Lavendar

Another great idea from Grapevine, this time in the shape of confetti alternatives. I love the gorgeous contrast of green and purple, and as for smelling of lavendar on my wedding day - I could handle that!

The Small Things

Loving these jars from Creative Wedding Favors! Perfect for wild summer flowers. Ok, back to planning the big things...

J'adore Macaroons

Of course, now that the wedding appears to be full steam ahead I am focusing on the most important details...those being the small details. First stop: wedding favours. I love the idea of having an English country wedding, so I think the colours of these stunning Laduree macaroons will make gorgeous little gifts for our guests. Sadly Laduree don't seem to deliver online, so there are a couple of alternatives such as French Patissier Pierre Herme. Although, who cares about practicalities when something looks this pretty?

Courtesy of Oh Lovely Day

Full Steam Ahead!

It's funny how seeing family over Christmas can give you the little push you need. Suddenly, after spending a few days with various members of our respective families, my other half and I have committed to getting married in 2010. I'm not quite sure how it happened, particularly not when this was meant to be the year I dedicate to becoming a solicitor. But sod it, there will never be a good time to get married, nevermind there never being a budget. So we are on the verge of booking a date in August and I have spent the best part of the last two days researching the minute details I shouldn't be looking at when I return to my studies after xmas.

As for the venue, h2b and I have explored Italy, Ireland, Wales and of course England, only to come full circle and opt for the venue we chose in the first place about 18 months ago. Unless our plans dramatically change, we plan to get married at the Church of the Annunciation in Woodchester followed by an intiate reception at The Rectory in Crudwell, Wiltshire.

H2b did threaten over dinner that unless we stick to our plans this time, he will call the whole thing off. I think he's bluffing, although he has a point. We should just go for it, and it looks like we will!

Grapevine

Look at these amazing Save the Date cards from US stationer, Grapevine. To be honest, the majority of my invitation inspiration has so far come from across the Atlantic, particularly when anything like this would cost a small fortune in the UK.

Love Hearts

I just love these heart stickers from Inkihandmade at Dawanda.They'll make a lovely addition to our wedding stationary thank you very much!

Christmas Baby

I didn't mention that last week it was my birthday, and a spectacular one at that! My poor other half really has to save hard around this time of year to indulge me twice in December, but he has already done a fantastic job. Not only did he take me to Gordon Ramsay's restaurant, Maze, but he also bought me a fantastic Nigel Slater book, a Nespresso machine (I'm a total coffee geek so this was an amazing gift) and a gorgeous watch from super-cool brand ToyWatch, I can't imagine what he's going to do for Christmas, but if these gifts are anything to go by, I can't wait!

Let it Snow!

I can't remember a Christmas this cold for a very long time. Whilst most Christmas movies would have you believe that London is annually covered by a blanket of snow throughout the festive season, this is something of a myth. But this year it looks like we may be having our first white Christmas in a very long time. Ok, so snow is pretty inconvenient, particularly when you live in the UK and our infrastructure is in no way prepared for its arrival (seriously, it's a joke - public transport comes to a standstill and the country seems to come to a halt!). But still, it's so pretty, not to mention festive! Fingers crossed it keeps falling until Christmas day!

These I Can Promise

I cannot promise you a life of sunshine;

I cannot promise riches, wealth, or gold;

I cannot promise you an easy pathway

That leads away from change or growing old.

But I can promise all my heart's devotion;
A smile to chase away your tears of sorrow;
A love that's ever true and ever growing;
A hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow.

Yes, I'll Marry You.

The Bride Wore...

I have an ongoing quest: to figure out what my partner would like me to be wear as I walk up the aisle. He is quite fussy you see, so the last thing I want is for him to think I look like a bit of a meringue! So far I have gathered that he would like me to wear a slim-fitting dress, that's not too lacey, not teamed with any outlandish accessories and is basicially very simple. Hhhhmmmmm, this doesn't quite conform to what I had in mind!

As part of my research to find something that keeps us both happy I have found some gorgeous and (shock!) affordable dresses from New York designer Saja. One has already had approval from h2b. I wonder whether he will also sanction a trip to New York to try it on though...?!

Ce Soir

I popped out tonight for the beginning of my birthday celebrations. Actually, h2b and I did a quick spot of shopping followed by a bite to eat. We were then joined by a friend to go and see A Christmas Carol in 3d. To be honest, I wasn't so sure about it...I much prefer the Muppets version!

Anyway, Christmas tree shopping tomorrow. I have my eye on a few baubles, but doubt we can justify adding to our collection this year. Love these ones though...

Heals

John Lewis

This is how Christmas in our house looked last year and I have a feeling it will look pretty similar again this year!

Just Quickly

Ok, one last festive distraction. I LOVE these retro games from the Conran Shop: http://www.conranshop.co.uk/

I'm particularly loving Blind Ignorance; very reminiscent of the oh-so-politically-incorrect Post-It game played in The Office! Ok, now I'm really going back to the books. Bye!

Look What I Found!!

I should be studying, but I've just found this hilarious Christmas card from Zazzle. Nothing quite says Christmas like National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation! Anyway, best get back to the law...

Diaries!

It's that time of year again when I request a diary from my dad. I don't know what it is but it has become something of a tradition over the years. Equally traditional is that my diary will invariably go up in price each year! This year however, I have surprised myself. Yes, there are some gorgeous Smythson diaries that I have my eye on (notably the Erdem Girl diaries...*sigh*)

But, I'm also loving this gorgeous diary from Barbara Wiggins, available at http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/:

The one in pewter looks stunning; imagine finding that amidst all the rubbish in your handbag? Plus, it frees up some extra cash for much-needed Christmas presents... I'll be happy whatever I get, but I can't believe I'm erring on the side of the (gulp) budget option.

Tenuta La Borriana

I've recently been looking at wedding venues in Italy. Florence in particular holds many very special memories for me, so I would love to create more by getting married there. I'm sure any bride-to-be will tell you though that when researching a venue, second only to visiting it is looking at other people's wedding photos!! So, when I found these gorgeous photos by international wedding photographer, Jules, I totally fell in love with one venue in particular. After seeing this stunning wedding I have completely fallen for Tenuta La Borriana and I hope you can see why...

http://www.jules-photographer.com/

Thread Social

I'm not usually a fan of Cheryl Cole, but I love the Thread Social dress she wore on a night out this week. Check out their website for their collection: http://www.social.threaddesign.com/. I need to start saving my student pennies!

DIY Gifts

Last Christmas a friend and I agreed to make presents for eachother. She, being ever-so-organised and creative, hand-stitched a gorgeous gift for me.  I on the other hand, have still to make her present... So, one year on I think I finally know what I will make her; remember those mix tapes you used to make for your friends as a kid? Well, in the spirit of a retro revival they are making a comeback in the form of a USB key! I found this one at http://www.suck.uk.com/. Hope she likes it!