So you’re getting married. Congrats! After the Instagram hype around your engagement ring selfie has died down, get ready for the question everyone’s going to ask: have you set a date yet? This question can be daunting if you haven’t given it any thought. The first step is deciding on a time of year.

So, will it be Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter? These tips will help you weigh up the pros and cons of each wedding season.  
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Spring

Symbolism-wise, you can’t go wrong with a Spring wedding. Spring is the time for new beginnings and fresh growth—not to mention the birds and the bees—so there’s something really special about marking the start of your marriage during this time of year. Spring punches above its weight in the floral department, too. If flowers are a priority for you, it’s worth picking a date in this season of abundant bloom. 

If you’re thinking of an outdoor wedding, Spring offers the tantalising potential of a warm sunny day, but you will need to bear in mind that the weather can be very temperamental. If you’re planning your wedding a year ahead, don’t think that you can base predictions for next Spring on how this Spring has been. A part-indoor part-outdoor wedding is ideal, so you’ll always have the option of enjoying the sun or taking shelter. 

Summer

Summertime is about long lazy days and warm nights with friends and family. It’s no wonder that this season is the most popular for weddings. The weather is more reliable than in Spring, so you’re more likely to pull off an outdoor wedding. If you’d like to invite children to your wedding, Summer is a good time because of the school holidays. However, if you’re not going to have children at the ceremony, bear in mind that during the school holidays, your guests might not be able to attend your wedding without help with childcare. Speak to your wedding venue about potential childcare options either at the location or in the area. 

Autumn

The most striking thing about this season of mists and mellow fruitfulness is the colour. Depending on the trees that grow around your wedding venue, your Autumn wedding could be graced with a spectacular show of reds, oranges, rusts and browns. Even if you’re having an indoor wedding—which would probably make sense if you hold your wedding late in the season once it’s started to get a little chilly—don’t be afraid to bring the glorious colours of the outside into your décor. If you like a rustic look for your wedding, you don’t get better than Autumn. And your photographer will thank you. Not only will you enjoy the benefit of beautiful light on the day, but the all-important wedding album will be filled with rich, sun-bathed snaps.

Winter

Though winter isn’t everyone’s first thought when it comes time to decide on a wedding date, this season can have its charm. The winter holiday season is already imbued with a festive atmosphere. Inserting your own celebration into a series of celebrations means your guests will bring that festive mood to your winter wedding.

When people start asking if you’ve set a date yet, don’t panic! The first thing you need to decide on is which time of year will suit you best. If you simply can’t decide, remember you don’t have to limit your wedding celebrations to the big day. Whether it’s a bridal brunch or an engagement party, you’re free to spread your other key dates throughout the year to make the most of all the seasons.

If you have followed me for a while, you'll know I'm fanatical about 2 things... Jo Malone and flowers. As I absolutely love peonies, and my favourite scent in the world is Jo Malone peony and blush suede I figured, why not combine the 2 and share with some of my favourite people for an evening of candlelight and cocktails. I managed to capture a few images to share with you too before retiring the camera for the rest of the evening.

As it was also the last week for peony's, it was even more reason to go out with a bang. 

I own every single item from the peony and blush range (apart from the newly introduced peony and blush diffuser). The scent evokes the best memory's for me as its been a part of some of my most memorable life moments... planning our wedding and in fact my wedding day. Its the scent I wore throughout our honeymoon and my go to scent for the home for any party's or gatherings I have. To me. its romantic, warm and feminine. 

I can't tell you how amazing the scent smelt wafting through the house on a warm summery evening. Im lucky enough to own the large 4 wick candle peony candle which was one of the best gifts ever given to me as the fragrance is so full yet delicate.  The candles flickering away, bathing the floral in simmering light was so pretty, my guests absolutely loved it.  

I lined the centre of the table with fresh peonies and roses in cream and pink shades and than accentuated with candlesticks, and votive's  to create an ambient and romantic feel. For favours the guests received Jo Malone soaps which looks so lovely on the table. For drinks I served lavender cocktails to keep in with the floral theme which the girls loved. 

As the sun started to set we lit as many candles we could find (un fragranced to ensure the peony scent wasn't diluted)  I can't tell you how amazing the scent smelt wafting through the house on a warm summery evening.  The candles flickering away, bathing the floral in simmering light was so pretty, my guests absolutely loved it.  

I absolutely love how the addition of candle light changes the look and feel of the tablescape. From pretty and fresh in the daytime to glamorous and sensual in the evening. Magical

What an enchanting evening!! Do you have a favourite scent for you special moments

Belle 
​Xxx

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I have wanted to visit the Windmills of La Mancha at Campo de Criptana or molinos de viento (Spanish translation) as my Spanish friends call them,  ever since since seeing them on Rick Steins Spain! They are quite the drive from Andalusia (nearly 6 hours in fact) so trying to persuade my husband that we absolutely had to visit some windmills so far away hadn't been to successful 
So when a trip to Madrid came on the agenda (Its amazing how the Champions league final will motivate a man) I saw my opportunity. He gets football, I get culture and we both get a weekend in Madrid (coming soon)

The 10 windmills are such an impressive sight, their height and scale imposing over the little town like something out of a fairy-tale. 

Dress is Zara, now in the sale HERE 

We were on a whistle stop tour, so we didn't venture into the town. I had been told that there wasn't too much to do here once you had seen the giant windmills (la molinos de viento gigantes) so we came, saw conquered and hot footed it to Madrid for the weekend. 

Am I glad I pursued mi hombre to do the 2 hour detour? Absolutely! These giant windmills are truly unique, and very very special. Another tick off my bucket list...

Belle 
Xx