One year ago...

Still, by far, the best day of my life. Its been a hell of a year but, when you have a team like we do, you can get through anything. I can't wait to see what this next year will bring.

Our Wedding

Two months ago today, we (finally) got married. It has taken me such a long time to write this post, mostly because it's so hard for me to properly express in words (and pictures) everything I felt that day. Talk about an emotional roller-coaster! And it's probably best to warn you now, despite forcing myself to do an extreme amount of editing, this is still a pretty photo-heavy post!

Because we got married at home, we spent the morning finishing up last-minute details and getting ready together. We were both pretty nervous so it was such a blessing to have that time together, no one calms me quite like Shane!

I was so happy with my flowers, I may even have cried a little when I picked them up! Sadly, in the rush and excitement of the day, I forgot to take them with me when we had the rest of our photos done so these are pretty much the only photos I have with them.

Once my dad walked in the room, the flood gates opened and I couldn't stop the tears. Nerves, joy, excitement – that is one emotional little cocktail! Once we walked out of the house and into the garden, I felt eerily calm (for me) and just SO ready to do this.

Our ceremony was short, sweet and filled with laughter. We had written our own vows and although I could barely get the words out through my tears, I've never meant any words more. It was such a special gift to hear those words from Shane. I doubt I'll ever forget them (but luckily I have the original Word docs just in case!)

And after signing the marriage licence, it was done! It felt amazing. I think everyone else was happy about it too!

We headed back into the house for a champagne toast and a delicious luncheon. As well as many hugs, a few more tears and, frankly, the most excitement and joy I've ever felt in my life.

We all jumped in our classic cars (three Ford Fairlanes) and headed off on a cruise around town, stopping at a few locations for photos. It took us a while to warm up to the camera, and to be honest we never quite got used to being directed to "kiss".

Both our faces hurt from smiling and laughing so much. And considering how bad the forecast had been, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. (Okay, it could have been slightly less windy, but I was in far too good of a mood to even care!)

Because are guest list was very small exclusive, everyone got to come with us, which meant we got some awesome group shots...

And the obligatory shoe shot (my second pair of shoes, the heels were only for the ceremony, I'm much more of a sneaker kind-of girl).

The whole day really was... so hard to describe but I think this last one sums it up perfectly.

Wedding :: Flowers

We didn't have a huge need (or budget) for flowers but I knew I wanted a beautiful bouquet to carry with me (and keep my hands from fidgeting!). I really loved this, so I took a picture into my florist and left it in her capable hands.

I adore what she came up with. When I picked them up the morning of I was speechless and so happy to have something so beautiful to carry with me. In the excitement of the day I completely forgot to take them while we were having our photos taken so there are very few photos of me with them (sigh) but I took them on honeymoon with us to enjoy, picked out the tired blooms and bought the rest of them home with us and now, two weeks later, I've only just thrown away the last of them.

They've given me such joy over the last couple of weeks.

Wedding :: Invitations

Even though we had a small wedding (exactly 11 guests!), I still wanted a really beautiful invitations suite. It must be the designer in me. But when it came time to actually design said suite, I was a little bit stuck. A lot stuck in fact. Just too many ideas flitting through my head. 

Eventually I just sat down with some paper and paints and started playing. Two days later, I had this. Pretty, fun, pink and finished!

Pinboard :: I do!

Right now I am marrying the love of my life. Then we are heading away for a much needed rest!

Credits :: clockwise from top left

Love; groom; rings; bride; bouquet.

DIY Wedding Dress Hanger

Since buying my wedding dress, it has been sitting in it's bag waiting to be hung up. I wanted something a little bit special to hang it on. I found plenty of options but decided I could probably make something myself.

Here's how I did it...

1. Remove the bottom rod. I just pulled it off and then removed the small nails with some pliers.
2. Measure the length you'll need and draw out a template of what you want it to say. I chose "i do" with some little hearts. But you can choose anything you want (make sure it will fit in the space though).

3. Practise any tricky bits with a scrap piece of wire first. I discovered this after ruining my first attempt! If you have two shapes that are the same (ie. the two hearts), measure and mark the wire so they end up roughly the same size.

4. When you feel confident, start bending and shaping your wire using your template for guidance. Allow extra wire at each end. I used my hands for bending and a pair of pliers to make sharp bends and crimp bits together. Try uing something solid to wrap the wire around helps to create the circular shapes.

5. Once you are all done bending the wire, decide where you want it to sit (bearing in mind the neckline on your dress) and drill two holes. Measure and cut the wire to fit, allowing extra to go into the holes.
6. Glue the wire into place and allow to dry.

The finished product ...

I also made something a little less girly for Shane using this tutorial.

Pretty Invitation Packages

I love invitations. Always have. They are my favourite thing about having a party. In fact, they are sometimes the reason to have a party! 

We are a long way from planning our wedding but one thing I'm looking forward to is designing the invitations. 
I can't wait to put together those pretty little packages.

Here are some invitation suites that have been inspiring me lately...

From Design Curiosities. Seen on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

From J Fletcher Design. Seen on 100 Layer Cake.

From Scout's Honor Co.. Seen on 100 Layer Cake.

From Paisley Quill. Seen on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

From Kymera. Seen on 100 Layer Cake.

From Betsy Dunlap. Seen on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

From Kate Holgate. Seen on Oh So Beautiful Paper.

Back Again

I haven't disappeared, I've just been hibernating through this very long, cold winter. Not much crafting has been going on but I did jump on the band wagon last night, and made this for Shane. The story of our engagement. Sweet, unrehearsed, and a little bit scared.

I apologize in advance for the photos but I never actually see the sunlight at the moment!