Inspired

It is a while since I felt inspired to scrap, but finally my mojo is back so I took the opportunity to scrap a couple of wedding and honeymoon photos.

The first is a layout of Michael - this photo was taken just before the wedding ceremony - we had two photographers so during the morning one was with me and the other with michael and his groomsmen. I was so pleased we decided to do it as he got some great shots, especially of them all playing pool! I used some of the July Scrapagogo kit for this one, only adding an Autumn Leaves stamp.

Some honeymoon pictures for this one - from the San Fransisco leg of our trip. I was really looking forward to seeing the painted ladies, I had read about the juxtaposition of the beautiful old houses and the San Fran financial district skyline in the background. The reality didn't disappoint - a gorgeous view! When I saw the little house rub ons from Heidi Grace in the August scrapgogo kit I knew they had to go with these photos!

Finally, one of my favourite wedding photos - i love the classic feel of it in black and white. It really was a perfect day and I'm enjoying scrapping it - at first I felt a bit of pressure to get the layouts so amazing to do justice to the photos, but now I realise that I can just print them off and scrap them again if I want so I should just enjoy it! Anyway, I used little yellow bicycle paper, chipboard and journalling block, making memories glitter letters and journalling blocks, metallic thickers, american crafts chipboard shapes, random lace from scrapagogo kits and stemma big brads, acrylic shape and clip.

Life as a doc

I started work last week - a very scary day! After 5 years at medical school you would think that we would come out ready and prepared for life as a "proper doctor". Unfortunately that is not really the case. We all know lots about the wierd and wonderful diseases that are seen once in a blue moon, and even then are not particularly serious or needing urgent attention, but do we know how to go about the everyday job of looking after a ward full of patients - no!
Working on a care of the elderly ward, it is quite a shock to the system not to be trying as much as possible to keep all the patients alive - this goes against what has been drummed into me throughout training and it is a wierd feeling, but at the same time you know that it really is what's best for everyone - patient and family. I have already certified a death and although the patient was "meant" to die - what a strange sentance, but it was expected, it was still a very difficult moment for me. We recently lost a very old family friend to cancer - her funeral was today in fact, and so it was in my mind that last week, somewhere else in the country, another doctor was going through the exact same motions as I was - the formality and the necessity of being detached from the situation yet elsewhere were family and friends who were grieving.
Apologies for a possibly depressing post, I didn't mean it to turn out like that but I suppose that is the experience from my first week that has held most weight with me.
Other than that I've really been a test ordering, discharge letter writing, blood taking, note scribing machine, and they certainly don't teach you how to do that at medical school!
When I get students to "look after" I'll make sure they know how to go about all these daily duties - they can do them for me!!!

Honeymoon fun, scrapping and work!

Yes I know, we got back weeks ago and I still haven't updated with all the pics!
We started off in San Fransico for 3 nights - such an interesting city with so much going on! We really enjoyed Alcatraz island - fascinating history and athe tape guide was excellent - very informative. We also loved riding the cable cars, seeing the crookedest street in the world, seeing the sea lions at Pier 39 and going to a local jazz bar. It was pretty cold, only about 12 degrees, and we were shattered by the end of our few days there.
Second was Hawaii - we stayed on the island of Maui for 9 nights in an upgraded suite - yay for being honeymooners! The scenery was just stunningly beautiful - with the backdrop of the volcanic mountains to one side and the clear blue sea and sand to the other. We snokelled and scuba dived with wild sea turtles and an abundance of colourful fish and coral life. We loved the hotel - on walking in your were greeted by an enourmous open lobby with a massive waterfall and "pond" in which were flamingos, parrots and the most enourmous koi I've ever seen! We took a trip around the island to see the black sand beaches, the tropical forests and the road to Hana - a cliffside road which goes around one half of the island with over 900 bends and 70 odd one-way bridges - that's why we didn't drive ourselves! It was great to just chill out and enjoy life, drink cocktails and watch the world go by. We were also there for 4th July celebrations which was fun!
Finally we visited Las Vegas for 3 nights, staying in the Bellagio hotel which was rather luxurious. The whole strip was just completely surreal - everything is so huge! The actual road itself is up to 6 lanes each side, but that feels quite normal because all the buildings on either side are so big too. The hotels are attractions themselves - the arcitecture is totally out there! We loved going up the Eiffel Tower at night, going to a medieval castle for a banquet & jousting, visiting the pyramid, riding a couple of crazy rides on top of the Stratosphere (over 1000ft up!) and watching the gondolas on the grand canal at the Venetian. The Bellagio fountains were also a highlight - every 15 minutes, set to music and lights, just incredible! We didn't get much time for gambling, in total we lost about £2.50, not bad we thought. The shows are the other main attraction in Vegas - we saw Cirque du Soleil's 'O' - amazing.

I've already done some scrapping with some wedding and honeymoon pics. This first one is one of our favourite phtoos from the day - it's me and my sister. I love the threading water punch I got in the US - I don't think you can get it over here but I'm sure it'd be very popular!

These are a couple of layouts with photos from Hawaii. Every single cocktail came with a big slice of pineapple, which was delicious but so messy!


This one doesn't have photos from this year - these are from last year's holiday in Gozo - we got a puncture and had to wait ages for them to come out and fix it - it was no wonder we couldn't find all the equipment to do it ourselves as it was in about 4 different places within the car!


On Monday I started work shadowing at the hospital so it's starting to feel very real that this time next week I'll be responsible for all the patients! We've had a number of tutorials - very useful, and have been tagging along with the current junior to take notes! It's all rather daunting, with finding my way around as well as everything else, but I'm getting there. My rota doesn't look too bad - no nights which is a bonus!

That's it for now!

Our Wedding!

Wow, where to start, I guess at the beginning!
I apologise in advance for the essay - I've really enjoyed reliving it by writing this, and remembering all the details that I'd forgotten about! I've dotted a few photos here, but if you want to see more, there are lots HERE taken by family and friends.


Thursday 19th June
We had arrived at my parents late on Wednesday night after I'd had my nails done, as thursday was going to be a really busy day!
In the morning I had my hair cut and coloured, which took about 3 hours! I'd managed to get some clip in hair extensions, so the hairdresser matched the dye to those to make them a perfect match. While I was there, Michael and Dad drove to the suit shop to collect all 8 suits.
We all met back at home and had lunch together, before going off to the venue to drop off all the bits and pieces! It took us about an hour to go through everything but it was nice to finalise things and put our minds at rest about all the little details! It felt really wierd in the afternoon because we had nothing lift to do, and we couldn't even fiddle with the little things because they were all already at the venue!
In the evening Mum and my sister, Em, went off to have their nails done, and then we went to the church in the evening for a rehersal. Me and Michael went along with my Dad, best man and my sister (a bridesmaid). It made everything feel so real saying the words and practising walking down the aisle - my sister got really emotional which is quite unlike her, I think she was quite overwhelmed by it all! We handed the suits over to Peter (best man) and off we went for a relaxing evening.


Friday 20th June
Friday morning we had a bit of a lay in and a relaxing start. Michael and I went out for a really nice lunch by ourselves and then went to his Dad's grave, which was emotional for both of us. After that I dropped him off at his mum's house. It was really wierd leaving knowing that the next time I'd see him would be at the altar!
I then dashed off to meet Cat, my chief bridesmaid, who took me to a spa for the afternoon where we jacuzzi'd, steamed and sauna'd. It was great to just chat and unwind, and we had a lot of laughs about old times! The spa had 4 levels of sauna - starting at mild right up to volcano - man that was hot!
We got back to mine at about 6pm and met with Em. They'd decorated the house with pink and green balloons, the marquee was up in the garden (ready for Sunday) and Mum had made metres and metres of bunting for the garden which looked gorgeous! Jess (michael's sister and the third bridesmaid) was meant to be arriving at about 7, but she was still curling her hair, which she'd been doing since 3pm!
We had a great snacky dinner which my sister made of potato wedges, chicken dippers, nachos and potato skins, and we watched a girly film with a small glass of wine. We played games on the Wii and had such a laugh! Mum and Dad arrived back home from dinner out with the family at about 10, and Jess still wasn't here! Cat went home - only just round the corner, and Jess eventually arrived at a quarter to midnight (I'd been planning to get to bed by 10!) and we all went straight to sleep.


Saturday 21st June
I slept really well, and woke up at about 6:30am so got up, had a shower and thenw ent downstairs where Em was waiting to present me with a big fluffy white "Bride" dressing gown! She'd also had them made up for herself with "Bridesmaid" and Mum with "Mother of the Bride" on. We got Jess up, and Cat arrived back at about half 7 in time for a breakfast of croissants and pain au chocolat with champagne or bucks fizz. I didn't feel nervous at all, I was just really excited, but my sister felt really sick with nerves. We later decided that we'd both transferred our nerves because Michael was alright too, but one of his ushers was terrible!
I had been getting really worried about the weather as it kept saying rain for Saturday - I knew there was nothing I could do but I really wanted it to stay dry. In the end it was dry all day and just perfect - slightly overcast so no squinting, and warm enough to stay outside but not too hot. Perfect.
At 8am the hairdresser and make up artist arrived. Em had her hair done first because she wanted to let the curls drop out a bit - the rest of us sat enjoying our champagne and having a good giggle. Mum had hers done next while Cat had her make up done. The Cat and Jess had their hair done and Mum and I had our make up put on. It was great watching the girls getting ready and transforming - they all looked beautiful and I was really excited to see my finished look! I hadn't really had a proper full hair trial so it was a bit of a surprise but I loved it so much!
We were all really laid back - it felt like we had loads of time. Dad had disappeared out to move cars around with Em's boyfriend Chris, and as they arrived back I had my hair done. The hairdresser had pre-curled the clip ins, so curled mine to match and then started clipping them in - it was so fantastic to have so much hair it felt really strange but I loved it!
The photographer and videographer had both arrived at about 10.30, so we got some shots of me having my hair and make up done. The two of them were really funny and put us all at ease. I was starting to get a little bit nervous, but I though I was hiding it really well until Cat said you're a bit jittery aren't you. It came and went in little waves, but it was all excitement! I was still having my hair done at 11.30 and at that point I realised that actually we really didn't have long left!
My hair was finished and so we banished the men and I got into my underwear and hoop, and we put the dress on. I was so so excited to wear it, and of course it fit absolutely perfectly! The photographer and video guy came back in to get shots of the girls doing up the lace back of the dress.
The florist arrived with the bouquets and buttonholes and they were absolutely beautiful, I couldn't have asked for more. Peter was meant to come to pick up the buttonholes but his car had got blocked in so in the end Em's boyfriend had to take them up to the church along with the orders of service etc. It was a shame because Michael had written me a letter but I didn't get it until the next day because of this. He also sent me flowers, a teddy and chocolates, but they only got delivered at 2pm, after we'd left!
Everyone else was dressed - my mum and dad, and the bridemaids all looked so wonderful I started getting a bit teary but didn't want to ruin my make up! We had some photos in the back garden and some of me in the house, then suddenly the car arrived and we all started to rush around (although I was struggling to get my hoop through doorways ) and get ready. We then figured that the car had come early for photos so we calmed down a bit! Me and Dad had a fake leaving as the photographer then dashed off to the church to meet up with Michael. Mum and the bridesmaids went off in the car, and it was just me and Dad left in the house.
We thought we'd have a good 10 minutes but before we knew it the car was back at only 10 past 1, and only a 5 minute journey to the church! We told him to wait for a bit as I didn't want to get there early! It was lucky we did too as the bridesmaids arrived and were panicking because people were all still outside and they thought we'd be on our way! Eventually we got in the car and off we went down the high street with everyone waving and looking at us! The driver was so jolly it was fab!



We arrived at the church just as the last person was going into it, so perfect timing really - it was 1.28! There I met the second photographer for the first time - he'd been with Michael all morning. We left the car and the vicar, Beth, was outside waiting for us. She gave a few words of reassurance and we stood at the door waiting to go in. I'd made a last minute decision to wear my veil over my face so we sorted that out too! I'm glad I did because it acted as a sort of barrier between me and all those people and kept me a bit calmer!
We heard Beth give a few quick announcements and welcome, and then the music started - the wedding processional from Sound of Music. We started to walk in (you come in from the side of the church), and we knew that we had to go quite slowly as we wanted to turn the corner and walk down as the music hit it's peak. We got there a bit quickly so we stood at the top for what felt like ages - I was pulling on Dad's arm going come on, I want to get there! He made me wait until the right point and actually it was nice because I could have a goo look around, and I could see Michael up at the front beaming, but obviously really emotional too! He said later that he almost burst into tears at that point!
When we got to the front I handed my bouquet to Cat and she lifted my veil. We grabbed each others hand and the service started. It was such a beautiful service - the two readers read extremely eloquently and everyone sung the hymns so loud! We came to the vows and Michael said them perfectly. I started and then completely choked up - so I stopped as I would have burst into tears, my voice was wavering all over the place! Beth was great, really reassuring, and I managed to recompose my self and get through them from then on okay. Apparently it caused a bit of a domino effect though cos loads of people started crying We exchanged rings and Michael couldn't get mine on it just needed a good shove!
When she pronounced us husband and wife we were both beaming from ear to ear, it was totally amazing! We kissed before she even said you may kiss the bride we beat her to it! We went over to sign the register and Jess and Evelyn started singing Songbird - they sang it so beautifully. After that we had a blessing and then our exit music started up and off we went back down the aisle!
Outside everyone greeted and congratulated us, and we had a load of photos - both with small groups, large groups and just us. Everyone was milling around chatting and enjoying themselves. After about half an hour we finished the pics and the photographer arranged people for the confetti throwing - there was so much of it and it went everywhere, including all down my top!! Some people had already left, but some stayed to wave us off in the car. We got in and both took a deep breath We started to tell each other all about our mornings, but it was quite a short journey, only about 10 minutes so before we knew it we had arrived at the venue.


We had photos by the car and the videographer got us pink champagne from inside. We then got a bit of an oppurtunity to see some people before going off around the grounds for more photos and video. It was great to see people mingling and having fun. We dashed around and then the manager told us it was time for people to be called in for the breakfast - that drinks reception went so quickly! Once everyone was sat down we were annonced in as Mr and Mrs Naulls, which was quite surreal! The room looked beautiful - the table centres were stunning and everyone was even better than I thought it would be! It all came together wonderfully and I was so pleased.
We had the speeches before we ate - Dad went first and gave a lovely speech which was not too embarassing, but with some funny stories and a lot of sentiment. Michael went next, keeping it short and sweet, it was just a great speech. Peter was last and he did such a fantastic job - it was the perfect mix of warm, funny and just a little bit cheeky. I think we were all a bit stunned because we didn't think he was a natural public speaker but it was wonderful.
The first course was then served - bruschetta of rosted veg with raspberry vinagrette and was delicious! We had two more courses - chicken and bacon wellington followed by lime and kiwi cheesecake. All very yummy! In between the courses we took the oppotunity to go round the tables and see everyone - our table planning went well because everyone was chatting and mingling, which was so satisfying after all the stressing over it!
Once everyone had finished the final course Dad stood up and said a final thank you, and announced coffee in the pavillion so we all went back outside whilst the room was transformed for the evening. Evening guests started to arrive and the videographer set up the video diary for people to leave us messages - I can't wait to see it because I kept catching tiny snippits as it was going on and I'm completely intruiged by many of the things


We called everyone in for the cutting of the cake - which was the most amazing cake I've seen and totally what I was after! She did a fantastic job on it! Apparently she made it cake of the month on her website and having put it on on Saturday, by Tuesday had recieved 5 orders for very similar things - for someone who does it as a hobby thats not bad! Once the cake was wheeled away we had our first dance - Michael Buble's Everything sung by the band. We just winged it but lots of people said they thought it was rehearsed because did twists and lifts and shimmies It was such fun!
We then had Perfect Day, to which I danced with my Dad, followed by a really fast song, I can't remember which is was but my godfather Matthew grabbed me and we whirled around the dance floor - everyone else cleared off and they were all standing around clapping and cheering. I was totally exhauseted by the end of the song! I can't wait to see the video because it was so funny!
We both tried to get round and chat to everyone but it's so difficult, but I think we managed to see most people for more than a quick hello. It was great to see some people who we haven't seen for ages and everyone had such a great time - you can tell from the photos! The band were great and the evening barbeque went down really well, with hardly any leftovers.
The evening went quickly, but we managed to spend a lot of it together, and we both remember it well because we consciously made ourselves take it all in. It was great to step back and just watch everyone enjoying all the hard work.
For our last dance we had Can't Take my Eyes off you - everyone formed an archway all the way from one end of the room right to the other and we ran down it and out the door to the waiting taxi, waving to everyone. It was a great finale to the most amazing day ever.

Single figures!

We are now down to 9 days to go and I can't believe it - I'm not sure it even feels real yet but I cannot wait for the day and then the honeymoon - it is going to be a fantastic holiday!
Yesterday was spent doing loads and loads of little things, but it is all coming together - gifts have arrived, the guestbook is sorted, we have all our honeymoon tickets and currency, I've made plans of the church for reserved seating, I've got table plans to send to the venue and caterers, and almost everyone has been paid. We are off to my parents for the weekend tomorrow and will be meeting with the vicar to go through last minute details before our rehersal next Thursday. Dad has told me that all the printing is now done, so we can start assembling things this weekend.

I feel in an incrediby lazy mood today, I really can't get my butt in gear to do anything but I suppose once in a while thats allowed! I do want to sort out my craft space though - since I got back on Sunday it has pretty much stayed as it was with bags dumped in the middle of the room - not good for the spirit!

Warning: Long Post!

I haven't updated my blog for a very long time so this will probably be a very long post! I'll make sure there are plenty of pictures though :)

Hows the wedding planning coming along? Well, we are nearly there! We have 12 days left and only a few small things to finish off. My dress is home and is perfect, the bridesmaids dresses are done, jewellery has been polished for extra sparkle factor and all the bits and bobs are falling into place. Favour boxes are made but not filled, confetti is here and the printing should be coming hot from the press tomorrow so we should have placecards, table plan, order of service, menu cards and table names by the end of the week! Our honeymoon tickets arrived this weekend which is very exciting and I'm generally on a wedding high at the moment! No nerves (yet!), just a big grin!

I had my hen do a couple of weekends ago - we went up to Alton Towers for a couple of days and stayed in some fab little log cabins that Cat had found - they turned out to be perfect, and the little pub at the bottom was very friendly too. I had the obligatory pink, fluffy, flashing headpiece to wear for dinner of course!



This weekend I have been on GoGo Getaway - Scrapagogo's first retreat, and my first retreat. I had a fantastic time - met some wonderful people, did 4 fab classes, ate too much chocolate torte (but managed to lose a pound!!!) and chatted far too much!

My first class on Saturday was by Jane Dean - an exploding layout of sorts with the impression of being a simple one photo one page layout, but actually being a 3 page layout! I haven't quite finished it yet, but I will post pics when I have. I also took Jane's class on Sunday, which was to make this gorgeous mini-book. The front cover is made from a wheel that spins round to show 5 photos. I love the style of it with all the freehand cutting and doodling, and the papers were right up my street.


My second class was by Fiona Beckman - a painting class. I loved it! I don't often use paint, and I am always stumped by customisable papers but this seemed to come very naturally and I'mn very happy with the finished layout - the painting was very therapeutic too, I even bought some more of the papers in the shop to have a go at home. I used some more of our photo from our shoot with Anna.


The last class of the day was taught by Shimelle, and I had been looking forward to this class the most as I love Shimelle's style. The class was to make a "mini" book, although in my opinion it was anything but mini! I love all the products used in it, and the opportunity to use so many photos. I haven't completed it yet - I wanted to wait and do the journalling quietly at home rather than in such a busy, noisy crop room, but here it is so far :)


There were also a couple of make and takes on offer throughout the weekend - I completed this mini book, again with photos from Anna, and lovely Scenic Route papers.


As well as all that, I managed a few layouts of my own - this one from a sketch by the lovely Jennie Leon, one of the design team and who very kindly offered me a lift to and from the Getaway - thanks Jennie! The photo is my sister on her 21st birthday - Mum made a cake with a design in hundreds & thousands, which blew off everywhere when she blew out the candles!


This layout features our wedding invitations! The production line was quite a sight to see so of course I had to take pics and document all the work that went into making them, from my original rough sketch right through to the hand-finished product!


This one I managed to finish off - it was almost done already, just needed a few more tweaks - it was taken when we went to Ayia Napa last year.


I loved some of the pages by the Scrapagogo design team that used this transparancy as a background, making a see-through layout, so i pinched the idea! This photo was also from my hen do - we didn't want to get soaked on Ripsaw so we donned these gorgeous ponchos - we felt like we were in a cult, especially when we put the hoods up lol! Everyone was laughing at us in the queue, but they weren't laughing when we got off the ride dry and they were drenched!!


Here are a few more pics from the weekend - firstly the crop room, everyone beavering away! Then me and Caz - my old team mate from UKS, it was loevly to meet you Caz. Finally a fun pic of Me, Leanne, Katherine and Laura, thanks for lots of laughs girls!




I can't wait to do it all again next year - in fact I've already booked and paid my deposit!

There, I told you it'd be long one! I'll try and update more regularly now, although there will be a 3 week gap whilst we go on the holiday of a lifetime! :)

More layouts!

More layouts from the UKS cybercrop weekend.
I used lots of the photos that Anna took - they are just great!







We had a lovely bank holiday weekend, the weather has been just beautiful so we've been out in the "garden" (patch of concrete) as much as possible - we even had a BBQ last night, along with the rest of the country I bet! Let's hope it stays like this.

The wedding plans are coming along nicely, we've nearly recieved all of our RSVPs back now, just waiting on one or two. We made a good start on the seating plan, and are almost there with the order of service. Menus are chosen, Michael's shoes are bought (I was starting to worry about that!) and favour boxes are made up. There is still a rather long list of things to do though - all those silly little things!