The Same Vision

After extensive research, I have a pretty good idea of how I would like my wedding to look. Or at least, the overall vision is complete. However, as creative as I like to think I am, I also know that I'm hopelessly indecisive and that when it comes to the crunch, the wedding could end up being a mish-mash of all my (fabulous!) ideas. That's why I'm LOVING the Style Me Pretty service from boutique wedding designer, Florence Blue. Actually being able to sit down and unload all my wedding ideas to someone, only for them to come back to me with some overall wedding design concepts sounds amazing, particularly when they appear to love the same utterly cool US weddings that I do. Hhhhmmm, I wonder how far in advance I should book a consultation...???

Chocolate Box Home

My other half and I have decided to give the front garden a bit of a make-over. So, whilst scouring the internet for front garden inspiration I found what can only be described as the prettiest house on the planet...

Ok, so it looks tiny, but I just love the colours, the lighting and the design. Our home hasn't got a hope of looking like this one, but I can dream!

Yet Another Amazing Idea!

I'm slowly learning with this wedding that what seems like a great idea today may not be tomorrow. However, in a bid to add a bit of fun to our wedding, I have found these fantastic famous face masks from Cox & Cox. I love them, and how hilarious will they look in photos? Ive already considered wedding bingo, karaoke and a silent disco, so I don't think a few little masks are too extreme...

You Said HOW Much?

I always knew Louboutins would be expensive, but little did I know they would be THIS expensive. Yes, my dream Very Privee wedding shoes cost a whopping £490! And yes, I know how vulgar it is to talk about money, but seriously...£490?! Of course I would like to prance down the aisle in Louboutins which, FYI, I would expect to feel like walking on clouds for that price. But should I really cull 10 guests just so I can wear my dream shoes? Hhhhmmmm, sadly I think not. Boo hoo.

Dessy Design

I've recently discovered Dessy's amazing pantone design template. As per this evening, I can see myself idling away all my study time designing our wedding. Or at least trying to get a bit better at these mood boards. Second attempt below...

A New York Affair

My favourite SATC big day? Has to be the candle-lit York-Goldenblatt wedding...

Swoon

Ever since the recent Cosmo Bride first dropped, I have been mesmerised by the dress on the front cover. Having spent literally hundreds of pounds on wedding magazines since I first got engaged however, I have had to put a ban on my expensive habit and just dream of what may be behind the cover. Today though, I gave in. Whilst braving the snow to go to the supermarket, I got my ever-so-lovely other half to buy the issue in question.

Now onto the good part. This stunning, Audrey Hepburn-esque bateau neck dress is by Ritva Westenius. And having taken a look at her website, there are a number of other gorgeous dresses I have my eye on too. Note to self: must book appointment...

The Love Collection

I just love these typographic prints from Coulson Macleod's Love collection at Notonthehighstreet.com. Chunky, rugged, vintage and simple. Perfect.

Happy Thoughts

H2b and I recently went to Gordon Ramsay's Maze for a birthday treat. The waitress was one of only two people I told it was my birthday (very mature I thought). Luckily for me she took the hint and the loveliest surprise arrived...

Home Brew

I love my new Nespresso machine, I really do. But as the Christmas holidays draw to a close, I am in need of a vessel to carry my coffee to college. Ideally I would invest in industrial quantities of paper cups. This however being totally impractical, I am eyeing up these Bodum travel mugs in the Heal's sale. I used to spend at least their pre-sale price on coffee per week, so it's justified methinks. Now, lime green or red....?

Bridesmaids...

Should look like this:

Inspired

I'm a huge fan of American-style wedding photography and would love to find a UK photographer with a similar, distinctive style. My favourite so far has to be Marianne Taylor. Oh how I long for my wedding day feet to be captured by her!

I ♥ Sale Shopping

Particularly when it looks this good...

ASOS

Save a date, any date!

So, whilst the wedding research has continued, my previous excitement has suffered something of a blow; my maid of honour can't make it on our preferred date. I can't tell you how frustrating this is, not because I'm annoyed with her for having another wedding over the same weekend, but because for the first time it felt as though we were getting somewhere with our wedding planning. In actual fact, whilst h2b and I are ready to get married, it looks like we will have to wait until everyone else is ready to attend. Anyway, there is very little we can do about it other than settle on a date in 2011 and send out our save the date cards, reserving the time of our friends and family at least 18 months in advance!

Whilst I'm on the subject of save the dates, Minted have a gorgeous selection and I'm particularly loving the one below. As for the exact ones we'll opt for, I'll have to leave you in suspense!

This Year I Promise...

To take up yoga; to run more; to become more focused on my studies; to gain legal work experience; to try my best to obtain a training contract; to save up what little cash I have and go to the dentist; to set a date for our wedding; to know when all the wonderful things I have in my life are enough; to invest more time in my friendships; to write; to read; to learn about and enjoy photography; to spend less time watching the television; to plant and nurture my garden; to maintain and enhance our home; to be the very best person I can be, for myself and my loved ones; and of course to set realistic goals!

Happy New Year x