Seasons and themes

The first big question I'm asking is: When to hold the wedding?
And how does the time of year shape the theme and feel of my day?

Everyone has a reason behind their choice of date, whether its because they want a short engagement, to save money, to have good weather or to tie in with another event.
Since I was little I have wanted a winter wedding and as I have grown up this has expanded to 'I don't want a summer wedding'. Don't get me wrong, summer wedding are wonderful, I just could not find inspiration to create a day that would be mine, I also easily over heat and as I want a structured dress I could just see myself being grumpy - NOT a good look.


For a while I have been thinking through hypothetical wedding plans based on the three remaining seasons.

I had come up with either vintage or 'Lovehearts' themes for Spring.
I know vintage has been done many times over and is featured at least twice in ALL the magazines, but I think it's so romantic and feminine. with handmade candles in teacups, cake stands, ribbons, lots of flowers and possibly with a bird theme.
I always think the colours of Lovehearts would make a lovely flower display, as well as BM dresses and ribbons; and with the messages and the heart in a circle there's plenty of scope for stationary.

Left-Right, Top-Bottom: Dusty pastel bridal bouquet, Camilla Flowers. Love Heart Mini Stamps, Not on the High Street.Com. flower and floating candles table centre, Super Weddings. 5 tier pastel cake, Seattle Flowers. Loveheart sweets. Heart of flowers, Joy of Flowers and Events. Pastel Bridesmaid dresses. small flower display in jug.
And finally the beautiful cupcake bouquet made for my sister for her wedding, by the talented Vicky at Cornish Fancies, do check them out on Facebook

For Autumn,  had thought of a more rustic setting and harvest festival feel, with hay bales and farming containers like old milk churns, barrels and baskets. All matched with the rich colours of fallen leaves; reds, brown, burnt orange and golds.
Using produce and wheat alongside f lowers to create the church displays and table centres. And choosing earthy flavours for the meal: butternut squash soup, pork and apple and pear tart.I have also seen hollow transparent cake stand that could be filled berries or apples. Finally, I thought giving preserves as favours would work really well with this theme.

The final season I was willing to entertain was the one where I had ideas coming out of my ears... I should point out that I love winter (when it's dry or snowing) , I am a winter baby and love wrapping up for walks in the crisp weather. I find it magical and beautiful and so much easier to create a warm and welcoming environment, especially as I love candle light.

The most obvious theme for winter would be Christmas. But if we were to choose a December wedding I would avoid the traditional red, green and gold, for no other reason than I like to keep them for my Christmas decorations. They are also a little over done and when the shops stock such a wide range of bold jewel colours why go for the same old?
I would have trees, and coloured fairy lights. not to mention lots of beautifully wrapped boxes, and baubles. I could use the baubles for place names, chocolate Santas or gingerbread for favours. You could have carols or a choir before the speeches and Father Christmas delivering gifts.

Another theme is winter wonderland, suitable for December through to February.
Either entirely white or accented with very pale pink or blue and lots & LOTS of glitter. Fairy lights, sparkles and snowflakes adorning the venue. If you wanted some colour for the stationary I would use dark forest green, but compliment it with glitter.
If I decided not to put my bridesmaids in white I would go for the pale pink or blue, but if trying for a white wedding a pale champagne or oyster would be different from the bride, while not standing out too much.
If I had the space I would create a chill out area with chucks of tree trunks, fake fur throws and wraps for the guests and serve winter warms like mulled wine and hot chocolate.

If I *HAD* to organise a summer wedding (and it came with a huge budget) I would have a garden party with tipis and an Alice in Wonderland theme. With a tea party and fair games, trees and furniture all decorated to make the space more than a garden, with streamers, props and relevant accessories e.g. playing cards, giant pansies, flamingos, toadstools and hats.

Illistration by John Tenniel. Source:
.fantasybooksandmovies.com

Image source: Cleveland.com

I would put my bridesmaids in tea length dresses, and suggest tha guests wear tea dresses and bring hats for the reception.

Lots of cake to enjoy and colour to make the whole day have a wacky look, as well as childhood favourits; from penny sweets to shows TV shows & a libaray chillout space with bean bags and children's classics.

So what time of year are we going for?
Firstly, we want to get married in 2013, while I could happily plan a wedding for October/November this year, personal circumstances mean it is best to wait the extra few months to ensure we can both enjoy our day. Also. our work diaries are fairly limiting with anything between January 20th and the middle of June and after August not being an option - we are left with earky January or June/July.

To finish: the beautiful font flowers my Garndma did for
my sister's Summer wedding

You've guested it... we are hoping to book somewhere for January 2013.

We are visiting potenial venues next weekend... so watch this space.

TTNF ~ Kate xx

PS I have not shared my favourite idea for theme with you today, I'm sure I will in good time...

Snappy Happy

Oh No!!!!! 5 days before Christmas I discovered that my camera had broken. I could view the previous photos but the lens would not retract, nor could I take any more pictures with it. A very sick camera.!
After some good old Googling I was heart broken to discover that it would cost a small fortune to repair my trusted old friend. This was all the more unsettling as on the 23rd December I was organising an activity morning at work (Church) and photos are always an important part of sharing the children's & youth work with the wider community - what would I do?

My  newcamera's self portrait

AND THEN, oh what news, what joy... I was told my Grandma was giving me some money for Christmas. Off I went back to the Internet, after searching shops and checking reviews I had once again fallen in love, a relative of my old faithful, but this one had more features, more tricks up its sleeve and an overwhelming beauty in red. To add sweetness to the event, I could even have next day delivery.
My excitement on the 22nd was uncontrollable, to be honest I was more excited then than on Christmas morning, as I waited for the delivery man to arrive. After a quick dash to the highstreet store of the company I purchased the camera from for a new teeny-tiny memory card - I had my shiny new camera ready to roll.

Since the new year I ave been having a play with the camera and trying new ways  to light and show off my jewelley bits. This is something that frustrates me a bit; I had been using the balcony when the sun was at the right angle, but in the winter this is harder to do.

Beaumaris castle

     

One of the 'frame' effects
with a candle holder

A painted letter I gave at Christmas
More on  my facebook page Godiva crafts

The heart bunting I made for Christmas:
hopefully to be replicated for wedding

Meanwhile, since Christmas I have been allowed to start talking about the wedding... The first thing I did was start to seriously look at photographers - man I'm going to be so fussy about this one element. This decission is the 3rd most important, after having a church and getting the right dress.
For the last few months I have been bookmarking all the people who advertise on Facebook and a few photographers my Mum & friends have suggested. I have been through these sites, looked at all their info and I have to say a lot of them come across as really naff. I can't explain what I am looking for but I know it when I see it. I want natural photos, that capture the day. I do want various group shots, but I dont want to spend an hour grinning nor snog in the middle of my familiy. I also want someone who will capture the venue and also all the tiny details I will have lovingly created for the day. I want someone who will blend in, and who Ed and I can have a rappor with. I want pictures of detail but not the stock, shoes and hanging dress, I want images to look stunning but without too much editing - I can't stand it when there is a b&w image with one colour or item highlighted in colour*.
Arg.... I've got it!I know what I want.... I want the Jesus/Superman wedding photographer. someone who can take all the possible pictures and can read my mind and come in at a reasonable budget.

As I know  at times I'm going to be a difficult bride, I thought I would keep you in the loop of my zilla moments, and for a bit of fun I thought I would develop an icon for those times.
I have to say I've already started, there are a couple of things were the comprimise I've suggested is 'I'm going to do that, but if you don't like it, you don't have to'...

I've started to look at the pricing for some of the detail I would like and I'm beginning to hope I've inherited my dad's bargining skills. I also hope that I will have some good luck in charity shops in the coming months.

 

To finish: My parents beautiful dog, Trinity
She's big and soppy but I love seeing her when I'm home

Wow, when I get on a roll, boy, can I ramble on.

Until next time,
Kate xxx

*I realise that every bride has a different oppinion on these sorts of things and I understand why photographers do them - they just don't suit my tastes.

Here we go again....

Woopie 2012 is here!

Another year has passed, I'm another year older (Birthday between Christmas and New Year) and I stand at the start of another year and chapter of my life.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I had a fab Christmas time!
On the 23rd I organised a childen's activity morning in one of the churches - 50 children making Christmas decorations, covering themselves in glitter in the process.  I will share the crafts next year as it feels a little odd to post angel crafts in January.
Christmas day was a first for me, I spent the day with my In-Laws-to-be. They even gave me a stocking :)
And then headed to my parents, as well as a Kindle (total suprise and very fab) my parents have ordered a Cuttlebug dye cutter for my birthday - which I am very, very excited about.


At this time of year there is that great tradition of Resolutions - what have you chosen?
This year I have 2 big ones that comprimise lots of little ones, but together they feel achieveable.

The first is to do my best to look fab at the end of the year in anticipation for wedding in 2013. this includes a popular weightloss programme, fun excerise and a weekly beauty regime.
To keep myself motivated I will be placing a picture of a bride (below) on the fridge and cupboards in the kitchen as well as in my purse to help remind me why I am doing it.  I have also created forms to keep track of my progress, it is however, fairly unlikely they will be used for more than the first 2 weeks.
During the year I hope to share with you some of my favouite recipes and also homemade beauty 'products' I try out on my skin and hair. 

(Ideal Wedding Dress design feature on Pronovias website)

The second is to not waste my life - spending less time faffing on the computer and watching TV, also to do more to keep the flat looking nice.
The aim is to do at least one bit of housework eachday and spend more time on my crafting and keeping up with friends.

So what does the new year have instore for Godiva Crafts and this blog?

In February I will be starting to plan my wedding, I hope to make as much as I can for our big day. From stationary to favours and my Jewellery; if it could be handmade I will try to make it! This blog will document my journey and ideas.

Taking inspration from a friends status during the holidays and how much I enjoyed doing a small range of charms based on Alice in Wonderland, I thought I would continue the Disney and romance themes and each month I would take inspiration from a Disney movie, read the original and share my thoughts with you all as well create jewellery, charms and cards inspired by the movie.

xxx