I have never had so much to write about with no idea where to start. I’m currently on our mini-moon in Paris just 4 days after the most incredible wedding … where to begin! With a few hours to spare until our final evening in Paris, I wanted to share with you all that I currently can!
My wedding dress was from Pronovias and my shoes, Valentino. I had a fair amount altered and added to the dress but they have some beautiful collections.
Professional photographs and videos won’t be ready for weeks but until that time, I can post the snaps that my friends and family took. Approaching the wedding week, I genuinely thought I would have had everything arranged and perfectly in place so that the final week was one of pure relaxation and chill. Apart from a day at Paul Edmonds for pre-wedding pampering (more to come on this), I’ve learned I’m far less organised than I thought. Sloe gin bottles were being poured the morning of ‘wedding eve’ and I only sent the photographer list to our incredible photographer, Emilie White, the morning of the wedding! I re-read my personal vows for the first time since I wrote them the night before which meant I went to bed with red eyes and a new found panic that my make up better be waterproof.
After a week of beautiful British summer weather, there were high hopes for the sun to remain for the Sunday of the wedding. I went down for breakfast with my sister and partner in the morning (whoever said brides don’t eat the morning of the wedding – you’re lying!) and checked the forecast. I was assured no rain was predicted.
The morning was perfect – Jack had sent two bottles of champagne to my room where I was getting ready with all the girls and a personalised card. I, wonderful wifey that I am, had sent nada. I was sure he could feel the love 40 minutes down the road! My now mother-in-law and sisters-in-law had send me a bracelet with another tear jerking note attached. Hair and make-up underway, I was surprisingly dubbed one of the most relaxed brides everyone had seen.
On the inside, my stomach was full of nerves and excitement – to be completely honest it still didn’t seem quite real yet. I think you envision that moment of walking down the aisle so many times that the pictures in your head become a bit of a blur, and all I could think was please god, don’t trip.
The rain came, pretty strongly for the next few hours. With having absolutely no back up plan for rain, my father sent me a picture the morning of to let me know he had it covered. I must say, I was impressed by the wedding-y style of the umbrellas he has managed to pick! Not so impressed that he was buying his the for the wedding the morning of. Like father like daughter!
My bridesmaids all looked crazy gorgeous. The thought did cross my mind once or twice as to why I had picked some of the most stunning girls I know! The dresses worked perfectly, I know it’s meant to be the bride’s day but I wanted everyone to look and feel their best and so they did. Dresses are from Ghost from their Dye-to-order collection and actually the same dress that the bond girl wore in the latest film!
I gave each of them presents to thank you for the help I had had, and the help I would need on the day, as well as being there for me since we known each other. Stunning bracelets from Guess and necklace pendants with each of their initials from Monica Vinader.
My bridal wear was from K.lynn which I since haven’t taken off! There’s a mini silk dress underneath but a little riskay for some out there reading the blog!
Photo credits: The gorgeous girl on the right. Who knew she was just as good behind the camera as in-front of it!
My hair was styled by a gentleman called Ross who has done my hair since I can remember. It lasted all day, despite the rain! You can find Ross’ details at the bottom of the blog xx
My flower girls and page boy were my baby sisters and brother. How CUTE do they look!
The grounds at Slaugham really are fairytale, I went back the next morning to get a few snaps as the rain didn’t really bode well for guest pictures the day before!
It’s hard to put into words the overwhelming feeling of butterflies I felt before turning the corner, walking down the steps and seeing 100 faces smiling at you, as well as the most important one at the end. Lucky for me, his smile shines bright and instead of crying (or falling) which I thought might be the case, I just gleamed back.
My father asked me whilst it was just us two waiting to make an entrance why I love Jack so much. My answer – he simply makes me the best me. Happiness to that level is hard to describe.
I am yet to see any pictures of me walking down the aisle but I have the ones I love the most.
My new hubby is patiently awaiting some pre-dinner cocktails and french food, so go I must. But I promise to share much more when I get the professional shots through and all the finer details for band, flowers, DJ, etc! If I can help any brides-to-be then I shall!
If you have any questions for me about the wedding please feel free to comment below and thank you for all your wonderful messages so far!
Carly x
Hello and welcome! I'm Carly, originally from London but currently enjoying a little adventure in Dubai. A travel and wellness blogger exploring the world one step at a time. Think fabulous food at undiscovered gems, unique destinations, skin care obsessions and so much more. This is my life, I hope you enjoy the ride!
suheil
October 5, 2016Congratulations !!! Such a lovely elegant wedding…pictures talk !
Sarah
September 12, 2016No worries Carly,you deserve the award/title.
Looking foward to reading more on your blog hun.
All the best,
Sarah xXx
Sarah O'Brien
September 11, 2016Beautiful photos of your wedding day! You looked amazing, your dress, your hair, flowers etc. all so perfect and your bridesmaids are stunners too!
Wish you a very happy marriage for you and your hubby :)
I’ll certainly be voting for your blog, I love your website, writing style and the topics you write about!
Lots of love,
Sarah xXx
Lean Living Girl
September 12, 2016Thank you so much Sarah, that’s really kind of you! I can’t wait to write more about the wedding day, just waiting for the professional shots! Thanks for the support and glad you like the blog :)
Carly xx
Nicola Mayall
September 5, 2016Congratulations, Carly! Your special day looked amazing. Wishing you much happiness in your marriage! The weather was slightly cooler than Dubai by the looks of it, but I love the umbrellas, nice work, Dad! :)
valentina
September 4, 2016curious to know where the flower head pieces are from ? you looked beautiful !
Lean Living Girl
September 4, 2016Hey Valentina,
Thanks so much! Do you mean the flower girls and bridesmaids or mine? Theirs were delievered fresh that morning so they stayed white and gorgeous, its a flower called Gypsophila and they were just placed into the hair buns. Mine was from http://www.ivoryandcotiaras.co.uk :)
Hope that helps! xxx
Tanya
September 2, 2016Congrats babe xx
Lean Living Girl
September 3, 2016Thank you Tanya! xx
Caroline
September 2, 2016You’re so beautiful!!! Your wedding looks so perfect. Best wishes!
Lean Living Girl
September 3, 2016Thanks so much Caroline! xxx
Sri
September 2, 2016Wow, you looked stunning! I’m go glad you had the perfect day despite the unpredictable weather! Congratulations, I wish you many many happy years together Mr and Mrs Neave ✨
Lean Living Girl
September 3, 2016Thank you Sri! Was such an amazing day :) xx