Originally we had decided we were going to leave some cameras on the tables and let our guests take the photos. But my mother in law has kindly offered pay for a photographer.

Here are a list of photographers I have found to start looking at and decide over:

Courtney Ltd - Registered Office
Courtenay Photographic Ltd Mr Courtenay Hitchcock 15 Manston Road Sturminster NewtonDorset DT10 1AF
T + 44 (0) 1258 473671 M + 44 (0) 7770 227492 info@courtenayphotographic.co.uk
Also includes a pre-wedding engagement shoot. This is usually 5-6 weeks before the wedding. I have saved the price list in wedding folder on my laptop.

A2 Photography T 01202 827 999 M 07721 002 515 Email: geoff.boyd@btconnect.com
http://www.a2weddings.co.uk/pages/gallery.html
I like the style of. Costs are on the website.


Bella West Photography 16 Bimport Shaftesbury Dorset SP7 8AX United Kingdom
+44 (0)1747 855626+44 (0)7974 663140 (Mobile) http://www.bellawest.co.uk/

Anne Edwards
Contact Details
Phone:07974 722 394 Address:28 Church Road, Shillingstone, Blandford,
http://www.anne-edwardes.com/

Belbin Photos – 01308 898094 or mobile 07963 705033
3 Myrtle Close, Puncknowle, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9EH
http://www.belbinphoto.co.uk/

Philip Ledwith Photography http://www.paledwith.co.uk/
Address:
The Cottage, Lower Fifehead Farm
Fifehead St. Quinton
Sturminster Newton
Dorset DT10 2AP
Telephone: 01258 818384
Mobile: 07795 420965
Email: info@paledwith.co.uk

Carpe Diem - Contemporary Wedding photography from Photoart by Martin Crabtree
http://www.mcphotoart.co.uk/ Email: mcphotoart123@aol.com Tel. 07854 140 471

Nickie Westlake Photography - http://www.nickiewestlakephotography.co.uk/info.html
T: 07966 287679 or on 01202 233290 Email: nickiewestlake@btinternet.com
not sure she will cover our are would need to call. but she has 3 packages rangeing from £450 to £895 and travel upto 50 miles is included in the packages.

Going to try and sit down with my Fiance Dave to have a look through the links and make a decision and also see which Photographer MIL likes the best.

The two photographers that have caught my eye so far whilst finding these links are A2 photography and Courtney Ltd. Both recomended by The Coppleridge Inn.

Here's a pic of the bear that I have ordered with the blue and silver ribbon as requested. I'm getting two - one for Connor and the other for Oscar. They are 8inches high which I think will be perfect.

Can't wait for them to arrive.

Remember I found a seller on EBay - Bloomingperfect and she had some wonderful silk flowers, well I recieved a sample button hole and I personally liked it, but my mum and fiance want us to continue looking and gathering prices. They like the idea of using fresh flowers more. Me personally think Silk can look just as good and I don't see the point of spending huge amounts on flowers that are real as they don't last that long. Silk flowers can be kept.

Any way I have emailed her to let her know and to ask if it were ok to buy two of the bears but with blue and silver ribbon round the neck. These will be for my two youngest boys. I'm just waiting on a email back.

I'm so happy I finally found the Pretty Princess Pendant that I wanted, $10.99 for the necklace itself and $4.00 for the shipping to the UK. So $14.99 which is just under ten pounds which is fantastic. And guess where I found it - on EBay. I've ordered it and now am awaiting it's arrival, I'm so excited, I think my bridesmaid is going to love it.

I Emailed Wentworth Pewter a company I found who do Tankards and asked them bout costs for if I bought a Standard 1 pint capacity pewter tankard with classic double lines pattern Height: 115mm costing 17 pounds and had our Monogramme engraved into it and a thankyou for being our best man speech engraved to would cost and this is what he emailed back -

Hi TraceyMany thanks for your enquiry.We would be delighted to engrave some tankards for you as per the monogramme design you sent us.The cost would be £5.00 per tankard plus a one-off £30.00 charge for originating the artwork into the correct file for engraving.If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Regards Richard AbdyWentworth Pewter

Going to have more of a browse and see if theres any better prices out there before makeing a decision.

Been doing a search on the Internet to see if I can find anywhere in the UK that sells the Pretty Princess pendant but not having much luck. I posted the pic on Wedding Announcers Forum and one of the members Alison is being so kind she is looking into the shipping costs for me to have it sent to hers then sent to me as the postage directly from the shop is really expensive.

Anyway whilst searching the Net I came across Tankards which can come in either Glass or Pewter and can be engraved on with a special message. I thought this would be great for kip who's our Best Man, he loves Cider and when I saw them he sprang to mind. Wondering if we could get our monogram engraved on with a message saying Thankyou For Being Best Man.

Some one on the Wedding Announcers forum has been asking for suggestions on Gifts for Bridesmaids and page boys and JohnandBrandie08 (who designed my Monogramme) found this - Pretty Princess Austrian Crystal Pendant - The write up as follows - "A princess is sweet and charming too. A princess is special just like you!"Our sterling silver finish necklace hangs from a 16"L chain, complete with a spring ring clasp and 2"L extender.
Pendant measures a generous 1 3/4" in diameter and features Genuine Austrian Crystals.
Lead-free safe for children.
Beautifully packaged in keepsake crown gift box with lovely poem to express loving sentiments.A unique gift for birthdays, holiday, and more. Now every girl can feel like a princess!

I think this would be a perfect Gift for my Bridesmaid Kiera, as my SIL (her Aunty) says " She likes abit of bling and sparkle'' and I totally thought Kiera when I saw it.

I was just having a searching the internet looking for inspiration on more DIY projects and came across these Chocolate Hearts which can be made at home. Here's the link - http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_wedding/article/0,2025,DIY_13783_5481555_03,00.html

Heres the instuctions etc I copied and pasted. Thought it may come in handy as I want to be a DIY Bride as much as possible and makeing my own favours sounds more thankful in a way.

Chocolate Hearts

Materials:

chocolate for meltingcandy moldscookie sheetramekinsovenglassine sleeve (available from photo-supply or craft stores)small rubber stampembossing stamp padembossing powderembossing or heat gunfile folderdecorative taghole punchribbon (6" per favor)spoon

1. Microwave chocolate on low for one minute. Continue melting in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. When the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, it's ready to be poured into the molds.

2. With a spoon, fill each section of the mold with melted chocolate. Gently tap the mold to remove any air bubbles (figure A).
3. Let chocolate cool before popping out of the molds (figure B). Use the edge of a knife to remove any extra bits of chocolate.

4. Emboss an image on the glassine sleeves, if desired. Working over a file folder, stamp the rubber stamp with embossing ink; sprinkle embossing powder on the wet ink. Tap off excess powder and funnel excess powder back into the powder jar. Heat with an embossing or heat gun until the embossing powder has melted.
5. Place several chocolates in a glassine sleeve; fold over the top edge of the sleeve.

6. Punch a hole in the top center of the tag. Punch a matching hole in the top center of the decorative tag (figure C).
7. Layer the tag over the glassine sleeve. Fold a ribbon in half, thread the looped end through both holes and loop the tails back through the folded loop (figure D). Trim ribbon ends on an angle.

If any one decides to atempt making these or has made these before I'd love to hear how they turned out or any similar confectionerys that could be used as favours.

Just a quick post I'm now thinking of using the font Curlz MT now as it's easier to read where there is a lot of writing and also looks fun too. may use the font Gabrielle too but for our names. going to have more of a play though.

I decided to have the map the style I liked the maps were going to start getting expensive as I would need a professional to do it. Couple of people offered to help me out on the Wedding Annoucers forum and this is the map that Maeberha came up with. I'm waiting to see if the font can be changed and if not not to worry I'm going to write out instructions etc in my chosen font which I think is going to be Gabrielle free from http://www.dafont.com/ .

Been trying to figure out how to make my own wedding invite map and I found a site but stuggling to do it but heres a pic of the style I'd like for my map. Heres the link to the site I found. http://www.weddingmapper.com/. If any one reads this and can help I'd be very grateful.

been looking for the children's favours and thinking along the lines of soft sweets - like Jelly Babies, Dolly Mixtures, Wine Gums. Did think about Chocolate Eggs and skittles but they may be a bit hard. As for the container I was thinking plastic little money boxes so once the sweets have been eaten they can still be used. I have come across some some where so will have to find them then I'll post a piccy here.

I haven't as of yet decided on a place to get my favour confectionery but have plenty of time and I know Ebay yet again has good deals.

Ok so been relooking at favours and decided on using organza draw string bags, there are lots to choose from at fantastic prices on EBay and come in packs of 50 or 100. Its just a matter of choosing a colour bag that doesn't clash with the table clothes. So I was thinking of either a turquoise or white. Some come with various patterns on like stars and hearts so that is another thing to think about.












As for the confectionary I was thinking along the lines of either silver sugared Almonds or Silver Heart Chocolate Dragees.

Ok I'm not sure for definant that I will need a seating plan but have been looking into some any way. I love the idea of the third one from the bottom with the sequins in the middle like a shaker. I love the writing on the one at the bottom. And I kind of like the layout and the blue of the second one. Not so sure about the bow though. And I like the idea of butterflys on too like in the third one. So now with the thinking cap and how to entwine but still look good and not cluttered. Also think the title at the top I would use my monogram.

So I have been on a search for Pocketfolder invites hoping to make my own, but not haveing much joy. The pocketsfolders only seem available in the US and most of the places don't ship to the Uk. Also I'm beginning to find for the bits I'd need they are going to get very expensive. Making my own invites are still on the agender but have been coming across invites I like that I may be able to adapt.

We both love the heart card below, but I like the idea of using my monogram some how. I like the writting layout of the card with the ribbon at the top. And we like the pocket butterfly card too. The Calla Lilly card would be nice in a blue ribbon down the side and would go with our theme as would the butterfly pocket card.

What ever we decide we need to enclose map, R.S.V.P and envelope along with the invite. Oh and also on the R.S.V.P we need to include some way of asking if they need a room to stay over.

Was given this link to have a look at http://www.vase-express.co.uk/vases_clear-vases_20.html and came across these vases and they come in packs of 10 and they come in different colours here are pics of the clear and blue vases. They are called Magic Vases, they are made in plastic and when filled with water expand so you can put your flowers in. Our Magic Vases are unbreakable, sturdy and easy to store away.

I'm thinking looking at plastic vases would be better not only cheaper but the fact we we will have children at the wedding and accidents can happen the last thing we want is broken glass.

Just found they do different sizes:

Large Magic Vase - pack of 10 Height x 30cm £27.50 Medium Magic Vase - pack of 10 Height x 17cm £16.50 Small Magic Vase - pack of 10 Height x 9cm £11.00

Well I decided after looking at Monograms on http://www.weddingannouncer.com/r.com/ that I would like one so I decided to ask Johnandbrandi08 if it would be ok to make me one. And here is what she came up with using our colour and theme:

Me and Dave love it, so now to encorperate it into our invites.

check out her blog she has done so many nice ones and custom makes them for a small fee - http://brandiesdesigns.wordpress.com/
http://brandiesdesigns.ecrater.com/

Just a quick post I been looking for more dresses and looking for ones similar to the ones in my previous post. And I decided to have a look at http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/ I spoke to a consultant and she was fab she looked at my blog at the styles I have been looking at and showed me the ones they had that were similar, unfortunantly I couldnt add pictures here so here are the links to the two I like the best http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/Collection/product-page.asp?SKU=Brianna and http://www.bridalonlinestore.com/Collection/product-page.asp?SKU=Mikayla
can also modify look here - https://www.bridalonlinestore.com/Collection/gown-accessories.asp?i=16597560496

Brianna wedding gown $499 USD = 260.638, Mikayla Wedding gown $399 USD = 208.406 The shipping is GBP 38.646 which I think is good.

I have just joined another forum recommend by my friend Helen http://www.weddingannouncer.com and come across a thread of interest about home made invites and found this one below made by RobEVOLoriSTi. I think its gorgous and is pretty much my colours lol.

Quite a few people have asked if they can use her idea and heres the info shes shared - "They are 6 x 6 when closed. I bought 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" envelopes so thats there size when mailed. I didn't use an inner envelope but decided to do name labels because I wanted everone to know they could bring a guest or that their whole family was invited without trying to find everyones names"

"Materials... Well I did the printing and cutting myself because I have a laser color printer at home and a paper cutter but I looked into kinkos and they were my 2nd choice. Pocketfolds I got from http://www.cardsandpockets.com/ the perfetto style. I got the actual main paper for inserts and the invite from the paper mill store 200 sheets for 42.97 it was 98lb Aspire Petallics Beargrass.I got the 4 Bar RSVP envelopes from paper presentation 50 for $8.75 there website has some virus stuff going on though so I was really apprehensive from ordering from them, So if you order from them I recommend you should call them if placing an order. I got the 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 square pearl white envelopes from paper and More!$16.99 for 50 of them. The blue paper I bought locally for cheap they are both astrobright. I got 24lb lunar blue and black and heavier celestial blue. Ribbon from jkmribbonandtrim.com 100 yards for $15.16I would have bought everything from one place to make it easier but of course the colors I picked made it difficult. Paper presentation was the only one to carry the 4bar envelopes in the lunar blue color that I really wanted. I bargined shopped and did okay. Paper mill has good prices but huge quantities so thats why I bought the other thinner paper locally. I didn't need 500 sheets of blue paper lol "

"You actually don't have to have an envelope you can seal the pocketfold and mail it. My cousin did hers like that. I prefer an envelope though so you don't have to worry about anything falling out in the mail."

Invitations - I decided to put a post up on Ukscrappers forum and I got a pm from a lady called Jo, a demonstrator from stampin up, with her suggestion and shes kindly said she'd do some prototypes for me to look at and if I like them then I can buy the bits to make the amount I need. I can't wait to see them.

Bridesmaid, Maid of Honour, pageboy out fits, I'm not sure what to do were trying to keep the costs down as low as possible but I feel the costs are actually starting to esculate. Originally the plan was to get out fits that could be worn again to other special occasions that way it's not a total waste of money. I had found this really nice white dress with little embroiderd navey flowers on and a nice knitted cardigan that just come below the bust from Baby Gap, but I'm not sure what size my bridesmaide will need as it's a yr till the wedding. And for the boys I had found a nice set which was smart jeans, smart t-shirt and a knitted kinda pull over from woolworths. Thought haveing all three boys dressed the same would look so cute. Was just looking for a picture and came across they have Page Boy Tailcoat Set and Pinstripe Page Boy Suit for 20.00 pounds, so that is an idea. They don't seem to have the jeans set I was thinking about any more. Or the Dress and cardigan either.

Think waiting till closer to the day best option, but will keep my eyes open for ideas. have also found some nice patterns so could make the skirts myself so that's an option.

To be honest I'm useless when it comes to flowers and what types come out at what time of the year and names. But one I do know and love and that is Calla Lillis and I'm thinking of going with Silk ones. I found a Seller on Ebay Shop Tie The Knot Flowers by a seller called Bloomingperfect. Below are pictures she sent me and I'm definantly loveing.

From Top left I'm thinking of have this Botton hole for the dads, ushers, and possibly the boys too. The Wand for my sister in laws daughter who I'm hoping to be my bridesmaid. There's another Wand in the pic below either side a bouquet she could hold. But I think I like this top one better. Then theres a Teddy which I'm thinking my youngest Connor can hold. I don't want him to feel left out he will only be coming up two yrs old at the time of our wedding so he will probably stay with a member of the family, where as my other two boys will be 3 and coming up 6.

Next is The Maid of Honour Wand which I'm hoping will be my Best Friend Heather. Then the Button Hole for my Groom Dave as he needs to stand out from the rest of the blokes lol.

Last picture is the Bouquet on its own and all though there was another I really liked, Me and Dave had a chat and decided on this one overall.

All the ribbon on the above flowers will be blues and silvers hopefully to go with my colour scheme. Also Shes able to make a garland and top table decoration so going to get measurements and see what else we need as well as decide on Corsages for the women of the family. The balcony and stair rails will need a bit of decoration too so thinking a Garland for balcony, not sure as of yet for the stair rail.

Favours - I know are not a necessity and will only been done if we have some money left from our budget.

Originally I want to make the little box you can see in the picture with almonds in with either blue metallic stuff inside or paper shredding like in pictures – instructions here - www.weddingdelight.co.uk Love the hexagon box favour boxes which you make your self. There is a list of bits you need and instructions. Code Box3C you can buy the bits on site. Total based on 58 guests = £35.23
for inside the favour boxes either -
Light Blue shredded tissue paper 25g approx at 99p or Pearl Light Blue deluxe iridescent polypropylene shreds 25g approx £1.99 need to look in to how many bags id have to buy.

If we don’t go for the Favour boxes we could use Organza bags which are really cheap on EBay. And would also be quick and easy to do and still be nice.

Idea for Table Centre Piece - Cylinder vase with a single Silk Calla Lillie in with some silver sparkle twisted twig. At the bottom of the vase use some Mystic Crystals which you add water too to add a crystal effect. Maybe add a little blue food die to give a hint of colour and around the vase tie a blue or silver ribbon round in a bow. As of yet I haven't done a prototype as I need to find the bits and get them in. I'm hoping I will be able to find a cheap pack of cylinda vases.

Below is a picture I found to give an idea of how I wanted them to look.
I spoke to a member of Staff at The Coppleridge Inn, to see if I could have these colours and what table Layout would be best and he said he feels a horse shoe layout would work best for the amount of guests we have, then the head table at the top and he can't see a problem with haveing a white banquet cloth over them, then blue square table cloths set diagonally like a diamond on the table so the white still shows.

Got to speak with a collegue of his to double check my plan is ok and also get measurement for tables, stair rail and balcony rail so I an sort decorations out.

Along with this I'm thinking white napkins similar like picture. With my centre piece in the middle, name cards at each seat and some silver heart sequins scattered. Loving heart table confetti from wedding delights you get 14g bags for £1.25 so I’d need approx 4 bags totalling to £5