Life | New Series Alert!

I haven't blogged since April? And it's now July? How did that happen?

I think by now we've all established that I'm an "all or nothing" kind of girl. For whatever reason finding a healthy balance with this blog seems to have evaded me (personally I blame the house). But as always, I miss blogging! And what better way to throw myself back into it than a new series?!

As some of you know, my beautiful friends Tia and Rob are getting married in just over five weeks (OMG), and have asked me to be one of their bridesmaids!

Having recently returned from a very fun hen-weekend (what happens in Amsterdam, stays in Amsterdam), my attention has now shifted to the actual wedding. And me.

Umm, what? "Isn't the day all about Tia and Rob?" I hear cross your minds. Well technically yes, but also me.

At the moment I'm experiencing what can only be described as a crisis of "body confidence". When I look in the mirror everything seems to be a bit jelly-esque. And by "seems" I mean, it is. Those 10lbs I lost on the 21 Day Detox? Seven of them are currently residing on my ass and thighs, and it don't look pretty.

As is traditional for a wedding, Tia and Rob have paid for a lovely photographer to come and capture their Big Day for them to look at for all eternity, and I'd rather not pose for all the bridesmaids pictures wishing I could hide behind the nearest tree.  See where I'm going with this....?

Having discussed my concerns with JP (also a Bridesmaid), we came up with a plan! A "Mission" if you like, and it's called:

Five Weeks To Bridesmaid!

The Mission involves the following - losing mass (I don't necessarily believe in weight as a good  measure if you're working out - muscle weighs more than fat and all that jazz) and toning up!

And how might we hope to achieve this? Well as I mentioned, we have a plan - it's called Eating Healthy Food and Working Out (whilst trying not to consume too much Prosecco). Revolutionary huh?

Much like my Detox Diary, you get to follow our progress, woop!

So the initial measurements have been taken - thigh, belly, hip and arm. Let's see where we end up......who's coming on this roller-coaster with us?

JP and I in Five weeks time..... (insert winking emoticon).

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Life | An Indian Wedding

Wowzer. I am one lucky girl. This weekend I got to attend Jas and Harvir's Wedding. I have never been to an Indian wedding before but I had the BEST time. From the fun atmosphere and grandeur, and the amazing food, everyone had a blast. And by everyone I mean all 700+ of us, yup. Just thinking about throwing a party for that many people makes my head hurt.

Where in Bristol is big enough to serve an Indian feast and party for 700? There could only be one place, The British Empire and Commonwealth Museum by Temple Meads Train Station. It's a beautiful, historic building in it's own right but was transformed into the perfect celebration venue with multi-coloured lighting and bling table decorations.

This is where the bride and groom sit for the festivities. Pretty nice huh?

 The wedding cake was a golden tower of decadence, with candles and rose petals scattered all around.

Jas and Harvir made their entrance to a rapturous applause.

First stop? Cutting the cake. This happens first, with their parents who then feed them the cake.

And then the feast commences with a variety of starters, I have no idea what was what (please excuse my ignorance) but it was all absolutely delicious!

Traditionally, the band at the wedding receives donations from the guests. The money is blessed first by circling it above the newlyweds heads.

Isn't Jas' dress stunning?

Starters done, there's no messing around. Everyone piles onto the dance floor and moves to the thumping Indian beat. It's amazing to just watch this for a minute. All these beautiful dresses moving in this rhythmic way. 

No Indian wedding celebration would be complete without an MC/Singer, and this guy knew his stuff. Pelting out classics that had the whole crowd singing along.

Next came the surprise dance show. It was so hard to photograph these guys. They were moving so quickly but it was spectacular. The amount of energy they put in was nothing short of amazing.

Then it was time for more food.Yet again, all absolutely d-lish! We completely stuffed ourselves, and when our bellies were groaning and could take no more this happened....

.....chocolate samosa anyone? Yum. Isn't it funny how your "pudding-tummy" can suddenly make more room?

 We finished the fun with more dancing, drinking and general tom-foolery with the table decorations.

Can we do it all again tomorrow please? And I definitely want to wear a Sari next time, so pretty.

Life | A British Summer Wedding

Once upon a time there was a Princess named Beth.....

Sometimes, just sometimes if you're really very lucky you stumble upon the most perfect summers day in the UK. When this happens everyone quickly throws on their summer dresses, shorts and t-shirts, and tries to soak up as much Vitamin D as possible.

Princess Beth got even luckier, she had one of these glorious days for her beautiful wedding to her Prince Charming Lee. This ladies and gentleman is what a dream wedding looks like.

Princess Beth looked stunning in her gorgeous wedding gown, which was covered in lace detailing and fell into a deep v at the back. Inside the Chapel, we all watched with joy whilst Beth and Lee made the most important promise of their lives, and then celebrated with a happy and uplifting performance of "Hallelujah" sung by the Bristol Bach Choir.

Outside the chapel, we threw confetti and shouted our congratulations before launching lots of red balloons into the bright blue sky.

The new Mr and Mrs Adams were whisked away to their reception in a vintage Porsche, whilst the rest of the guests rode in style on a Red London Double Decker Bus. When we arrived, we were greeted with glasses of Champagne and big coolers full of Pimms.

Beth and Lee made their entrance looking cool, calm and very happy.

I quickly grabbed the bride for a close up of the flowers and ring. 

The grounds of Brittons Farm Estate had been transformed with a big white Marquee.

The inside was beautifully decorated with classic chairs, white table cloths, chandeliers and pretty bunting. Not to mention the stunning flowers by Daisy Jeffery.

At our tables we found funky name settings, vintage tea-cups and little pots of chutney as wedding favours.

Our wedding feast was delicious, and filling! A Mezze starter followed by a Moo Pie from Pieminister.

The "Piece de Resistance" was the Wedding Cake. A tower of cheese! Just look at that Brie. 

When the wedding guests were full to the brim, we laughed, cried and cheered our way through the brilliant speeches. Once they were done we leapt onto the dance floor, and got very silly in the Photo Booth.

After all the festivities of the day, the guests departed on their bus back to Bristol. Princess Beth and Prince Lee fell into a deep sleep, they dreamed of the turquoise seas and white sands of Croatia that awaited them....