kkimi88

As I've mentioned, after the proposal came that exciting flurry of planning: picking out all the little details, researching the location (although we had less to do than most, as we'd just left our wedding site!) and broaching the plan with family and friends... We'd initially hoped to be getting wed this summer, but with the cost of travel to family members, we had to put it back a further year. In those weeks we planned, created and decided a number of things... Our website: http://www.mywedding.com/adamandkimberleyforever/ Our colour scheme: originally ivory and turquoise, now ivory, turquoise and purple. Our engagement announcements went out: We decided on the beach gazebo (over our initial choice of the garden gazebo): Decided on the decorations: We intend to have ivory voile material with ivory and purple flowers (lilies and roses), turquoise, purple and ivory rose petals forming an aisle, and paper squares on fishing wire/string as above (these were one of the projects that I started last summer and currently decorate my flat) Here's one: Each square is separated with turquoise beads that I'm hoping will glitter beautifully in the sunlight. Similarly, the chairs will be an ivory colour with turquoise sashes, as below, for both the ceremony and the reception. We made decisions regarding flowers: Between the expensive prices of flowers in the DR, their tendency to wilt in the heat and the inability to have them pressed as a keepsake (you aren't allowed to bring such items back to the UK) we decided to buy real touch flowers. The bouquet selected will ideally match the real flowers decorating the gazebo. Last summer I also purchased and 'did up' an ivory parasol for myself and parasols for my two bridesmaids. On here, I'd seen and fallen in love with wedding photographs like the one below, so despite my plan to have a bouquet, I also purchased an ivory umbrella for myself for following the ceremony. We decided to have fans and bubbles on the chairs: Bubbles were purchased and done up last summer, fans are still to come... We're also hoping to get a few bubble machines for during the reception.

I've just stumbled across word that flights for next July will be being released in exactly 13 days. Keep your fingers crossed for me!! It will feel so much better to have ourselves booked and know for certain who, out of all the 'maybes' will actually bother to book! Think there'll be as many tears and there will smiles but at least FI and I will know for certain. As always, it's the not knowing that's the worst!

Much more to come....

THE LOCATION: We had always known that we wanted to get married somewhere that had real personal meaning to us, rather than just some random hall or hotel. We had jokingly discussed Glastonbury festival as well as the Dominican Republic, but after two of the best weeks of our lives at Dreams La Romana, as well as it being the proposal site, we knew that this was where we wanted to say 'I do'. It was a place that was special to us and that we genuinely loved, a beautiful setting, and a place that we wanted to share with our loved ones.

Nearly two years ago, my soul mate (or as close as you can get, the [Tim Minchin-esque] cynic in me feels compelled to add!) proposed to me in beautiful Bayahibe. Over that summer I managed to put a few ideas together, before being thrown into an intense teacher training year that left little time for us to talk, let alone plan a wedding! We are in an interesting situation, I work as an English teacher at a Secondary school here in the UK, working my a$$ off day in, day out; leaving me no time, other than holidays to plan for my big day. Therefore, last summer, I found myself suddenly with time to breathe, time to take a break and time to obsess over a day that seemed both scarily close and horrendously far away at the same time! I planned A LOT. I crafted A LOT. I posted on here A LOT. I delved, as much as I could, into this wonderful world of chiffon, flowers and bubbles. There have been trials and tribulations over the past year: family and friends doing the 'yes/no/yes/no' dance as to whether they'll even attend, flights STILL not being released and guilt trips galore. But despite this, I am happy to (at last!) be able to say that I will be saying 'I do' next year, and (hopefully without feeling as foolish now that it's getting closer) I can share with you my story, my DIY to date and my INCREDIBLY gradual build up to my 'I DO' moment. THE START: FI and I were friends for an entire year before the thought of being together had even crossed our minds. My best friend (or new uni flatmate at the time) had gotten together with FI's best man our first week of uni, and thus a wonderful new circle of friends was formed. Despite us being in the same circle, there were members of the group that each of us was closest to, with little overlap. So despite the fact that we were both always around each other, I don't think either of us really even noticed the other... We went a full year in that same circle, talking to each other every now and again, but never anything more. To be honest, I'm pretty certain he thought I was a gobby cow and aimed to avoid me as best he could . But then the group got smaller. I lost one of my sub-group, and he lost one of his... We grew closer over the passing months, though I don't think either of us really noticed it at the time. And eventually we ended up at a party, the only singletons amongst our vastly diminished group (and a lot of people neither of us knew)... the couples departed; we stayed. The rest, as they say, is history... THE PROPOSAL: FI and I had always talked about getting married, even from early on in the relationship we'd tripped up and accidentally talked about 'our wedding', and we'd already bought a ring (albeit months earlier on a trip away) The day itself though, was perfect from start to finish. We'd visited the Dominican Republic the year before and had loved the people, the culture and the stunning scenery so much that we'd booked to return less than a year later, albeit to a different part of the country. This time we were to stay down the beach from the fishing village of Bayahibe, at a resort called Dreams La Romana. The morning began with breakfast in bed and the opening of presents and cards to mark my 22nd birthday. By 9am we were at 'The Private Corner' a secret spot with the ocean-view jacuzzi that wey had pre-hired to celebrate my surviving another year. It comprised of many wonderful elements: a meeting with Edwin- our wonderful personal waiter for the day (and amigo for the duration of our stay ), a *lot* of champagne and corona, meerkat raving (don't ask), a three course gourmet meal and a couples massage. It was so lovely to relax and spend quality time together being silly, and it will forever remain one of the most perfect days of our lives. At sunset FI suggested that we went for a walk down the beach, where we watched the waves splash against the rocks and shared some romantic words, all of which are a blur now. (I also took to photographing the scenery, completely oblivious to the fact that he'd left the ring back at the jacuzzi- I think he nearly had a heart attack!) As we walked back to our special spot, FI pointed down to behind some flowers, 'surprised' to see a turtle (of the cuddly variety) protecting a ring box. (I'd always joked that when he proposed he should have a [real] turtle present it to me in its mouth . This was a superior option to a lost ring and a dead turtle! Turtles were kind of an in joke, and a continued theme in our wedding) At this point I grabbed him and kissed him, preventing him from even being able to ask the all important question! When I finally released him, he got down on one knee and asked. Obviously I said YES!

Hi, I was just wondering what seller you went through for your cake topper? Thanks and congratulations!

Also, I *love* "I Can't Believe We ALL Fit In Here!!?!" and "Get a Room" lol.

These are all really great ideas ladies, thanks! Just my two cents: what I was planning on doing was putting different photo suggestions on different cameras. That way I don't end up with 20 photos of the same thing, on top of the photographers! There will be some overlap but I think this is probably the best way to get a nice range. That way you can include silly and arty suggestions. Love the idea of adding an additional scavenger hunt for the general trip to be put in the welcome booklets though! Happy planning! Kx

Beautiful photos, I can't wait to read your review!! So glad everything went so well for you and that you got glorious sunshine! . x

Just seen an update from my facebook friend who lives in Bayahibe: she says that Hurricane Irene has turned more north, and looks like it will miss DLR! I really, really, really hope it stays this way for brides who are out there!! Out of everything to do with a destination wedding, the weather is the only aspect that concerns me.

I got them from http://www.brolliesgalore.co.uk/ because it was one of the best UK sites that I found, though if you search 'parasols' on here there are some much cheaper american sites that unfortunately wouldn't ship to me. To write on it I printed off the letters and taped them to the under side of the parasol, then I traced them using a fabric pen. It was actually really easy, though a bit nerve-wracking! lol. I do find it really good to have a record of all the things I've done, definitely link me if you do get one!

Quote: Thank you sooo much! We leave tomorrow!! Hopefully Tropical Storm Irene will let us get there! At least it is tomorrow and not the wedding day!! I will post in a few weeks when we return! Congratulations, Bella! You must be soooo excited! I have my fingers crossed for you that Irene misses you and that you have lots of beautiful sunshine for your special day!! Quote: Originally Posted by jessicalynneh Hey ladies! We sent our save the dates last week, got our official confirmation email for November 10, 2012 a couple weeks ago! We have 17 people booked, so excited! =) Has anyone taken any of the tours, or looked into tour companies? I want to look into doing something fun & special for our wedding party while we're there and am just looking for suggestions! Congratulations! How exciting, I bet the time will fly by now . Let the count down commence!! I would highly recommend Seavis for tours. They depart directly from the fishing village of Bayahibe (2 mins down the beach from DLR) and offer eco-friendly tours. They also do a lot of work with the people of Saona island and can offer you a more private tour, away from the mass tourism. I've been out with them before and they offer a really great service! I can't speak highly enough of them!

This is a brilliant idea! I'm not using starfish at all, but now I kinda wish I was. I wouldn't have even thought of that- so simple but such a lovely thought! Great! Loving seeing your new additions too, R. Looking amazing as always! x

I've looked into checking extra luggage at the airport and it seems to only be about £30 extra for a bag weighing the same as your regular luggage is entitled. This seems really reasonable to me, and given how much closer a lot of you US ladies are, it should be even cheaper! I did stumble across this website, which may or may not be useful to you guys? http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/blog/3801089/airline-baggage-fees-chart-updated/ It's a list of different US flight companies and their charges for extra bags. Hope it helps someone (being in the UK I haven't checked how accurate it is, so don't quote me on it! Just thought it may come in handy ) Haha, bride2be, 'on board' might be a slight exaggeration, but he is very good at humouring me, and even suggested we go and look for his wedding band today . I love that your date is 1-23, that's perfect! I can see why you're getting attached! Not sure why I like mine but it would be nice now if we could get it... it all depends on when we can get a cheap deal on flights and accommodation really. It will be so nice if you do get your preliminary date, given you'd have so many great things to celebrate! Fab. I have got a lot done, but you have to remember that I'm not currently working (I'm a teacher on summer holiday!), so I really have been able to throw myself into it 100%, ideally I'd like to have pretty much everything finished by the end of next summer so I don't have to worry about anything on the run up. I have a blog here: http://prematureplanner.blogspot.com/ detailing my different projects/what we want for the ceremony/ reception and the proposal. Thought it would be nice to have a record kept of my planning, but feel free to have a look . You should definitely post your passes- I'd love to see them! Re: the catamaran trip- depending on how the budget looks/interest we're either going to either do this or just organise a day trip with Seavis and let everyone else know when we're going so that they can book too if they want to. Happy Planning ladies! x

My latest addition and my favourite version by far...

Thanks ladies, they are really simple, just time consuming and fiddly. Just made a new and improved pair for my mum (in her fave colour) as I'm going to do them as my ladies 'favours', for my wedding party at the very least. Definitely think I'm gonna re-do my first pair using the turtles again but in the style of my new ones.

I'm not sure what to do in regards to this either, I'm definitely going to have lots of little bits to take, and it would be easier to ship them ahead of time, but I don't know how feasible it is from the UK. Or, alternatively, how much it is to check an extra suitcase... Do any other UK brides have any idea's regarding this? Sorry ribbitt101 for not being much help for you, but don't feel silly for planning ahead: it'll one less thing to worry about on the immediate run up .

Haha, I've had craft days with my other half, it's quite nice to involve him in certain bits, even if inside it may be driving him mad inside. He's wonderfully patient and always asks what I've been up to whilst he's been at work. I also went and visited my mum and sister for another craft day! I'm having SO much fun with it!! I've now managed to get loads of stuff done since I last posted I've got my boarding pass invitations done, passport pre-departure booklets, ceremony fans, bubble tags, my first pair of barefoot sandals, a load of photobooth disguises, paintbrushes and a 'shoes optional' sign, ceremony decorations for the gazebo, my guestbook pages and I've got loads bought for the wedding and for my OOT bags! I have a 'fake date' as well now, though I seem to be getting attached to it and it is feasible so may end up being my actual wedding date! Which is quite exciting. Congrats to new 2013 brides to be! It's nice to see there are quite a lot of us premature planners out here . I get the feeling this thread will be a great source of support on the run up and it will be so exciting when people start posting photos etc.!! What have you other lovely ladies been up to?

These look great. Good job

Found a bead set at my local pound shop today including 10 small pots of beads and some beading wire, so I decided to try my luck at making some of these. I'm really pleased with how they turned out!! The turtles I bought at random off ebay (can't remember the seller but can find out if anyone wants it) because I was sure they'd come in for something. I'm glad I did now. May try and make a bracelet or something with the last one.

Ooo, where did you get these from? I was hoping to get some, but as I don't smoke them it's not anything I've ever noticed on my previous visits.

This sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing and I can't wait to read your review!! Congratulations on your wedding and I'm so pleased to hear it was so perfect . Another quick question about the beach gazebo if you don't mind- I'm hoping to get married barefoot, but remember from the main beach that sharp bits sometimes fall from the trees into the sand... how clear of this is the sand at this end of the resort?

I love your door hangers- I'd already done a trial run of my own but your wording is miles better. Hope you don't mind me pinching it! Also, I made a good start on my boarding passes yesterday and FI and I love them! Thanks soooo much for the template! Think I'm going to use the same theme for my pre-departure booklet too (though may go for passports instead), so a massive THANK YOU! Re: the programmes, are you using the passport anywhere else? Maybe you could go the traditional route but give it a bit of a twist? I'm not sure what though. I'm a bit stuck on my programs too... I haven't found anything yet that I really LOVE. Will let you know if I do lol. Kim

You're right, it's better to get the issue under control well in advance, if you can. Planning a wedding (especially in the lead up to it) is stressful enough, without having the added worry of weight loss! I fear that as it becomes closer I will revert to my 'comfort eating' ways, so it's something I want to take control of sooner, rather than later. Like you, I am so desperate to start trying on dresses and getting an idea of what sort of style I want (I've changed my mind so many times over the last year, from sleek and elegant to something with just a hint of (what I call) 'poof'. lol) This is one of my main sources of motivation. Also, as I have put so much weight on recently, we haven't been able to get away on holiday this summer, so FI and I are hoping to get away at Christmas, the allure of the beach helps too! I currently have an 'incentive' list stuck on my wall in the kitchen which helps, but I really do think it needs to get to a point where you're mentally prepared to give it your all. Especially with a diet such as mine, which is a very low calorie one.