Well well well, we’ve almost reached the end of 2013 and a new year is just a hair’s breath away. For me, the move in to 2014 means a time of rejuvenation, promise, exciting milestones (I turn the big 3-0!), my first full wedding season, a house move, and, of course, the annual pledge to tone up and trim down. Ahem.
It is with a protruding bottom lip and a teeny tiny tear that I say goodbye to 2013 though. For me, this year has been unbeatable. Work wise, I finally launched my wedding planning business and coordinated two unique, beautiful weddings which went on to be featured in You and Your Wedding magazine and on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. Although I don’t blog as often as I’d like to, you lot still tune in to my ramblings and continue to inspire, encourage and support me across the various social media channels. In fact, the results from the The Utter Blog’s Survey of Dreams quite literally blew me away. You guys are so ruddy brilliant. Thank you for taking the time and for saying such lovely and thoughtful things. I’ll be expanding on those and my blog goals for the year very soon, but in the meantime if you haven’t filled in the survey yet, fear not- it’s still live! If you have anything to say, now’s the time…
But of course, the main event of 2013 was our wedding. A glorious, technicolour, love-filled day that came together after seventeen months of dreaming and scheming, and was even more SCHA-FRICKIN’-MAZING than we ever thought it could be. I don’t think I’ve ever felt such elation as I did that day, and to be quite frank, I’m not sure I ever will. THANK GOODNESS we hired the talent that is Dominique Bader to photograph our day. I’ve looked at our wedding pictures a disgusting amount of times through writing the blog etc, and yet I notice something different every time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE our wedding through Dominique’s eyes and look forward to sitting down with a glass of something bubbly and watching the 600-strong image slideshow on our first anniversary. If there is anyone out there considering not hiring a professional wedding photographer I implore you, don’t do it. Spend time choosing a photographer who’s images make you feel a bit wobbly. Invest. Trust them. You won’t regret it.
After a wedding comes a honeymoon. Or in my case, after a wedding comes the Post Wedding Blues, but the launch of Utterly Wow got rid of that and 6 weeks later Paul and I had our amazing Californian ‘Moon. Ten days of the most beautiful sights, experiences and memories in a very special and inspiring part of the world. We will go back, but not for a long time and certainly not with the same level of extravagance as we did with our honeymoon. 2013 was the year we had our holiday of a lifetime and I will forever be grateful for that and our generous friends and family who made it happen.
And the last few months? Well, I’ve been head down and working hard, both in the bridal boutique and for Utterly Wow. I’ve been having some fantastic nights out with friends and making plans for the future. A few days ago I coordinated a gorgeous and glamorous civil partnership for my boss at the boutique (photos coming soon), and tomorrow I will be walking down the aisle again, this time as bridesmaid for one of my best and oldest friends. Yep, a New Years Eve wedding- how magical is that?
Farewell 2013, you were pretty damn special and I shall always remember you with immense fondness. 2014, you have big boots to fill, no pressure. And to you, my brilliant Uttersons- have a very Happy New Year and whatever you end up doing tomorrow night, may it be in style and with your favourite people.
And now for some pictures…
In 2013 I got crafty.
In 2013 I launched a business.
In 2013 I probably drank too much but I had a lot of fun with the best of friends.
In 2013 I married my favourite person.
See you next year!
Sama xxx
