{April A-Z Challenge} The Letter W

W is for ...Weddings

We recently attended the wedding of one of my high school friends. My backup husband when I reached 40.

Both of us have thus far managed to be the only 2 single people amongst our high school friends because we share similar ideas about marriage; Don't compromise, do it properly.

Just over a year ago, he met the most perfect woman. She is bubbly, intelligent and genuinely nice. she shares his interests in activities and she compliments him beautifully.

The wedding was at a gorgeous garden venue, complete with hidden pathways and secret spots. 

The ceremony was short and sweet and it was infused with some fun moments and laughter, very different from the conventional stuffy ceremonies I have attended.

A deluge just after the ceremony on our way to the reception dinner was unfortunate, but luckily the wet weather abated in time for our dinner.

All in all, it was 1 of my favourite weddings. (also... not being a bridesmaid, meant I got to enjoy it a whole lot more)

I have found that as I get older, my idea of the "perfect wedding" has changed very much.

I no longer want every single person I have ever met, to be there. I want my close friends and family. I want an intimate affair so that I get a chance to talk to everyone at the wedding.

I also know that I will be wearing comfortable shoes!

Venue Hunting

Went venue hunting with my brother and fiancee

I love looking at wedding venues, because I can always imagine a wedding taking place at most of them.

I am a Gemini, so I have a multi faceted personality & therefore I like a lot of different styles

This is why I would like to plan other people's weddings.

I just saw a vintage wedding on a photography blog and now that is 1 more thing I want to do.

We saw a gorgeous venue that screams old school charm. The rooms are in an old house with huge fireplaces and wooden floors.

www.hertford.com

www.hertford.co.za

 But, like a wedding dress, the venue speaks to you and our next venue on the list was The One

Set in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, this beautiful setting is truly an Oasis.

With a range of outside locations to pick from or a gorgeous chapel overlooking the mountains, to the substantial, well-tended gardens - this place is truly a perfect venue.

The bridal suite is understated elegance with a claw bath beside a wall of mirrors and a little room complete with wash basin and hairdryer for the hairstylist.

I am so excited to see this wedding, and to top off the fun day - I was asked to be her bridesmaid!

Wedding planning in Progress

It's no secret that I love weddings.

I even have a company on the side totally devoted to event planning, but weddings are my favourite.

This time, it is my brothers wedding - taking place in November & I am super-excited to be planning it for them!

So this is what we have so far:

Event Type: Daytime wedding (I hope they change their minds and have a late afternoon so we can utilise fairy lights or candles)

Colour scheme: Black & White and unknown accent colour (I have suggested Apple Green, Turquoise or Lilac and because the bride to be does not like colour - this may be the toughest part of the whole planning)

Venue:  On the hunt for a garden venue and have asked for 2 quotes so far. Option 1 is already booked for the day of their choice. Option 2 is pending.

Guest List: 24 people, this is going to be easy. The couple want to keep costs down so that they can use the money for a honeymoon.

Very clever indeed - I dont see a need for a wedding where you invite people you hardly know to be there. Weddings are just too expensive.

Flowers: Depending on the colour scheme - options at this stage are orchids or white tiger lillies

Dress: Bride likes simple - so we are off to Bride & Co in 2 weeks to try some dresses on!

I will begin designing invites soon and I cannot wait to start getting this party started!

Champagne Dreams & Minty Wishes

I seem to have weddings on the brain lately and I can't get it out of my head.

So Claudz - this is for you.

Champagne and Green.

I had lots of fun compiling this collage of ideas - even though I could not find an apple spraypainted in bronze anywhere! ;-)

I loved the idea of Plantable Seed PlaceCards as well as little tins filled with seed sprinkles as favours. This idea keeps the cost of favours to a minimum but it is such a lovely idea.
Wine stoppers in a lovely organza bag is also a classic, but popular gift.

Make up idea (eye shadow on tip of eyelash for effect, not real life!):

Images above used from:
onecraftyfox.blogspot.com
GF Bridal
Wedding obsession

If any of the other images are yours - please let me know

Engagement rings

A fellow blogger Love & Stuff wrote about her love for weddings and as much as I was in a bad mood today - the thought of weddings cheered me up.


I have subsequently spent the next hour playing online looking at ring designs, wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses - anything wedding related - I gobble it up!

My friend AC and I even have our own Event Planning company - recently established. Weddings are my Passion, ever since I was a little girl. To this day I have random wedding dreams.

A few years ago I dreamt that I was at a strange fairytale hotel and all 7 storues had different weddings going on. To this day I still remember all the decor and colour schemes. I am itching to plan some of these weddings. I have so many ideas and themes and because I am hoping to get married only once in my lifetime, I will have to plan them for someone else.

Themes include:
Winter Wonderland - fairy lights, crystals, frosted glasses, royal blue and silver
Morrocan: Rich golds, and ruby reds, emerald green with lanterns and chiffon everywhere
Hollywood Vintage wedding: Think of the glam times of the Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor era. Long gloves, red lips and perfectly coiffed hair.
Springtime Delights: A hot air balloon, picnics on the lawn and lovely springtime decor. Soft pinks, greens blues and yellows with polka dots and Sun hats.

I once even videographed a wedding - that was a blast!

Above is the ring I would like one day - with 1 small change - the band will curl to the top and bottom of the diamond respectively - like so:

But look at how cute this ring is - pink diamonds are so expensive - so if I meet a millionaire, this is the ring I would like in a Platinum setting - isn't she just so pretty?!

*Sigh* I love weddings

 

 

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