PLANS

I said to myself before we started planning this wedding that I would try not to get stressed, and that most importantly that we would organise it how WE wanted.

Both of those are still true, but boy.... people cannot warn you enough about how ridiculous planning a wedding can be. They also don't tell you how quickly everyone and everything books up!!!

For instance - many of hair stylists and makeup artists that I enquired with were already booked for our wedding day - ALMOST NINE MONTHS IN ADVANCE! Um.... excuse me?! I also couldn't believe how much they were quoting me either, but that's another story. 

We had our engagement party last month at my Aunt and Uncle's house in Agnes Banks. I was a bit worried about the weather to begin with, but it turned out to be a fabulous (friggen chilly!) afternoon.

We were so grateful for everyone that came and braved the cold to celebrate with us!

We could have not asked for a more beautiful afternoon. We were truly blessed with all the help we received as well! My friend Hannah's mum, Lorraine, with the help of Hannah and Tristan did the flowers for us. They were incredible! Thankfully she is free the day of our wedding as well! If the Engagement is anything to go by, the wedding is going to be beautiful!

I was going to write out a long spiel about the things we have organised and why we decided on what we have, but I thought I would be real with myself and just write out a plain, ol' simple list! 

Things already booked/purchased

- Photographer: James Day. We knew for quite some time that we wanted James to photograph our day, and thankfully we were able to snatch up one of his 2015 dates (which as far as I'm aware are now all booked up!) Check him out on Facebook and Instagram.

- Reception Venue: Summer Salt Restaurant

- Florist: Lorraine Allen (as mentioned above).

- Invitations, name cards etc: My amazingly talented friend, Laura! She does her own freelance work here if you want to check her out.

- Makeup Artist: Natalie Wolf

- My dress: Top secret! 

- Bridesmaid dresses: Paper Scissors Frock

- Honeymoon: We're off to Vietnam for 12 days! Staying in Central/Southern Vietnam on the coast in two amazing resorts, before going to Ho Chi Minh at end for some amazing Vietnam deals!

- Bridesmaid gifts: Top secret!

- DJ: Express Entertainment

Up next to organise

- Wedding rings - if anyone can recommend a good jeweller, please let me know! 

- Finalise and book church

- Hair stylist

- Start collecting documents/evidence for visa

- Suits

- Honeymoon flights

I'll end this here before it gets anywhere near essay length and leave you with reason 1081 why I love Ben: he gave me a rose this afternoon - for no reason at all :)

I swear this blog isn't going to turn into sap!