Love Apples & other Growing Things

When Alex and I got our first wedding present, the tag on the gift bag read 'Love Grows.' But even months before that, the 'seeds of love' were already winging their way to us in the form of Love Apples.

Now, I didn't know this before, but 'Love Apples' are another name for Tomatoes. Um, can you already see how cool that is for two newlyweds embarking on growing tomatoes for the first time!? In a secretive envelope, a dear friend has enabled us to grow our own love apple alley of heirloom tomatoes. A month after planting, look how well their doing:




Out 32 seeds, 21 plants of 6 different varieties have sprouted and have now been transplanted into (temporary) larger homes. On top of that, the sunflowers, marigolds & strawberry seeds addressed to The Brides have shot up like there is no tomorrow and so far our house-warming rose plant, spearmint, pineapple mint, rosemary, cilantro & basil are all alive & well!

In the midst of cultivating our relationship, we're also nurturing our green thumbs--and we're becoming quite fond of having growing green things around! It's also made me start to think about what other growing wonders we'd like in our garden (if you can crave lavender, then I've been craving a lavender plant for over a year now), and it's inspired a bit of wedding planning too, in terms of gift registries. I mean, c'mon, how cool would it be to have a strawberry tree as a wedding present:

Not Entering Panic Mode

If you could see the state of our house right now, you'd either think two things: 1) Look at those piles! They must be planning a wedding! or 2) How could they possibly have time to plan a wedding!? Well, both are true. To say that April has been far from our minds would be a lie, but the amount of time we get to spend thinking about it sure is limited. That said, here's the latest:

On Saturday, my friend Julie and I went to my dress fitting at Luella's Boudoir in Wimbledon Village. It was definitely an experience to be pampered and doted upon by the women who work there (who were lovely, and who loved my dress--double yay). They even got me to try on a veil, the reaction of which was not expected. If you're interested in the variations of said veil, click here (Alex has promised not to look as you can also see my dress). While it was fun to play dress-up-bride for part of it, it was also a bit shocking and, to be honest, not really 'me.' Definitely leaning more towards something like a purple fascinator or flower for me hair I think! (Maybe something like this or this.)

On the photographer front, Alex and I both got to talk on the phone to a Cornish photographer we found online: John Walmsley of Cornish Wedding Photography. After searching and looking through loads of portfolios from photographers in Cornwall, Devon and the London area, we really wanted to stay local--and we liked John's photojournalistic style best. We're set to meet him at his over the Christmas break to chat a bit and make any final decisions (i.e. whether to book him or not!). I'm really looking forward to meeting him in person, and hopefully being able to check off 'photographer' off our list with ease and confidence!

Speaking of ease and confidence, we've also found out this week that our wedding ceremony venue, the Marina Villa Hotel, has had an offer made on it to buy it and turn it into a B&B. (Alex apparently knew it was up for sale; I did not.) It would probably be fine if they were leaving it as is, but it sounds like if the deal goes through, the hotel will be under B&B-rennovations in April. Construction=no wedding venue. Not all hope is lost (although Alex was quite peeved for a bit) as nothing is final yet, and there are still other options for us to get married on the river in Fowey (just not as perfect...)

Not to end on a bummer note, have I mentioned recently how much I love Etsy? Seriously, they should pay me for all the advertising I do (hint hint). This week's Etsy wonderfulness:

• My earrings (for california--and maine) arrived in the mail and I absolutely adore them!
  
• Alex's wedding present is officially ordered.
  
• AND...our wedding ring designer 'would be truly thrilled to create a set of bands for you for such a great occasion.' Jesse Danger = rockin'. He even quotes Frank Lloyd Wright on his profile...

130 days til we're hitched! (Oh wow, now that's a reality check for ya.)

We Interrupt This...

Normally Scheduled Program for a sneak preview of a wedding gift (not for me!) in progress--More in a few weeks after she's married!