Novelties or money burners....

My lovely friends! 

Hope you have been well. Andy and I have a dilemma. 

Now, my mum went to a wedding years ago where the couple left cameras on every table for the guests to take randoms that they would later include in their album. Even the best photographers miss some of the most fantastic candid shots. So I'm toying with the idea of springing for the same. i think it would add a really cute element to our reception. Andy says no, it's a waste. I'm not totally UNSOLD. So....

Disposable Cameras are usually a hit and encourage Guest Interaction. 

CONS: The people dem LOVE to tek up tings. De disposable cameras aint worth wha paddy shot at, so de flim might not get developed (Film spelled incorrectly on purpose). It is another expense. HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. So what do you all think?

Aisle runners - I love the whole princess thing red carpet, white carpet, purple carpet. Whatever. But I can envision myself tripping on this contraption and flying head first into the altar. No bueno. 

They do add a certain something but are they NECESSARY? 

Then there is the decor. Feathers and boas and vases and stones and shells and all that jazz. Or a simple centrepiece. Something timeless and elegant. Classic. 

Is this over the top.com? 

And what about the guest book? isn't that concept a bit dated. I mean we have photos to remember who came. Video maybe, and if ya have decent guests a card or two with a piece of change, just keep the card as a memento and spend the money. I'm sure we will remember the few generous ones around us on that day. o_O

Guest Book too 1980's? 

So are these things necessary or should we just take the foodie approach?  Everything in moderation. 

Onto my dress dilemma. If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram (Moden Makeup). You'll see I have wedding fever, but I'm still not quite there. I am VERY excited about getting married. But I don't like to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Cording to de sayin, I holdin it down. I don't want to get overly excited or go far with the planning and then BOOM. My plan falls through, devastation isn't the word. But I know I do have to put things in perspective and then in train.

So when it comes to the dress I'm stumped. I'm also stumpy, so while I love the ball gown, it has to be fluffy not poofy and not too heavy either cause at 5 feet I'd look like an Oompa Loompa on steroids. So I am open to suggestion, but I'm still gonna wear what I want and what looks good on me and is comfortable. So doan get vex!

I MUST have these or the bootleg version, either way they are FLY!!!

Today officially marks 370+ days til wedding day. Dear God. Where is the time going? So I'm scouring the net trying to find styles I like that are within or without budget. And you know what my main problem is. I consider myself to be a bit of a trendsetter. I do NOT want what everybody else had. But reinventing the wheel isn't my endgame EITHER. So God willing next year the hunt is on for Mummy, Auntie and I to find THE perfect dress for HEIDI RENE'E. 

We've decided the top is gorge, the bottom not so much! 

Now pray tell, where in Barbados does one go to purchase a wedding dress besides the shop in Wildey? Jayson's? Hide n Chic? I am in AWE absolute AWE!! Wha I want to startup a bridal shop allllll now. Seriously? Unless I'm a bit slow or uninformed. I do NOT like the idea of not trying my dress before purchase, so ordering online and then hoping for the best isn't gonna cut it for me. But Brides of times past, how the heck did you get around it? This is indeed a quandary. 

Finally, this month marks six year that Andy and I have been together. Now THAT time just breezed on by. I remember the day after he asked me to be his girlfriend. I went straight to Wedding Day in my head. And I decided then that I would enjoy it, for however long it lasted, because he made me very happy. And that has not changed. Andy still makes me laugh EVERY DAY. He makes me WANT to be better and do better and enjoy life because he finds the good in everyone and everything (unless they are supremely irritating). So thanks Andy, you're the most splendiferousness! And what makes next year as our wedding year even more special is that we would have been together for seven years. Completion. 

At Tara and Andre's Wedding. 

2008.

This was actually 2007/10/27 - The day  I graduated from UWI. 

So pray for us as we pray for you. Thank you for staying with us 5 months into the journey. I have been PESTERING him to write his blog and he claims to be working on it. But i'll get behind him a little more just for you all.

Talk soon, and tell me exactly how a guest does find it in dem to invite somebody else to ya wedding, when dem invitation doan even say +1? ;) Next week vibes!!!

P.S: This couple made me laugh, timing was a little bit bad S SOON as the.. man watch it, maybe for the aisle walk but it made me LOL http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152909810125298 

Love,

Heidi 

xoxo

It's the little things that add up!

People of the blog!

So, tomorrow officially marks 300 plus days til Our Wedding Day (silent scream ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh). I am BEYOND excited. This year makes 6 years that Andy and I have been together and we enjoyed a good chunk of it. WE fought and loved hard, and by God's grace we won. Next up, enjoying a long, fruitful, prosperous MARRIED life, with hardship and difficulty of course, but God is and always will be good!

Alright, lewwee cut to the chase. Flowers, favours, bookmarks, programmes.

We need to start becoming concerned about our environment and going green. PLUS Printing ain't cheap.
So we go and order invitations, save the dates, gift cards, thank you cards, name cards, programmes, bookmarks, the list goes on. Already several reasons why you should NOT spend a HUGE amount of money on these add ons.

Bookmarks? really? In the Kindle/Galaxy/iPad age? Pointless. Email them a bookmark, save yourself the money.


Bookmarks?? No thanks!

Flowers, Andy says he wants them. So be it. As long as we don't go over the top with a lot of bush and greenery that looks really pretty, but costs more than a bomb.

Favours: Give me something meaningful, I want something that I can look back on and remember happy or crazy or funny moments at the couples' nuptials. My friend Shanna gave everyone at hers a framed photo of her and her husband, still have it. Our friends the Jones' gave everyone metal measuring spoons that had cute little sayings on them like a teaspoon of love and a tablespoon of sunshine, still have them. Tonya, our other friend sat down and MADE fans and I still have mine!

Love Beyond Measure - Spoons, Cute huh?

Some people put alot of love goes into these items and we take them for granted. So trust that ours (oh please help me to get through with them Lord). Will be worthwhile and MEANINGFUL keepsakes like the ones I mentioned previously.

Jordan Almonds are NOT meaningful!

From the get go Mr. B said he didn't want any table names. And I had been having the same thought. Tables 1-100 or whatever and lewwe guh long. It's toooo much! So I have to remember the names of the tables and get names printed blah blah. No please. How about The Shepherds, Table 6, The Mark's Table 8 etc. Make life easy for us and our poor ushers who it seems will be dealing with some crashers. (check out this blog in future for my take on Wedding Crashers)

So now we have the programmes. I don't want ANY! Hear dis, you go to a funeral and the congregation, people across the street, EVERYBODY knocking ya down for one, then they're gonna say,wait wait wait gimme 2. My sister coming, or my friend on she way, she gine need one. It's a Bajan epidemic now.

But for a wedding? They couldn't care less. How many of you keep the programmes you receive at the weddings you attend and peruse them months after? FOR WHAT? When something called a projector is there? You must be joking. Get with it. The congregation doesn't NEED a programme to see what's happening next. Weddings have a fairly standard format unless the couple have special additions to their ceremony. So SAVE SOME MONEY. Unless it's an outdoor wedding and your friends and family might not know your hymns etc.

Wedding Programmes. meehhh. I don't think they are necessary, what about you?

So that's my take on those 'incidentals', think carefully about where you can cut costs. I don't believe cutting the guest list is the only option ;)

Coming Up: Groom Gifts - Andy is SO HARD to shop for yo!

Gift List or MONEY MONEY MONEY MONEY!?!??!

Ladies and Gents!!! How have you been?? Sorry for missing posts! I was unwell :(  This week you get two updates. Hope this one doesn't offend anyone, all opinions are OUR own!

Let's just clear the air, No I am NOT pregnant, even though I got asked the question several times over the last week, apparently I've gained weight (eyes rollin so hard I'm getting a migraine (makes the recent weight LOSS scales and clothes DON'T lie - a bit anticlimactic to be frank lol). 

Soooooooooooooooo, the title is self explanatory and here are Andy and my thoughts on this.

When we decided to get married, we pretty much had a lot of ground work covered. Except the colours, potential budget and where EXACTLY we would live. WE also knew that we could NOT invite everyone, so we decided to come up with an idea to include all of our loved ones both biological and chosen to make our days happy! 

So as you know,  This is OUR day, we decide what we want and we move from there. One thing that I am adamant about is ensuring that we have everything we ever wanted and can AFFORD on the day and the days leading up to our wedding. At this point, we know what we have to do to be able to enjoy the day comfortably and still LIVE comfortably in the months after. 

Can make you or truly break you! 

For Andy and Heidi, this is OUR day, OUR party and I am stating this right here right now I PERSONALLY think regardless of etiquette or what is socially acceptable. HEIDI THINKS It is SUPER rude to ask for money ALONE. I'm sorry, but why not provide an option for your guests that's affordable for them? Who's wedding is it anyway? Why should you, after inviting your guests to YOUR event pretty much tell them you want them to pay for their plate. 

Who decided to get married? US. Who's making MOST of the decisions? US, who should foot the bill PRIMARILY? US! Just saying...

You decided to get married, you pay for it!

This is NOT to say that we will not be accepting monetary gifts. We're not stupid, we will accept WHATEVER you give us,within reason, because that's the thing, we are GRATEFUL. You give us a can opener and we'll be happy. But times HARD and everybody is crying out. So we want to be thoughtful and sensitive. 

A stack from each guest would be HEAVEN SENT, but that's soooo unrealistic! (Photo by: Alan Levine)

Check it, you impose a monetary gift ONLY clause. BOOM, you get 10 envelopes from your alll of your 150 guests. Well don't get mad if one of the 10 drops a HEAVY $20 bill in the envelope and says God Bless. Maybe even $5, wha ya dun ask for the money ya can't very well tell the people how much to give you. Yes there are guest guidelines to indicate exactly what amounts are 'ACCEPTABLE' but shouldn't that depend on your guests' pocket? And do you know? Someone is still going to buy you a waffle iron, clothes basket, pots and pans. So you might as well do the gift list option too, no? 

It's raining dollar bills ya'll!

We got some advice from one of our new friends @Alison Biscette-Glasgow 'Enjoy it, and my own tip: Know when too many cooks spoil the broth and when they don't. And listen to both your hearts at the end of the day.'  

So our hearts say, give the people at least two options, YES YES YES we will accept ANY monies you give us (except Zimbabwean Dollars or Russian rubles LOL) BUT we would be EXTREMELY grateful for a nice gift as well. SO Cave Shepherd here we come, one stop shop, not too many expensive items and we pray that our guests see it fit to give us some lovely prezzies cause you love us so so much! But is it your duty to? Honestly I can't say we think that, nobody owes you anything in this life, but it sure is great to receive! 

Phew, that one was a little tricky. One of my favourite Youtubers recently got married and she provided info for her subscribers to send her and her intended gifts. I don't know why but I thought that was a bit much. Although knowing the crazy Americans, they feel like she's their 'friend' and wanted to express the shared joy. So they probably ASKED where she was registered. This one is definitely a to each his own situation. And this is where we stand. You are FREE to do either or and if our guests can't afford either, please TELL US! Do NOT be embarassed, a card will do. But if wunna lie and say wunna can't and ya can, well that's just not right! LOLOL

Coming up next, the expensive add-ons that we (people in general) just HAVE TO HAVE!

Love,
Heidi xoxo

Should in-laws be outlawed?

Hiii friends!

Did I neglect to mention that Andy and I have almost one year before our wedding. Instant sweat scene.

So right off the bat, I will weigh in on Monday and so we'll see how much I've lost (or gained :(). I will say that my Auntie and I had a strenuous zumba session yesterday after the squats I did this week nearly took my life. Or at the very least my dignity when ascending or descending stairs!

Onto the juice, the meat! The inlaws. How do you deal?

Well given that we haven't revealed the intimate details of our day to either side, i'd say that The Aboabs and Bowens and extended family are equal in knowledge.

We've clued in our mothers and a few friends about some big plans we have to make the days and big day exciting, but most of the pressure is coming from our extended family and friends.

If you are reading this and you know you're not guilty, read on. If you are, read faster.

The running joke in Andy's fam is that i've only got one ring... So far. But I took it in my stride. My extended family had taken to trying to get to know Andy better. Suddenly, the enigma that is my babe is interesting and going to be a part of our family 'officially' and they want to come to the wedding too so of course some are making extra effort. No shame!

Well just this week, I read a blog that proved my theory. This bride noted that people she hadn't seen or heard for yeaaaaars, 'befriended' her on Facebook, called, texted, tweeted, CAME to her house. The lengths they'd go to.

But my family is special, when they see Andy, they smile and say hi, then ask me a week later, where he's work again? And wha he's do?

My point? You never know where a relationship could go, embrace the family member's new person. Be happy for them. Without ulterior motives.

So weddings are huge because generally people want somewhere to go, get free food and all about it after. So, we are going to make the wedding alllll about us! All Andy and Heidi everything, placemats, photos, billboards, stickers, if the flowerrls petals can hold a picture they will!

What I love about our families? We were both accepted! Andy dodged the interrogation, critique slash verbal hazing my fam puts most dudes and gals thru on first meeting. My family swears up and down to do it before wedding day. Hilarious!

The questions about the wedding have been peppering us since January! Any crashers, will be sorry. Guaranteed!
I have some verrry dread friends.
Nosy, outrageous statements like, doan go and get no babies as soon as yuh married. How he gine manage widout de mudda? Wunna gettin a mortgage?
When wunna gettin married? Suh long? Where? I hope at ... You invitin so n so? Wha I aint bout dat. I aint comin den.

Then there are the serious hardcore nosy questions. Who gi'in you way? Ya dress betta hol in dem big tings ya got! Andy family comin? From over in a way? How much people ya havin? Wunna got a house yet? Wait! I aint get muh invitation yet, u mussee aint want me dey.

Lord i'm being tried and tested!

Ahh well, I suppose every couple endures it. Have we ever done it to others? Not maliciously. Just out of curiosity and concern. But Andy and I are really family people and regardless of their quirks and weirdness, aint nuthin like family!

I think the biggest peeve we have is people asking us why we are waiting so long. Well wunna want the answer? Because we want to! We want an organized Debt FREE event, our way!
Happy, fun and peaceful without bailiffs or final notices three months after. I think that sums it up!

Moral: Leave the couple to their own devices. Unsolicited advice is not always welcome. But, it depends on the couple. Andy and I promise to be kind. Whatever your feelings remember, ever so welcome wait for a call!

Love
Heidi xoxo

Honey, I do, makeup!!

Well well well folks, look what done happened?

Another week has passed!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Thank you. Some of you MAY think that I am making myself nervous, but time is just zoooooming away and I went with my fast self and started this:

NERVOUS MUCH??!?!

Now if you follow me on Instagram (@ModenMUA or modenmakeup), you would have seen it. And I am sooooo happy to have it as it's a constant reminder in my phone of a very important happy event that's set to take place APPARENTLY in the not too distant future.

When I first downloaded the app I was SOOO excited. This gave me the push I needed to get on with the planning. About 5 minutes later, I emailed Andy a screenshot and chile, I had to admit to him the butterflies kicked in.

The Good Lord in His wisdom has made it so that every time I look at it and the seconds count down, I also remember that He is in control. No joke! Everytime!

I am sooo excited to become Andy's wife, and continue to build our friendship and partnership. But lemme tell ya, after going to that Forever I Do Wedding Seminar and Expo, I got a smidge MORE nervous. Here's why:

The Not So Good:

Where are all the Bridal Boutiques/ Wedding Attire Specialists?
Florists?
Videographers/ Photographers? (there were two)
Event Co-Ordinators
Decor Specialists
Shoe Stores
Jeweller's
Mortgage & Loan Institutions

And I could go on...

Cost: $15

Now, I Heidi Renee had NO CLUE this event used to be FREEE?!?!? WHAAATTT And I paid $15, ya must be mad. Had I known, I woulda told Andy uh uh, dem is two children plates and we woulda wait for @Nation246 to release the winners and to see what was involved in the paper.

I expected at least two main rooms (forgetting that LESC is under reno)  jampacked with booths and businesses.

I have no clue either, blah!

The Forever I Do Competition needs a SERIOUS overhaul. Anyone from the Nation reading this I would GLADLY offer assistance and suggestion, both for the written portion and the Expo!! For the price of Two videographers and Decor. P.S. Kimtara Clarke GFE BOSS, you are NEEDED!!

What we got was approximately 20 (if so many) booths and table top displays, ranging from CIBC First Caribbean and Sagicor to Pangroove. I know the cost of the booths and I do believe that may have been a deterrent for many small businesses. However I must commend BPWCCUL (my former workplace), their booth was beautiful, Laurie Dash, WOW Photo Booth Rentals, Geetu's Jewellery and Men's Room (shoutout to Dom, EXCELLENT Customer Service!!).

The Good:

I got to meet the proprietress Annika (sweetheart!) of WOW Photo Booth Rentals and Andykins ACTUALLY took silly photos with me (SHOCKER) (and that's all I have to say on that!).

The staff at the Men's Room FINALLY got confirmation from Andy that we ARE getting married this time and he will NOT be coming in as Best Man or Groomsman.

I found out that Laurie Dash carries the rhinestones on a card!! (more on this later)

BPWCCUL has a Wedding Registry so instead of having a wishing well or some other receptacle at your wedding, guests can just send back the voucher when they are RSVP'ing.

My dress will be coming from Kleinfeld's, David's Bridal (can you say $99 sale), or some other boutique in America.

Bridal Gown

The forever I do competition gives couples a chance to have the wedding of their dreams. Even if most of the decisions are already made for them.

I got to see my former makeup student and buddy Miss Lisa Maynard, one of the contestants in the upcoming Miss Barbados World 2013 contest. (Message her for tickets to Tale of a Swan - Masquerade Ball, this weekend).

Future Miss Barbados World 2013 Miss Lisa Maynard and Heidi.

Update: Men's Room will be receiving new stock this week or next, ask for the English Tailored Suits (slim fit and to die for on tall dudes like Andy , seriously).

Congratulations to the Winners Elica and Kristian (couple pictured last week was soooo wrong!) I do hope and pray that your wedding and marriage will be blessed, happy and fulfillling.

This week's finds and photos:

 

Thomson Dream - 1st Anniversary!!!!?!??! Andy, what's up!?!??!

 

Two weeks ago Sunday, I was fortunate enough to win two passes to go on a ship tour and have lunch on the Thomson Dream YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

 I got it from my mama!!

Now when I told my friends they were like ohh wow you and Andy will have a wonderful time. I did NOT take Anderson, he needs to go to church! I need him focused on the Lord as often as possible! So I took Mummy. ( Andy and I have cruised already, AND Mummy and Heidi needed some mother daughter time). Andy loves her and she him so no hard feelings AT ALL!

One of the fancy pants suites, uh uh me can't afford dis one boah!

This would be my dream vacay for us for our honeymoon. oh goodness me. Plush facilities, every amenity you can think of and the FOOD??? TO DIE FOR! I ate all the foods I never ate before and some I have, and had lil wine to wash it down wid too Pee No Gree Gyo if ya please!

Steak and Mushroom Pie: Hot, Tasty and Just enough!!

I ate bread. NOOO?!?!? But it was sooo tasty!

Sitting area in room.

Smaller cabin, still plush and nice!

I would recommend it for those of you who have already experienced the Carnival line and are tired of that kind of cruise life. It caters to a more sophisticated cruise afficionado, one who is accustomed to but still enjoys the bliss of travelling from port to port and savouring the solitude it can offer at times without the party party constant activity.

I've only been on one Carnival cruise, and i'd love to take one annually, alas, I do not own a gas station and must pray that come next year Andy and I after what one of my friends recently dubbed the Wedding of the Decade is over can afford it!

My Makeup for wedding and possible Thank You Card Photo:

I love how this couple looks. Peaceful and happy. I'm sure I want to feel like this next year. 

HAPPY!

So I didn't want to do false eyelashes next year in case I cry, but I LOVE the effect they give on camera, so can you say RECONSIDER??? And if all else fails I can pull them right off. I'm gonna have a bomb MUA tho, so I'm set!

Catch you all next week, Fitness login AND Reigning in the In Laws!!

 

Love,

 

Heidi xoxo

 

 



 

Forever I do....

Beautiful People!!!

Have you been enjoying the blog? If you have, then please please please share it with everyone and anyone you think may be interested. And guess who's found the PERFECT flower girl dresses? MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!! They are so adorable, chic and DIFFERENT! And I don't do same old, so my little bootsies will be rockin that aisle like they own it. Now to find a nice hair accessory and shoes! My girls MUST be on point from tip to toe!!! Woop woop!

The title should give this week's topic away. This Saturday the winners of the Nation Newspaper's Forever I Do Competition will be announced. Now I MUST be honest. I approached Andy with the idea of entering, and he flat out said NO! Further honesty? I want as many expenses paid as possible peeps, call me Star Jones if you want to I do NOT care! Weddings are expensive and if we can get some discounts/concessions HALLELUJAH!!! More money for the house AND honeymoon FO SHO! And that was my ONLY motivation for even considering it. Plus, it seems if you have no problem with people knowing all your business, sordid details and all, this is the competition to participate in.  But I agree with Andy, it is way too personal and invasive, but the allure of having a reception partially paid for, attire and all the other trimmings was sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

This is PROBABLY where they got the title of the contest from (another CHEESY wedding song, it's lovely, you know the words and all but UGH) ...

Forever I Do - Lou Rawls http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyaPDE0C9y0

Let me say it now and get it outta the way. It is THE cheesiest, most cringe-worthy execution of what COULD be a truly romantic, exciting and fun filled experience for the contestants AND supporters/voters. Please tell me why my eyes are required to bleed every time I read about how her mother didn't like him at first, the couple went through a trying period when she lost her job and then ooops, "they" became pregnant. Somebody nearly lost an eyeball watching the other partner walk by and one dude developed cavities cause the lady was just too sweet. Need I go on?

I am STILL clueless about the type of dress I want. But I know I'm getting close!! Dress Fitting soon ;)     

I speak for both Andy and myself. In fact, he suggested that I write about this as this week's topic. We feel similarly about the competition AND let me say it's potential. I love the prizes they win, the audience involvement etc, but the stories leave SO MUCH to be desired! I get that sensationalism sells. I worked at both local publications, I have a pretty decent idea about what makes the gen pop tick. But can I have some substance? Would it be possible for the stories NOT to be laced with saccharine and splenda. So much so that I wonder if Enid Blyton is relaying these obviously inflated and EXAGGERATED stories.

Still, they're like a car crash, I simply cannot look away. I must read them and often I'm tempted to vote for the LEAST cheesy, pathetic SOUNDING couple. Now don't get me wrong. I am not at all suggesting that the couples' love is not true or beautiful. I'm sure it is, but can we romanticize the how they met part? And NOT the negative parts of their lives. It's NOT always rainbows and butterflies peeps, no. But the how and THEN the why would be more appropriate to make all passionate and cute and sugary NOT the devastation or sadness. But then again, who cares about the happy, when the depressing is so much easier to relate to.

Kristian and Elica- Finalists in the 2013 Forever I Do Competition (not a bad story at all!)

So if you are unfamiliar with the competition ( how could you be?) You submit your love story and a panel of judges sifts through to determine who is eligible. After the finalists are selected, over the course of about 3/4 months via public voting winners are announced sometime in April. Criteria includes: romantic appeal, determination despite adversity, believability, uniqueness, commitment. HA.

Andy and I are planning on attending the expo this Saturday and I CANNOT WAIT to see all that it has to offer. As a bride I need to know what is available to me locally and even through research and internet and yellow page trolling, there's SO MUCH to learn. So we're spending the $30 ($15 per ticket) to see what Mr. Greg Williams of Flawless puts out, how all the local decorating vendors show out, and what Mr. Brian Green - Atlanta based Barbadian Wedding Planner person has to deliver. I'm excited!

Back to True Love Stories and the voting criteria:

Well if you bring a couple that was together for 20 years and one that was together for 2, you automatically think the first couple has stood the test of time. If you just give me the usual story about how they had financial problems, housing problems, car problems, job problems, BUT the couple that have only been together for 2 endured LONG DISTANCE for 18 months out of those two years, how am I supposed to rate their commitment? I am SO LOST!


Take the the couples highlighted on March 31, 2013 for instance:

"During this time, things progressed well and both thought the relationship was on solid ground, Bruce professed his feelings of love for Sarah, calmed her anxieties... they spoke of a future together, shared similar interests and everything seemed aligned. That is why, a year into the relationship, a sudden declaration by Bruce that he wanted out, floored Sarah.

The Proposal:

In keeping with the couple's personality, the proposal was 'casual'... he came home from work one evening late as he passed by my parent's house to ask my father's permission before coming."... "He cited one of the catch phrases from one of his favourite shows by saying, you know what would make me happy,happy,happy? If you wold become my wife, and I hugged him forgetting to say yes!"

Four more lines and that was it for the proposal! Seriously Nation? Where's the build up? The excitement? What did they do that day? Was she expecting it? Was he nervous? Hesitant? Vomiting? Good Gosh man!

Example #2: Couple #2:

'When she finally called, it was the beginning of what they call a great relationship - and as the saying goes: they never looked back.  (not cliche' at allllll)

Later in the article:

"Things continued to progress nicely (sound familiar MASSIVE EYEROLL).. blah blah.. Donna had a rough pregnancy, barely keeping anything down: Tyrone, unable to stay home during the day, would leave her buckets so she would not have to move much, cleaning up in the evenings when he returned home."

WHAT???!?!? Why is that even a part of the story? I don't know about you, but I'm glad to know he didn't leave her to have to drag herself to the bathroom, but then again did I have to hear about it at allllll? How about, he loves how reliable she is, committed, determined ambitious BECAUSE...??

He stood by her through a difficult pregnancy FULL STOP.

What about the qualities, the shared likes or even dislikes. Their hobbies, their joint interests. What they do apart, what they do to recommit. There are soooo many angles they could cover but nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo crappy, cheesiness takes precedence.

Man look, ya'll ever read the Just Engaged and Bridal Bliss Stories on www.essence.com
http://photos.essence.com/galleries/bridal-bliss-tracey-and-bradley ?

Still want believability? I love this!



From this month's article. Love her colours!!

I LOVE them! The love story is on the first page. It's usually very honest and open, yet matter of fact and succinct. And while the focus is on either the proposal or Wedding Day it is CAPTIVATING and MOTIVATING. And then there is a photo gallery with captions that offer tidbits about the couple and their journey. I'll give them a 3/5 for cheesy. But let me level with you, the strength of the quotes and the NATURAL look of the photos encourages me to read them every week. I am inspired by the photos that I see and by some of the couple's ideas AND ideals. I love that the stories are real and often it seems that they were at the point of breaking up BUT what is SUPER cool about it is that there IS the REAL! I don't doubt the love at ALLLLL. And the adversity? Is not glossed over, but it isn't glorified either. It really does make for a satisfying positive way to pass your time.
Nothing is forced and while they include things like " The bride was so excited when she saw her man for the first time, she squealed with excitement" it's still not OTT. I dunno you all can tell me if you agree or disagree.

Weigh in PLEASE! Comment on FB or here on Blogger Or send me an email (heidi@modenmakeup.com). Please indicate if you want your comment publicized or not.

Will I be seeing you on Saturday? Andy and I have loads to do. So we probably won't get there before 6/7, but I am DETERMINED to go!!

And by the way, here are two of me and Andy's fave 'Wedding Day Songs'. We are HUGE music buffs, so our playlist will be PHENOMENAL, just saying ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0PjEntMdpw - Kenny
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fihlBfuA2B4 - Stevie
Enjoy!!

Take care!

Love
Heidi xoxo.

Distractions and Blessings...

Ladies and gents. Where is the time going? Month just started and it's already 9th April, 2013.

Heidi and Andy have been very good wedding wise and house wise. Putting a few thoughts together about the wedding. Nothing hard core. The past few days we've been focusing on and will continue to focus on us. We are still really excited about the wedding, and we get questions about it all the time. And you all follow our blog which is at over 2000 views and counting! We cannot thank you enough!!

But sometimes life gets in the way. Andy works three jobs. normal work, Looking after Andy and trying to keep abreast of  Hurricane Heidi. I work four, looking after me, looking after Andy, looking after Moden and staying sane.

What we do know!

We know the type of cut and shave Andy is doing. Mr. Morris Chestnut lookalike ( his words NOT mine, some nutty girl back in the day lied and gave him the moniker, these girls need to fallback and get a clue, he's soo much more Idris Elba (HAHHAHAHAHAHAHA) has decided he's shaving his OWN beard (jokes) Nah he normally does and it looks kool. His barber however, is Floyd (shout out to de top man!!)

Andy's Barber Shop - Ask for Floyd ( One Accord Plaza, Warrens  PM me for his number) And I know you dudes be reading this blog, don't act like you're not! He's SUPER talented and quite popular!

WE decided for sure for sure on colours. I can tell you one of them is Platinum. And that's all I'm saying about that. If you watched The Best Man, you know what I'm talking about. I love the richness of the colour and how regal it is! It really does look stunning on most complexions and it's so easy to work into a colour scheme.

I love it! 

WE decided on the location for our Post Ceremony Photography. Just have to run it by Wade ;)

We have a home!!! FOR SURE!! We are SO blessed to have the support and love of both our families. And my mum in particular is the reason we have a home. She gave us one and I cannot say how indebted to her I am. But that's what Mummy's do. My Mummy and Andy's Mum and Dad are SUPER SUPPORTIVE AND LOVING!! They look after us and that is SUCH a huge blessing!

Andy and our friend David lifting cabinets from bottom apartment to top at our house!!! Work work work! MUSSHHH lol! 

So it's necessary for us to get rid of any and all distractions right now. Andy is meticulous, borderline obsessive about maintaining a healthy balance with his commitments. But sometimes he slips up. And I think that's cool. He's allowed. Things tend to crossover at times and as long as everything and everyone stays in their lane, Heidi is happy and comfortable. But as soon as anything or anyone crosses that boundary and starts to act a fool, I'm going to let him know. WE are fiercely protective and loyal and we do NOT mess around when it comes to our relationship. Without that, there's no point to a wedding or a marriage. WE need to both be comfortable and settled.  And what is SUPER cool about our relationship is that we talk about things. Uncomfortable things, weird, strange, irrational, embarrassing, you name it. And I believe we're going to make it work, because it's what God wants and what we both want, a happy healthy life together, free of encumbrances and distractions. Regardless of how big or small or how long or short a time they last.

:) Just us ( Andy's a bit narcisstic, forgive the brother) LOLOLOLOL

Distractions. You know what I mean, people,events, things that just pop up out of nowhere and that we ALLOW to upset the apple cart. And I'm sure many of you brides and potentials and ladies in general know what I mean. These damn caterers haven't sent a quotation, what month should I book for travel, oh shoot I forgot to co-ordinate with the BOO to arrange dates anyway. Mummy I can't tell you when we are going to decide on a centrepiece ( she hasn't asked, just saying) and no RANDOM GUEST OR FAMILY MEMBER you are NOT wearing white to my wedding ARE YOU MAD?

Next thing you know you forget that stress and then you realise, oops back to reality, and wedding plans, and house repairs and oh crap, the bills have to be paid. I don't have time to hang with my friends or family like before, we all have families and commitments and work and mortgages and businesses that we need to thrive. So I need to get back to life. And the reality of it all is your life has changed. You're all grown up. Doing big things, making moves like a big person does. Because that's what life is. It's not static and unbreakable. Some of your friends can hang, and others, just won't make the cut. They won't understand that your life is different and you just can't do everything you used to do. Simply because of a new commitment. So they get in where they fit in RESPECTFULLY or you let them go. That's what we believe at least. So the dog has to wait to be fed, cause Andy needs to talk about his day or he wants to play Guitar Hero or watch Pawn Stars with me. OR Heidi has to vent about the latest client who refuses to pay or the latest cosmetic that just came out or SHE wants Andy to watch Criminal Minds with her.

Andy and I went to Ocean Park to hang with the fishies and each other and his family yearrrrs ago. It was such a good day!! After the wedding I plan to grow my hair back, I miss it and Andy likes the long hair thing.

I believe when you start a family with someone (married or not) you don't give up all of yourself. BUT you do decide to ENJOY a new way of living. Letting go of the past is incredibly hard, but it's necessary to slough off the old to reveal the new. People are gonna get hurt. Prior commitments will go unfulfilled. Your life is altered because this, this relationship, this is a fun, happy, loving critical part of our lives as humans. And we love to love and be loved.

I look at this whenever I feel overwhelmed, or tired, mad at Andy or I need to come back down to earth.  This ring isn't just a symbol of commitment from Andy. But I accepted it because I believe God wants me to be his life partner, lover, best friend and #1 supporter. I accepted it because I choose to be the #1 lady in his life, he proposed to me because I AM #1 for him. And for me that is more than a blessing, it's EVERYTHING. WOOP WOOP!

And then the blessings start flowing. God makes it so that when you jump a hurdle or two or three, there are green lights all the way. And that is SO necessary. You come to a point where you see that you aren't in school anymore, it's not cute to be all caught up with then, you're living in the now. And right NOW we have 445 days to go ( oh wow! That's only 80 days short of a year til marriage! Forget wedding!  ahhhhhhhhhhhhh)

So we are thankful for:

Faith. It moves mountains!
Love: WE have it unconditionally for each other and we display it often.
Hope: That through faith, by His grace and with love, we will live victoriously and enjoy a long and fruitful marriage, with a few tests and trials to keep us FAITHFUL and LOVING and HOPEFUL.
Mercy: So that we don't kill each other LOL