My best friend on my wedding day.....

Many little girls dream of owning a pony one day, just the same as many star gaze about their dream wedding…..  But when your wedding day arrives how do you include your trusted four legged friend into your special day.

As a fellow horse rider my perfect scenario would have been to ride from home to the ceremony, something a little different to a horse and carriage. However my venue like most was indeed too far and then again my dress not suitable….with the negatives out of the way how indeed can you ride to your ceremony or reception. Well firstly many brides do manage to ride to the venue, but many factors have to be considered mainly the time of year and distance being the main factors. 

Below is a few hints and tips-

1.       Think carefully, even the most trusted animal can bolt

2.       Is the route to the ceremony a busy road. Do you ride on this stretch of road often – traffic noise, freaky signposts

3.       Will you ride side saddle, inform your bridal dress designer that you intend to ride on your wedding day, she/he maybe able to suggest options on how to adapt your dress.

4.       Wear white leggings and riding boots under your dress. Place a large new white rug under the saddle to ensure grease, hair etc is reduced to a minimum.

 

5.       Finally nominate someone who knows your horse to look after him when you dismount, ensure he is well looked after with water, shelter. It maybe  a good idea to place him in a trailer, practice with the nominated groom getting the horse in and out of the trailer.

6.       Let you photographer know that you intend to arrive on a horse and that you would like photographs of you arriving, in the grounds and saying goodbye.

7.       Enjoy your day.

 For more information on unusual weddings or simply how north east wedding planners could assist you with your wedding planning contact 01913882387 or www.newp.co.uk

Late Love....worth the wait

Falling in love is no different at fifteen than it is at seventy-five, just usually minus the acne. There are still the same old emotions whirring around inside us. One's heart still feels so large that it might burst, you forget to eat and find yourself gazing dreamily out of the window……

As we mature like a fine wine, do we start to look past the packaging, and more for that ultimate best friend who will ensure that “Coming home” feeling. No I am not talking about the old joke “pipe and slippers” but that amazing feeling when “The one” holds you in their arms, smiles at you across the room or simply has a cuppa waiting for you.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of seeing couples of various ages become husband and wife, but sometimes it is the slightly older generation that put the real romance and love into a their wedding day.

“We need help but we are oldies” was the start of an email I received earlier this year from a very special lady who had indeed found love again. From the moment I met the couple, Michael and Jean it was obvious they were "in love".

"Why not" was the start of a unique conversation, quickly followed by at "our age it's the small things that make us happy" This is not a couple starting life together, Audrey and James were celebrating 60 years together, 3 children and a brood of grandchildren. Audrey has a wicked sense of humour, when I asked her what she wanted on her day she said "Champagne and loads of it" at her original wedding there was no alcohol, simply due to marrying on a shoe string.

So is love in your later years any better or just different. Does it matter if it is second, third or fourth time around or should we say just another chance at happiness -

Love is beautiful at any age...