Over the moon – now the hard work starts!

When my lovely fiancé, Dave, popped the question on Christmas day – I could not have been more surprised OR happier. We had a lovely morning together in our new home and planned to visit my mum for a family lunch. Little did I know, as he opened the Champagne for a bucks fizz with breakfast, that small boxed shaped present wrapped up neatly beneath the tree was in fact the most gorgeous diamond ring!

Having the chance to celebrate with my family that day over lunch made it really special and I can’t thank Dave enough for being so thoughtful.

As soon as Boxing Day came, I dashed to the shop for a stack of wedding magazines – and found out just what I had in store for the next months of planning the perfect nuptials. Neither of us want a long engagement so it looks like there will be some hard work involved, but I am sure we will love every minute of it.

Of course, I instantly booked VIP tickets to the National Wedding Show in spring for me, mum and my sister Kirsty, I can’t think of a better place to start looking for inspiration. Especially for my dress as Dave will not be coming with us.

Of course second thing on our to-do list is to choose a location…we both love the sun and go on holiday whenever we can, so are brainstorming foreign locations where we can have a wedding and honeymoon all in one. It will also mean our guests get some sunshine and fun out of it too.

Jenny xx

If, like Jenny you want a bit of A-list treatment and glamour - why not treat yourself to a VIP ticket to the National Wedding Show available to buy on the websitewww.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

The National Wedding Show features a number of top quality venues and planners for abroad weddings, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk to see the full exhibitor list

Our Bridal Coach Michele Paradise offers her top tips for ensuring you both look and feel fabulous on your big day

-Always get your feet measured before buying your wedding shoes. Your feet have changed since the age of 6!

-Always buy new shoes in the afternoon or early evening when your feet are at their largest. Feet swell during the day.

-Cover new shoes with cut off tights, wear them everyday for 15/30 mins to break them in at least a month before the wedding.

-Before the photo shake out your hands, gently place them on your hip or bouquet so that they look beautiful, not like a claw!

-In photos, stand at an angle with one foot slightly in front of the other. If feet are together you will look flat and wide.

-Perfection doesn't exist so stop striving for the perfect wedding. Celebrate, have fun, eat, laugh and enjoy the ride!

-Wearing a veil makes you feel different and requires a bit of practice. So put one on and practice now. It will pay off!

-Clean, shaped eyebrows open the eyes and create a wider eye they look better in the photos and you look rested and relaxed.

-Choose a creamy white dress so that it doesn't create glare when photographed and it's kinder to the skin tone.

-Don't follow make up trends for your bridal make up. Stick to a classic look and your photos will be timeless.

-In photos don't keep both arms entirely straight, bend one or both to create space between the arm and body.

-In photos rest most of your weight on one foot or the other. This looks less posey and gives a slight slimming effect.

-Focus on what you want to happen on your wedding day, not what you don't want to happen. You get what you wish for.

-When walking up the aisle please, please, please look up at your guests and your fiancé. Smile and they will smile back at you.

You can attend Michele's Bridal Coaching sessions at the show to hear more top tips for looking and feeling great on your big day. For more info click here