Another day, another picture

Just a quick pic that I can upload...

The view from our bungalow

We have this little piece of beach almost to ourselves.

Although we did see a couple having photos taken who looked like they had just gotten married.

View from a beach

This is the view from a little left of our bunaglow.

We are having a relaxing time

We do wonder where everyone else on the island is. Feels like we are on the Lost island when walking around!

At the moment we are exploring our island. Looking for The Others, and Neat has found a pc for Facebook. Only 13 minutes left...

The pictures don't do this place justice, especially because I've only taken a handful on my phone for easy uploading!

So far we have seen some great pictures from the wedding day, and not seen any professional ones yet!

We've Tied the Knot

We've tied the knot. It was a half-windsor not apparently in the cravats!
I practised the night before and in the morning before heading off to Tissington...  They probably still weren't perfect, they slide down a little bit a few times - but I think we looked ok!

It was an amazing day, it whizzed by so quickly I felt like people had only just arrived and were leaving already.

I hope everyone had a great day as we had the most fantastic day!

Tomorrow's not far away

Tomorrow isn't far away now. Neat has gone off to Tissington tor the night while I keep the kittens company before the big day.

It's starting to hit me finally that it is all happening and all the months of planning that (mostly) Neat has been doing is put in motion. Tables are set. Things all seem ready. I want to go through my speech again though...

My last day at work before the big day

Yesterday was a great day at work, I arrived early to find my desk decorated and lots of cakes, gifts and nice surprises. Today however, is a busy one which military precision as I pack everything get suits, spray tans, gel nails etc etc etc! Total madness but I am loving every minute of it!!!

Boys will be boys....

Mark has finally shared some photos and videos from the stag do! Boys will be boys by lighting BBQ's with vodka and dressing the groom in a large cat suit. Mark came home with sleep deprivation and a disliking for meat after overdoing it. Apologies for any swear words which may be contained in the videos. 

Last ever hen do.....

We had the most amazing spa day yesterday at Champneys Springs, thanks to all the ladies that came to share such a special and memorable day.  I can't say  that I will ever have a seaweed wrap again - I smelt like I should have been on Grimsby Fish Market after having that done. It was however very relaxing and made me fall to sleep. Just what I wanted, a perfect relaxing day with the girls, nice food and conversation and lots of rest!!!!! (And topped off with a nice meal in a great country pub). I'm not sure how the boys are getting on at Center Parcs this weekend, hopefully Mark is still alive. 

The cake is nearly there!

The largest of the cakes in now iced and looking great - Michelle's done a great job of managing the whole cake decorating project!

Last night Mark and I went to visit the photographer and went through all the requirements, we even upgraded the package so that all our guests can view the photos online after the wedding and buy pictures, and we now have over 100 photos in the album we have chosen so Merv is going to be busy on the day!! 

I also had my make up trial on Sunday and love the final look! I cannot wait to be made up on the day and look a lady. 

It's the spa day on Saturday so I have a spray tan tonight after work - let's hope I don't look orange tomorrow!! (Ps Mark has one too tonight for Center Parcs, how funny!). 

Stage three of cake making is complete!

Mother Bailey has done a fantastic job of 'marzipaning' the four tiers of our cake. The next stage is the icing before it is constructed at Tissington Hall the day before the wedding. I am beginning to have nightmares of it falling over as it's so heavy!! The picture below demonstrates the progress so far!

Mark is looking forward to the stag weekend at Center Parcs this weekend, while I am excited about the spa day at Champneys on Saturday for the girls. It looks like we are having a nice meal out afterwards too so we'll see what happens! The boys meanwhile are having a BBQ and no doubt some beers. 

Hen Do Number Two

Well, hen do number two went well - we had a fantastic buffet in Nono8, did a few dares and had great cocktails. Admittedly it got rowdier as the night went on and random shots where shoved in my direction. Good job I was drinking coke (and making out it was vodka and coke) otherwise I think I may have had a sore head on Saturday. Nicola in my office did a great job of making games out of dares, brought along score cards and even arranged everyone to write us advice cards. Some were clean, some definitely were not!!  Great keepsakes though.

It was good to have a dance and chat to the girls outside of the office. Below are a few photos of the nights proceedings. 

One step closer......

Mark, Sarah, Andy and I have had a productive time making 30 orders of service, 55 place cards and work began on the table plans. It's amazing what motivation a Chinese take away is! 

It's my works hen do tomorrow night and my new dress looks lovely. (And fits which is the main thing). There is a nice crowd of us going to Nono8 for a buffet and drinks. Photos are to follow......

This lunchtime I am working on the running order for the wedding as we are meeting the lovely Izzy from Tissington Hall on Saturday morning. (With or without hangover!).

Another exciting weekend ahead - Tissington meeting, Andy (Day for the day) has his suit fitting and I have my make up trial on Sunday. The dress is currently hanging at home and needs to be taken to Sarah's on Sunday for some steaming. (And stuff!). 

A productive weekend..

This weekend has been really productive. We have had two suit fittings, one hair trial and one final wedding dress fitting. The boys look great in their suits, very smart. I love my wedding hair - very different for me and hopefully will stay looking great all day on the day. Oh, and the dress is perfect- beyond perfect!

I managed to find some time for a make up session with Chanel, and picked up some new samples from other beauty counters. This week I'll be trialling them to see which one suits me the best and which will look good on the day. (And stay on my face!). 

My engagement ring has been taken to the jewellers to make it look extra sparkly for the wedding photos, so if you see me without it until the wedding that's the reason why!! 

I have my work hen do to look forward to on Friday night and spa day in less than two weeks. Mark's looking forward to the stag do, Brother Neil has also decided to go so it's going to be a good weekend with a good crowd. I hope you behave yourselves boys - no more broken bones please.....

Exciting weekend ahead!

We have a really exciting weekend ahead, Mark and Chris (Usher) are going for their suit fitting and I have my hair trial on Saturday. Sunday lunchtime is my final, final fitting at Gracie Bleu the dress is now altered and shortened to fit perfectly. 

I also need to make orders of service and place cards if I am brave enough to do them without my maid of honour as she is the expert!

Yesterday we had a risk assessment at Tissington Hall which went well, and the photographer is going tomorrow to have a look at where they get all the best shots from. 

All exciting stuff.  

'Dad for the Day' = Nightmare

Andy my 'Dad for the Day' has just texted to say 'I'll be OK for the wedding but I can't get my suit fitted yet as I have fractured several bones in my foot'. Andrew Derek Kemp you are in trouble (Yes, I am middle naming you!) the deadline is only on Saturday. I'll see what I can do - otherwise I'm sending my mother round with a tape measure and you don't want that!! 

Today I have found a new supplier for the wedding disco after having second thoughts about the original one...details to follow shortly. 

Honeymoon excitement....

Today I got a lovely email from the Sheraton Full Moon, they have arranged flowers, fruit basket and champagne to be in our room on arrival and for a candlelit dinner one night. The room upgrade they will confirm closer to the time. I'd like to treat Mark to a honeymooners spa treatment which is a hot stone therapy done overlooking the sea from a double treatment room. How romantic. 

I need to email Red Olive tomorrow and update the numbers and the requirements. We are looking forward to meeting with them 10 days before the wedding to go through everything. 

A week on Friday I will be having my work hen do at Nono8 bar who are arranging some fantastic food for us. I have a room booked at the Jury's so not far to walk if my feet are hurting. (Which they probably will do!!).

Honeymoon Heaven

I've just had a great idea - I have a contact at work who looks after Starwood Hotels where we are going on holiday, tomorrow I will be emailing her to see if she can make sure we receive our complimentary room upgrade, candlelit dinner on the beach and half day cruise! 

ps The link to the hotel has just been added to our list of suppliers. 

Exciting times...

Today someone came up to me and said do you realise you get married next month. That totally puts it into perspective! Only five weeks to go until the big day and I don't think I could be any more excited. Mother Bailey has been and got all the cake necessities today, I have printed off something secret to go with the wedding favours and the readings for Sarah, Chris and John to do on the day. I thought they would make nice keepsakes so I have done them in the style of the invitations. We still have orders of service to do, place cards and the table plan - so there is still work to be done. 

I have also requested another day off work after we return from the honeymoon, so we have a few days off before, the big day, a week away while Mum house sits, night at Gatwick and a few days at home before back to work. 

I have emailed Tissington Hall today a list of questions, so much to arrange and think about ahead of time. My life will be so empty without the wedding to plan. I was rather excited when Sir Richard emailed back himself, what a surprise! 

When I finally got out of my PJ's on Sunday night after an eventful hen night on Saturday I managed to find my keepsake box brought as a gift from my wonderful colleagues, and deposit the veil, dare cards, sash and kitten ears and glass. Such great memories.........

Hen Do's & Don'ts...

Well girls, thanks for a great hen do last night. After I got over my initial concerns over kitten ears, sashes and dare cards much fun and laughter commenced. Thanks to Nikki for the hangover kit but I didn't need to use it this morning thankfully! Sar, thanks so much for organising everything and travelling all that way. Here's a few pictures of the evenings events:

The cake decorations are finally done! (Thanks Michelle)

The roses for the cake have been finished today, and they look great! Mother Carol has sent the Cake to Mother Bailey to marzipan and ice. It's going to be huge, it smells fantastic too. I've been for a wedding dress fitting today and some needs taking off the length and the top. But it feels great and looks good as well. It was nice to try on with the shoes and see how it all fits together. I also brought some headgear. ;-) 

Thanks to Sister Soph for her honest opinion and help with the dressing. We are back on the 19th September for the final fitting. (Hair trial is the day before). This week I need to concentrate on getting all the suppliers paid. 

Andy, Graham, Helen and Chris, don't forget you are needed on the 25th September at 10:30am. 

Huw, did you get your suit fitted?? Graham you are welcome to go to Nottingham, let me know if you need any suit names. Andy, Chris and Mark we need to get you there too. 

Update on the cake...

We now have a six inch cake tin and the most enormous wedding cake! Mum's spent £16.00 on marzipan this morning - I don't even like marzipan. :-) 

Michelle was busy making roses again last night for the decorations so progress is being made and the smaller roses are beginning to take shape. 

I've booked in for a cut and colour for my hair the day before the wedding at 09:00 - blonde or brunette? I've also called and left a message for Alison Clare Skincare Centre to book Mark and I spray tans prior to the wedding. Can you imagine - bad hair and bad spray tan! I could look like... something awful!! 

The ceremonious opening of the 'Wedding Fund'

After much debate and persuasion Mark has agreed to let me open the wedding cash can that Sarah and Andy brought us when we got engaged to see how much we have saved in £2.00 coins. I think it's over half full which should make it about £260.00 worth as it holds £500.00 when full. 

Would anyone else like to take a guess on how much is in there and the answer will be revealed next weekend. Answers on the post.....

There's a prize for the nearest guess!!! 

Does any one have a six inch cake tin?

Random I know, does any one have a square cake tin we can borrow for the top tier of the cake? Mum's made two tiers so far, and now we are a little stuck! You will be delighted to know she is lacing it with alcohol each day so anyone who is driving on the day beware.....

Next Sunday is wedding dress fitting day so I am fasting this week! No weight gain allowed after Sunday. I cannot wait to see the dress with the shoes and the other bits - I do need to sort out some bling. SMHK - Any ideas? I could do with some guidance from the Matron of Honour! I have seen a gorgeous Swarovski set, I just need to find the £232.00 to buy it. This wedding lark is so expensive!!!

The first hen do is less than two weeks away, how exciting. 

The cake decorations have colour!

Michelle (Mark's mum) has sent photos this morning of the cake in working progress. The colours are really different and fit with our theme perfectly.

It's a secret.....

Payment has now been received for our little surprise after the wedding ceremony so it's definitely going ahead. Our good friend John Williams has agreed to do a reading for us to go with it. Sorry for the cheese John, I am quite happy for you to say your own version if you wish - I am sure that would go down much better. We may just need to remove any expletives in front of Grandma!!! Love to you both Nikki & John xxx

YouTube Video

This is currently Neat's favourite video at the moment

The cake is taking shape.....

Mother Bailey is doing a great job of making the decorations for the cake. Michelle, they are perfect!!! Mother Carol is probably baking as we speak...Thank you so much to you both.

Superdupa!!

I've just had the pleasure of speaking to Merv our wedding photographer who wants to come and visit us at home as he used to own our house - strange but true! I hope he calls first so I can tidy up!!! 

On the morning of the wedding he's coming to Nurses Cottage to take some pictures of us ladies getting ready, and hair and make up done. It's going to be good fun as he has a cracking personality!!! Oh, and everything is always Superdupa with Merv!!


Check out his photos: - http://www.fieldphotographic.com/2004/weddings.php

Where the question was popped.....

Today I am not supposed to be doing any wedding planning, but I had to send a quick email to Vynall my lovely make up artist for the day. She has recommended I use Estee Lauder Doublewear foundation for a long lasting and good coverage. (But also mentioned ‘When you try it you'll think it is like cement but don't worry it can look pretty natural!’). So I have ordered some cement and a trowel this morning.  

The arrival of the wedding blog....

Well here it is, our wedding blog! Mark and I decided to do this to keep those invited to our wedding (as well as those who cannot make it) informed of all our wedding plans. Anyone that knows us well should know that Mark is as laid back as ever, without a care in the world and has to date made two decisions about the wedding. (One which canapé he prefers, and two he wants a first dance). The rest I am afraid is down to me....

It all began on a rainy day in Paris on the 1st May 2009 when he proposed. (Twice). Once under the Eiffel Tower when he dropped the ring out of the box and straight on to the floor, and the other in the Alain Ducasse restaurant  when he decided he needed to do it again but properly this time!!