Dress shopping...

On the weekend I went to my friends house in Melbourne. She has just moved and I love that I can visit her now with all the great shopping! So to get me in the swing of things I made an appointment at a place called Fairytales Boutique. This store is located in Moonee Ponds and has plus size gowns, great for any brides looking to try on dresses in real sizes.

I had tried a few dresses on about 12 months ago, maybe even longer then that. I went with the same two friends that I tried dresses on with last time. They loved the dress I tried on and thought it was perfect. It was a discontinued gown and they only had one left and it was in my size. It was a nice dress but back then I wasn't ready to commit to something. I had all these plans to lose weight and really no dress I have fallen head over heels in love with. They are all nice dresses but nothing takes my breath away - but I think thats just how I am.

This is the dress they loved me in...

I really loved the fact the dress has sleeves on it. I have large breast and need to wear a bra with what ever I pick. I can't wear a strapless gown. It crosses over and has a pattern around the waist then falls in an A-line with soft fabric and a small train.

And this is the dress I dried on last week...

The dress I tried on this week was again an A-line gown but this one was strapless with a sweetheart neckline. You can add the sleeves on so thats what I would do, a little cap sleeve in the same fabric. I liked the way the fabric folded and how it moved when I walked. I also had a play with some ribbon and embellishment belts. They added that touch of detail I like and making it one of a kind. The dress is very simplistic and I am after a timeless look. It also had lace-up back to help pull everything in giving me a waist!

I wasn't ready to commit to a dress as yet but will be picking my dress early 2013. Wedding dresses take a long time to order in as they are made to order, so really I need it sorted 9 months out. I'm hoping by early next year I will have lost a bit more weight and then something like a lace up back gives me the freedom to go down a few sizes.



Anyone after plus size gowns or average sizes give these guys a call -

FAIRYTALES BOUTIQUE - MOONEE PONDS

343 - 345 Ascot Vale Rd, Moonee Ponds 3039

Phone: (03) 9326 0055

A villa or resort...

We have been weight up two options for our wedding venue. A private villa or a resort wedding. This was really hard because we had a few requirements and things we really wanted.

So the things we wanted are:

• A beautiful view for the ceremony
• Fireworks & sky lanterns at the reception
• A baby elephant &/ or baby tiger
• Privacy away from the public
• All in one venue for ceremony & reception

So what did I do - thats right we had to put together a pro's and con's list for the venues.

RESORT

• All the guests can stay at the one venue
• Can have a baby elephant & sky lanterns (at some resorts)
• Venue rooms already available with everything
• Not a unique look, get stuck with less freedom of choice on style
• Less privacy due to the public resort with guests

VILLA

• Freedom for guests to pick accommodation that meets any budget
• Can't have a baby elephant or sky lanterns
• Need to hire in all the tables, chairs & equipment for the wedding
• Lots of privacy for us with great view
• Doubles as accommodation & no cut off time

This is Sala Phuket Resort

Or the Private Villa option

When I looked at the two venues, the resort was stunning but going to cost my gusts an arm and a leg.
I really don't want people to complain about being forced into a resort so the villa offered accommodation for our immediate family and everyone else can pick something that fit into their personal budget. The villa is sounding like a slightly cheaper option as our family will contribute to the accommodation cost and this option gives us privacy from the public and a great view.

The resort has perks too. We really wanted a baby elephant for the wedding. You can only have this with a resort. They are equipped for handling weddings, they do it all the time. They can run it quickly and efficiently. So I am sure you can understand why this was so hard to pick!!


BUT...

We booked a venue! So after lots of back and forward between the idea of a private villa or a resort wedding we made a decision and put a deposit down. It's a Private Villa called Baan Santisuk.