Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr.. The Social Media Saga

Goood Morning!

I'm trying to keep up family!

It's not that I don't have anything to write about, it is that I'm trying to find the time.

So update:

It's gift list time!! Any suggestions on what we should get? When Dad died he left a house full of things, so all we need really are appliances and sheets etc. Still we want our own household items. But if there is ANYTHING you can think of that we might need that you had/ didn't get that you wished you had SHARE PLEASE!! I can tell you we are looking at Cave Shepherd/Sheperd (spell it wrong all the time), and Dwellings. Any other suggestions? Except Walker's World.

So the title may intrigue/confuse you. But this is something that I have been grappling with for the last few months. We have spoken about it briefly, Andy and I but as he was bringing me home last night I 1) realised I'm about to be a dude's wife, and 2) do we want to share that very intimate, private moment with the world?  you tend to forget things of this nature with big events like weddings.

Should we or shouldn't we allow people to upload photos from our wedding instantaneously. Andy had a friend who got married just at the beginning of the Facebook phenomenon. And in their invitations or on the programmes or somewhere they indicated that they did NOT want any photos uploaded.

Has social media caused us to over share? 

Given my status on Facebook and Instagram etc, I am inclined to say that I understand that move. Somethings are private. And the couple should be allowed to release their photos on their own terms. And I am leaning towards that too. Not just for privacy's sake, but also because we really want to share the memories with you all when we are ready.

I don't mind things like this, but Bajans and people on a whole rip your events to shreds when they get a glimpse of what you did! 

So what is your take on the social media thing? Should we tell our guests to leave it out til we give the go ahead? Or are you interested in a #aboabbowenwedding trend on the Internet??

Do we really want images like this traversing the highways and byways of social media?

Thoughts??

Wedding Success, Marriage Fail... NOT HAPPENING

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!

MIA doesn't begin to describe! But thanks for staying tuned and asking, when is the next blog coming out?? Keeps me on my toes.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo, I CANNOT!

People are something else, just yesterday this lady asked me why I was wearing a ring. I told her, cause it was given to me. Of COURSE as GIPSY BAJANS do, she asked if I was engaged, I smiled and said yes. My girl launches into a tirade, well ya knowww I had Donovan (let's cover the poor man's identity, shall we) for ova ten years, he is do he ting, I is do mine. But ya betta live wid de man before ya married. You is a young girl and men aint easy. Dem is mek ya snort... I could tell you stories... blah blah blah.

We believe life is what you make it! 

I tuned out and moved on to the next customer, first of all she had me bored, den she hit me for six wid 'men does mek ya snort'. Andy and I allllways have this discussion. The latest thing when people meet us is they tell me, youuuuu he marrieding to you, wha he is a good looking fella. You betta try and treat he real good, not he gine leff ya. But wait, do we not have equal capacity to leave/be left? Furthermore who enters a marriage with the constant thought of divorce?

And here is why we believe that most marriages fail. A lack of Commitment. But ting, we had we one anudda seven (7) years though. Plus, we've been to hell, through purgatory and back, short of killing one another, we strive for harmony, and while we have our disagreements and occasional spats, ain't nobody got time for the negativity!!

And with God on our side, we cannot fail!

Hence, our focus on our MARRIAGE! WE want to ensure that after the money don spend, food done eat, gifts done buy and dese people gone home that ANDERSON M and HEIDI R are going to make a go of it SUCCESSFULLY. That our lives will mirror Christ' love and that we will ENJOY, yes dare I say be happy for the balance of our lives together. That is our firm commitment. And you can hold us to it, (me especially check Andy's never coming blog to be sure, yes I'm calling you out!)

Life and death is in the power of the tongue people. Stop declaring doom over our marriage 'fore it even start!

It's in the Holy Bible!

Happy talk now, rant done:

Hear dis. Invitations look tooooooo sweet! And nuff fancy tings included. Of coursely after wedding done we will share a few of our features. But as I'm putting alot into the blogosphere we still want to maintain a few secrets and surprises.

Suddenly, I'm getting nuff nuff kisses, and loving up from this man though, is that normal? Leading up to? If it is I sure hope it continues :D cause I like nuff lovin up :D  I mean I could've just awakened from a nap or whatever and this nutbag is kissing my face and stroking my hair. Mummy says he's been doing it since we got together, but I must be so fagged out, that I'm clueless. Sweet tho :)

I love him <3

How to:

Ammm about this housewife thing though. I mean, I don't plan on NOT working. But the washing, cooking, cleanting, grocery shopping ,bill paying. Lawdddddd havismercy. I need a day planner, P.A AND a nanny to keep me by the time I'm done. It's alot!

Stay sane during house repairs: Andy is uber excited. I on the other hand, will only care when decisions have to be made. I know nothing about construction, and I'm not interested either, sooooo sweetboy and mummy are on the case again. I can guarantee you that I will not be left out of curtain or bedspread selection, china or the Gift list. Cause Andy is VERY VERY VERY VERY PICKY. Like SUPER selective, and crazy when it comes to service soooooooooooooooooo, yea.

Lose weight before your wedding:

ZUMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, and Shawn the Tyrant T. SO Andy has us on this T-25 programme, chile. I didn't know I could sweat so much between my beloved Zumba and that psychopath? I am in constant muscleboundness. But I'm TRYING to eat better, and I work out super hard and I lost an inch and a half off my waist and other body parts, clothes are a wee bit loose and I can run up stairs without my oxygen tank (joke) Check out my sweet boy below all sweaty and flexin n stuff :D lololol.

We bout dis life!!

Sorry for the long one. Hope you enjoy!

Stay tuned, BIGGGGGGG surprise coming up in the next Edition of T-130 + days til We are Mr & Mrs Anderson M. Bowen :D :D :D :D :D :D

The Budding Bridezilla

Gooood Morning!

I promised to drop this one in last week. But I was sooooo busy that I forgot.

So sorry peeps!

Please note. This will happen to you at some point during your wedding prep.

As I've mentioned countless times. My fiance' is super cool under pressure. I on the other hand am a certified, card carrying gully boar. Now more recently I have developed a maturity and patience that surprises people who knew me just a few short years ago. It's amazing what prayer, patience, a good mama and a good decent man who influences me can do ;)

Now hear this, I want what I want. Andy wants what he wants. We have agreed to what WE want for our wedding. So there is no possible way for us to fail miserably. We believe that there are always alternatives. And with hard work, dedication and TRUE faith in God, we cannot be stopped, once it's His will for us.

Truth.

I had to make a quick decision about a crucial part of our plans. And note I said I, because I tend to think quickly. Not always a positive, but  I am well aware of who I'm marrying. You know that statue 'The Thinker'? That's really a sculpture of Anderson M. Bowen. He takes a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time to come to a decision once it involves risk. And believe me we need that. Little Miss Impulsive here would have us buying land and houses to renovate and forget the light bill. So someone has to be stable in the relationship.

Anderson M. Bowen (lololol)

But I also dislike INCOMPETENCE and WICKEDNESS. Here's the background without going into too much detail. One of our vendors has an associate who is greedy. He/she found out that we wanted to book a service through their company, and actually called me after the event that we both WORKED at, to try to convince me to come and make payment under his/her name. Here's the thing, I am loyal. We both are. Anderson and I were impressed with the presentation by the initial Vendor and have NO INTENTION of being poached.

This person moving in for the kill. But they don't know me yet!

Where is the integrity? Barbados is yay big. So screwing up your reputation for a commission is quite frankly a dumbass move. Furthermore, I do NOT like being crossed. Especially when it comes to an event I have been mentally planning since 1990.

So out came Heidi The Headhunter. I was on the phone so fast that Andy was in complete shock. Big man allowed me to know he had never seen that side of me in 6 years. And Poor me, I blushed. And then I got kisses so the blush went through the door :) I should be more forceful more often then huh?? (lolol) I suppose I was holding back that facet of my personality, because I want him to shine. I don't dumb down nor do I NORMALLY hold back. But I'm a softy when it comes to Andy and I let him take the reins. But this time, this witch (ahem) was messing with the wrong one.

This is mild compared to how I was.

Regardless of what happens, here's the lesson for today. If you have a dream, an idea, heck even a notion or a hunch. And it's feasible? GO FOR IT. Do not hold back. Make sure that it is in keeping with your values, no compromises. Things don't just HAPPEN. You must plan. Discuss with the older heads and go forward. Life is too short to live with regrets.  And I want little to NO regrets on Wedding Day 2014. TRUST.

enough said

Bridezilla for two days OUT!

Love you all,
Heidi xoxo

Open the Lines

Gooood MORNING!!

Both Andy and I have been soooo busy!! I recently started a job (weddings don't pay for themselves guys :) And Andy has been working hard for the entire year. Between Moden Makeup by Heidi, my new job, home, church and our relationship, I was barely keeping up.

I am SOOOOOO sorry I didn't update you all but to everyone who asks in person, emails, Whatsapp's or keeps us in prayer THANK YOU!! We appreciate the feedback and the love.

Did the title catch you? Well I hope it did and whether you are married or single this one is for you.

So with the kind permission of my beloved fiance' we are going to discuss Premarital Counselling. Now for some people this practice is a formality, for others a necessity and a select few it is both. About three years before we got engaged, Andy actually asked me if I would be interested in preengagement counselling sessions. I was waaaay too excited boy! He could've asked me then and there and I would have said YAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSS. But we never pursued it, so when we got engaged last year we decided that we needed to go to counselling for a number of reasons.

Guess who's coming to the end of their sessions and with GREAT SUCCESS. US!! And the main reason is, WE COMMUNICATE! Without going into too much detail we wanted to share why counselling is so important to us, and why we are now even bigger advocates for any engaged couple to actively participate in a series of sessions.

1. The Wedding is just one day. You have to live with this person for the rest of your life. That should be reason enough for you to run to anyone who is qualified and willing to listen!

Funny, but so true.

2. You value your relationship. Hopefully (we've been together 6 years, by the time we are married it would be our 7th) you would have invested, sacrificed, endured, enjoyed so much that you want to protect your investment, nurture your love and really get in the habit of dealing with the challenges of this new phase.

Channel your energies into your future.

3. You are willing to commit to discussing and solving any issues you may have as individuals and as a couple. You are two very different people with different stories, Rome wasn't built in a day, and you have to be secure in you and him/her so that your relationship develops as you BOTH intend it to.

Indeed.

4. It works either way. The counselling sessions reveal so much about your personality, your desires and your needs that the openness creates a vulnerability that is UNREAL. And the important part is recognising the value of your love, because opening up yourself to people starts with TRUST, without that, you're goners.

Love.

So those are just a few of our reasons. After the first session I was in love with Andy all over again. He was grinning from ear to ear and we both felt a sense of calm and peace. We are committed fully to one another, focused, and armed with the knowledge that we need to take our relationship forward and enjoy a happy and prosperous marriage. We don't know everything, but we know some thangs ya'll :)

Thus, the planning and merriment can continue, of course we will have issues, but we hold onto the belief that with God before us, a FULL commitment to each other, the love and support of our families, we are ready for our life together. If you are planning on getting married, we HUMBLY suggest finding a minister of religion, a certified counselor, or someone who is equipped to deal with affairs of the heart, premarital counselling. Seek professional help and OPEN THOSE LINES OF COMMUNICATION. Ensure you are both comfortable with that person and go for it. You won't regret it! We certainly don't :D

Love you Andy. thanks for sharing :)

Love you all!
xoxo
Heidi.

First Dance

Hiiiiii Beautiful People,

Soooo what's happening? The wedding is 9 months away. Time, what is that? We have none!

House repairs are on the way, I'm working out, Andy's planning on working out, we are joining financial forces, learning more and more about each other, and I have to say I love this man so much! I would go through the planning process over and over again because Andy is truly so cool and easy about it. He takes everything as it comes, takes 2 hours to think, then he comes up with a plan. BOOM, that's my #baby.

We have to be honest. We are baffled as to why people find the wedding planning process SOOOO hard. The difficulty in OUR HUMBLE OPINIONS comes with indecision, uncertainty, allowing GIPSY people inna ya bidness and a lack of knowledge. I have assisted in Wedding Planning many times, have planned and with the help of a great team (delegation is key) executed EXCELLENT events. Andy has assisted in organising and pulling together many functions and in his and my line of work, planning is of the utmost importance. So this isn't cakewalk, but it sure ain't rocket science either. However, organisation, delegation and simplicity are the keys people. FOCUS!

The challenge so far has been PEOPLE. Everyday I mentally cross no less than four people off my list. And believe that dem bellies gine ROLL when they realize they are NOT in my top 100. #boom

Get lost!!

I am learning how to be a successful wife and partner. One of my focuses has to be on understanding my husband's role. That is monumental for me. For us really. I have had FANTASTIC examples of the correct way to treat, care for and support a wife. And a handful of wives who possess qualities I'd like to emulate. But can I say, I am going to have THE most understanding, loving and humble husband a woman could pray for. And you better get on your knees, cause I sure did and God blessed me with a gem.

Onto wedding thangs!!

WHAT IS UP WITH THE FIRST DANCE???!?!

Check out Youtube. There are funny ones, romantic, dramatic, bloopers, falling downers, Dive into poolers, madness, lack of rhythm, a plethora of the most ridiculous, sweet, endearing dances one will ever come across.

This was sooooo good! Hella funny!

Couple having #funners

So we are at a loss. Andy used to do ballroom, I did back in the day too buuuttttt. Without practice, we are NOT risking at it. So there's the slow wine, the twerk, the bump, monsta wina...... KIDDING!!

Have any of you taken dance lessons for your weddings/ big events? What do you think about it? Any recommendations, or should we just wing it and sway? We dunno, so HELP!!

Something old, something new... :

What do you think about this adage? I am NOT superstitious. But I love the idea of using the adage to add to the whimsy of our wedding. Like I have a special surprise for Andy and Andy only that's all blue ;) And I have another article of clothing that's blue. Did any of you follow this one, and if so, please share how. I notice most of Moden's brides only remember it on the day! LOL.

ooooh! Naughty! 

Since my dad passed away, I'm going to omit the Father-Daughter Dance., That would be way too heart-wrenching and sad for me. I miss him everyday, talk about him everyday, and on Wedding Day I want to honour his memory, my grandmother's and Andy's grandad who passed away earlier this year.

This video broke my heart. I would be waay tooo emotional for this one boy. But it was kind of sweet, thoughtful and helped to reinforce that although her daddy is gone, he can still be represented and celebrated. My friend @charmaine posted it, I watched it, and was a mess afterward.

Father/Daughter Dance :(  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/23/father-daughter-dance_n_1695774.html

I have to think of another way to honour my dad. My cuz Shernelle had a large, framed photo of her Mummy at her wedding and I thought that was an EXCELLENT gesture, very loving and inspirational. My Dad was larger than life, a real #bawse. Thought he was super cool, and he was so chatty and intelligent, but just like me, he could only tolerate people for so long .So in my case, the photo wouldn't fly. But a small one attached to my bouquet wouldn't be a bad idea. Or one of his old handkerchiefs. OR! He loved pens, we could sign our Marriage Certificate with one of his fountain pens!! Wow, that Just came to mind, AWESOME!

So tell me what you all think, your feedback is WELCOME and appreciated!

xoxo,
Heidi.

First look, family photos and trash the dress!!

Hiiii!!

200 plus days left... remember when it was 400 plus. I know, we are BOTH getting nercited (nervous and excited), anxious and entering financial comas LOLOLOL.

No on a serious note, we decided not to overspend and stick to a budget, and so far so good, but we allll know in BARBADOS, where EVERYTHING is expensive, you have to be savvy. Otherwise, things can get ugly. So we have a plan and we are determined to stick to it. But things come up so we have back up plans and back up back up plans.We're gearing up for our Engagement Photos, Andy has a final quarter of the year challenge going on with a friend of his to get fit by December or end of I believe. (he's gonna kill me for mentioning this, no wedding lolol) Can't wait to see the results, Andy is EXTREMELY competitive and he usually wins, did I mention he was Captain of the Basketball team at St. Michael's yasssss huntys, get yo lives :D  ;) I have been progressing nicely on my weight loss journey. I weighed recently and I am at 164 so I have to reaaalllly work on my eating (was naughty, ate burgers, at $9.95 and the BEST Coke in Bim?? you betta eat em! LOL)

The supplement I'm taking is WORKING! It keeps me in check and I'm drinking loads of water. So I'm starting my juicing next week to kick start my 10 lb loss again, but I will eat during the day to fuel my body properly.

I found shoes!!! 6 pairs. Decision decisions, but I need two for the day, Some ballerinas or wedges for reception and some sky high or platform heels, I AM marrying a 6 footer after all :)

I'm on the hunt for a cinematic Wedding videographer. I've been seeing tons of great work from our American and Canadian friends, but are there any local companies or film students who do it here? Help a Bridesista out!

I am also in need of decorators! WE have a few in mind but we like to weigh our options. One of our colours I can tell you :) is Ivory. No my dress is not.It's lily white :) BOOM.

Onto the meat:

First look:

HATE IT. I don't subscribe to the superstition. I do dislike most of the Groom's reactions that I've seen. The men are hardly ever blown away by their brides. At least it's not apparent. HOWEVER, I have seen no less than 20-30 grooms almost bawling at the altar when they see their brides enter the church, hall or Ceremony Location. So we will NOT be doing first look bleccch. ( just my opinion to each his own).

Photo Credit: http://abeautifuldayphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/wedding-photos-js-0261.jpg

The Compromise:

However, one thing that calms Andy and I down, especially during stressful times or if we argue or disagree about something is PRAYER. And something I have seen and know to be effective because our God is real ( can I get an amen, hallelujah, thank you JESUS), is the Couple's Prayer.

:) I love it!  Photo Credit: unknown

So the couple sits or stands on opposite sides of the doorway, hold hands and pray together before the ceremony. The beauty behind it is that you can't see each other, but touching and agreeing in prayer sets the tone for the rest of the ceremony and the day. Setting that small window of time aside to give God thanks for His blessings, ask him for His mercy and grace on your lives together, and expressing your commitment to Him and each other, thereby acknowledging His place. I imagine there must be a great sense of peace and happiness after that. It must get a little emotional too. So that's what we are going to do. Before all the fun and family, all the eating and making merry, we are going to give Almighty God thanks for bringing us to our Wedding Day and for (speaking prophetically) taking us through to a beautiful marriage.

Photo Credit: http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-06-14-prayingphoto.jpg
This was the photo that inspired my thinking about it.

Blindfolding Anderson would be HILARIOUS. But I'm sure he didn't see jack til the altar. Cute huh? lol Photo Credit: Unknown

This blog has a beautiful prayer for the couple 10 days before the wedding. Beautiful http://beyondblessedblog.com/2012/08/14/10/

Family photos:

Wade (www.vecpict.com) And Charles 'Chris' (Facebook: Firefly Photography OR Charles Butcher) have been trying to get some of our brides and grooms to take their family photos BEFORE the wedding.

I pitched the idea to Andy and my mum about taking the family and bridal party photos especially with our overseas guests on the day, and at our next function (date to be announced soon) ;) The rest of the photos. You know how Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooonggggggggggg the photo sessions can run at weddings. Everybody and dem granmudda does want a picture. And ya dun know the 1980's cameras gine be coming out of the woodwork. Gotta crank the film too and then use the viewfinder, uh uh boah! We want to ENJOY so we are seriously considering NOT doing them before but definitely doing them after the Wedding while we still have our newlywed glow ;)

Safe to say this photo session probably took AGES???? : Photo Credit: Unknown

Trash the Dress:

I LOVE THIS. Although I did read of one bride who drowned, so safety is KEY! I'm def not trying this at the sea, nonsense. I mean ya can drown anywhere but uh uh boah, I'll take my chances with a pool of fairly still water thanks.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/canadian-bride-words-dragged-death-water-logged-wedding-gown-trash-dress-photo-shoot-heavy-article-1.1145343

( soo soooo sad ) the poor photographer, he tried and the groom :(  Deepest condolences, sincerely.

Anyway, I'm thinking a pool and Andy and I jump, big splash, nuff laughs, EPIC photo. Truly memorable and fun. If not, we can do dirt bikes or riding bicycles through the neighbourhood. Something fun and funny for our personal album. With the greatest caution and care!
I am willing to let Wade and Chris do whatever they want. I trust them totally! But I def have my own ideas. Andy has about 500 more than me (photographer problems).

Trash the dress with your husband :) 

With time going by so quickly I tend to forget that I'm getting married. But when I do I'm mostly stoked, slightly stifled that my room will not be mine and my beloved bathroom will change. We've started house repairs officially and Andy seems to be enjoying it. It's a great time for us. And we are grateful to have a house to renovate, building costs are ridiculous.

I'm still debating whether or not to do a giveaway for this blog. Your response has been fantastic, and I love to give things away. So stay tuned, it could be wedding related, photography, makeup. Who knows. Maybe October, but I don't know if you all are interested in that sort of thing hmmmmmmmmmmmmm... wink wink...


That's all for now, talk to you soon :D

xoxo
Heidi

Updates, questions and excitement!!!

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!

I've been counting the weeks since last blog! 5 or so right? Despicable, i'm treating you terribly. But of course that means that there is more news.

Let's talk flowergirls! I have three of the prettiest, sweetest little ones that you can imagine. I've always loved the idea of having lots of little ones in my bridal party. But as I got older I realized the potential for disaster. Children cry, get sick, get shy. But these three are precocious, intelligent and make Andy and I laugh with their crazy antics and witty banter.

No photos, they are young and I do not want them plastered all over the internet. The world has become a strange place and children are often targeted for the wrong reasons. But I can tell you their names are Kendra, Asia and Neriyah. Kendra and Neriyah are cousins, and my cousins specifically and Asia is my goddaughter. No word from the groom on whether we are doing a ringbearer yet, but if not, we'll just omit that step.

Can I tell you, Anderson Bowen is getting excited. More and more I'm hearing, Hun, for the wedding or, did we discuss... I'm super excited too and NERVOUS especially about the photos. But as long as I have Andy there and THE BEST TEAM in the world for support along with my my mum and family and Andy's family, it's all good. He picked out his suit, and he has a special, secret colour he's accenting with. Blow me down. No best man chosen yet though, it's gonna be so hard for him. Lots of people he loves and they love him back, I do NOT envy him :( But I know his peeps will understand.

This guest list is ever reducing, more and more the monkey is climbing and the tail is being exposed, I love it and so does our pocket! Boom! No budget busters up and through here homies!

No more travelling this year, but  I DO need some advice, where should we honeymoon, we kinda already decided but it's still early days, so input is welcome!

What do you all think about a post wedding photo session, would you want to see the photos? It will save time on Wedding Day since I have so much family and I know everyone is gonna want photos with my handsome groom, I mean who wouldn't? Oh yea and of course with me, the bride (teehee).

My mother,  future mother-in-law and I are in talks re: their outfits. My mother's nickname is Sweetsteps, because she walks in heels like she's barefooted. Elsa Klench boy. She's a trip. And she is the ULTIMATE dresser. My mum is known for her classy dressing and really good style . Now Mrs. Andria Bowen She loves to dress up, and she dresses well. But this is the last going down for her, Andy is her baby, and I need her to be beat and snatched. My mummy is the mother of the bride and MUST also be beat and snatched for the gawds! So I'm just making sure that they have it together. No wardrobe malfunctions or regrets over here. Any bride worth her salt knows, everybody has to be on
point. Photos are forever huntys!

Onto today's topic, KISS. Keep it Simple Silly/Stupid. I am a big thinker, I love to do things OTT (over the top). Andy gets a bit miffed, especially since I get these random notions and MUST try to at least get parts of the 'projects' done.

Case in point. I am NOT a DIY princess, I am more of a go and BUY princess, so this friend of ours says, 'Oh Heidi, for your programmes, you could make fans or, if you decide to do bookmarks, you can draft them on the computer and offer them as favours.' bahahahhahahahahaahahahahhahhahahah *tears* In the words of my FAVOURITE celeb Tamar Braxton, 'uh uhhhh She tried it.' She, me, her Heidi is NOT sitting down drafting NOTHING.

Let me tell you about WHY brides get stressed out. They take on too much and impose way too much pressure on themselves, and for WHAT? Are they happy during? HARDLY, most of our brides are usually SUPER glad the event is over when we ask if they enjoyed it. Scuse me? After all the time, energy and effort, you better at least be telling me it was all worth it.

The night that Andy proposed was soooooo happy and so much fun. He made it so that we were alone (which is rare for us), and intimate and sweet, and then after when my Auntie came and picked us up and started FLIPPPPING out cause we had just got engaged, we started talking about how he did it and what my reaction was.

Well I was GENUINELY surprised and felt like I was floating for the next two days for sure. Earlier that day I had been moaning to my mum about how I just wanted to go home and SLEEEEP. I had just had surgery, my stomach was sore (I have four scars now, photos to come), flown 9 hours to Germany, another train ride for 2 or so to Munich, dropped off luggage none of which I could lift :(  straight to meet the designer off the train, then a few days later we drove to Austria, two days later shot the video, drove back to Munich, spent a day there, took a train to Paderborn and THAT was when the relaxation started. Whirlwind trip right? So I just wanted to breathe. I CAN tell you I woulda been plenty disappointed if I hadn't taken my mum's advice and not gone to dinner with Anderson.

As soon as I realised what Andy was doing that night, I paused. We talked about it after, and we laugh about it now, cause Heidi pauses for nothing so big man was in a state of panic for a minute. I paused because I had always promised myself that if ANY man asked me to marry him, I'd take a minute or two before I said yes, let it process a bit and marinate, and then give my answer. Sounds simple right? Well it's not, if you don't get a feeling of calm assurance when you take that time to think about what you REALLY want, back the hell up honey, cause this thing right here called marriage is the long haul, the big leagues it's the real deal and SHOULD NOT be entered into for frivolous reasons.

In that moment all the joy, happiness, love, hardtimes, grief, pain, euphoria came rushing back. I remembered the first time I really looked at Andy, when he met my mum, when he helped me with my thesis, when I helped him decide what career choice to make, our first trip together, my dad's death which came soooo soon after we got together, when he called me to ask if he should buy his first car, when he took me to meet his grandmother. Our likes, dislikes, our love for God and our love for each other is what flooded my mind and I knew that I HAD to say yes. It was what I wanted and what God wanted for us.

So that is how I want our day to be. Simple, sweet and elegant, but well thought out and organized. Fun and a little bit flirty but SIMPLE. I don't want fanfare, a HUGE expense, or a show off occasion. What I want, is what we want, memories. In the end that's alll we have, time is fleeting.

Just like our proposal and engagement, we want to simply enjoy what God is doing in us. The works He is perfecting in us. Our greatest success on our Wedding Day will be us leaving our former individual selves behind and embracing our oneness. But we are going to do it, simply, not QUIETLY now. Just nice and easy.

How was your wedding day? And what would you do differently now. Or If you're not yet married, what would you include to make your day unique to you?

xoxo,
Heidi.

Loves, here's an update

Well my loves, T-3 hunned n somink days!! Less than a year until Andy and my biggg day! Talk about countdowns! So here's the low down on the show down.

I've been travelling with the future in-laws ya'll. It was fun, and I advise any fiancee or girlfriend who wants to become a fiancee to do it! Get to know the family you are marrying into. My mother always says come live with me come know me. I can honestly say, I love Anderson eeeeeeeeven more now! At the end of the experience you will either love your man soooòooooooo much more, or run as far and as fast as you can. I love Anderson Bowen and I am so blessed and happy to be becoming his wife. Yaaay us!!!!

Welll now!

We have our colours, I have my bridesmaids (ahem). Most of our overseas relatives have the dates, we have our venues, food, drinks, cake sorted, we have a house, a car, God is gooood!

So what is left? A whole freakin lot! The music to us is suuuuper important! It sets the tone for the whole shabang. We want a worship session before the ceremony for sure. Then for the reception, we love the Lord, and we love Gospel, but we also love, rap, rnb, hip hop, reggae man we jes eclectic!

I cannot wait to see Andy on the dancefloor.  He is Mr Reserved Chill, bust a move in private. But he saaaaaays he's gearing up to drop it like it's hawt! BOOM! My babe gine mash up de place!!!!

Invitations and save the dates. I may have changed my mind. People keep forgetting the date. Maybe a magnet... (Pyoni....)

Photos: Waaaaaaade and Jazz Apple! Come on party people it's about that time! Collabo, concept execute. Andy loves a good photo and so do I but posers we are not! So the big guns Jazz and V-ann have to step in!

Hair: suggestions PUHLEEZE. Mine is growing and I think I want a chignon or cascading sidesweep with a swoop, but then Andy likes when I wear a ponytail or just pull my hair back. Help me family!

Weightloss! This for me is huge, I feel soòooo much better than I did a few weeks ago! I started Bios Life Slim on the 14th, I've lost 5lbs. I am overjoyed! I'm trying to eat better, up my water intake. My energy levels are way better and I'm sleeping well too. I'd say that's an improvement.

Honeymoon: I'm good with Carnival Valor, but we have to book soon, Time has flown and I think the European tour is our Anniversary trip now. I 'm just excited to travel with Andy, this man is a SUPER shopper. And let me tel you, this man love a piece of clothes hear? I too love my Kins. Sooooo much fun and tries on everything he buys!
Well stay tuned for the continued saga. Wedding Day 2014!

That's all for now.

Sooo sorry I wasn't around for the last 2 weeks! But net access was limited.
Thanks for sticking by us. We love you all!

Love,
Heidi
Xoxoxo