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Category: summer

  • The Wedding Diaries: The One | QueenBeady

    When I say ‘’The One’’ I’m not actually referring to that bearded, curly haired man that I call my Husband. I’m talking about THE ALL IMPORTANT dress.

    We all often dream of what wedding dress we want on our big day & I was no dissimilar to that typical girly dream. My figure is say, a little difficult, in my eyes. Through school I was stick thin and then suddenly when I left school I grew hips and not just normal sized ones, I’m talking Kimmy K, Baby Rearing HIPS! And then there was the lady lumps, that went from a modest 32B to a sizeable cup size that I don’t wish to admit to. I found it difficult to adjust to but, if that was what life was going to throw at me with my hourglass figure I was going to rock it. I had to.

    I made 3 appointments that cold November 2012 morning. I was eager to get in fast and buy the dream dress. I dragged my Mum & Nana along too. They weren’t getting out so easily!

    My first Bridal store did not inspire. I was certain that the dress I wanted was going to be perfect. You are a Bride once. So not feeling too disheartened we made our way to Brides of York on Micklegate. The shop itself was dark panelled wood, it looks like a gentleman’s drawing room & I was adamant that when I stepped foot in this store, that we would be leaving empty handed again.

    But, like a book, things don’t always appear to be what you think from the outset. I tried on the exact style of dress I wanted. No funny business trying to sell me a style I didn’t want. We got too it. It suited me so why ruin a good run. The ladies were so lovely in helping me get in & out of the dresses and gushing in the right places but also advising me if something didn’t sit right or that the buttons ‘’were a must!’’

    I was smiling from ear to ear, I had found ‘’the one’’ in quite frankly, what I thought, the least expected place! So off we trotted to the next place. I tried on all the Maggie Sotterro dresses (the dream dresses I thought I wanted! How could I have been so wrong?) Nothing felt right and whilst I tried my hardest to sound interested in what the lady was saying my mind kept wandering back to THAT dress.

    It was simple, as I got dressed back in to my clothes and buttoned up my coat we were going to go get the perfect dress.

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    The Bridesmaids, except my sister & cousin hadn’t seen the dress so the morning of the wedding tears were certainly flowing. I would seriously suggest keeping it a secret because it builds up the excitement!

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    My beautiful dress is from the White Rose collection, which is a range that not many Bridal Stockists have in this area so it felt nice that I was wearing a dress that not many people would have! Apparently, I was the only Bride that had bought the dress without making any alterations to it. It was almost like it was made for me.

    My beautiful veil was a heavy material which I really wanted to hang. I never thought I would wear a veil but after trawling through Pinterest and seeing these slightly more delicate style, one tier veils I knew I had to try one & when I did it fit perfectly.

    I’d love to hear about your dream dress & was it what your Mr expected? I can’t wait to hear from you. If you have missed any of my other Wedding Diary posts click here!

    Rebecca xxx

  • The Wedding Diaries: We all scream, for Ice Cream | QueenBeady

    The Wedding Diaries: We all scream, for Ice Cream | QueenBeady

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    The Ice Cream Van was a MUST! I argued this point to every Tom, Dick & Harry who thought it was a stupid idea as the desert. In the end, everyone handed it to me. It was a great touch! Alex from Sweet Scoops was absolutely adorable and possibly the cutest little bean I have ever met. The whole thing just suits her down to the ground.

    She had decorated the van with our wedding date and our married ‘’Mr & Mrs’’ and even played music as she came down. Everything about it just made me a little giddy kipper (more than I am normally!)

    The ice cream flavours were the delicous Yorvale brand and it was so tasty. We had sorbets and ice cream flavours so there was something for everyone!

    Sadly Mr C could not manage an ice cream (despite telling me everyday before the wedding he was going to eat 100!) as he was busy being a little bit sick after eating too much blue cheese from the cheese platters! (This makes me really sad that he spent some of his wedding day with his head down the toilet!)

    What did you do on your wedding day that made it a little different or did you have an ice cream van too?

    Rebecca xxx

    Images taken by Jenny Prest Photography

  • The Wedding Diaries: The Bridesmaid Dresses | QueenBeady

    The Wedding Diaries: The Bridesmaid Dresses | QueenBeady

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    Now, call me a bitter bride I don’t care. To my dismay when our photographer, Jenny Prest (who is AMAZING by the way and all the photos you are seeing are hers!! Bar one or two shots!!) was loading some snippets to her facebook page and people were commenting MORE on the Bridesmaid dresses than mine.

    Although, secretly I was pleased as no-one could see my vision. I told everyone numerous times, red shoes & petticoat. I was greeted with looks of despair and questionable glances ensued but I was adamant. That was what it was going to be!

    And, look how pretty they all look. The Cath Kidston style fit in perfectly with the wedding. They all looked amazing in them and it is such a flattering style of dress. In fact I was jealous that I wasn’t a bridesmaid in one of them. (Although, I personally don’t think I could trade my beautiful dress in just yet!)

    I stumbled upon these dresses on, you guessed it, eBay. They were from British Retro eBay Shop and at £45 they were a steal. They even gave me a small discount for purchasing 6 dresses. If you are looking for something a little bit kitsch and cute this is the place to go!

    What Bridesmaid dresses have you chosen or have you been a Bridesmaid where you loved or loathed your dress? I want to hear so drop me a comment below.

    You can see all my other posts over here! For all my Wedding Diary posts press that ‘’Follow Button’’

    Rebecca xxx

    Images taken by Jenny Prest Photography

  • Food Review: The Fox & Hounds, Walton | QueenBeady

    We found ourselves at our local pub on Saturday night celebrating 4 weeks of marriage (we so weren’t, it was just an absolute coincidence!)

    The Fox & Hounds, Walton provided the food at our wedding and they did not disappoint at all. Some family members have travelled some distances since our big day to try the other fairings that our lovely pub can offer. I assure you it is worth it.

    The pub is ran by brothers Alan & Gareth and has also been nominated for an “Olivier Award”.

    The pub itself is a typical countryside drinking house & even with it’s own resident stuffed fox called Basil. It offers all quirks and charms than what meets the eye.

    All produce is locally sourced and cooked lovingly by chefs. Alan & Gareth often roll up their sleeves!

    On arrival we were greeted like you would be at your local pub. First term names exchange are always nice & make it feel a little bit special. Or lovingly greeted as, Mr & Mrs Clayton (yes. I know I keep banging on about it but its just so exciting!)

    We ordered a pint & a half of Becks Vier to set the tone. They even serve prosecco by the glass which is lethal for me, however I opted for a beer!

    The Fox & Hounds has a FABULOUS offer – 2 courses for £10! That runs Monday – Saturday (Friday & Saturday you are required to be sat before 6.30pm). They decided that they could do slightly smaller portions at a reasonable price which is just fab!

    After scrutinising the menu, they had changed the options and I hadn’t seen this menu before. I opted for mussels in a garlic & white wine sauce (my favourite starter!) and Mr C decided on the roasted parsnip soup. My starter was fabulous, plenty of sauce to scoop the mussels up with. James enjoyed his soup, the only criticism was that it was just a little salty! They don’t need to ver indulge in the salt & pepper here as everything is just so tasty and fresh.

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    There was a little bit of a wait between courses but Alan always wants to make sure that the food is hot & cooked to perfection. It was quite nice to just sit and chat without feeling rushed.

    When our meals came we were pretty happy with our choices. They always manage to make it look so good (as well as tasty!)

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    James went for fish & chips, which he proclaimed that they were better than our firm favourite fish and chip takeaway! So that was a bold statement, it came with home cut chips, mushy peas and tartare sauce.

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    I’m a burger fiend. Everytime we I out I am drawn to a burger. I just love the bread, meat & cheese combo. It’s a winner everytime.

    I ordered my burger medium (after much deliberation) & it came perfectly. My burger came with homemade chips & salad. The chips were just to die for. So deliciously scrumptious! The burger was nice, however, a little on the greasy side. To say the portions were meant to be on the smaller side, I was so full! I could not eat all of it.

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    After a little wait & ever the greedy guzzler I am I decided that I would have a desert. Warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream. HEAVEN ABOVE. This is quite frankly the BEST desert I have ever eaten. It just melts in your mouth and tastes dream like. I managed all but one mouthful & writing this now is making me wish I had eaten the lot! Even if it had have killed me.

    If you are ever in the area & want a delicious meal that won’t set you back then I would thoroughly suggest visiting The Fox & Hounds in Walton because you won’t be disappointed.

    The Bill
    1 & a half glasses of Becks Vier
    Roasted Parsnip Soup
    Mussels in white wine sauce
    Fish & chips
    Beefburger & chips
    Chocolate brownie and vanilla ice cream
    TOTAL £30.80

    Rebecca xxx

  • The Wedding Diaries: The Little Details | QueenBeady

    The Wedding Diaries: The Little Details | QueenBeady

     

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    It’s the little details that mean a lot to me at weddings. I want to feel like I am taking a glimpse in to the Bride & Grooms life. Our special day was no exception.

    James family are die hard farmers, we rear chickens and love the outdoors. So what was more fitting than a ‘’Countryfied’’ Wedding. My family are very crafty and creative so it was even better that there was so many home spun features on our big day.

    The old potato chitting trays welcomed our guests on arrival. Despite the rain we managed to get the ‘’Mr & Mrs Clayton’s Wedding This Way’’ Sign out so everyone knew where they were going.

    I think everyone was shocked when they walked in to the hall and saw just how amazing it was and how much love had gone in to decking it out. I have always imagined what peoples faces would be like when they opened their invites & saw that we were having our wedding reception in a village hall.

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    We managed to get a lovely shot the day before of the venue before chaos ensued. I’m sure you will agree it look PRETTY amazing, if I don’t mind saying so myself.

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    My mum sewed plenty of bunting to wrap around a few of the tables, like the top table and the Cake/Photo/Post Box table. It gave it just that extra pizzazz (is that even a word, it hasn’t got a squiggly red line under it?!) of colour to compliment the ivory marquee lining.

    The ‘’Mr & Mrs’’ on the top table was a Hobby Craft special & so was the red post box that Mr C and I painted at his work. My mum paper mache’d the ‘’Mr & Mrs’’ too, she is so super clever!

    The napkins are from the Cath Kidston sale that I picked up right when we got engaged so we have always known that this was the type of wedding we were going for

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    The centre pieces & flowers were very natural and country garden style. We didn’t want a huge centrepiece on the tables that people could not see one another! The ceramic jugs were an ebay find, we had lovely duck egg blue, blush pink and cream jugs. Each Table was different. We were a little boring with the table numbers and stuck to ‘’1, 2, 3’’ (you get the picture!) but we bought so cute chalk board table number stands which looked great!Wedding 529Wedding 530

    I loved our little place settings, simple brown luggage labels that my mum decorated with doilies and the ‘’Mr & Mrs’’ ribbon. It was so simple but so effective. And I love how ours said Mr & Mrs Clayton on them!

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    Because we didn’t have ‘’favours’’ as such we created buckets for the children at the wedding that had sweets, magazines, colouring pen and pencils. One even had a set of fake moustaches which went down a treat! It kept the children happy during the speeches and throughout the meal and it was something we were so happy that we did. Thanks to my super Aunty Kate!

    Like I said, we didn’t have favours so instead we opted for a cute Kandy Kart that kept guests entertained all day/night, rather than taking something home that they were going to stuff in a cupboard to never see again or, throw in the bin and never see again. Plus, it was a nice talking point for people to have a laugh & a joke about how many sweets they were getting.
    Donna was fabulous & even sourced some material that matched the bridesmaid dresses. How’s that for service?
    We got to choose 10 different types of sweets and we also got to keep what was left. So, we are currently wading our way through LOTS of sweets!

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    Our beloved ‘’R & J’’. I had seen these all over pinterest and thought, ‘’I HAVE TO HAVE THEM’’ and so I did. My uncle is super talented as he is a joiner by trade. I asked him nicely if he would mind doing them for us and he made sure they were perfect! They looked amazing when the lights were turned off. Again, it just added that extra little sparkle to our wedding!Wedding 712Wedding 713

    Now, let me bring you on to the food. It was to die for! When we decided on a DIY wedding the first people we thought of were our local pub, The Fox & Hounds. Their food is amazing, delicious and locally sourced. They did not disappoint with their fairings.

    The Chicken Liver Parfait is my particular favourite starter, add that to the succulently warm olive bread you have a winning combination.

    Now, with James’ family mainly all farmers, meat is something of a task to them when they aren’t eating their own field fodder. So it was a welcome surprise that they were all saying it was some of the best beef they have EVER tasted.

    Food was so important to us, because most weddings you go to, the food is just ‘’okay’’ and you want to feel full. I hate to blow our own trumpet but I think we got it spot on, 100% with the caterers, so a MASSIVE thank you to Alan and his team.

    What made your day feel special and set you apart from other weddings you’ve been to? I can’t wait to bring you our other instalments of the big day, it is keeping the memory alive for me.

    Rebecca

    Images taken by Jenny Prest Photography