward to planning the rest of our life together! Happy 10th Anniversary Babe!