I'm back! (and married) :)

It's probably been just over a year since my last post! And gee whizz have I missed it!

The reason for my unexpected hiatus was a jam packed year full of exciting hecticness! Working a full time job, studying via correspondence, free lance designing and planning my dream wedding was my excuse. But I'm back, and this years motto is all about taking time out to appreciate the little things and getting to spend some more "me time" with me!

So to wet your appetite with a little bit of what can be expected from me in the year ahead I've posted a few of my favourite pics from our big day!

That's me:)


From left to right: Charlie Brown's Big Brother, Charlie's one best man, Charlie, his other best man, and my baby brother.
Charlie and I leaving the Chapel.

My beautiful Bridesmaids and I
Looking forward to seeing you all here soon.

xxx
Mrs Kemp

*Everything happens for a reason*

For the last few months our every movement has been dependent on whether or not Charlie would get into Clinical Psych Masters or not, and if so where!?

The whole process is a huge waiting game, from sending in your application, to waiting for a reply, to hopefully getting an interview, to then hopefully going on the so called interview and hopefully the next few after that, to even more hopefully getting in. It's been hurry up and wait for us since March. Something we thought we were adequately prepared for.

However when the clouds felt as though they were losing their silver lining, and phrases like "everything happens for a reason" became an every day occurrence, the few months we had previously made peace with, started looking like another full year (if not more) of playing the waiting game.

All things changed however, when Charlie went to interview with the last university he had received an invite too. 5 days of interviews, a roller coster of emotions and the happiest, proudest Charlie I had ever seen, he'd made it in to the top 12 Clinical Psych Masters class for 2013.

I can honestly say that it was truly one of the happiest days of my life. My fiance had achieved something he had been working towards his whole life. He was ecstatic, I was overjoyed. Life is perfect.

After a few days of floating on cloud nine, reality sinks in (in a good way) and Charlie and I had to start considering all the things we would have to sort out before starting the Uni year in January. Top of our list, me find job, us find new house, us get second car!

Well my big news is that as of last week I officially have a new job in Joburg, and in three weeks time we will be packing up our worldly possessions and heading to Gauteng! Charlie is on the hunt for a new apartment, whilst I finish up working at my current job! And a new car will hopefully be on the cards within the week.

If you told me even three weeks ago that we would be where we are now, I would never have believed you. Sometimes it really feels that life knows how to pack those punches. I've always thought I was a believer in "everything happens for a reason" but a few weeks ago I had really begun second guessing that little motto.

It's easy to say in hindsight, now that everything has worked out even better than we could have ever hoped for, but when I think back on little things that have occurred all year, that have ultimately lead us to where we are, I am more of a believer in that little saying than ever.

So if you're having a bit of a rough time at the moment- don't worry, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.

XOX




The Wedding Expo!


Do you know what I love? Well among other things, weddings and expos, so imagine how absolutely excited I am about the upcomming wedding expo which will be held at the Coca-Cola Dome in Joburg this weekend the 25-26th of August. Tickets are R100 and can be bought online or at the gate.




A Wedding mood board with love*

The one key ingredient that I've really been missing during my wedding planning process is having my girlfriends close-by. With the closest ones more than a 2hour flight away, I've been missing them hugely! While phone calls and emails are great, they just can't compare to a face-to-face chat while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee!

One of my beautiful bridesmaids made and mailed this to me a few days ago and I just think it's the sweetest thing ever. Plus I absolutly adore ever single image she chose.

Thanks so much Lau, this means so much to me! xox

What a lucky fish! My Diana dream comes true

You know when your just having a royally poo day, where nothing seems to be going your way and you being to wonder why you bothered getting out of bed?! Well last week, that was me. On the brink of tears and feeling particularly sorry for myself I was trying to pull it together- when the postman knocked on the door.

Not accustomed to getting mail I flippantly flipped though the post to see who to give what to, when a little postage slip with my name on it caught my eye! Intrigued I looked a little closer to see if I could see any hint of who sent it, or where it came from.

My curiosity grew even more when I saw it came from a close friend in Korea. Not expecting anything from anyone, and desperately needing a short break, I quickly popped out of the office. And there I was greeted by a lovely brown box. I ripped the tape off the box only to uncover the most heart-felt and wonderful post-card with a Diana mini attached.

I can't even put into words how touched I was, and still am by the gift. Months ago, before I left Korea, this particular friend and I saw a Diana in the shop and I 'oohed' and 'aahed' over how much I wanted one, at the time Charlie and I were frantically saving every last penny before coming back to South Africa and I had to put my wish on hold. Even more sweet is that my friend had remembered that I love 'Hello Kitty' (I even have the cell-phone cover) and had bought me a 'Hello Kitty' themed Diana.

The package was so much more than a camera, it was all the thought and kindness that went into it. I'm so blessed to have so many thoughtful and wonderful friends.



Can't wait to get snapping!

Meghan & Namha's 'Save the Date'


Have you ever just met someone and known from the very second you first saw them that you were destined to be friends? Well thats how I felt when I met Megan for the first time about a year and a half ago in South Korea. We we're both teaching english at the time, and had both recently gotten engaged.

When I heard Megan and Namha had set the date I insisted I design their 'save the dates.' With Megan originally from America, and Namha's from South Korea I knew they wanted something that would incorporate both of their cultures.

Megan and Namha celebrated their wedding in Korea a few months ago, and are having a second reception for their American family and loved in the USA in a few days time.

I wish I could be there to celebrate with you two! I hope you have the most amazing day.

Above Megan and Namha are pictured wearing traditional korean clothing, called Hanboks

Tip: Post cards are a great idea for 'save the dates' and wedding invites, not only are they very in fashion, they also save a bunch on postage fees and envelopes.



Love Celebration: your personal wedding planner


With our wedding date and venue decided upon and secured, wedding planing and fantasising is in full swing!

But I must say, I feel a little like Alice, tumbling down and endless rabbit hole, as I slowly but surely discover how much thought and planning actually goes into a wedding. Not that I'm complaining, quite the contrary, I'm thoroughly enjoying every moment (well except for trying to fit our seemingly never ending growing guest list into the small and intimate idealised number of guests we had hoped for!)



Last week however my job was made incredibly easier when a surprise package was delivered to my door from Charlie Brown who had been away in Joburg for what felt like a never-ending seven days.

The package contained a "Love Celebration" wedding planning file, which offers an a-z on everything you may need advice on regarding the big day and more. It comes in a stunning ring-bound file, and can be purchased in either white or black (although the white is currently out of stock.)


With tons of additional downloadable's like scrap-booking templates, and the fact that its ring-bound so you can add whatever you want to it, I think it makes the perfect wedding planning guide, or an ideal present for any future bride.

You can purchase your own love celebration file by going to http://www.lovecelebration.co.za/