Last DIY complete

The seating chart is complete. If there's any more changes to names of guests partners then its just tough! My maid of honour has now changed her partner for the third time, so I've just left the name as "Partner"!

Second hair trial

I bit the bullet and went for a second hair trial today. I really wasn't happy with the other one, it was too much for me - too many curls that didn't last, too much hair that all just blended into one big mess at the end of the day. This time I'm much happier, I prefer the less complicated, natural look.

Its difficult to explain to the hairdresser what I want when I don't even know myself. We tried a few more things today like putting sections in velcro curlers for added body but because of the straightening treatment that I had not so long ago my hair wouldn't hold any body or volume. We resorted to sleek straight hair with a section clipped up as was previously done. She suggested that we layer the front for a better result which I don't mind since my hair is one length mostly (except for the front bits). That will get done this Friday when I go for my cut and colour.

Here's the results (as mentioned above the front will be different so its not pictured here):

Final meeting with venue

Yesterday afternoon we met the new and old coordinators at our venue for the final run through. The meeting was about an hour long and we covered everything from the type of champagne served to the placing of the tables in the reception area.

I was impressed with their suggestions and with the little extras we'll be getting. Both N and I will be getting our own rooms to get ready in, where in we'll each receive a snack platter for 4 and champagne for us girls and beers for N and her boys. We'll also be getting a honeymoon suite for the evening.

Our coordinator will also be offering a lot of help to my mom. We explained that her walking is very bad and that she might be coming in a wheelchair and they were more than willing to show us ways in which to get her in the venue and chapel (since its not an overly wheelchair friendly venue).

Its such a relief that they'll be taking away so much of the responsibility that I thought would be mine on the day. For instance, they'll be liaising with our MC with regard to the following of the order of events, they'll check that the chapel is full and that people are seated before they call me to begin, they'll ensure that the lighting is dimmed at certain times and brighter at others, and they'll ensure that the set-up is correct and that all serviettes are correctly folded to hold our menu's.

We also discussed the types of cocktails for cocktail hour. We'll be having Pimms & Lemonade, Sourz and Lemonade, and orange juice for the non drinkers. These drinks are refreshing (although I've never tasted Pimms) as the venue is hot even in spring, as we found out yesterday.

Lastly we discussed the order of events. We originally had the first dance then the cake cutting. They suggested it would be more practical to first have the cake cutting then the first dance otherwise just as the party gets started everything has to be stopped to cut the cake then afterwards begin dancing again. For some reason I hadn't given it that much thought but their way is far more practical.

Make-up trial

I was pleasantly surprised, I didn't look like a drag queen although I've never worn so much make-up in my life (and doubt I ever will again). I took lots of pictures with me to the trial and pointed out certain aspects of them that I liked. I also told her that she was not to use any browns, I can't stand brown eye shadow. False lashes are definitely something to get used to but the effect that they have is phenomenal. I do think that she could've applied them neater and more accurately though. I was after a sort of sultry look, a bit of a smokey eye and I think she did a pretty good job. At first there was way too much shadow and liner by my bottom lashes but she fixed that and it looked dramatically different. I still feel a little uncomfortable with so much on my face but I'm sure it will look much better than having less on in the photo's.

This was my inspiration:

The final result:

Rehearsal

Originally we weren't going to have a rehearsal but we changed the way we're all going to be walking down the aisle and so on. Luckily the Thursday before our wedding is a public holiday so we've decided to have it then. We'll all meet at the chapel by the venue, do the rehearsal and come back to our place for a braai and cocktails by the pool.

Spring is most definitely here already. The mornings are sunnier and warmer, flowers are blossoming, birds are chirping ..... summer is on its way!

Got my rings

I picked up my engagement ring today. My two bands came in last week but they forgot to rhodium plate my engagement ring so that took another few days. The engraving on the three rings look so beautiful but unfortunately too small to get a proper picture. So here they are all together:

Dance? Really? Do I have to??

If there is one thing that I'm not looking forward to at the wedding, its the dancing. For some reason I never took to dancing, I really just don't enjoy it (oh and I have no rhythm whatsoever)! Now for an evening wedding this is a problem. Firstly we have to have a first dance and secondly people will probably be tipsy and in high spirits, this coupled with a dance floor leads to dancing. People dancing and having fun doesn't bother me at all its our scary first dance that does. Why not go for dance lessons I hear you say, well for a unemployed bride its not an option. Actually even if we could afford it I don't think I'd like to go, I'd be too nervous about my every move been criticized. N on the other hand is the total opposite, she dances really well and enjoys it.

So this weekend will mark the first of our DIY dance lessons. N is determined to have a perfect first dance, so a perfect first dance she shall have (after tons of lessons, bruised toes, bruised feet and short tempers). She's very patient and I'm sure will prove to be an excellent dance instructor. Wish me luck!

I know this sounds mean but..

... this afternoon I was so happy to hear that our venue had provided us with a new Day Of Coordinator. I emailed the previous coordinator to make an appointment for our final run through meeting and she informed me that our new coordinator will be joining us for the meeting. I was so thrilled!

When we first looked at our venue the old coordinator seemed so on top of things and it was an added bonus that she didn't even flinch at the idea of two woman marrying each other. But as time went by the more inadequate she seemed. She took forever to answer emails and was rarely there to take calls. They have an in-house decor company and to this day I am still waiting for the quote, in fact I'm still waiting for the quote for the cocktails that I sent her over 2 1/2 months ago as well. When we queried points on the contract she didn't even know they were there, and when she said she'd speak to management about the said points she never did. I suppose she wouldn't have been too bad on the day but she just seemed to not be interested at all. Anyway I'm much more relieved that we have a new one.

Little bit of this, little bit of that

Only a few things to update on the wedding side. On Saturday we (when I say we I mean N) bought my second wedding band, its so shinny that I think its going to take quite a bit of getting used to. I'm used to just having one ring now I'm going to have three, its quite a change. I'm only getting all three back this weekend as the engraving takes a week. It was definitely a splurge to get two bands but my lovely N is so good too, she spoils me so much.

Our RSVP deadline is on Monday so we're hoping to get the last 10 responses by then so that we don't have to call and ask for an answer (I hate that!).

My hair and make-up trial appointments have been brought forward. I'm really looking forward to those but at the same time I'm a bit nervous that the final look will be different to how I had imagined. I usually wear such a minimal amount of make-up so I'm worried that I end up looking like a drag queen or something. I'm hoping to go for a smokey eye with a bit of intensity, slightly rosy cheeks and soft and glossy lips. My hair will be loose with a bit of curl, no fancy up-do's or anything of that sort just natural and pretty (hopefully).

Steps to a better looking me

With the wedding just over a month away I'm trying to do all that I can to look my best for the day. Some things that I'm trying to stick to:

• Hair treatments - I no longer use conditioner, every time I wash my hair I treat it using Redken's Real Control Intense Renewal. You can never go wrong with Redken!
• Home facials - I've tried so many masques - Clinique, Elizabeth Arden, Clarins, etc. but the best one that suits my skin so well and is a quarter of the price, is Environ's Claytech Masque. Turns ordinary skin into silky skin!
• Cellulite treatment - I don't actually think that anything really takes cellulite away but I've had a full Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel in my drawer for a while now, so no better time to try it out than now. They promise results in 4 weeks (seeing is believing).
• Water water water - Many benefits, we all know them, so I'm really trying my best to drink more than usual.
• Walking - I love walking. N and I get to talk about our day, the wedding and any other things that may come up. It's definitely my preferred method of exercise.
• Body scrubbing - Supposed to be so good for circulation, so lets hope its doing good.

To wear or not to wear cont.

I took the knitted bolero back today and exchanged it for the black satin one. I thought I'd try that one before going on to something else. It doesn't work either though, it looks odd to me.

To wear or not to wear?

Even though the weather is lovely at the moment it can easily change in the blink of an eye. Because of this and because of my dress having such an open back I'm a bit worried that I'll get cold and I hate being cold.

In the beginning I was leaning toward a dramatic lace bolero but I don't want to have to have one made and I haven't had any luck in finding one that's right. Today I came across a knitted bolero-like cardigan that I thought would be suitable. The gold threading seemed to give it a slight glam look, but after trying it on with my dress it seems a bit casual. I'm not sure if I should give it back or wear it.

The store did have a black satin bolero (similar to the one pictured below but only a longer on the sides and back) but it doesn't offer much coverage to the lower back, on the other hand though, if my shoulders are covered I'm sure I'll be warmer than without anything.

Not just another Monday

Today was a public holiday in SA so I got to have my lovely N with me the whole day! The weather was sublime, putting me in another glorious mood. The air is warmer, the flower buds are beginning to appear, the grass is greener..... I could go on and on .....
..

While N was hard at work finishing the grouting in the bathroom I was doing some place cards. You should know by now that I never leave anything to the last minute, so with having more than half of our RSVP's already, I printed their names and got started. I finished 33 and look forward to getting the rest done.

After we were both finished we sat outside in the sun and decided that sushi was perfect for the weather. So we rushed off to buy some salmon and other goodies, came home, made the sushi and had a sushi picnic. It was a delicious day!

..

..

Since we got my first wedding band we've been trying to decide what wording to have engraved on both of them. We're going to have all three of my rings engraved - the two bands and my engagement ring. It just so happens that last night on TV the Sex and the City movie was on - perfect timing! When they spoke of the letters from Beethoven I thought it couldn't be more perfect. At the end where they finally get married and Big says to her "ever thine, ever mine, ever ours" it sounded just right. On the first band "ever thine", engagement ring "ever mine" and on the second band "ever ours". Love it!

The ceremony, step by step

As we get closer to the day I'm starting to go through each part of the wedding that needs some attention and clarity, so first things first - the ceremony.

Together with the minister we came up with a basic outline of the order of service, which is really very simple. So since we had that we just needed to sort out music and who walks when and where.

We're hoping to do things slightly differently to a normal entrance but once we've had a rehearsal we'll see if it actually works (if there's enough time that is). Once the minister has entered and takes his position by the alter, the song Heaven (slow version by DJ Sammy) will start. This song couldn't be more perfect, it has so much relevance to our relationship which started when I was only 14 years old (I'll post the lyrics at the end of this post). N will then walk down the aisle followed by one of my girls then one of her boys and so on. The boys (incl. N) on the right and girls on the left. Once they're all there the song will be faded to an end. After a slight pause Only Time by Enya will start. That's when I walk down with my brother on my right. Once the alter is reached the music will be faded to an end and the ceremony will begin.

Processional
Words of welcome
Prayer
Exchange of vows
Exchange of rings
Unity candle ceremony (very short and simple)
Pronouncement of marriage
Signing of register
Recessional

The song we choose for the recessional is At Last by Etta James. It also seemed so appropriate.

Lyrics to Heaven

Oh, thinking about our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free
Now, nothing can take you away from me
We've been down that road before
that's over now
You keep me coming back for more

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh, once in your life
you find someone, who will turn your world around
pick you up when your feeling down
Now, nothing can change what you mean to me
There's a lot that I could say
But just hold me now
'Cause our love will light the way

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

I've been waiting for someone
something to arrive
love to come along
Now our dreams are coming true
Through the good times
And the bad
I'll be standing there by you

-[CHORUS]-
Baby, you're all that I want
When you're lying here in my arms
I'm finding it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Ohh, ohh, ohh
Ohh, ohh, ohh
We're in heaven

What Sundays are made for...

Spring is most definitely on its way. I woke up this morning to glorious sunshine and much less cold in the air. I can't tell you how happy I am that the winter is finally going, bring on the sunshine, warmth and happy springy feelings.

We decided to have a good old Sunday lunch today which was so incredibly satisfying. While my lovely N slaved away in the bathroom removing the wrong colour tile grout, I cooked up a storm. On the menu was roast beef, roast potatoes, orange & honey carrots, garlic buttered green beans, Yorkshire puddings and sherry & wholegrain mustard gravy, followed by Malva pudding and custard. Delightful!

Before I started all the cooking I quickly had to make a plan for an additional invitation. I did actually make more than enough initially but we ended up inviting a lot more single people without partners than originally expected. There was no chance that I was going to make more pocketfolds so I came up with another idea that took half the time and effort.

Failed project

I was quite disappointed at the outcome of my ring bowl. It looked like pastry that hadn't risen! I softened the clay in my hands, then shaped it into a round shape, rolled it with a rolling pin and cut it out using a round cookie cutter. Writing on it was a challenge but before baking it actually looked half decent but when I took it out the oven it was definitely not good enough to use for the wedding.

I tried to post Miss Labrador's post here but for some reason its only showing on my google reader and not under her list of posts on Weddingbee - kind of strange.

Next project

From when I first starting planning our wedding I came across Paloma's Nest ring bearer bowls and I fell in love with them. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as the cost was far to high, with the rand to $ exchange rate as well as the shipping costs it was way out of our budget.

But to my absolute delight yesterday whilst browsing through the Weddingbee blogs I came across a post from Miss Labrador. She too did not have the budget for one of these adorable bowls and so gave step by step instructions on how to make one yourself. She did a brilliant job and although there are a few things that I would do differently I decided I'd tackle this DIY project over the weekend. I've never worked with clay before so I'm sure its going to be quite challenging.

I finally got it!

My new perfume! I went for the Prada one. I love love the fresh scent and I can't wait to start using it when the weather gets warmer.



With all the gift vouchers I received at my bridal shower I was able to get quite a lot of goodies. I ended up getting:

• My perfume
• A gorgeous gorgeous dress (long, halter neck, open back with shades of purple and black)
• Two sexy pairs of heels
• A pair of jeans that make my bum look smaller - yay!
• Some yummy smelling creams and body wash goodies for the honeymoon
• And lastly some much needed undies

Isn't it amazing what therapeutic properties shopping has?!

My bridal shower

On Saturday my lovely maid of honour, J, threw me a bridal shower. It was such a great day, she put so much effort into it. When she picked me up I was adorned with a Bride-To-Be tiara and hugely over-sized Bride-To-Be tie. We then went to lunch, where I was greeted by friends and family. Everything was decorated so beautifully - black & white decor with white roses and even thank you notes for each guest. We played a couple of cute games and drank deliciously strong cocktails. Everyone was so generous in their gift giving, I was so surprised! The only draw back was the weather, it was freezing, raining and hailing!

I felt so bad for N because for her bachelors she had a day of paintball organised and with the horrible weather I thought they wouldn't have fun but they all had a blast. Even my very conservative uncle and cousin attended.

After both of our parties were finished we all met up for drinks. Practically the entire wedding guest list came, it was a perfect turn-out. We got home in the early hours of Sunday morning and spent the remainder of the day recovering. I'm not used to so much Tequila in one night, so yesterday was just one of those days where I couldn't budge out of bed. Half a box of Cruciale and litres of water later I felt a bit more like a person!

The quest for the perfect manicure begins

I've never been for a professional manicure before, mainly because I prefer to do it myself but also because I'll probably find fault in the end result. So I decided to just go for one to see how it is and if I like it I'll get one for the wedding.

This afternoon I went to Perfect 10 to get a simple french. It looks nice but not as nice as I thought, there's a few imperfections like little bubbles and things. I do like the sleek, clean look it gives though. I think I'll try another place to see if they do it a bit more perfect.