The count down is on!

That's right, 10 DAYS TO GO!!!!! Yephee!!
In honor of the number 10, pictured above is 10 Downing Street.
See you soon Mr Prime Minister's!

SUPRISE!!!!

Yesterday I was surprised by all the lovely ladies in my office with a beautiful English Tea party shower!! They was a delicious spread of cucumber sandwiches, deviled eggs and scones with clotted cream and jam to name but a few of the yummies on the gorgeous table! Stefan even made a surprise appearance too! Thank you, thank you, thank you all.... I feel very loved a fortunate to be working with such amazing people and friends.

Now for the pictures......

(the surprise!!!!! I was had NO idea that this was going to happen... I thought we had a calendar meeting!
You got me girls!!! )

(Mmmmm! What a feast for the eyes and belly!)

(Guest appearance from Stefan)

(enjoying the party)

(A sweet card from all the ladies and gents on the floor)

( The ladies who made it happen: Kit, Nicol, Sommer, Renee and Erin - Thank you)

Thank you again for sending me off in such style!
xxx

If you must.....

Just in case you were wondering we are registered at 2 different places... However we would like to make sure that you know that YOUR PRESENCE IS PRESENT ENOUGH!!
Click on the shops name and it will take you directly to the online store.
Scandinavian House - a local Scandi store!
William Sonoma - Kitchen goodies.

p.s the count down is on now August is here!

... A local spot of tea

(so this tea is not from The Watts Gallery tea shop - but it does get your juices going. On my search for a pretty pic I came across the above from a cute cooking blog. Click image to go to the blog!)

If having tea with The Queen is a little too much for you then here is a local Surrey option. The Watts Gallery has a lovely little tea room. The gallery is currently closed for renovation unfortunately. But they have a beautiful chapel that is open and well worth a visit. The tea room and chapel are right outside Guildford.... and there's plenty of pubs around to have lunch in too!

Tea with the Queen

As my Dad so kindly pointed out in his Top 10 to do and see, Buckingham Palace will be open to visitor during the time of our wedding.
....So why not stop by and have a cup of afternoon tea with The Queen! There are a number of tours that take place round the palace. Check out the royal website and pre-book a ticket to avoid disappointment.

Getting to Woking from Heathrow airport

To get to Woking from Heathrow airport is very easy to do. Once you have cleared customs (don't forget to bring the address of where you are staying for your landing card), collect your bags and head on outside. Depending on the terminal you will arrive at, you either need to head to the bus station at Heathrow (T1+T2 - it's a 5 min walk) or to a designated bus/ coach stop. Please check out the National Express Woking Heathrow RailAir link to see where you need to be!
If all else fails speak to a nice person who works at the airport and I'm sure that they will point you in the right direction! : )

As far a I know, you don't have to worry about buying a ticket before hand. Just have some of these good old British Pounds ready to pay on board.

If you have any other questions or concerns about getting around please, please let us know. We're more than happy to help you out. x

Introduction to the wedding party: Molly

Last, but most definitely NOT least is Molly! Daughter to my cousin Nicole, Molly will be the youngest of the lovely bunch that we have walking down the aisle with us!
Due to the 3000ish miles that we have separating us these days, Mol and I haven't spent as much time together as I would like in the last few years. However, (without wanting to embarrass you Mol) we did spend a lot of time together in Molly's younger years. I'd spend my summer holidays looking after her.... going to the park, having picnics, drawing, to name a few things we got up to!
I am so excited to see you Molly and very glad that you will be there for our special day. x

Mike's top 10!

(My Daddy, Mike Daniels!)

Below is a list of Mike "Daddy" Daniels's top 10 things to do in and around the Woking/ London area.

The following are in no particular order;

Windsor Castle & Eton college – Second home of The Queen and the home of the school that teaches the UK's elite young men, including any royal boys! Windsor is about 20 miles from Woking

The London Eye - Britian's salute to the new millennium in the form of a giant ferris wheel! Easy to get to in Central London and only 300 yards walk from Waterloo Station.

(The London Eye - taken a Christmas time by me - Natasha!)

(The skyline from Embankment, right next to the London Eye)

The Olive Tree – this gastro pub is about 4 miles from Gorse Hill and has a great range of wine and excellent food.

Hampton Palace – A beautiful royal palace made famous by King Henry VIII and his 6 wives! The palace is about 18 miles from Woking. Easy to get to on public transport.

The Tower of London – Another one of Her Majesty's palace's, the Tower is also the traditional home of the Crown Jewels. Located in Central London.

(HRH Queen Elizabeth II in the jewels)

Oxford – the old university town is about 40 miles away but a great place to go, however you will really need a car as the train ride is quite long.

There are plenty of museums and galleries in London, including the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, the National Gallery (in Trafalgar Square), the Tate gallery and the Tate Modern (on the refurbished) South Bank of the River Thames.

Stonehenge – If you are into big, very, very old rocks and want to stare in wonder at how they go there then this is the place for you! It's a bit of a trek but if you have a car and the time well worth a visit.

(Stonehenge - lots of BIG rocks! A fun time , seriously!!)

Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge are also great place to go BUT Buckingham Palace is only open ONE month a year and that’s August. So if you want to go you’ll need to book online and as soon as you can.

And finally for those in need of some retail therapy there’s some great shops like Harrods, Liberty’s, Harvey Nichol’s, Selfridges and Carnaby Street. All in central London and accessible by The London Underground.

Hope you find this useful.
Thank you very much for that Dad!
x

Introduction to the wedding party: Jason

Jason Stahl (aka, Stahl or Stahlie) and Stefan have been friends since their college days. How or when they meet exactly is a story that you will have to ask them. One, as I am not exactly sure how there paths first crossed, and two, because Stefan joined the fraternity that Jason was in... and there are many, many stories there!
That said, Stahlie is a dear, dear friend to Stefan and me. Always there with love, support and guidance from "Rock Enterprises"!
I would also like to mention that he has just married one of the loveliest ladies that I know, Theresa (pictured above on their wedding day)
We love you two dearly and can't wait to make many married life memories with you both! x

Summer reading list

(Bill Bryson. Notes from a small island. On sale in Amazon.com)

For those of you not so familiar with the British Isles, can I suggest that you read this book before you come to the UK... or after (it might make more sense!). I just started reading it- and although I'm not very far into it, the book is a funny insight into British foibles! And even as a native to the UK, I am really enjoying it! Add it to your summer reading list. x

.....Lastly, Jason Stahl, the final Groomsman and Molly, my lovely cousin bridesmaid to come. Stay tuned!

Introduction to the wedding party: Danny

Daniel Fried. The penultimate person groomsman I have to introduce you to. Married to my lovely Maid of Honor, Beret, Danny is pretty awesome (please don't get a big Daniel!!) Since our return to NYC 3 years ago, Stefan and Danny have become really tight friends. Our summers are not complete without a holiday to somewhere with the Fried's.... Visions of Danny driving us round Martha's Vineyard come to mind! That said our week is not complete without some kind of comedic interaction with Fried (that's another name we call him). We are so excited to have you in our wedding and look forward to hearing that he has booked his flight to the UK too! x

Introduction to the wedding party: Matt and Pola

We are very lucky to have both Matt and Pola in our wedding this year.... and equally, we are honored to both be part of their wedding party for their upcoming nuptials on July 31st (we are both SUPER EXCITED for your big day guys!!)
Our love for these two amazingly lovely people runs deep. Both Matt and Pola are so loving and giving and their friendship to us means the world.
We are so glad to have you in our special day. x

Bridal shower pictures....

(Kathy and my Mum, the surprise guest!)

I am still reliving the amazing Bridal shower weekend that was thrown in my honor a few weekend ago.... A small tea at Woodlawn Plantation in VA hosted by Kathy. It was a great opportunity to celebrate with all her lovely lady friends. Then to follow, Anna and my bridesmaids hosted a little party at The Pearson residence for family and wedding party. I had such an amazing time and felt so loved and blessed to be surround by all my loved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you again to all who were there. x

(Pola and Beret - two of my lovely bridesmaids)

(Anna back at The Pearson party!)

(The beautiful favors)

(And lastly the amazing cupcakes made by Pola and Beret with mini tea servings on them.... I loved them!)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

A HUGE thank you to all you lovely ladies who came from near and far to make my bridal shower this weekend so wonderful... and especially to Kathy for surprising me with my Mum. I love you all very much. x

p.s Pictures to follow!

Table top sketches...

Things have been somewhat hectic round here in the past few weeks... and to top it off we are moving tomorrow. Argh! Exciting, but argh!! However Stefan and I did manage to go out for a quick bite of dinner last night to Egg. It's one of our local favorites. It's quite and chilled out for dinner and yummy yummy southern style comfort food. Just what we needed! Mmmmmm : )
We even managed to scribble down a few ideas for table decorations at the wedding.....

I promise I will write back soon with the remainder of the wedding party introductions... and maybe some pictures of our new place. x

Girls Wedding Preparation Weeking!

(Pictured - Best of British spring Daffodils, Friday night fish and chips and Mum and Kathy)

For the past 5 days, Kathy and I have been in the UK for long weekend of wedding preparation...
Among the many things we accomplished on our stay; we tasted the Friday night fish and chips and the wedding breakfast food at Gorse Hill then stayed the night there. We also tried out the breakfast - which a hearty English Breakfast. Mmmmm!
We meet the florist and talked to Vivienne who will be conducting our ceremony. Mum, Kathy and I also got creative... but you'll have to wait until August 28th to see what that was!
All in all we got a lot done. Hooray! Now it's just 149 days to go!!

Introduction to the wedding party: Gabrielle (aka Gabz)

Gabrielle, Gabby, Gabz, Gab.... which ever one of those names you call here, she is the bridesmaid that has know me the longest and the best. Never shy to tell me when I'm being an idiot, but ALWAYS there when I need her.

We went to university together and spent many a late night sketching away to the wee hours, often watching rubbish films and drinking liters of tea to stay awake!

Not only did Gabz get married to the amazing Gareth in December.... but, she also recently found out she is pregnant! The not so fun thing about it (for her) is that the baby is due about 2 weeks after the wedding! So, Gabz will be one heavily pregnant bridesmaid!!

Gabz - Even if you can't manage to walk down the aisle and I have to push you in a wheelchair your presence there will mean the world to me. You're my girl. x

Introduction to the wedding party: Thom

Thom, Thommy Tiger, my brother! I was really touched when Stefan decided that he wanted Thom to be part of his wedding party. Obviously as brother to the bride, he was going to be involved. But Stefan didn't feel like that was enough... so he popped the question to Thom! And he obligingly said yes!!! I love that we are a family even before the marriage has happened.

Introduction to the wedding party: Nate and Anna

As I was not so good yesterday (I stayed up too late on Sunday night posting Beret and watching that Oscars) I didn't get to post Nate yesterday, so instead, I'm going to introduce you to Nate, Stefan's brother and Best Man, and Anna, Nate's wife and one of my beautiful bridesmaids!

These two lovelies just recently got hitched themselves, back in May 2009 - the pictures is from their wedding. I thought it only fitting! Nate and Anna have been a great support to us through this process (as they always are!), with ideas and tips on wedding planning, and most importantly their love and support!

We love you both endlessly and look forward to many happy Pearson Family times to come! x

Introduction to the wedding party: Beret

Firstly I apologise for this long over due series of posts (starting today).... But here it is; introductions to the wedding party, one by one. Starting with Beret, my Maid of Honor and my rock. I am so honored to have her friendship, love and wisdom to share this special time with. x

p.s. Beret - I hope this photograph of you is ok?! The rest of the pictures that I have of you either involve a swim suit, a drink, beach hair or are from some other amazing trip that we have been on together that I think that you would prefer not to be on the internet! : )

To come next: The Best Man...

Pretty pictures!

So, I really haven't been that good at posting this past few weeks I am sorry to say. But here is a beautiful spread from June 2009 Vogue that has been my inspiration for colour right from the start of planning... LOVE it! x

We haven't written for a while...

....but don't think that we have forgotten you. We haven't! We've been hard at work with all the behind scenes things! Also, we spent the weekend frolicking in the snow with the Pearson Family in Virginia. It truly was a winter wonderland down there.

(The flags were up in front of The Pearson residence, but not really flying this weekend in the crisp, still, dry air of Virginia)

More to coming soon - including an introduction to the wedding party. So stay tuned! x

Fish Friday!

(Picture courtesy of Flickr.... just happened upon this beauty!)

To give all you foreigners a real British treat, we are hoping to serve up traditional fish and chips on Friday 27th August for all of you coming to our big day! (It will also be a treat for you Brits too!) We are also going to be planning some kind of entertainment/ games/ meet, greet and mingle do.... more info to follow with the formal invites.

GORSE HILL - CORRECT RESERVAIONS PHONE NUMBER!!!!

I'm sorry to say that I have made a bit of a pickle when it comes to the CORRECT phone number for Gorse Hill reservation! The number you need to call to book a room for Friday and Saturday night is: +44 1483 747444 or +44 1483 286516

Hanging around

On my eternal quest looking for decorating ideas, I came up across a few reoccurring themes, one of them being hanging paper cuts outs.... Above are a few examples. The top one is from ABC Carpet and Homes Christmas display. Very appropriate for a wedding. The bottom one from Anthropologie (kindly snapped for me by my dear friend Kristen)

Please book your rooms (when you're ready to!)

Seeing as most of you have your save the date now, I just wanted to let you know about rooms at Gorse Hill. You'll be pleased to know that we have negotiated a special rate of 75 pounds per/night, per room! All the 50 rooms in the hotel have been blocked out for us for Friday 27th and Saturday 28th August. To secure your room you will have to please phone up and book your own room... Just say that you are party of the Daniels/ Pearson wedding and Gorse Hill will be happy to make your reservation.
There number is +44 1483 286516

Don't forget your passport

Stefan had to send his passport away this weekend to get extra pages sewn in....
which got me thinking about all of you who are going be traveling from abroad.
Please, please, please remember to check your passport expiry date. I can think of nothing worse than showing up at the airport to only be turned away because of an expired passport (does that sound familiar to you Matthew Kraeger??)
So, please do check in time! Alternatively, please make sure that you get a passport!

BREAKING NEWS......

.....WE ARE ONLINE (although more info and links to come)!!
Stay tuned for me updates to the site. N&S x
www.natashaandstefan.com

Be on the look out....

.....Our save the dates are in the post!

Blooming Marvellous

Maybe I got inspired by the beautiful branches that Stefan had got me for my arrival home last week (see above), or maybe it was the thought of warmer times when the flowers start to pop there heads out from a cold winter below ground... but this week I have had a flower week! I have found a lovely florist (and once she's locked in I'll share some more about her work) But it got me to thinking about the Brits and their garden obsessions.

British people as a generalisation love to garden! People take great pride in them: they nurture them, mow their lawns and pull out all the weeds and when it's not raining, they spend an awful lot of time outside enjoying them. That said, for those of you coming to visit the UK, there are many places where you can see some beautiful gardens for yourselves:

Wisley Gardens are truly beautiful. Not too far from the wedding location, Wisley has a massive range of plant, fruit, tree and herb life. Plus it has a huge cathedral like glass house.

Another place that I love is Hampton Court Palace. Although I love it for the Palace and history as well as the gardens, it's great place to take in some English history, walk along the Thames and try not to get lost in the maze there! Hampton Court is just on the edge of London and accessible by train both from London and from Woking.

... and while on the subject of flowers, thank you to Pola (one of my bridesmaids) for the beautiful flowers you gave me last night. They've really cheered up our apartment.

Welcome to Woking

Trains in the UK are a great way to get around. Woking (home town of Gorse Hill) has a large station that can take you to lots destinations across the country. There is also many, many trains that run to and from London daily. The ride takes about 30 minutes depending on whether you get the non-stop train or the stopping train. Woking is also really easy to get to from Heathrow airport, either via London on the train, or by the Rail Air bus service... all of which will be posted on our website once up and running!

The above picture was taken last Tuesday a few hours before the snow fell across the whole of the UK. Although grey, welcome to Woking friends!!

Gorse in the snow

The UK saw it's worst snow in many many years this past week....

However, it looked pretty beautiful, especially when I went to Gorse Hill on Friday.

(it made me think that a winter wedding would also be nice!)

The snow came over my boots, the trees looked like they had cotton wool in the branches and even the Magnolia buds had frozen! Bbbrrrrr...Keep warm wherever you are!