INGLEWOOD MANOR

We went yesterday for lunch to an amazing place called Inglewood Manor based in beautiful Cheshire bordering with North Wales. It is an ideal place for brides and grooms to be. Very intimate, cosy, homely and a lot of Edwardian character. The rooms are absolutely stunning with oak panels, the food is delicious, the house wine very special and overall atmosphere was incredibly warm and welcoming. We can't wait to go back there again!

LINH + HIEU

 VIETNAMESE ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING

What I love most in the traditional Vietnamese engagement and wedding is the attire. The bride-to-be wears ao dai, a tight fitting silk tunic worn with pantaloons (usually in red and gold tones). "Symbolically, the ao dai invokes nostalgia and timelessness associated with a gendered image of the homeland..", wrote Nhi T. Lieu. (I had ao dai on for our formal engagement party too :p) Nowadays, the Vietnamese brides choose to wear ao dai only during the engagement, and the Western style white wedding gown for the reception. Before the wedding, the groom and his family has to come over to the bride's home to ask for her parents' permission to receive the bride. This ritual usually goes together with many gifts for the bride's family such as: betel nuts, fruits, cakes..

It is a beautiful tradition that is still practised in many Vietnamese homes. But I guess it doesn't matter how well you are dressed or how many presents you want to give, it's all about mutual respect, acceptance and love that a marriage can last, after all.

ENGAGEMENT

AGA + PAWEL

WINTER ENGAGEMENT

Nothing makes you feel warmer than being proposed on a cold December day. I've known Aga since my high school years, and it was really wonderful to see her emotions on that special day. She has been dating this guy for quite a long time now, and I'm glad the chap finally dared to make the important move. Pawel, congratulations for you that she said yes ;-)