I'm actually feeling a little emotional while writing this. I can't quite believe that after almost 2 years of planning, 1 of those blogging for the amazing Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, I am now just one week away from marrying my best friend, and starting the rest of our lives together with all the adventures that brings. I am truly going to miss sharing all of my thoughts, ideas and plans with you guys, there is soon to be a massive WWW hole in my life that I just don't know how I'm going to fill.

As you can imagine so much has been going on, we're on the final approach now and everything is becoming very very real! Ashley has been living it up in Marbella for his stag do, unfortunately I can't report too much on that as the details have been very scarce - let's be honest I don't think I want to know, less said the better and all that! We've also had him and all his groomsmen measured for their suits, they're looking very handsome if I do say so myself. Ash likes to take credit for the choice of suit, but it has my influence all over it. We went with beautiful vibrant blue suits, complete with gold cravat. At first Ashley was adamant he just wanted a normal suit, but as he was trying them on he realised he looked like he was just going to work, and he wanted to look more special. So we swapped the ordinary suit jacket for tails and he was all smiles. I can't wait to see him properly suited and booted on the big day, he will look amazing.

Makeup and hair trials have been had by me and MoH Fay, both went very well indeed. I am beyond pleased with my choice of makeup artist for the wedding, Ashley Tyrell Greenwood has mad skills with a brush, but not only that she is super cool, funny and just an absolute joy to be around. Our hairdressers are the wonderful guys at Creator Hair (salon in Sheffield), even though they don't normally work on a Sunday, they are travelling all the way up to Leeds especially to take care of us for the wedding. When I booked them for the big day I already knew I had nothing to worry about, and the trial just proved me to be right, they're a talented bunch. All members of the dream team have been recruited now, I think I might actually be able to relax on the morning of the big day... maybe!

I couldn't leave you lovely lot without telling you about the EPIC hen do Fay organised for me! As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I tasked Fay with arranging my last night out as an unmarried woman, and to make things more interesting (harder for her haha) I stipulated that it had to be a surprise. She did slip up a little by accidentally dropping in that we were going to Manchester, I didn't give her too much grief though. I was teased constantly in the lead up to the big weekend away by all my best girlfriends, the night before we went they actually reduced me to tears (of laughter of course)!

It was everything I wanted and more, the only brief I gave to Fay was I wanted to have the best time of my life, where I don't stop laughing. She certainly succeeded. It was a very early start, a lot of coffee was required to get me going, but as soon as we stepped off the train I was like a giddy little kid. To keep the surprise going I was told to cover my ears every time we got in a taxi, which only added to my giddiness! First port of call was Bannatyne's Spa, where I had a full body massage waiting for me... heaven. The spa was super quiet allowing us to hog the Jacuzzi for lots of girl talk and cackling. After a few hours of ultimate relaxation we grabbed a bite to eat and headed to the hotel, I was fully expecting to arrive somewhere budget (you know Premier Inn, Holiday Inn etc) because why spend a fortune on somewhere you're only going to use to get ready and sleep in, when the money can go on more important things... cocktails obvs. So I was very surprised indeed when we pulled up outside of The Palace, which is an absolutely gorgeous hotel on Oxford St.

After a quick freshen up we were ready to head out for the night, and on to my next surprise, of course we couldn't leave without having me accessorised in true hen do fashion! Yeah the walk through the ultra-sophisticated hotel bar was entertaining to say the least. We didn't have to go far as the next venue was just across the road... my lovely ladies took me cocktail making, which considering I used to work behind a bar, I wasn't all that great at haha! This was so much fun, the Bar Manager James was a great sport and indulged us on every innuendo we threw at him, there was no embarrassing this guy. After supping copious cocktails and having a few nibbles it was time for my next surprise... I knew at least one stripper would be involved somewhere along the way, but lucky me got taken to see a whole show of strippers! Yes girls I got to touch them all ;) After laughing and screaming until hoarse, we headed out to bust some shapes. By the time we got back to the hotel I'd lost my voice, I couldn't stand up (combination of poor shoe choice and a little alcohol - drink responsibly guys) and I had somehow acquired bruises all over my body! It really was the most fun I've had, and it made me feel truly blessed to have such wonderful ladies in my life.

So that's all folks, every item on my to do list has been ticked, and our spare room is looking like we're preparing to set up our own shop... wedding stuff, wedding stuff everywhere! I really must give the wonderful Lou a big thank you for letting me take up space on her fantastic blog to ramble on at you guys. I wish you all the best of luck in planning your own weddings, and give a warm welcome to the new class of real brides, remember stay true to yourselves, be decisive, and enjoy every minute!

Much love, hugs and kisses to you all

x Aims x