Finally, things are happening! What a beautiful era.

I would apologise for my lack of posts but, basically, nothing has been happening! However over the last few weeks there have been big developments so I felt compelled to take to the blog...

Now, when last I left you we were pretty set on a marquee wedding in Preston next July. We got as far as costing this and once you include marquee hire, flooring, tables & chairs, linen, a dance floor, decorations, lighting, a generator, toilets etc., we would have stood little to no chance of affording decent food, rings, entertainment, outfits or honeymoon. The thought of the latter left Neil and I laying in a darkened room with frozen veg on our temples. 

So we took to t'interwebs and booked viewings at venues that we might love as much as the marquee idea. Our parents came along for the ride on 21st April and we went to see some amazing places including The Inn at Whitewell, The Browshole Hall Tithe Barn and The Shireburn Arms. As it turns out we loved two venues as much as (or more than) the marquee. After 2 days of wailing and banging our skulls on things careful deliberation, we reached a decision.
We have gone for a rather quirky little hotel in Knutsford that is chic, unique and boutique. Not only is it flamin' gorgeous and just the right size but it has plenty of nearby accommodation for friends and family.

Ladies and gentlefolk, I give you the venue for our civil partnership:

The marquee is dead! Long live THE BELLE EPOQUE!

http://www.thebelleepoque.com/

Have a look at our friend Neil Redfern's website for pics -
http://www.neilredfern.com/blog/belle-epoque-wedding-photographs-caroline-david/
http://www.neilredfern.com/blog/belle-epoque-wedding-photographs-nikki-will/
http://www.neilredfern.com/blog/belle-epoque-wedding-photographs-kim-james/
http://www.neilredfern.com/blog/belle-epoque-wedding-photographs-victoria-howard/

Deposit is paid. Registrar is booked. This shit just got real kids.

Plotting and planning

Mood: Remorseful (too much vodka last night)
Thought for the day: Have you seen those pics of The Moldy Peaches guy in the buff? Grim. Oh, and good about Bin Laden getting all shot and that, innit?
Proud moment of the day: I figured out how to add a counter on here. GO TEAM BACON!
Now playing: Audio Bullys - Only Man

THE UPHILL STRUGGLE IS OVER! We will be celebrating our engagement party on the 18th June. Not everyone can make it but its the only date all the family can do (and you're never too old to live in fear of your mother). I'm actually a bit worried about filling the space now. We should get a pretty decent turn out but I went for a few (too many) drinks at the venue last night and its pretty big. I might have to invite some very fat people and strategically place them about the bar to fill it out a bit. Just not too near the buffet.

Now for the fun of building a Spotify playlist of top tunes! I want "When a man loves a woman" on repeat but its not the done thing. Apparently. If you have any suggestions then please leave them in the comments section.

We also had a chat with my fiancé's parents this weekend about the possibility of using the grounds of their beautiful home for our reception. Of course its just an idea at the moment but they seemed very happy about the prospect so we're very grateful and excited about that! It'd be perfect.

In other news we went to a Lego exhibition with my other half's nephews and nieces yesterday. There are no words to describe how amazing it was! I may have got SLIGHTLY overwhelmed. I bought a Lego ostrich. Isn't he a handsome beast?