Revisiting Our Wedding Venue

Today, I was feeling a little stressed.

I was driving through the town I used to live in, and thought to myself "I know what will make me feel better - seeing our beautiful wedding venue again."

I've got such fond memories of this place. The gardens are public and my sister and I spent many a lovely day with our mum there as youngsters. There are pebble paths which go off and around in different directions - like a maze. I have vivid memories of this feeling like the most amazing game ever when I was younger! The trees, one especially, for me are deep in my fond memories, as is the large lake in the centre of the gardens, behind the building. Ducks and other wildlife live here and I love it!

A photo I took March 2013 before we even knew we were getting married!

 

The building itself is as beautiful as it's surroundings. It is a Grade 2 listed Georgian building. It is a Registry Office with two civil ceremony rooms, and a hall for occasions and larger ceremonies too inside. (Mentioned before in my Mrs Wedding Planner blog post last year)

When my now-husband and I went for an Open Day at the Registry Office, as we entered the Blue Room, I got goosebumps and tears in my eyes! It made me feel emotional just stepping into the room! I wanted to say those important vows to my partner in that room! So we did! 

I later found out my parents got married in the exact same room 29 years previously. 

Walking around, taking in the sights and letting the memories and feelings flood over me today. This made me think with sharp clarity - this was the only place I could get married. Nowhere else would compare for me personally. The fond memories that accompany the stunning surroundings are priceless for me. Just the way my husband is the only man I would like to go through it all with.

For the past seven months I've been meaning to go to the gardens again, to wander. Life has got in the way, and distance, as I don't exactly live around the corner anymore.

Today, the views and memories relaxed me so much and I was taken right back to that afternoon 30 weeks ago to the day. Writing can be wonderful, but no words can describe the emotions I feel when I remember many other perfect family days spent there in the past and our wedding... So perfect at such a perfect venue. 

Hashtag: OOTN Engagement Party

So we went to celebrate one of my friends getting engaged to her lovely fiancé last night.

I haven't been out out on a Saturday night in a while and I was ready to let my hair down, and get my boogie on! 

I've been trying to not drink too much this year but had a few vodkas last night. The DJ was great - playing a mixture of classics and up to date tunes! I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

I had in mind what I was going to wear. It was either to be my blue lace-sleeved number, or a long, sheer, black dress. Neither of which can be worn with tights. That was until the temperature dropped about 10 degrees just in time for the weekend! Rain as hard as bullets and wind strong enough to move our fence panels on and off all day Saturday made my outfit plans null and void. My poor knees would be blue!

Here's where my brand new khaki green petite jumpsuit came in! Whilst on our trip to the travel agent to book our honeymoon last weekend, it's the actual law to pop into Dorothy Perkins on any trip to the shops. Sorry if you didn't realise that - but now you know!! ;-) 

Anyway, I digress. In Dorothy Perkins, I never bother with any of the clothing sections apart from Petite, anything else is miles too long! 

That's where I found this gorgeous jumpsuit. When I saw it hanging there, I thought it may be too tight. The belt is waist-level and I was worried my belly would look ridiculous in it. My stomach is my problem area, especially as I've been pushing it with what I'm eating - I stopped caring for a while but honeymoon booking has woken me up. No more takeaways! Must be strong! 

I tried the jumpsuit on and I loved it! I already started mentally planning when I could wear it. What shoes I would wear it with. Which handbag should I use with it? What jewellry I would put on with it. 

I blinked and it was at the till being purchased and becoming mine!

It was so comfortable to wear. I used the gold zip pockets and D-shaped belt fastener details to pair with a gold necklace. I originally put hot pink heels on with it, as my lipgloss was fuchsia and nails were hot pink! The heels are peep-toe and I decided to leave this outfit for another (warmer) day. The other option was green pointed courts and my matching mint green Ted Baker handbag. I let the hubby decide and he went with classic black - the Mary-Janes with the chain detail twist (sooo comfortable) from Wallis paired with an old black sequinned clutch from good old Primark.

I loved wearing this jumpsuit, it was easy to move about in and the only downfall with this, and every other jumpsuit, is the fact you have to get half naked to use the little girls room! :-D