Its been a while!

Well it has been a long time - apologies!!!  First blog in a good few months.  Needless to say I have been busy with........ Weddings!!  My childhood friend and best buddy tied the knot last month, and what a wonderful wedding weekend it was....  Along with taking pride of place as a Bridesmaid I was also super busy with the planning, and running about - doing what a bridesmaid does best!

Bards Neuk - Forbes of Kingennie

Suzanne got married to Kenny at Forbes of Kingennie country resort, just outside of Dundee.  

Popular for fisherman and golfers, Kingennie has gorgeous chalets for family breaks and they are perfect for wedding guests attending.  

We were lucky enough to stay in the Bards Neuk (pictured right), a gorgeous four floor lodge, with open plan living area, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, balcony and even a utility room and garage!  I definitely didn't want to come home - could have stayed forever!

The brides parents put on a meal for the guests on Friday down at Forbes of Kingennie's main building, which was absolutely gorgeous.  Wedding on the Saturday, then BBQ and golf tournament on the Sunday for the survivors of the weekend!

Outdoor Ceremony

The wedding took place outside the venue in front of the large fishing lake, wasn't a great walk with heels over decking and then some grass though haha!  We finally made it to the red carpet - with no trips or falls!

The sun shone all day Saturday, compared to a very wet Friday (even though I bought her gorgeous heeled wedding wellies hehe) and the ceremony went without a hitch with a horse and carriage to set the scene!

Ok so some of the important details...  the wedding dress!!!  Suzie's dress was stunning, a very classic A line with beautiful train in a champagne colour - she's lucky in the fact her skin tone colour let her wear any colour she wanted.  Scattered with pearls and diamanté detailing finished off beautifully round the bust with gorgeous satin pleating.  

The happy couple

Us bridesmaid had flowing chiffon bright blue dresses, very flattering for most shapes.  And the men of course dressed for the occasion in kilts!

The favours were miniature chocolate bars with the guests names, and lovely personalised candles.

We danced the night away into the wee hours, maybe a wee bit tipsy, with a good few Scottish traditional's and disco.

It really was a lovely day!  Can't thank my best friend enough for letting me be part of it!  What a weekend ;)

The Wedding Party

The Reception venue

Beautiful bride with her wedding wellies!

No runaways!!

First Anniversary Present Stress!

I still can't quite believe that I have been married for over a year now, time has flown!  Due to work constraints we were unable to go anywhere too exotic and settled on a trip down to Milton Keynes to see Biffy Clyro (they sang our first dance!) support Foo Fighters on Sunday 3rd July.  We just knew it was a sign that we had to go when the gig date fell on our 1st anniversary!!!

So once I had stressed at the waiting times on ticket website, finally I had in my hands the two golden tickets!   Months passed and suddenly it was the week running up to the 1st anniversary.  Only to realise that I hadn't actually bought a pressie for the hubby!!  Being a traditional girl I wanted to go the "paper" route - and he already knew about the tickets, so the hunt was on!!!  I always love finding something a bit different for a pressie - something really special!

So after trawling through google for inspiration I come across accidentally Adopt a Word - and when I say accidentally I mean I entered a typo and it was the first hit!  This idea supports ICAN charity which is a children communication charity.  More info on the charity can be found here

From Adopt a Word website

Adopt a word, help a child

I CAN, the children’s communication charity is giving you the chance to exclusively own a bit of the English language for just £15. All proceeds help children who
struggle to find the words they need to communicate.

Search for a word below for yourself or as a gift for a year, for just £15

We send you an official adoption certificate

Your adoption fee goes to help children who struggle to communicate

Individual words can only be adopted once, so when you have chosen and registered your word (word has to be from dictionary!) then no one else can adopt that word.  You have the word for one year - and can obviously renew after this time.

So the search was on for a word!  The website gives you some inspiration but I found the easiest way was to pick words and search to see if they were in fact available.  I was trying to find something appropriate that would remind us of our special day (I know I am sentimental that way!).  As I said earlier we had a Biffy Clyro track as our first dance, "Many of Horror" - not the nicest title of song for a wedding, but the actual lyrics we loved.  I started going through the track picking out words that my hubby would recognise immediately, finally settling on "Collide".  In the words of Biffy Clyro themselves

When we collide we come together

So after paying a mere £15 - I (or should I say my husband) was the proud owner of the word collide for one whole year.  The purchase of it was easy, and instantly sent me a certificate to my email, but also posted out the adoption pack so I could give this to Brian on our anniversary.  Saying he loved it would be an understatement!!  He was so thrilled...  even though its a bit of paper!  Its now proudly displayed on our fridge for all to see, and best of all we helped a worthwhile charity too!  The perfect pressie for a first anniversary!

Website Review - www.giftedpeople.co.uk

When looking for a wedding gift or something a bit different it can take a lot of sifting around the Internet looking at numerous websites seeking inspiration.  Gifted People have brought together a number of Scottish businesses who supply fantastic gifts in the form of beautiful handmade presents, activity days and even hiring a handy man for a day.

From Gifted People Website:

We sell unique and quality gifts and experiences from local makers and traders in Scotland. We provide you with a choice of products and services that are ethically produced to the UK's high environmental standards, including fair wages and no child labour.

As part of my review I was very kindly given a Gifted People "Beautiful Things Open Voucher", which allowed me to look at all the wonderful gifts and treat myself to something lovely from all of their lovingly sourced arts and crafts gifts....   These vouchers being the perfect gift solution if you just can't decide on an item yourself!

The voucher arrives with a points value, with each gift/activity on the website having its own points value.  Once you have chosen your desired gift you redeem the point value on your voucher, once this is entered the website displays contact information for the independent seller.  The gift voucher comes along with great step by step instructions on how to use and redeem your points.

The website

The Gifted People website itself is broken down into different categories of gifts ie "Experiences", "Useful Gifts" etc helping you filter all the beautiful gifts.  Also, a very handy feature is the "Near You" option - which allows you to select a particular region of Scotland and see the possibilities in this area (especially helpful if you are choosing an activity/experience gift).

There are also gift inspiration options, and a nice and simple search function to help you find that perfect gift for someone special.

My Experience

The hardest bit of this whole review was choosing a gift :0)  I have never seen so many gorgeous gift ideas on one website.  After a good bit of exploring, I came across a pop art portrait.  I am always looking for new ways to display my beloved wedding photos and this was perfect.

Once I had redeemed my voucher, the sellers contact details were displayed allowing me to contact the artist directly, emailing her my pictures.  The whole process was so simple, and I felt it was a lovely touch actually getting to communicate with the supplier herself.  With the end result being exactly what I wanted.

Isn't this just a fantastic gift for someone??  A special photograph with a modern and fun take.  This picture is even going to be my facebook and twitter profile picture ha ha!

You really can find anyone a gift on the Gifted People website, and even if you can't decide the option of an open voucher is perfect - you can't go wrong!

Thank you to Gifted People for giving me the opportunity to explore and review their website - now I know I only have to visit one website to do all my gift shopping!

You can visit the Gifted People website at http://www.giftedpeople.co.uk/

Product Review - JML's Pampered Toes

Us ladies know what its like to wear heels day in day out, and the feeling of utter relief when we squeeze our feet out of those shoes.  For most brides to be, they have picked those to die for wedding shoes - without thinking about the height of heel!  Any lady already married will agree with me that your feet were aching by the end of the night.....

Hence why I was so excited to be asked to review JML's deluxe pampered toes - I was so excited.

Could this be the solution to my evening ritual of coming home from the office and soaking my feet??  I THINK IT IS!

From JML's website

" If being cramped in tight fitting shoes all day has left your feet in need of some urgent relief, then you need Pampered Toes. The secret is the cool flexible gel, which gently relaxes your toes while you unwind. Pampered Toes realigns your toes and leaves your feet looking and feeling great. Try them while resting on the sofa after a long day, or while soaking in the bath. Feel the difference today! "

So after a quick wash in warm soapy water, as per Pampered Toes instruction, I popped the gel filled unit over my toes with ease, starting from my big toe and working down each toe until all in and comfy.  Initially I felt very slight discomfort - but this is completely normal as your toes are being stretched to relax them from cramping, but within a couple of uses I had no discomfort at all - if you do try Pampered Toes for yourself and you get continual discomfort then you should stop using them immediately.

In just minutes of having my Pampered Toes on my feet feel completely refreshed and revitalised.  Like having my own spa at home!  The Pampered Toes cool my feet which is absolute bliss after an 8 hour day in high heeled shoes.  And best of all, after wearing them each night for just 10 minutes my feet feel incredible going back into shoes in the morning.

You can wear Pampered Toes for as long as you like, but recommended length of use is 10 minutes per session.

The sleek design of Pampered Toes allows me to carry them in my handbag, meaning I can get a sly lunchtime treat under my desk without anyone noticing.

All in the name of research, I asked my husband to give Pampered Toes a try - as his job involves him being on his feet most of the day.  Once he got over the fact they were pink, heaven forbid (they do however also come in blue) he actually enjoyed the experience - he did however find it slightly more difficult to get the gel unit on his toes but once on he agreed with me that it does exactly as described "Revitalised Tired Feet in just minutes!"

I love the Pampered Toes - and are most definitely part of my nightly routine when relaxing at home.  I only wish I had them years ago :0)

Click here to visit JML's website

Wedding Favours - charity

I know how hard it can be to settle on a wedding favour for your big day!  There are so many products out there to choose from whiskey miniatures to candles...  As well as a huge range of ideas, cost plays a big role!  When looking at your options its important to take into consideration the cost...  £3 each say may not seem a lot but multiplied by the number of guests it can soon mount up!

We decided to give charity wedding favours.  Our chosen charity was The British Heart Foundation.  We designed little cards (you need to ask permission to do this with any logo/branding of the charity) and attached the charity's pin badge.  Everyone loved them, and best of all a charity also benefits!

Many larger charity's already cater for this idea, providing the full wedding favour - but remember you can do this for any charity whether its a pin badge, merchandise for the cause or just a wee card printed to let your guests know.

Makes a lovely wedding favour, and a lovely gesture!

Pittodrie Football Stadium - Aberdeen

Aberdeen Football Club are offering a fantastic 2011 wedding package.  Here at The Blushing Blogger I love finding a venue that's just a bit out of the ordinary.  Pittodrie Stadium can hold wedding ceremonies in all suites, however the license must be obtained independently by the bride and groom.

Their wedding package; the perfect match costs only £2011 and includes:

• All inclusive wedding package for 50 guests at Pittodrie Stadium
• Your wedding ceremony in one of our suites
• 1 glass of sparkling wine per person on arrival
• Three course meal for 50 guests
• 1 glass of wine per person with dinner
• Your wedding meal and reception in one of our suites
• White linen table covers and linen napkins
• Cake table and knife
• Table plan, menus and table names

Additional services also available on request.

You can contact Pittodrie's expert team at:

Aberdeen Football Club,
Pittodrie Stadium,
Pittodrie Street,
Aberdeen.
AB24 5QH

Tel: 01224 650 445
Fax: 01224 644173

Website

Getting married in the Catholic church

Many people can find getting married in the Catholic faith confusing...  Being through it myself I thought it might be handy to take you through the steps.....

Firstly, either the Bride or Groom ideally needs to be Catholic - it is NOT the case that you both have to be.  The next thing you should do is speak to your local Priest.  He can help you set dates, and discuss your ceremony.  Our Priest was fantastic in helping us in the Order of Service etc....

If your partner is not Catholic you need to write to ask for a dispensation to marry a non-catholic.  This sounds scary but believe me it isn't.  I wrote to our Bishop, and again my local Priest helped me through-out.

Another necessary stage is to attend a marriage preparation course.  This is usually held locally to you, in our case it was held in the Cathedral in Aberdeen.   To be honest, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  However, it was really relaxed and more to my surprise I actually enjoyed it.  The course takes your through succeeding in marriage, listening to each other, as well as various other topics.  This is essential to complete if you wish to be married in the Catholic faith.

But your first step is to speak to your local parish Priest!

Find out more about marriage in the Catholic church here

Something a bit different - Dundee

So a good friend was asking my advice on a wedding venue in and around Dundee....  I absolutely adore looking at different venues and comparing their packages. 

It can be hard to find the venue that ticks all the boxes but sometimes we need to compromise (or cut the guest list !)

While searching around I came across the RRS Discovery docked at Dundee - yes you can get married on a ship!  And a beautiful ship at that!

The Discover is licensed for both civil and religious weddings, however the boat is still open to the public but staff will close off the wedding area during through your ceremony.

You have the choice of 2 areas on the ship which you can have your ceremony; The Bridge - can seat 30 guests or The Main Deck that can seat up to 60, with an additional 20 standing. 

The reception can be held in the Discovery Point centre back on land with a maximum of 120 guests.  If you are a planning a small and intimate wedding then the ships Officers Wardroom on board offers fine dining for up to 14 guests.


The package offered includes all the essentials and a few lovely touches to make your day that bit different and run smoothly.

More information is available on the  RRS Discovery website

I think you will agree that this venue would keep your guests talking for years to come!

The Ceilidh

So our Sandy's Supper ceilidh was amazing!!  Looks like we are going to raise over £7000 for Friends of ANCHOR, which is great news and makes all our hard work worthwhile....

OK so what does this have to do with weddings??  Well our Ceilidh band were absolutely fantastic!  Sporran Again provided the music on the evening which had everyone up dancing all night!  I have been to so many ceilidhs in the past, but there young, energetic sound to traditional Scottish music I loved!  I only wish I had heard them earlier!  They guided everyone through the dances, and made everyone relaxed and most of all enjoying themselves!

Not only are the band out of this world - they were amazing on helping me throughout the planning stages and took so much stress out of the event.  I really couldn't have asked for a better band.

I would highly recommend these guys for anyone wanted a ceilidh that's a bit different!

Sandy's Supper - charity ceilidh

In aid of Friends of ANCHOR I have organised a charity ceilidh evening in memory of a dear family friend Sandy Napier who sadly passed away with cancer.

Friends of ANCHOR is a registered charity formed in 1997, to raise funds for the ANCHOR unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.  The Aberdeen and North centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy (ANCHOR) Unit is a fully funded NHS department at the hospital.  The charity funds non-nhs funded equipment, additional care, comfort and support for its patients and vital, groundbreaking cancer research.

Every penny raised for Friends of ANCHOR goes directly to the charity!

The ceilidh is this coming weekend at Marykirk Village hall and all tickets are sold out which is an amazing achievement - its going to be a good night!

Our music for the evening is from  Sporran Again - who are a very popular wedding band - so review will be coming!

We have raised over £3000 so far, and can't wait to get the final total!

So you are getting married.....

Lets get stuck in!

Right first things first, have you picked your date?? Popular wedding venues get booked up years in advance - so you and your partner need to pick a date, and find the venue.

To apply for your wedding license you need to know the venue, as the registrar in that area needs to issue the license, this not necessarily being your local registrar. For a civil ceremony you need to make a provisional booking the registrar, they require the full names and addresses of the bride and groom, contact telephone number/email address, venue of wedding, time of the ceremony and which room/area the ceremony would be held.

If you decide on a church wedding and not a civil ceremony then you needs to speak to the Minister/Priest at your choosen church.  Check availability etc - but you still need to contact Registrar for license...  Check out the General Register office for Scotland for more information.

Welcome to the Blushing Blogger

Firstly congratulations on your engagement (assuming this is why you are here :) )

Ok so the plan is to build up a invaluable resource for brides to be in Aberdeenshire and Angus.  First steps will be what to do first when planning a wedding - it can be so confusing from registrars to licenses but the blushing blogger is here to help!

Also will do features on different wedding venues in the area, helping you find the most unique and perfect venue for your big day........

Thank you for visiting!

Gilly x