Caterers Done

We met Darren in a Harvester (don't worry Harvester are not our wedding caterers) sat down with a drink and talked about food. 

Just on a side note Darren does look remarkably like Justin Theroux, you know Drew Barrymores bad boyfriend in Charlie's Angels. Which might give some of the girls a good reason to go up for seconds...

Luckily for us Darren has done tonnes of events/weddings including some at our actual venue, which was a huge relief. It meant he already knew the layout so he could tell us where he would set up and suggest how the day could pan out. He is a hog roast specialist, but we haven't gone for a hog roast. Don't get me wrong I love a bit of crackling and apple sauce, as much as the next meat eating fiend, but personally I feel it has been done. We are still keeping it fairly informal, I just want a little more choice for my guests. With a shed load of cheese for later in the evening. I love cheese I do.

Dessert is not being provided by Darren, but will be oh so scrumptious. I'm going to make our actual cake, and some other lovely ladies will be suppling the main dessert. I can't wait!! 

How do you feel about Hog Roasts?

Congratulations J & N

It turned out to be a beautiful day, a very long day but worth it. I managed to get my hair dyed, dried and make up on in the morning. I had to be at the venue for 10am to help with the set up of the reception area, and we managed to get all the bunting and pompoms up, tables laid and flowers put out just in the nick of time. We just had enough time to get changed into our glad rags and leg it to the ceremony.

The bride looked stunning, as she made her grand entrance at Swallows Oast, the formal vows were said in the oast, with all their friends and family squeezed into the little venue both in seats and peering down from the balcony. Everyone then made their way down to a wooded area for their personal vows and ring exchange.

With the formal stuff over it was time to party! This was the card we got the bride and groom, it doesn't look like them but the alcohol consumption wasn't far off. So although I think all involved are feeling a little jaded today, it was both a pleasure and honour, to be a part of J & N's special day.

What did you do this weekend?

Best Mans +1

We are going to a friends wedding at the weekend, which ordinarily I would be quite excited about, but  for this particular wedding I am the Best Man's +1. I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do, and everyone else I know at the wedding is either a bride, groom or bridesmaid! I'm sure it will be fine it's just going to be a little strange going to a wedding on my own not knowing any of the guests. 

I'm a bit shy around strangers, so I have offered to help with the reception set up in the morning, to hopefully get familiar with a few faces before the actual ceremony, so I don't look like a complete sad sack. But this has it's own problems, do I get ready before set up and run the risk of ruining my outfit/ make-up whilst lugging around hay bales and bunting, or do I take a chance and hope there is somewhere to get changed, there. (Going home in between is not an option, it's about 30 mins each way.)

Though once all the set up dramas and ceremony are over, I'm pretty sure we are going to have one hell of a party, and let be honest that's what it's really all about.

Have you have been a best persons plus one at a wedding?

Photographer Done

Well yesterday we went to see a very lovely lady in Saltdean. I had found her details online and was instantly drawn to her website and blog, with tons of sample photos of her work. We had emailed each other a couple of times, and to my delight she was free for our date so we arranged a meeting. I was on a high all day and really excited to meet her at her home. I just hoped that she would be everything I imagined. I needed have worried she was super excitable, and made all the right noises when we were talking about our wedding plans, made notes and suggestions to cover all the things we wanted to happen with our photos. Neither myself or my man are that confident in front of a camera, and she put us completely at ease. I don't think she realised, but she also helped us to work out timings for the day.
It was a joy to meet her and hear how enthusiastic she was about our plans, I think she will fit in just right with our friends and our plans for the day. Still 400 odd days to go but it's starting to feel very real. Caterers next!
If you are looking for a enthusiastic photographer check her out http://www.sarareeve.com/

How do you feel about having your photo taken?

Wedding Planning

So in an attempt to buck my procrastinating ways, I have given myself a deadline of Christmas to get the bulk of my wedding planned.

 So far so good. The venue, registrar, dress and the all important ice cream van, have been booked and deposits paid. We are meeting a photographer on Thursday, caterer in 2 weeks and we were testing favours this evening. Not bad going considering the wedding is next September. 

Next on the agenda is my shoes, dj and wedding rings. 

Do you think maybe I am over compensating, or am I doing the right thing?