One of the very nicest things about getting engaged is that you are suddenly able to experience a whole range of things that were previously irrelevant – trying on wedding dresses without feeling like Murial Heslop, developing an intense interest in diamonds, sharing endless glasses of champagne, and feeling entirely justified in indulging in weekly facials, mani-pedis and spray tans.
The front cover of our book – the exact place that Buzz proposed. I took this photo moments before he tricked me over to the edge and I realised he was down on one knee.
One of the nicest things for me was being asked by Ms PolkaDot to review Blurb, a website which lets you design and print your own coffee table books. Here’s the obligatory bit – I received a free Blurb photobook of my making, in exchange for a review. Here’s the happy bit – I loved it! Ever your dogged correspondent, I was determined to maintain my journalistic integrity and provide facts, facts, evidence and more facts, but hand on heart, it was fun, easy, and I absolutely love my book.
The back cover of our book – one of my favourite pictures of the decorations at our engagement party. It’s bright, it’s neon, it’s trashy and it’s flashy!
When creating my book, I deliberately chose not to take any tutorials or read any how-tos before beginning. I wanted to test how intuitive the site was, and how easy it would be for a person with minimal tech-savviness to use. Win! It was simple and in fact, I never had to refer to any instructions throughout the whole process. I’m sure if I did there would be a whole range of higher level techniques I could use, but it’s really not necessary.
The front inside cover – you can write your own text and select an image. I really did feel pretty special!
I chose to use photos from between the day we got engaged to the time I made the book – the ‘in between’. I thought it would be lovely to have a reminder of the special time between the two events, and being a dedicated planner and organiser, I liked the idea of having something from that time.
A word of warning – make sure your pictures are crisp as when they’re blown up to this size any blurriness will be visible. This picture of some of my bridal jewellery suffered from my lazy focussing (the thongs in the next picture are my bridesmaids’ dancing shoes!).
You can choose the size, length, paper quality, and position of the photos you upload, as well as the images on the front and back covers, the inner sleeves, and the accompanying text. You are, in effect, the author, illustrator, editor and publisher of your own book. Sweet! And if you think you’re on to a bit of a winner, you can share or sell your books on blurb.com.
I had to include some of Buzz’s things! His suit is on the left, and my wedding gift to him – white gold handmade cufflinks with our initials (get the pun?) – and engagement gift – a Georg Jensen watch – had to be included too.
Pricing is surprisingly reasonable, and is based on size, number of pages, and type of cover. Beginning at $15.95, this could be a bonbonbiere for some brides, or a special thank-you gift for the bridal party and families.
I loved these pictures and the black edging was definitely the right choice to highlight the Miami-Hawaii plastic-fantastic theme!
I had an absolute ball creating my own photoshoot with all my wedding things. Creating the book was not only easy but also a very special way to make a personal, beautiful treasure for us. The book has pride of place on our coffee table, and I fully intend to make another one after our wedding for us and our families.
Ms Gingham says: I really love the idea of spending the time compiling a beautiful book like this. Thanks to Miss T for this review … it makes me want to get the camera out and start my own book!
Miss T says: Organised to the max; fan of all things sparkly and organic; vegan (but no hemp or dreadlocks); proud mama to a Chihuahua princeling and two snooty cats; drinker of beer; and thrilled to her little cotton socks to be marrying the sweet, silly, smart and snuggly Buzz.
Read more about Miss T’s neon engagement party!
Dear Miss T- you make me smile every single time and for that, we love and adore you!
Such a nice idea to make a book of the time between the engagement and the wedding- it’s such a special time.
What a gorgeous book you made, thanks for trying our service and I’m happy to hear you’re delighted with your book.
Thanks Jo – I really did have fun making it and I think I’ll do a full wedding one too (to relive the glory!).