hey :) sorry have not written for a zillion years :) everything is zooming by so fast! its pretty much 18 months to go now..or 584 days (no im not that sad..but it counts the days down for you on some of the wedding sites!) my feet have not touched the ground!
We viewed 2 venues in the end..one was basically a glorified cowshed..lovely people..but a bit too rustic lol :)..we were both trying to keep a straight face as we went round..hilarious! It was a bit depressing though as you start to think what if they are all like this? luckily Andy seeing me a bit crestfallen when on a mad one man mission to ring as many people as possible in till we could get in touch with venue two..we both had a good feeling before we even got there which was cool..n eve when we got a bit lost on the way (bloody sat nav!) we were still excited..the best bit was pulling in, stepping out of the car to find two very friendly donkeys in a paddock who wanted to say hello :) From that point I was sold..You are kind of supposed to play it cool with the venues..like hmm this is quite nice! But Andy ruined it straight away by saying 'this is soo much better than anything!'pretty much as we walked in the door :) So glad we both liked it..means I can put off my wife practice nagging :). We forgot all our questions that we'd carefully planned at first..but it turns out all of the answers were what we wanted to hear :) And there were some bonuses we didnt expect..they only have one wedding a week :D This is hugely awesome as it gives me ages to set up..decide its all wrong..take it all to bits..and then put it all up again lol. Also its the same price as the cowshed..cannot actually believe that bit!! Anyways we are taking the parents up to see it Sunday..while we put down our deposit n chat lighting, flowers (which they grow to order for your wedding!) and donkeys :) there are also 3 sheep :) a field and a wood to play in! So hopefully the groom will be kept amused lol :)
Oh also I have my bridesmaids sorted :) I really wanted ten zillion and three! But luckily I have Andy to remind me that you're supposed to have more guests than bridesmaids! Doh! So here are my lovely ladies: My chief: Mary :) the best sister this side of ever, My lovely best friend in the whole world Loisa :), My little ones: Molly and Lauren Andy's lovely cousins who will be 7 and 6 on the big day (im also considering using Lauren as a hairdresser after she put 14 beautiful hair clips in my hair last time she visited :)bless), and one beautiful little flower girl my niece Sophie..who will be nearly 3 :D
Andy is still sorting out his boys..he is a man after all! :)
We are hoping to meet with the caterers within a fortnight..to decide on a scrummy bbq :) I can't believe how early it all needs to be sorted! but its very fun planning and finding the bargains :)
Lots of giggles and bouncing
Katie almost Jones :) xx

3,2,1..Blast Off!

Ah! Suddenly we are in an engagement whirlwind! We found out that venues get booked up very early and so have started the hunt already! We are looking for something countrysidey and quite informal, cows are an added bonus and one of our possible venues even does tractor rides for those of you brave enough! We are both keen to have outdoor space to give everyone some fresh air and room to run around ...Andy is dreaming bouncy castles and sumo suits lol!
He has really surprised me with his research skills..usually its me who finds places to visit, plans holidays etc but he is amazing at finding wedding venues...possible change of career!!?? :D It all feels very grown up...but massively exciting to :) We have visits booked for the 17th and 18th of Jan so hopefully might find the place of our farmyard dreams :) I do think Im marrying the most kind bloke in the world..last night he was like maybe I should take you to some wedding fairs?? Bless...think il spare him the torture but it was amazingly sweet :)

Its been fun celebrating with family :) Its impossible not to love Andy..and im so chuffed that everyone is so excited about him being part of our family :) There have been toasts, hugs and excited whisperings all round..thank you to everyone who's made this time so special for us :) You are angels :)
The Jones side are all being amazing too :) Especially my lovely MIL to be :) I count myself very lucky to be one of the few women in the world with a nice Mother in Law :)!
Andy n me took the family out for a meal and its so nice that everyone is chatting away Sam and Jamie, Dad n Fred, Ali n Mum :) it makes my day that everyone gets on :) Dan was very good at sharing embarrassing stories about me to my mum...I thought it was supposed to be the other way round :) Toby Carvery is the only place we can guarantee to fill Jamie up! I think if theres a buffet at the wedding Il have to get him to go at the back of the queue so theres some left for the other guests!

Best Wishes
Katie :)