When we got back from Australia and the proposal had sunk in, all I could think about was the wedding. Looking back it was definitely the “honeymoon period” of the planning stage. No real consideration for the boring stuff like the budget, logistics and such, it was all wishful thinking and ultimate desires. For someone who’d spent the majority of their teens adamant they were never going to get married (let alone have…. children *shudder*) I slipped into the stereotypical bride-to-be role effortlessly. An interest in cakes, arts & crafts and glitter exploded over night. I even found myself cooing at shoes. Shoes. Random I know but to anyone who knows me this would have been a clear warning sign that things were changing. I’m still not quite there on the dress front… It’s just not high on my priority list yet. One step at a time yeah?

Anyway, when we did get around to talking about the “boring stuff” and writing down what ‘planning a wedding’ actually involves, the scale of organising such an “event” was more than a little intimidating. Parties are one thing but our wedding? The most important day of ours lives? From scratch? That was a whole other ball game.

I knew that if I was going to get through this and get to that church (wherever and whenever that might be…) with my mind intact I was going to need some bloody good people by my side. I’m fortunate enough to be blessed with some of the most caring, thoughtful, loveliest (enough superlatives for ya?) people in my life and choosing my bridesmaids wasn’t going to be easy. If I had all the money in the world I would double the amount of Bridesmaids but as we know, money rules the world. Rob wants the same amount of Groomsmen so we agreed on four each.  As I say there are a number of people that would do me proud on the day but I couldn’t have everyone. I’ve spoken to them, they know who they are and I can’t wait to share our special day with them in other ways.

It goes without saying the 4 gorgeous girls that will be by my side next year are all very important to me. I cant imagine getting married without having them with me every step of the way (lucky them!!). They are: (cue X Factor voiceover guy…)

Amy Dan

Sophie Wyeth

Sanchia Pitcher

Lydia Williams

 My “team” picked it was time to decide when we were actually going to do this thing! I instantly wanted either May or September – mainly I guess so it wasn’t slap bang in the middle of summer when guests could be on holiday, but so there was also the hope of good weather. Rob’s birthday is on May 1^st so he wasn’t that keen on having it around then… which made the decision quite simple. September it was. As far as the date was concerned we wanted early September and preferably a Saturday. Saturday 1^st September 2012. Done!