Lifestyle // Our Honeymoon FAQ

Don't you just love going over photos that have special memories? I always try to make sure I take my camera with me everywhere to capture moments that I want to remember.The most life changing event for me so far has to be our wedding,I had so much fun writing a blog post on it which you can read here.Of course,after the wedding comes a honeymoon,so I thought get all of my photos together and share with you our first trip as Husband and Wife!

Where did you go/ How did you get there? 

We went to Cheltenham for a week as we were looking for somewhere budget friendly,and it only takes a couple of hours to get there from our hometown (travel sickness is not very romantic).Also,it means that we can visit Sam's family as that's were he hails from originally. We got a lift to the train station and as we were saying goodbye to my Grandparents, they threw confetti at us! With confetti in our hair and armed with a bag full of food (have you seen the price of train sandwiches?) we spent the hours watching the scenery go by and playing Lord Of The Rings Top Trumps.

Where did you stay?

We stayed at Sam's Gran's house and then visited his Dads for one night.I know this doesn't sound very romantic,but it is a great way to meet his family who we don't otherwise see very often,and their houses are in beautiful locations.One is in Gloucester and the other lives in Cheltenham,which was so convenient as they're only about 9 miles apart and are connected by a pretty reliable bus service.

                                                              What sights did you see?

You might recognise these corridors as parts of Gloucester Cathedral were used to film Harry Potter! We loved wandering the passageways and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.It's a huge building with plenty of beautiful stained glass windows,which means that it's always full of people making the most of photo opportunities,it's definitely a great place for bloggers!

We didn't even know this place existed until I noticed a little alleyway that was covered in beautiful Christmas lights.This cute little shops is full of everything Beatrix Potter and tells the story of how Gloucester influenced her stories.It would be a great place to take children,or even for newlywed twenty somethings to reminisce about their childhoods!

Cheltenham is so pretty,especially in the Winter months.The streets sparkle with Christmas lights and really show of the beautiful regency buildings.It's the perfect place to go for romantic walks or for a date because there are tons of restaurants for any budget (I'm all about Wetherspoons!) At some point,we'd really like to go to the races to see what all the fuss is about.

We even managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Tewkesbury which is a cute Tudor market town.There are lots of great shops to look around and of course,we had to look to see what bargains we could find in the market (that never changes!) I think I got a little snap happy but I wanted to make sure I remembered every second of such a special time.

We had such a great time just simply spending time together without technology or TV to get in the way.It just goes to show that you don't have to go abroad to have an awesome holiday.Saying that,for our 1st year Anniversary we are thinking of going to Paris so I'd love hear people's experiences in the "City of Lights".

What was the last holiday you went on?

Lifestyle // Our Wedding Day FAQ

I can't believe that I've been married to the love of my life for 5 months now,that time definitely seems to have flown by! We were talking about where we'd like to go for my birthday and our 1st year wedding anniversary (Paris perhaps-eek!) and that got me thinking that I'd love to share our special day with you all.It was so surreal and I was so incredibly anxious,but my advice is to just breathe and enjoy it! It always seems so much more nerve wracking before you do it,but it's a fantastic feeling to realise that you're now part of a fantastic team for life.So here we go,here is all of the FAQ that I've got from our wedding day.Be ready for lots of pictures.

How long had you been in a relationship/engaged before you got married?

We started a relationship on November 21st 2010

We got engaged on November 22nd 2011 (my 20th birthday)

We became Husband and Wife on 23rd November 2013

I think there must be something about November for us! We had been together for 3 years from the start of the relationship to marriage,and I think that was a great amount of time to get to know each other and our strengths and weaknesses.We definitely bring the best out in each other.

Where and when did you get married?

We got married at 2pm in our village church on 23rd November 2013.It had so much significance to me as so many members of my family have been married here.We had quite a few meetings with the vicar before the ceremony so that we could discuss exactly what we wanted.We couldn't have wished for a more intimate and personal service.We had around 50 people attend the service and an extra few in the evening.

Did you decide on a theme?

I must have changed my mind a billion times! I scoured through so many wedding forums and magazines looking for the perfect colour scheme and it was really stressful! After much thought,we decided on a blue and white Winter wonderland theme,this was perfect for us as we are both extremely pale and much prefer the Winter when you can stay in with a warm cup of tea.Our wedding was full of fairy lights,deep midnight blues and sparkle.It's the only day that I get to wear a big white dress and overdo the glitter so I made the most of it!

What about your hair and make up?

Luckily,my Cousin is studying hair and make up at college and needed someone to practice on! She was so understanding and couldn't do enough for me.After hours of sitting in my Grandparent's kitchen testing out foundations and rollers,we decided upon a simple smokey eye and loose curls.The added bonus was that all of the make up she had was perfect for photographs and professional work,so it lasted all day! I loved having her do my hair and make up because I really trusted her to do a good job,and it meant more having someone I care about help me out.

Who did you pick to be your bridesmaids?

I chose my cousin (2nd left) and my now Sister-in law (1st right) and then my other two little Sister-in-laws (Far left & right) This was a great set up actually because there were two older teenagers to look after the children,but they were all so wonderful! They helped me to lift up my dress when I needed it and even helped me to the bathroom (so glamourous!).As my husbands Dad and his wife live hundreds of miles away,I didn't see the younger girl's outfits until the day,but didn't they do a fantastic job! To save any confusion,both of my husbands parents have remarried so there is children on both sides.

Who gave you away?

I had the honour of being given away by my wonderful Granddad.I was bought up without a Dad and and I'm an only child,so I spent a lot of time over my Grandparent's house growing up,as they only lived over the road.I completely worshipped the ground my Granddad walked on (and still do) and he couldn't have done a better job at being a fantastic role model.He's an incredibly anxious and private person,but it made me so happy to see him so proud,and he even gave a speech which turned me into a blubbering wreck.

Where did you have the reception?

We had the reception at our local golf and country club that were able to offer us a really budget friendly package.We wanted the evening to be a mix of more formal traditions with a laid back feel,so we decided to put on a 3 course meal with drinks on their arrival and then bacon baps in the evening! Everyone was already really full from the roast with all the trimmings,so that went down really well. Entertainment wise we went for a good old fashion disco complete with classics like "YMCA" and "oops upside your head".To get everyone on the floor,hubby's Uncle who is a musician led some Ceilidh dancing which really got people chatting and having fun! I made sure to join in,but I had one of my bridesmaids follow me around to make sure I didn't fall.

What was your First Dance song?

I had already chosen the day we got engaged! It was always going to be Wonderwall by Oasis.As I've mentioned before here,I've known hubby since we were teenagers and I spent most of those years trying to impress him.He would always put this on the jukebox at the local pub and forever since it always reminded me of him.I couldn't believe that I was actually dancing with him as Husband and Wife.The lyrics certainly rang true,"I don't believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now".We had so much fun singing the lyrics amongst the camera flashes and weepy relatives.

What type of cake did you have?

We had a traditional 3 tiered iced cake that was made by my lovely Great Auntie.We decided upon vanilla sponge because we're not great fans of fruit cake,but the top tier was fruit.This is because traditionally,the top tier is sometimes kept for the christening of the first child and I didn't want a mouldy sponge cake sat in the cupboard.It was decorated with some beautiful icing snowflakes and wrapped up in blue ribbons with a little Bride and Groom on top.It fit in with our theme wonderfully!

                                                         Were your flowers real?

No they weren't,I can get really bad hay fever so I thought that it would be much better to save my eyes for the emotions.Also,the cost of fresh flowers can really mount up,especially as it was Winter and a lot of flowers would be out of season.My Auntie who is very handy with crafts offered to make it for me,so we went along to a few shops that sell craft supplies like Dunelm Mill and Hobby craft and collected diamante pins and beautiful roses to make this really budget friendly bouquet.

I've really enjoyed sharing this with you and it's been so fun to relive all of these wonderful memories.I love reading about people's engagement and wedding stories,so it's been different to write about it from the other side.It's was a pretty intense day filled with lots of memories,so if I've missed anything that you'd like to know,just ask and I'd be happy to do a part two!

Did you/do you  have a theme if you're getting/ already married?

*If you enjoy connecting with me and reading my posts,I would really appreciate any nominations for "Best Newcomer" in the Cosmo Blog Awards with Next *

My husbands take on Topshop magazine

As I mention in my haul post,I love free magazines.They definitely help to stop the boredom of the train rides (which are not my favourite,rustling crisp packets and sniffly noses,lovely).Flicking through the pages,my husband decided to have a quick look.He is definitely not the most fashion conscious guy in the world,his wardrobe is 90% t shirts and jeans (he would agree with me!) so he found the high fashion pictures a bit unusual.Here is what he had to say about them;

How could some look so grumpy whilst wearing a Unicorn jumper? (I have to question this too!)

  

Why is she wearing a costume in the bath? She's not going swimming.(Was it just me,or when you were a child,did you move the bath water backwards and forwards to make waves? No,just me then!)

She doesn't have a very wide range of expressions.It looks like her head has been Photoshopped onto a different outfit.(If I had to pose like this I'd end up laughing,I think Tyra Banks calls this "smizing!)

What is "Ibiza Grunge"? (To be honest,I don't know myself.When I think of grunge fashion,I think of checkered shirts,boyfriend jeans & Doc Martens,a just rolled out of bed look) 

One thing I have noticed is how so many models have thicker and bushier eyebrows.After spending a lifetime plucking them,I might grown them out a little!

We definitely enlightened each other on our opinions,although I don't think he'll be heading down to the nearest Topshop.It's fine though,he can carry the bags!

Does anyone in your family share your enthusiasm for fashion? 

5 things people say when you get married young.

I got engaged at 20 and married at 22.That time went very quickly,it was a whirlwind of white,excitement and trying to find buttonholes!Life has only got better since that amazing day,but I thought I'd share with you some things I have noticed people say and my thoughts on this life changing experience.

1. "Well,I heard that 50% of marriages end in divorce?"

I'm not too sure of the current statistics,but people definitely like to quote them! I think that no matter what age you are,there is obviously some chance of it not working out.I think what matter is your attitude and awareness of the problems that you might need to face together. I've know family friends be married for 40+ years and then split.

2."Why don't you ask your sister?"

The amount of people who mistake me for Sam's sister! I find it really amusing when he has to correct them saying that I'm his wife.Cue surprised looks and "oh,you're quite young aren't you?".I just smile,I can't complain if they think I look younger than I am,can I?

3."When are you having kids?"

I think anyone who is married or planning to gets this.One thing at a time please! We will have kids in our own time,I would like to spend some time together and make sure we have everything in place,before we bring another person into this!

4."Wait until you've been married 40 years,and then see how you feel!"

Ok! I'm sure I'll be very happy.I look forward to us sitting in armchairs with our slippers on,complaining about the youth of today.

5."You didn't take his last name,did you?"

Yes I did! I've wanted to be Mrs Wilkes for 10 years so I was more than happy to take his name.I love that it is something we share,and a permanent reminder (along with the rings!).Some people don't,some people do. I'veI've heard some lovely names double barrelled.When Dawn Porter married Chris O'Dowd she changed her name to O'Porter.There are tons of options and only choose what is right for both of you.

I know 90% of these are in good humour,and they don't bother me at all.I know I've made the best decision of my life and I couldn't be happier.The average age for women to marry in the UK is 28 so I'm a little younger than usual,but I think as long as you're two consenting adults in love,who cares!Whether you marry a man or woman,or you don't marry at all.Your happiness is the main thing and that doesn't have to come from a marriage or a relationship.

Find happiness in everyday!