Happy Monday!

Today we received our pro-shots from Shaun - what a fantastic start to the week! My to-do list went out the window as the slideshow kept flicking over on our TV all evening - WOW there are some fantastic memories there - and some I hadn't seen yet like when Trav and the boys were getting ready. We're really looking forward to looking through them all properly over the next week (to our wedding music playlist!). I even convinced Trav to give our dance a go in the kitchen this evening, we remembered most of it too!

Not that I am...

But if I was I'd do it like this...

I think these underwater Trash the Dress photos are just amazing! Just not sure how all the crystals, beading and lace would like that water. I've heard that most dresses have washed out good as new after the photo session, I just don't know if I could. But look how much fun it would it be....

Creative Engagement Shoots

This is a fantastic way to make use of 500 engagement shoot pics!

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...

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...

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?

Australia Entertains

And then at the reception...

Martha Stewart Weddings

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

Paul Johnson Photography

I love these colours together too!

We'll also have parasols for the photos - I can imagine it already...

The Knot