We're celebrating

I know I said I was hoping the Duke & Duchess would have a girl, but d'you know what, it really doesn't matter. They have a beautiful baby boy and like every other couple who approach a birth not knowing if it's a boy or girl, whichever arrives is exactly what they wanted!

I loved the way William took him for a little 'walk about' to show him off as they were leaving the hospital. I had wondered if they would bring him out in his car seat and we wouldn't get to see him very well. (And I'm sure Daddy had had some practice runs with that seat, he was very proficient.)

We now have to wait for his name to be revealed. James, George, Henry, William are all showing as front runners. They may even go for Albert and call him Bertie which would cover the need for a solid name and a more modern one.

But for now, congratulations and welcome to the world, Baby Cambridge 

- glad you're here safe and sound!

July 22nd 2013

Will this be the day? I love babies and have to admit to being as excited for Kate & William as I am for the ladies I know who are shortly to produce off-spring. I wish them all well. It really doesn't matter whether their babies are boys or girls, they will all be loved and be the most precious babies in the world because that's the way it works! I do hope that 'the' baby is a girl though. The government will have changed an archaic, outdated law for nothing if its a boy. Well not for nothing because this baby's firstborn could be a girl but that's a long time to wait!

But back to weddings ..... early this morning, I wedding came through from Green Wedding Shoes - a blog that features some really fab weddings. This particular one however, caught my imagination. It is truly a reflection of the couple. I just can't think they have compromised one iota of their personalities. I'm not posting all of the images - follow the Green Wedding Shoes link where you'll also find all the credits as well.

The first look 

- not something that we do very much of here in the UK but quite common in North America 

and something that produces beautiful images.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Look at the two little chaps bringing the rings! 

And don't you just love how dapper Dad looks?

The cake topper quite clearly depicts the couple

A continuation of the colour scheme inside the barn

The finale

Once again, all these images - and more - are on Green Wedding Shoes where there is also advice and comment from the couple.

The main credits: photography: Love is a Big Deal // venue: Hachland Hill Vineyard in Tennessee // event design + planning: Jessica Sloane

What could you take from this wedding? 

Be yourselves - really, really yourselves.  

Don't be afraid, you'll be amongst friends and family who know you for yourselves. 

If you're nutty be nutty, if you're ultra-trendy be ultra-trendy, if you're a traditionalist, be traditional. 

If your gut-feel is something is wrong, it'll be wrong, how ever much anyone says to the contrary and you will always know it was wrong. 

Stay true to the people you are - the couple that fell in love.

Northern Lights

For those who have never seen the Northern Lights, here's some  photos. The first one was posted to Twitter at 4.18 pm - 15 Jul 13 by @djmcphailphotos and the bottom ones are from their website dmphotography in May. 

The top photos were taken across Peterborough & The Kawartha Lakes area (where we have a fab venue for a wedding) and the bottom one is over Mew Lake, Algonquin Provincial Park (where you can also get married!) If you follow the link to the website above there is a time lapse video as well.

Sunshine and flowers

The sun is shining on the UK like it's not done for a VERY long time! It's glorious - too glorious to be inside, that's for sure.

So let's stay outside with some flowers. Do you know the meanings of flowers? Here's a list of some.

Amaranthus: Constancy and fidelity

Amaryllis: Pride, pastoral beauty

Anemone: Abandonment, forsakenness, sincerity, fragility

 Chrysanthemum: Happiness and long life

 Chrysanthemum (White): Truth

 Chrysanthemum (Yellow): Secret admirer

Chrysanthemum (Red): Love

 Daffodil (a.k.a. Narcissus): Respect, good fortune, chivalry, unrequited love

 Daisy: Innocence, loyal love, purity

Forget-Me-Not: Faithful love and memory, true love

 Iris: Faith and wisdom, inspiration

 Ivy: Fidelity, wedded love, affection

Lilac: First love

 Lily: Purity and sweetness

 Lily of the Valley: Renewed happiness and humility

 Orchid: Love and beauty

Peony: Happiness and prosperity

 Rose (Red): Love and desire

 Rose (White): Purity and innocence

 Sweet Pea: Departure

 Tulip: True love

 Violet: Modesty

 Zinnia: Thoughts of friends, thoughts of absent friends

Interestingly, flower meanings from North America and the UK aren't always the same. This list is from North America. Will do a UK list for comparison.

Canada Day

Today the Canadians celebrate Canada's birthday. It's a day full of national pride, pancake breakfasts, bbq's and fireworks. It's also a national holiday. Here's just a few salutes