Year two

Year two

This month marks Adam and my second wedding anniversary. Given the current set of circumstances we now find ourselves in, it seems so very surreal that this time two years ago we were in England, making our final preparations for the day and getting ready to welcome guests from all over the world to gather, celebrate, embrace and party all together.

Last year we didn’t worry about presents – we had a newborn, and being able to sneak off for a few hours to have dinner by ourselves while one set of grandparents babysat felt like a gift in itself. This year I suspect we’ll do something similar. Adam’s had an incredibly busy couple of weeks, including a stint working out of town, so quality time together and a nice meal out will be ample celebration.

In saying that, I read online that the traditional second anniversary gift of cotton is meant to signify comfort and strength, threads woven together much like the interconnectedness of marriage. I thought that was really lovely, and for Adam and I it felt very apt for this year of marriage…

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The mini-moon

The mini-moon

Adam and I talked at length about what we wanted to do for our honeymoon after our wedding.  After much discussion, we decided to eschew from a more traditional fortnight getaway, in favour of a short mini-break.  Our time in England was limited and we wanted to make the most of being able to spend time with family and friends.

So less than 24 hours after we said ‘I do’, we jumped in the car and headed for a cosy little apartment in rural Herefordshire…

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The wedding: through my eyes

The wedding: through my eyes

It’s often said that your wedding day is one of the happiest moments of your life and I can safely say, that very much was the case for me. Adam and I have been married for just over a week now and I’m still smiling at the absolute perfection the day was.

It was over in a flash, but ever so lovely – to be surrounded by so many friends and family from both England and Australia was truly a gift.

The first of what I’m sure will be hundreds of professional photographs have started coming through (and I’ll share those soon!), but I thought today I might show you the wedding through my eyes…

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The farm shop

The farm shop

One of the lovely things about being back in England is having the opportunity to visit the dozens of farm shops that surround Malvern.

Farm shops are usually independently run and generally sell locally grown produce and meat as well as baked goods, pantry staples like honey and preserves, as well as regional beers and ciders.  They’re like tiny little farmer’s markets dotted all over the countryside and if you love your food, they’re an utter joy to nose around…

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The suitcase guide: England

The suitcase guide: England

Adam and I fly out this weekend for our wedding in England.  We’ll be away for four weeks and while we’re both excited about our big day, we’re also thrilled to be heading back to Worcestershire to see friends and family and just spend time in our ‘English home’.

I like to take my time when I’m packing for a lengthy holiday: writing out an initial packing list, then mulling over it and refining it, so I’ve made sure I’ve got everything I need.   Like previous trips, I always try and put together a mini capsule wardrobe – a small collection of good quality basics that I can mix and match easily…

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The countdown begins

The countdown begins

It’s just over 50 days till Adam and I get married, and planning in our household has just stepped up a notch.

Even though we’ve been pretty organised in putting together our nuptials, it’s become clear that there are parts of the day we’re only going to be able to finalise and in the weeks, and even days, before the ceremony. Continue reading “The countdown begins”

The alternative hen

The alternative hen

Ever since I got engaged, I’ve maintained I’m fairly clueless bride-to-be. I never really dreamed about my wedding day and although Adam and I are really enjoying putting together a day of celebration for family and friends, we’re trying to make it a low-key, intimate affair.

So when it came to discussing a ‘hens party’ I was completely stuck.  I definitely wasn’t keen on a boozy night with a heap of friends.  Thankfully my sole bridesmaid knows me very well and suggested a night away.  So this past weekend we headed south to wine country…

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The finishing touches

The finishing touches

After months and months of painstaking work, my wedding dress is just about complete.

I’ve lost count of the number of fittings I’ve had with my wonderful dressmaker, Rose. It all started with an image, from which she drafted a pattern and then reams of material were draped, pinned and cut and now bar from a few more tucks and a hemming my dress is done…

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A toile and trousseau

A toile and trousseau

It’s just under 150 days until Adam and I get married.  It’s both a lifetime and an instant away. We’ve had a very relaxed approach to the whole process so far, and getting a large part of the planning done in England, before we moved back to Australia, has been a big help.

There’s still dozens of things to do, and we know that week before the big day, when we’re back in the U.K., it’ll be a mad rush, but for now we’re trying to keep calm and collected and enjoy the special little moments that are happening along the way.

I’m exceptionally lucky and grateful that my dress is being made by a distant relative of Adam’s, who lives here in Wagga Wagga with us.

Over the last few weeks, Rose and I have been regularly meeting up, and now my wedding dress is starting to come to life…

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