Monday 1 August 2011

I'm Married!!!! It's all Over!!! x

You spend so long planning a wedding you almost forget there is something at the end of it all. The calls, emails, lists, notes and endless magazines that you start buying as soon as you get engaged and then get strangely addicted to buying even when you no longer need them.

My Wedding Day came round on July 16th 2011 and I've got to say it was what dreams are made of. The main piece of advice I received was 'enjoy it - it goes so fast' and that's exactly what I tried to do. It's not easy though with 49 guests, and I'd added the extra stress of making the whole trip a surprise for friends and family who had no idea where they were going. I wanted to constantly make sure they were ok and happy and the thing is, looking back now it all feels like a dream, and without the pictures I’d doubt it even happened at all.

Everything went as planned and I wouldn’t change a thing – maybe the stress my poor Mum felt as she threw talcum powder all over my feet and shoes at 8am on the morning of the wedding. It was to stop me sweating apparently. Matt cried all day, he will hate me for saying that but there is no way of denying it as we have approximately 66 thousand photographs of him weeping. Our friend and singer Cole Page even dedicated the Michael Buble track ‘Cry Me a River’ to him, changing the lyrics to ‘Matt Cried A River Over Her’.

Weddings are a great opportunity to bring families together that may otherwise be distanced forever and ours was no exception. It’s also a chance for friends to come together and get to know one another and as I sit writing this on my honeymoon I can’t help but check face book. And seeing that friends have become friends with other friends makes me smile. It could also be because I have a glass of champagne in my hand and it’s been there for hours. Not the same drink you’ll understand but rather the glass that is continuously being topped up.

We were VERY lucky to be upgraded to FIRST Class on the brand new Emirates A380 from Manchester to Dubai. This is exciting to most people but for me it was extra special. I’ve always been a bit obsessed with the airport and planes and so to be onboard a plane with a bar, lounge and spa is just something else. I didn’t even need a shower on board but did it anyway just to say I’ve had a shower 30,000 feet in the sky, I’ve joined the mile high shower club!!!! If I’d known a Honeymoon could do this I’d have got married ages ago – and it wouldn’t even matter who to. We did feel a bit like Monica and Chandler snogging at the gate to prove our love – but unlike them we got lucky and Matt didn’t have to steal a piece of fruit.

As I write this I think I may have found heaven. I am lying on a large round wicker bed on a part of my own private deck looking at the sun set over the Indian Ocean. We are staying on a Maldivian Island called Huvafen Fushi – it is paradise. You are greeted at the airport and taken to a speedboat which brings you to the island in less than 30 minutes. You are given a cold towel on arrival and a cocktail to get you used to the utter fussing and luxury you are about to receive.



There are a few different types of accommodation – the beach villa, and the deluxe version, the over water bungalow and the water pavilion. We were taken to our over water bungalow and were blown away the moment the door opened. The piece de resistance was an over water coffee table. You know the ones like in the movies where you can see fish whilst placing your cup of tea on the glass above?

You may actually have heard of Huvafen Fushi (possibly from looking gooey eyed at holiday brochures) but also because a $15,000 stay here was a gift in the goody bag for this year’s Oscars. Celebrities flock here – for example Kate Moss has partied here, George Clooney has rolled around on the sheets and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes popped in for a massage at the Maldives ONLY underwater spa. Well if it’s good enough for celeb royalty then it’s good enough for me.

The island is located in the North Atoll and they pride themselves on modern, sophistication. All rooms are kitted out with the latest technology and if gadgets are your thing then you will find yourselves in gadget heaven. With a Bose surround sound system in every room, huge plasma TV’s, Bang & Olufsen telephones, and electronic blinds. It’s like stepping into a Grand Design’s exhibition.

But above all of this you will get your own Thakuru. This is not a native furry Maldivian animal but your very own butler. You are initially escorted by your Thakuru to your villa, shown around and given any information necessary. You then have a direct dial number to him 24 hours a day. Our Thakuru was called Ahmed. He becomes a little friend over the course of a stay and it’s comforting to see his smiley face. One word you’ll never hear is ‘no’. Can I have a pizza in my room? Can I take this wine back to my room as I’m so relaxed at 9pm I can’t drink anymore? And can you help, my 99 TV channels won’t come on? The answer 24 hours a day is always…..yes!

Your Thakuru will organize anything you desire for example meal reservations, trips off the island, even a doctor should you require it. If you’re honeymooning as we and most of the island were – you will probably want utter quiet and relaxation and you’ll get that in abundance.

Evenings are relaxed and the food would challenge even Michelin restaurants at home. The food is varied each evening, served in a chic style and so fresh.

If you can break from the utter relaxation to get on board a boat, because when you do – what follows is more relaxation, then I’d absolutely recommend the Dhoni. A Dhoni is a very old traditional Maldivian boat – only in true Huvafen Fushi style it’s had a 60 minute makeover. Red Smeg fridges, a king size bed, mother of pearl bathroom with shower and a deck scattered with huge comfy beanbags shaded by giant sails. We felt like Brad and Ange as we left for our very own deserted island. Ahmed came with us accompanied by 3 others manning the deck, oh and a dolphin we nicknamed Paul who led our boat out to deeper waters as he sparkled in the midday sun.



Once just off the deserted island you jump in the crystal clear waters for an hour’s snorkeling round some of the most beautiful coral reef you’ve ever seen. If you’re as lucky as we were you will get to see a sea turtle munching on coral before appearing to fly away into the deep ocean. As you’re doing this the 3 guys have set up a table, 2 chairs and a giant umbrella on the deserted island – you’re lunch is laid out with wine and with that they’re gone for an hour and a half. Ever fancied feeling like Jack in Lost? Well this is your opportunity. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Tonight is the honeymoon meal served by the beach under candlelight and oil lamps. We have the most exotic fish risotto I’ve ever seen and I’m pretty sure the fish I waved at on the way to breakfast this morning is the one eyeing me up on my plate right now. Tonight I’ll retire tired out (after doing nothing all day) to my room, which has already been turned down, fresh water left and a newsletter with details of events and activities on the island for tomorrow.

I once read that waking up in the Maldives is something everybody should do before they die. I’m glad to say I’ve done that and to hell with it I may even do it again. Huvafen Fushi is the place to be, the owners ‘Per Aquum’ have a plan I heard last night, this is just the start and they want to go even further when it comes to luxury. And after seeing this – I don’t doubt them for a single second!!!

Chelsea x

Chelsea flew with Emirates Return from Manchester to Maldives via Dubai
http://www.emirates.com/
Chelsea stayed at Huvafen Fushi Resort, Maldives
http://www.huvafenfushi.peraquum.com/


Tuesday 5 July 2011

Wedding Dress Has it's own Boarding Card!!!!!

I've been getting loads of emails and questions from people asking me how I'm getting my wedding dress from here to Italy.


The answer is, up until a week ago I had no idea.


I didn't want to put the dress in a case in the hold if I could help it - I felt a bit worried not being able to 'see' it - if you know what I mean. And I didn't fancy folding it into a little origami ball in the hand luggage either.


Having never got married before, (and never again after these preparations) these are not things I'm used to dealing with. So I had to ring Jet2 and ask what the hell you do in circumstances like this.


In short - the dress now has it's own seat. I know! And it get's funnier, I have printed off it's boarding card. It's Title is Miss, First name Wedding, Middle name - Dress and Surname - Norris. Yes, Miss Wedding Dress Norris will be on the flight.


Then just when I'd got used to this Jet2 called me to say there was a problem. The dress was booked into a seat on the emergency exit aisle, and this had to be changed as in an emergency, the dress could not get out on it's own!!! This is the god's honest truth - so me, Matt and Miss Wedding Dress Norris have had to move an aisle forward.


Loads of airlines do this apparently so in the absence of a private jet when flying out to your wedding - either stick it in your case or buy it a seat. And don't forget it might need a drink too!


That's about it from me before the wedding - but I'll be doing a wedding and honeymoon review when I get back. A big thanks by the way to everyone who has sent me cards and presents - they are very appreciated.


Take care,


Chelsea x

Thursday 23 June 2011

Diamond's Are A Girl's Best Friend!!!!

The wedding is now 3 weeks on Saturday - and yes I'm getting nervous. More that everything will go ok rather than the actually getting married bit.


Anyway we collect our wedding rings on Monday. We designed them ourselves so I'm so excited to see them. We wanted rings that were a bit personal and that no-one else would have and because we are getting married in Italy we also thought it would be nice to have some kind of Italian influence.


Anyway we were recommended to a place in Bramhall called Demiles. The owner Paul Granelli is lovely and everything is designed and handmade on the premises. Have a look on their website www.demilles.co.uk


If you're getting married this year I'd love to hear from you and all about your plans so email me at chelsea@key103.co.uk


Speak soon,


Chelsea x

Monday 30 May 2011

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!!!!!

I was hosting an event last week for the Alzeimers Society. My friend Jane's Mum has been suffering with it and she puts on many events through the year to help raise money for them.

This event was held at Zuri Bar in Hazel Grove in Stockport and it was full to the brim with lovely ladies.


There were 3 men in the room though - my Fiance Matt who was dragged there on the promise I'd buy him beer, and Simon and Oliver Dunn. If you live in Stockport you'll know Simon Dunn Chocolatiers - they have a little shop near M&S. Oliver is Simon's son and they make gorgeous handmade chocolates in pretty much any shape and form that you require. And yes they have been asked for 'that' shape before particularly for hen parties - and yes they can do it!!!


They've been in business for over 25 years and the whole family are involved. Anyway I'd decided I wouldn't be able to have chocolates as wedding favours as I didn't think I'd be able to get them to Italy in one piece. But after talking to Simon he reckons it'll be fine. So I've ordered the 2 little chocolates in a gold box. It'll look lovely on the table and I can't wait to eat them either.


Have a look on their website www.simondunnchocolates.co.uk


Speak soon,


Chelsea x

Tuesday 24 May 2011

7 weeks to go!

There's just 7 weeks to go till the Wedding.


Thank you to everyone who I met at the Ladies Lunch last Friday who had such lovely words of wisdom for me - Number 1 is 'Enjoy It' as it goes so fast. And thanks to everyone who's emailed too. Starting to get pretty excited now but nervous too. Not at the actual getting married but that everything goes ok.


I've just realised I've been planning the wedding like one of my Ladies Lunches and it's just dawning on me that it's actually my wedding! I'm sure everything will be ok though.


You might also by now be wondering why I've got a picture of a lovely lady holding a dog above. As most of you know I try to help out Manchester Dog's Home whenever I can. So I need to tell you about a great event they have coming up to raise much needed funds. On Sunday 29th May they are holding a sponsored walk in Debdale Park, Hyde Road in Gorton. It's on 11-4pm and there's loads going on. There's a Dalmation Bouncy Castle, Rodeo, Stocks and other games. There's stalls with tombola, Bric-a-brac, crafts, plants, doggy related t-shirts and gifts, and burger bar.


You'll be able to walk the dog's from the home from 1pm on the day. And best of all there will be free micro chipping - which is really expensive normally. You can bring the family and have a really fun day out.


For more info get on their website www.dogshome.net


Chelsea x

Friday 20 May 2011

8 weeks to go!

So with just 8 weeks to go till the big day, I am now seriously dieting.


Obviously I've been doing WeightWatchers for a while and I've loved it - but on the occasional odd week I can't get there. so when my Avon book arrived last week and there were some digital scales for £5 I thought - I'm having them.


They arrived last week and I've been absolutely addicted!!! I weigh myself about 6 times a day. Matt has told em off and has threatened to hide them and allow me to ue them once a week but I love it. I've even worked out my knickers weigh 0.2lb

Does anyone else do this?


I've lost just over a stone so far, but now with only 8 weeks to go I'm being serious about it. No more pizza's but I do allow myself wine - but only if it has the WeightWatchers logo on the front meaning it's 2 points a glass.


I've stuck a fat picture of myself on the fridge - so everytime I think about eating some of the Easter Egg I still ahve in there - I quietly turn around and head for the fruit bowl instead.


I'll keep you updated, but if you have any tips in the run up to the wedding drop me an email at chelsea@key103.co.uk


Chels x

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Garters, Ring Cusions and Hair Pins!

10 weeks till the Wedding...

I've spent the Easter holiday's looking for all of the above - Garters, Ring Cushions and Hair Pins...And managed to get all 3 in one place.

I know to men that sounds like hell, but I've loved it. It's actually pretty hard to find nice ones, some are so tacky and you really want something classic on the day that you'll love forever. I also don't mind paying that little bit extra for something beautiful that doesn't look mass made.
Anyway I've found a lovely website - which I found in my wedding magazine.
www.atelier-rousseau.com

The lady who runs it is called Charlotte and she is just lovely. They hand make garters, and beautiful pearl jewellery and hair accessories for the big day. If you're really organised they also do bespoke pieces you can design expecially for the big day. And if you need something new and blue then they can do that too - and don't tell anyone but if you want an extra surprise for the wedding night - there's even nipple tassels but very classy ones. Ha!

Have a look and let me know your thoughts,
Speak soon,

Chelsea x