Better together

So I'm getting married this weekend, which means I'm switching off the internet for a few days and enjoying real life.

It's been a very stressful few months but I'm finally starting to really look forward to it.

So young!

You see, I wasn't ever that fussed about having a wedding...

Or getting married, for that matter...

But when we got engaged and I realised that someone wanted to marry ME... well that's a pretty nice thing.  And I realised that I just wanted to be married, and wanted to skip the wedding part.

This is my all time favourite photo of us. 

But once we'd set the date and committed to the wedding so many tiny little decisions presented themselves every day.  It's been like a second job, managing this crazy beast.  And it's not just black and white because people are involved.  And feelings.  And stress isn't just black or white either, it evolves into anxiety and in my case, a bit of depression.  It's been a journey, let me tell you.  And our wedding is a 'small' one... I can't imagine what it's like to organise anything bigger than 50 guests, or family less helpful or kind or loving than mine.

It's been a learning experience in having a 'vision' at the start of a project and learning that when humans are involved, things aren't going to turn out how your imagined but that what really matters is the people, not the vision. It's been a learning experience in having a support network for when you think you're ok but you're not ok.

But over the past few days when I've told various people I've run into that I'm getting married at the weekend and they ask am I nervous... I can't think of what to answer.  I'll take nervous any day! Heck, I've been through a lot of stress these past few months - enough to send me running to the doctors! And nervous is lovely in comparison!

So yea, I feel a giddy lovely nervousness.  I get to put on a pretty dress and have my makeup done and I get to see my handsome man all dressed up smart! I get to have all of my best people in one room together, and see them interacting.  I have spent the whole day on the phone to people today - that's more than I can say for a lot of the last year.

I've kept a lot of the wedding planning secret - mainly because until now everything has felt a bit - not fully done- and I'm just not THAT into the whole weddingness.

But I thought I'd share some photos of the Save The Dates I designed for us to send to our guests back in August.

It's all starting to feel real... and as I start to get a little nervous I can smile and think that all the hard work is finally paying off.  Goodness, I am excited!

New to the family

Some new characters on the scene.

Keep your head up, keep your heart strong

Sporting events.  Weddings.  Public speeches.  Family events.  Sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you need a tiny bit of inspiration - a push - a little reminder that you're close to the finish line you just gotta keep going.  I've got a brand new set of motivational temporary tattoos, for you to wear somewhere visible to keep you going.  There's 6 different designs to choose from, available now through my online shop!

Hello Mr Hedgehog

I've recently been having an extra pair of hands in my studio as things have been getting busier. This here helper is Caroline, a Manchester - based illustrator with a penchant for primary colours and woodland creatures. I'm pretty excited to show you this little project we worked on together - a super cute Mr Hedgehog pillow. Available to purchase now from my online shop.  Check out Caroline's website for more cool stuff!

Gearing up, stocking up, making lots of goods

Just a few photos from life in my little studio recently.  Gearing up towards the holiday season!!!

Listen to your pillows

If you've been being all weak and feeble lately why not seek the help of these pillows, they'll tell you to stop being such a sissy and grow a pair.

Gift idea number 43

Just another couple portrait I did a little while back.  This was given as a gift for a September wedding. I'm biased but I think these portraits make pretty good gifts. I've updated my website with recent portraits I have done for families of all sizes - pets, too.