Update: Wedding Plans

So I know I've been slacking on my blog recently and I'm sorry for that.  But this week was pretty busy as my family had some friends over from Germany and things have been pretty hectic with trying to organise all the photos for the book.  It's so difficult when you're trying to do everything yourself, and in some ways I just want it all to be over...photoshoots are not easy to plan!!

Anyway, I realised I haven't updated you guys on the wedding plans and I know that this is something a lot of you request that I cover in my blogs and videos so here is a little sneak peak into what's been going on...

The Venue: If you've read my first wedding post, you'll know that my fiancé and I are getting married in Italy, because I am half Italian.  My favourite place in the whole of Italy has to be Naples.  This is where my family is from and where I spent a lot of time growing up.  I've been to and lived in a few Italian cities but Naples is by far my favourite.  I can't even properly explain why...it may not be the most historically beautiful city but the atmosphere, the people, the food...are just amazing.  Naples is like my second home.

So for that reason, we've decided to get married close to Naples...in a beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast.  Here's where I'm going to get a bit vague...and leave you guessing as to which town it is ;)  I hope you'll understand that I'm not going to say where exactly it is until after the wedding!  Just for privacy reasons.  In any case, the town is very pretty and I've been there many times before.  It's the perfect location for a wedding.

Neither Jonathan nor I are particularly religious, so we're not getting married in a church.  In fact, very little about our wedding will be traditional.  It's going to be small, simple and elegant...just how we want it :)  We've decided to have a civil wedding, outside in the gardens of a villa.  I've picked out a few in the area that I like and my uncle, aunt and cousins are helping me decide which villa to choose for the venue.  It definitely helps to have family there when planning from a different country!  We're going to rent the same villa for the duration of our stay and have the bridal party stay with us (depending on the size of course!).  

The Reception: Our wedding is going to be quite a private, small affair with only close family and friends.  I think I've counted about 60 people total.  Both of us are very happy with that, because I think sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming when you feel like you need to invite absolutely everyone.  However being that we're getting married abroad, this makes it easier to cut down the guest list.  The reception will be in the gardens of the same villa, of course.  I'm still undecided on what we're doing for food, but one thing is for sure: the food will be authentic Italian and very very good!  This is something I'm willing to splurge a little bit more on.  

The Cake: I'm not really into a traditional wedding cake but I do want something tiered.  I found this picture of an absolutely beautiful and original cake (stolen from Style Me Pretty) that I think I'm going to try and get replicated for my wedding...it's so unique and I love the colours!

The Theme: A lot of people thought my theme was going to be pink...hahaha!  I have no idea why...hmmm ;)  But no, I tricked you all, my theme is not pink.  Not even peach or blush pink.  It's actually...(drumroll please)...neutrals!  Bet you didn't guess that one...or did you?!  Yes my theme is neutrals meaning white, champagne, nude, beige and brown.  It's what I've always wanted but since my favourite colour is pink, that's what so many people just assumed I'd pick!

Bridesmaids: Onto the most exciting topic :)  I'm having four beautiful bridesmaids...my two sisters, Emma and Erika...and my two best friends, Emma and Kirsten.  What will they be wearing??  I haven't found the perfect dress yet.  But they'll be wearing something champagne coloured, very simple and chic.  I'll let you know as soon as I find the perfect dress!  

Groomsmen: Jonathan's older brother is going to be his best man.  Aside from that he is having two close friends as groomsmen.  I really object to the traditional "even on both sides" idea and I actually prefer a bit of unevenness in our bridal party!  It makes things more  natural looking.  So in my opinion, three groomsmen against four bridesmaids works well together.  I never really understood why it had to be even anyway...I mean it's not like any of these people are together!

Flowergirl and *ahem* Dog-Walker:  My adorable niece and god-daughter, Sophia is going to be my flowergirl.  She will be six at the time of the wedding.  She is so cute!!!  And her equally handsome twin brother, my nephew Matthew will be the ring-bearer's dog-walker...hahaha, poor guy!  I would post a picture of their incredible cuteness here but my brother would probably freak...sorry :) 

Ring-Bearer: ALBI!!!  Of course Albi's in the wedding.  How could he not be.  Albi will probably be wearing a big champagne bow around his neck.  But no tuxedo or silly outfit...

Dress: No dress yet, sorry girls!!  My heart is still set on something very elegant and classic though, and I did find a dress online that I like the look of but nothing is for sure yet as I'm planning on trying on a LOT of different styles before I make my final decision.

Groom's Attire: Jonathan is not into wearing suits...and my feeling is why should you try to be something you're not on your wedding day?  I find that really pretentious and I would hate for him to feel uncomfortable on his big day.  That's just silly!  So, he'll be wearing a casual, light beige linen suit and probably some Converse or something like that :)  I am not into changing his style or forcing him to wear something that completely contradicts who he is.  

The Date: Shh...it's a secret!  ;)  I'm not telling...yet.  But you will find out, I promise.  For now, I can tell you that it will fall around the end of August/beginning of September 2011. 

Flowers: I'm not a big flowers person...honestly.  I've never been into flowers, whether it's real flowers or floral prints on clothes.  I prefer leafy plants than flowers to be honest.  For my wedding, the only flowers that are important to me are the bouquets and corsages.  That's it.  For the centrepieces, I'm thinking more along the lines of candles in big vases filled with sand from the beach.  Yeah, that's more my style!  But in terms of the bouquets, I love the look of white and cream roses.  Very neutral and classic.

Favours: Italian "confetti"...what else?! ;)  For those of you that aren't familiar with Italian confetti, these are sugar-coated almonds which are traditionally given out at Italian weddings and christenings.  These will be wrapped in little tulle bags and given out as favours for our guests.

So there you go!  These are just some of the updated wedding plans so far...I'm sure I will update you guys more along the way and of course, especially as I pick out the most important things like the dress!!  Thanks for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it!

Stay Stylish!

xoxo