The best day of my life: Part II

Afternoon, 

Continued ...

It was already dark when I left my nail appointment. At nearly 7pm I was already an hour late for meeting the florist at the church and I still had to go and grab something for breakfast the following morning, pick up Miss Hackney and get back home to finish off Mr. Warehouse's final wedding gift, which I shan't disclose here as it is now going to be a Christmas present and by the time I got home at 8pm I thought fuck it I can't be arsed to finish it off and if I start it I won't stop until it's finished and I wanted a fairly early night. So when we arrived home back to the house I shared with Mr. Warehouse and our Doggo's the last thing I had in mind was eating or sharing a bottle of champers as Miss Hackney had suggested as she tucked into her pie and chips from the local chippy. It was coming up to nine and I was ready for bed. 

And so for once I declined the Friday night Prosecco and headed to the sheets. Showing Miss Hackney the bathroom and making sure she had everything she needed (although I did end up forgetting to get her a duvet for her night on the sofa) I settled down with the pooches in my marital bed, watched some murderous true-crime YouTube videos, and was asleep by about 10pm. Waking the following morning I couldn't sleep. Unlike normal, I awoke at 6am and couldn't get back to sleep. I was wide awake. I stayed like that for a good couple of hours, maybe drifting in and out of sleep, but mainly awake and thinking about what the day will bring before I am back with my head on a pillow, only next time it will be in a plush central Bedford hotel suite overlooking the River Ouse. But oh there was so much to come before then. Soon after waking, I could hear my phone buzzing. Zzz, Zzzz, Zzzzz. I knew it was Mrs. Tweedle Dumb. 

"You should be asleep," I messaged her, to which her reply was "Well so should you but I can't sleep, and neither can you for the excitement". It was true. More than anything I was just excited. Excited to see my fiance. Excited to see everyone. Excited to finally be able to enjoy all of my hard work with spreadsheets and payments and GoogleDocs from the last three years. I couldn't wait anymore. At 7am I messaged Miss Hackney from upstairs wanting to not disturb her if she was still sleeping. By 8am I could wait no longer and so headed down as quietly as possible. By the time I reached the couch, our little dog had already pounced on my Maid of Honour, probably forcing her from any sleep she was enjoying. 

Within an hour I was in hair and make-up, sat in my bridal pyjamas, having my hair curled and put up as we had planned. I had feebly attempted to eat some spiced Christmas jam on toast and only really managed a few bites, maybe half a slice at most. My mug of coffee too was still half drunk by the time the Make-up Artist arrived too. Soon enough the door was going every couple of minutes. In time, my mother-in-law and her boyfriend turned up with their dog (Frankenstein's sister). Confirming the details of the day she seemed confused and panic set in. 

"So you are to come to the church with our dogs for the family photos, yeah?" I confirmed with the boyfriend one last time "because I have cancelled the other people and companies that we had quotes from because you said several weeks ago you could do it". He nodded and agreed it would be no problem, bidding us farewell as he made himself scarce for a few hours before the ceremony. "OK see you in a few hours with our gorgeous fur babies," I said as I waved him off. The final few hours of Bridal Prep were leisurely paced as I flitted from MUA to the door and back again. Photographers, Videographers, Florist, Visitors and well-wishers. It was a busy morning, but we still had plenty of time to cram in a couple of bottles of Prosecco. 

Soon enough though it was time to get ready. For real this time. Stepping into my dress and with the help of my Mother-In-Law and Miss Hackney as my Maid of Honour, I became a bride. As I dialled Mrs Tweedle Dumb's number in Los Angeles I was nervous for her to get the first look. She was the first person ever to see me in all my get-up. All morning I prayed that she would be my next knock at the door. Alas it was only to be via WhatsApp video call but at least this was better than nothing at all. But then in a flash, the car was outside and it was time to step out into the fresh Autumnal sunshine. Walking out I saw my Dad turn and shed a tear with an accompanying smile. I was pleased that after everything we had been through that he was here, now, to take me to my Groom. As my Maid of Honour, Mother-In-Law and my Dad's Wife left for the church I headed indoors one last time to lock up and say one last see you soon to the dogs. I would only be seeing them again in an hour or so, but it still felt like something I should say goodbye for. Stepping into the wedding car I was excited and couldn't wait for my life to finally begin. I had expected the talk of "Are you sure you want to do this because it really isn't too late you know," to come from my Dad, but there wasn't, probably because he knew as well as I did that this was right for me. 

Standing at the church, blue skies and white fluffy clouds I had everything I could possibly want or need. Everything was just right. Perfect you might even say. As my father took my arm and we listened intently to what the reverend said I was excited to know that in just a few moments I would be seeing my husband. In just a few seconds I would be walking down the aisle, the one thing that has kept me going in my darkest of moments. In just a few minutes I would officially be changing my name and committing myself into marriage for the rest of my days. In just a few hours I would be leaving one family and joining another. 

"Are you ready to do this?" My father turned and asked me as Miss Hackney straightened me out and adjusted my veil over my face. Excitedly I quietly squeaked - Yes!

Walking into the church, organ starting to play my Dad and I walked through the huge archway and to the top of the aisle. As Dad went to step forward, I pulled him sharply back into alignment with me. I wanted to take it all in. I wanted to watch, look out and see all the faces and people who had joined us. I wanted to bask in this glory forever. I had thought of this moment at every difficult turn and twist in my life. Every evening on the bus home from college after I was kicked out of my family home, losing everything; I thought about that moment. Every time I broke down after yet another mean and hurtful phone call from my mother; I thought about that moment. Every night I cried myself to sleep from heartache following the break-down in my relationship with Mr. Workaholic; I thought about that moment. I thought about that moment and how sweet it would taste; How glorious it would feel knowing that all is right with the world. I made it. And there was my Husband, waiting, waiting for me. 

As the sun shone in through the medieval windows stained with biblical scenes and angels, tears began to fall from my cheeks as I became overwhelmed with emotion. It was then that I said out loud; "Ready" Stepping forward as I did so. It was second's really, maybe even milliseconds but it was something I am honestly so SO glad I did. Descending down the aisle I was slow and methodically stepping, as I had pretended to do so as a child with Mrs Tweedle Dumb and Miss Tweedle Dee. Fat tears were now rolling down my face as I desperately tried to compose myself. Soon enough I was there, standing next to my groom and noticing that he too had been and was now in fits of tears, although he will claim it was hayfever. 

The ceremony went beautifully, far more emotional and special and magical and personal than I could have ever hoped for or dreamt in my head. My new husband and I had to pause a few times throughout just to take it all in. This was especially so as we took a moment and stopped singing in our last song/hymn to listen, surrounded by the choir and hearing the backing vocals of our family and friends we simply took in the emotion behind the words we had chosen from Disney's Tangled OST, I See The Light:

And at last I see the light

And it's like the fog has lifted

And at last I see the light

And it's like the sky is new

And it's warm and real and bright

And the world has somehow shifted

All at once everything is different

Now that I see you ... 

Exiting the church as the bells rang out I looked up to the clear daylight. Searching the grounds of the church, however, I soon fixed my eyes on something that was not so perfect. There was my Mother-in-Laws Boyfriend standing a distance away so as to keep separate from the wedding guests due to his health complaints and risk of COVID, but with him was one dog, and it wasn't mine. It was his. He had failed to bring our fur-babies, our own little family, to greet us at the church. I was heartbroken. I felt so sad, knowing that in all of our wedding pictures there would be none of them. When they have both crossed over the rainbow bridge, it will be like they never even existed on our wedding day. Nothing. Admittedly he apologized at the time, but by then the damage was done. I was stood there in my dress and Mr Warehouse in his suit, I could hardly have kicked off. We can never get them back. We can never recreate that moment or what those images would have been. Never. I was, still am, devastated. 

We carried on with the day, enjoying a long and leisurely drive from the church to our reception venue at Stagsden Village hall where we were met by all of our wonderful friends and family. Petting and cuddling the farm animals we had hired as guest entertainment I was satisfied that people would be talking about our wedding for years to come. Goats, bunnies, Chicken's and a Pony, I bet you couldn't find another wedding like mine. Sitting to eat we roared with laughter and sometimes welled up as we listened to the lovely words and cracking jokes in the speeches. But as the night began to darken, and the daylight gave way to the moon I was sad that it was nearly over. Within moments we were cutting the cake and what feels like seconds later I was rick-rolling my Dad during the father-daughter dance (which came after my first dance with my new husband to which I yet again cried mostly throughout it all). 

All in a blink of an eye Mr Warehouse and I had swapped out doing shots of Tequila Rose, Cha-Cha-Sliding on the dancefloor and having sentimental moments outside with the likes of Mr CWG (basically thanking him since he was the whole reason we were all here today) and we were in the back f our white London Taxi Cab waving goodbye to our guests, off to Bedford's Mercure Hotel for our mini-moon and a few nights of wedded bliss before heading back to reality. Well at least until next week when we can submerse ourselves in newly-wedded bliss again as we head off on honeymoon! Egypt here we come!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

The best day of my life: Part I

Good evening, 

Did you miss me? Sorry for not posting last week, unfortunately I had come down with a terrible cold and was feeling super ill. I am almost certain that this time last week I was in bed by the time I am writing this now. 

So I will start from the beginning. The days following my Hen Do / Bachelorette weekend were agony and sore. Full of aches and pains I was still recovering as the sun shone down I arrived for my bridal shower, excited and looking forward to seeing everyone. The day went wonderfully with everyone looking beautiful and enjoying a lovely afternoon of crafts and creative fun with flower arranging and afternoon tea. I was sad that Mrs Tweedle-Dumb couldn't be there and I probably should have bought some more prosecco as it disappeared waaay too quickly (I have no idea as to why?!) but alas we had a lovely time and everyone's arrangements came out looking slightly different from the last but all looking beautiful. I think I may have even convinced some people to join me and my Nanny Pumpkin for what I hope may even be a yearly traditional Christmas wreath making. 

In the final few days before the wedding Mr Warehouse and I felt a wave of calm wash over me, that and maybe the flu-meds were kicking in. I had the perfect run up to our big day as I had hoped. Early in the week me and the now husband watched telly, curled up on the sofa with the dogs, cosy and under the warmth of blankets with an Autumnal candle burning in the background. A scene far from what my father had predicated and pictured following his own wedding. in 2019  But I prided myself on my planning skills and because I had been so organised and prepped, we had time for what was important to us, even if that was EastEnders and some cheeky choccies. 

Wednesday I finished work at midday, heading off for my afternoon errands, although not before I was stopped leaving the office and instead handed a bottle of fizz and a wedding card from the guys and gals in the office. A sweet thank you for inviting them and congratulations on finally getting hitched. It's strange, I sort of always imagined myself leaving one of my other office jobs to go off and get married but no, it was this one. My colleagues were lovely and I was looking forward to seeing them on Saturday night, and for them to probably not have me in their earholes every five-minutes about wedding stuff blah blah blah. 

Pulling up for my eyelash appointment I was surprised when not only did she tell me she didn't have me in for a full set (I had been incorrectly booked in for an infill) but I was also told that they cant d it due to needing a patch test 24-hours beforehand. Great! So after shuffling a few things around I was able to secure an appointment the following day. But oh but the following day was not going to be easy or slow at all. 

Thursday saw us 48-hours out from our wedding day and so we started early. We had a lot to do. First on the agenda was travelling up to Peterborough, approx an hour and a bit journey to drop off all our passport information. We had an 8am appointment so it was an early start, earlier than we normally get up for work. But it had to be done and if we wanted that Honeymoon in the Caribbean then we needed to get them renewed. Short stop off at Momma Warehouse's in the Cambridgeshire countryside to drop off her dress for the wedding and then back to Bedford for Mr Warehouse's barber's appointment, a spot of shopping and some lunch. Picking up the cast iron post box on the way home and swapping cars I headed off for my newly arranged eyelash appointment. Whizzing home afterwards I had just about enough time to pack up the cars ready for setting up the hall the following day before popping across the road to a lady who tidied up my eyebrows. 

At 6pm we arrived at church ready for the rehearsal. I was shattered. Truth be told the eyelash lady said I had fallen asleep during my appointment several times so it looks like I won't be going back there again. I was flustered and flapping. It was now just over a day left and we still hadn't arranged or organised the live feed from the church for my American friends and Mr Warehouse's eldest brother and his family who were still self-isolating due to fucking COVID. Rehearsal over and done with I was excited and a lot clearer and happier with how things were going to roll. 

Waking Friday morning and making the bed, I realised the next time I crept into there I would be spending my last night sleeping as a Miss. We had still so much left to do. Balloons to fill with helium, flowers to pick up for the cake and my god a whole effing hall to decorate. The day was long and after having to cancel my massage appointment and pushing back my nail lady by an hour we were done. Standing outside the hall I was excited and nervous and a little scared all at the same time as I said farewell to my fiance. The last time I would ever call him that for the next time I saw him I would be at the top of our aisle with all of our friends and families around us. Waving out of the window of our cars, we split, driving in separate directions but within a few short hours we would be reunited, this time as Husband and Wife. To be continued ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Cluck, Cluck!

Morning Everyone, 

After finishing a busy day at work there wasn't enough time to hang around and chat with colleagues at the end of the week. I was off. I had a Hen weekend to get to. With my bags already packed for night number two in Milton Keynes, complete with toothbrush, Jammies, and my HURR Collective rental, the Ivory SELKIE Puff Ball Dress, I was certainly glad of getting my hair done on my lunch break. Yes a bit bouji, but when I had to get home, changed, make-up done and over to Kempston, all within an hour. Safe to say even with my hair done and outfit ready for the first night out of the weekend I was pushed for time and didn't rock up until gone 6.20pm. What is going on? I have no effing idea. All I know is that it is going to be a weekend of debauchery and naughtiness, and maybe a few willie straws thrown in for good measure!

Friday evening was started with strongly poured drinks, pic's for the gram, and a good catch-up with my old work colleagues. Being handed a huge blow-up doll (with no appendage), a sash, and a veil I was super excited. Taxi booked we soon were taking the party to a posh restaurant within a four-star hotel in Bedford. Pen & Cob, is the Swan Hotel's on-site British Brasserie, offering freshly prepared dishes throughout the day. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, the selection of seasonal dishes were superb with most of them locally sourced, where possible. 

On their website, they state "We make sure our dishes are sourced from suppliers which have superb reputations for producing the highest quality meats and products. Such as working closely with Stickleback fish suppliers in Welham Green to ensure Pen & Cob has the pick of the market as soon as the boats come in." Soon enough though we headed to a few bars for cocktails and some more chatting shit about life before hitting the dancefloor's to dance the night away. 

As midnight approached a few of the girls left, dropping off as the night went on. By the time I knew it I was stood in The Standard at like 2am and I had a Jagerbomb in my hand. I knew this was wrong. I knew I shouldn't have done it. If truth be told, I felt a little pressured into it as the tubby man in a waistcoat and pocket watch (Yes I know - He claimed he was a "music producer" but seemingly the only musicians he could produce from his Instagram were a bunch of old drunks trying to relive their youth, his words not mine?!). The moment it rolled over my lips and into my mouth I regretted my decision and my lack of firmness in refusing it. 

Within seconds I looked at my old work colleague and I think she knew. I made my excuses that I needed to "make a call" and desperately tried to contain myself as I could feel the German drink slipping further down my body. I knew I only had mere moments before this bad boy was visiting my mouth for the second time. Just as I pushed my way into the ladies' bathroom, some girls congratulated me on my Hen Do but I couldn't reply. My drink had arrived. Again. Stumbling into one of the stalls it came up entirely and instantly I felt better. 

An hour or so later with just the two of us girls still standing and the blow-up man waining we decided to call it a night, although unbeknownst to me we had already made it mostly the whole night as it was 3am and kicking out time for most places. Heading to where Mr. Warehouse normally picks me up, there he was,, my knight in a shining silver car. After dropping my friend off, the future Hubby drove me over to Milton Keynes where I met a sleepy Miss Hackney at the AirBnB we had booked for my Hen weekend. Falling into bed I was shattered and within hours I would be back at it again. 

Saturday was started with Melon and Mango and a freshen up under the waterfall/rain shower. With mostly Mr. Warehouse's family turning up around 1pm we played some games to get to know one another (maybe a little too well) before heading off to our first activity. Arriving at the school setting, I must say it didn't give off immediate hen party vibes. It was still chucking it down with rain as it had been all morning and after being told that it was an adults sports day organized I was concerned as none of us had come dressed for outdoor weather. We all laughed as we joked that we couldn't possibly be doing it out in that weather, that was until we realized that the poor Uni-Student wasn't laughing. He was deadly serious. 

Marching straight up to the reception Miss Hackney nearly unleashed all her Shoreditch-Shit on this bloke, demanding he either found us somewhere inside to do the games or refund us everything. Suddenly there was a dance studio free. We all piled in and just as we did the rain had knocked out the power, leaving us in a darkened room. But this didn't dampen our spirits as we chugged down our mini bottles of rose and donned sweatbands, twerking and limbo-ing our way through the afternoon before heading back to the apartment to get ready for the night-time fun!

Unbeknownst to me, we were due to be doing cocktail making and then a nice meal before heading off to the clubs of MK but after the cocktail making and meal had fallen through as the venue had an outbreak of COVID, Miss Hackney had a job of finding something to take its place. That is when she stumbled upon Bistro Live. With the entire night taken care of and all under one legendary roof, I can see why. After a tasty meal, our night was jam-packed with fun from 7pm all the way through to the early hours, all accompanied by the attentive team looking after our every need, there was no queuing at the bar for drinks and much more time to party! And because it is the world-famous Bistro Live we were even allowed to dance on tables and chairs, grinding and groaning the night away all in the knowledge that the thighs that hurt from the Adult P.E Session earlier were going to be even worse tomorrow morning.

Waking Sunday morning and checking out of the AirBnB was hard. Not because there was no life and we had tonnes of stuff. Not because Miss Hackney was absolutely hanging out her arse. Not because we had to tidy up the place from the night before. But because I knew it was over. That was it. My Hen Do. All done. Finished. Over. No More. I was sad. I think I have Hen-Do-Blues. Is that a thing? Well, at least I can say I had an incredible weekend and all thanks to some amazing friends who pulled through for me when others hadn't. I enjoyed every moment of it and drank so much I am surprised I could remember where I was let alone who I was getting married to. All in all a great weekend with great company. At least I can still say I can hack two nights out on the Trott, and if anything I could have probably even managed a third! Roll on the wedding!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

As the weeks turn into days ...

Heyy Everyone, 

Back and well-rested, sort of, from our trip to Skeggy last weekend, Mr Warehouse and I have been thrown in at the deep end of full-throttle wedding planning.

First things first - The caterers! As of Thursday of last week, over a fortnight on from our original caterers basically bailing on us and pulling out of our wedding and still, there had been no contact made. After having yet to receive a reply to my countless voicemails or emails or phone calls, I sent a final email. Whilst I have tried to understand the compromising position they must be in, my sympathy and empathy were wading and after absolutely no communication AT ALL Mr. Warehouse and I wanted our money back. 

Multiple discussions with friends and family all scrabbling around to help, I am not alone in believing that this is highly unprofessional. Whilst gratefully we have found other caterers now who have basically matched identically what we were quote from the old company (if you can even call them that), I am still pissed off at their absolute lack of communication and seemingly professional or sympathetic approach to our situation.

With optimism running high, and just over 4-weeks to go I am honestly so freakin' excited. I think that the public knows that Prime Minister Boris Johnson can't really go back on his word yet again U-turning. Most recently COVID has not been at the top of the news bulletins. The troubles and unrest in Afghanistan, wildfires, and commemorations for the September 11th terror attacks have all been higher on the media's agenda than this damned virus. In recent weeks, it has even been reported that we have had many days where there have been zero COVID-related deaths.

However, all is not in the clear as the BBC has confirmed today (on Monday 13 September 2021) that whilst still, low numbers are creeping up. The numbers today are only sixty-one. A huge difference from what we were seeing several months ago and the vaccine roll-out really has been our savior. Despite the new Indian variant labeled the Delta Coronavirus, 89% of people aged 16 and over in the UK have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and more than 80% have had their second. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson lifted all legal restrictions in England in July but has urged the public to remain cautious and vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, saying the pandemic was not over. BoJo is due this week, tomorrow I think, to unveil his plans for Autumn/Winter 2021 on how we can survive this winter period "living with Covid" and not overwhelming the NHS. The BBC continuing with their report, all those aged 16 and over can now get a Covid vaccine, as well as children with underlying health conditions who are aged 12 and above. 

Controversially the government's Chief Medical Officers recently recommended that all children aged 12 to 15 should be offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, which was in stark contrast to some of the things which were coming from Westminster previously, with the government's vaccine committee had said there was not enough benefit to warrant it on health grounds alone, but that ministers may wish to take other factors into account. I think considering the situation and the roll-out of the flu-jab being given to more and more of the population this year than ever before as well as a COVID top-up, the BBC's article confirming that the Chief Medical Officers suggest that given the virus is set to keep spreading over winter, vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds would give the best chance for face-to-face education to continue with the least disruption. I just hope everything stays true and we can finally get hitched!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

A Catering Crisis

Evening Everyone, 

With the last few weekends either spent relaxing in a spa & dancing the night away or riddled with anxiety that my future husband is out in Birmingham somewhere having lapdance's and who knows what else I was ready to have a more relaxed and laid back approach to wedding planning this weekend. Being a bank holiday in the UK, Mr. Warehouse and I had planned a productive weekend in which we would meet with most if not all of the remaining suppliers and vendors for our big day.

Saturday I treated Mr. Warehouse to breakfast at my favorite place in Bedford, Cibo Deli. Opening earlier this year, Cibo Deli and Kitchen takes a modern and contemporary approach whilst harnessing their passion for food and Italian heritage. Offering a diverse range of freshly made artisan sandwiches and locally sourced produce including quality cheeses, cured meats, dried pasta, and gorgeous wine from the deli, but let's be fair the only reason I'm going it for the Cibo breakfast club on the weekends. Entirely unique to Bedford and offering a range of naughty but nice treats the cinnamon french toast with fresh yogurt and black cherries is my absolute win!

After which we hung out with my future brother and sister-in-law's before heading to see the florist. Again, as before, she made us feel comfortable and at ease with everything, positive that this would be the last and final occasion we would have to postpone. It is always a bitter-sweet feeling when people say that as I feel as though I can't quite believe them as at any point it could and has changed with enforced government lockdowns happening almost on a minute-by-minute basis last year. But she seemed upbeat and was helpful in narrowing down what we wanted and what would be possible within our budget as well as what would be in season.

Sunday was the bar which again made us feel super at ease with their level of professionalism. They came across very well and seemed confident in being able to handle aunties that had too much or uncles that wanted "just another one Jagerbomb". We agreed that Tequila Rose just HAS to be on the menu and that we would come up with some ideas on cocktails and other drinks to include behind the bar. Arrival drinks were decided as well as location and set up requirements. On leaving the meeting at our local Garden Centre yesterday I felt confident and excited about our upcoming nuptials. Nothing was going to get in the way now! Or would it ...?

Waking this morning Mr Warehouse had a lazy morning in bed, playing with the dogs, scrolling through social media and watching telly. Soon enough though we were on the road again to another one of my fave places for brunch, The Cherry Tree at Olney. Overlooking the main high street lined with boutique shops and cute cafes, the stunning Grade II listed building is the heart of the village and directly opposite the famous market square. Named after the Olney Cherry Fair it dating back to the 14th century, a time when the town produced a large, annual, commercial cherry crop from the vast orchards that surrounded the area.

Seating ourselves after following the waiting staff to the table I was excited for my fiance to try this place with me. After placing our food order and awaiting the arrival of our caterers (who should be arriving in less than an hour) Mr. Warehouse asked if the bar had sent through the menu or price list for the drinks since we had requested it yesterday. Pulling up my phone and my emails I began to scroll through to check. To my horror, I found something very unexpected:

Good Morning, I am contacting you regarding your catering for the 16th October 2021. We have this weekend had some devastating news, which will unfortunately not allow us to be able to cater for your event. We are deeply sorry to let you both down, however, one of our team will not be in a well enough position to cater. Her treatment plan has been set out over the coming months and put us in a position we never imagined. We do have your deposit, and we would like to return it to you as soon as possible, if you could kindly send me the details of the account it needs to be made out to, we can arrange for it to be paid. We obviously are heartbroken not to be able to help on your big day, we know you've waited a long time, and got through the pandemic, and had a few date changes. We know it leaves you in a panic, but we can recommend a few caterers that could be available for you, and that will be able to supply the same menu and support. We can understand your disappointment and possible annoyance, but our team's health now becomes my priority, she was up until yesterday adamant she would be well enough to still go ahead, and I have had to overrule her. If you could let me have the details ASAP, I'd be really grateful. Kind regards.

I had barely got to the end of the first sentence before Mr. Warehouse had taken the phone from me and read it for himself. There we were about to meet our caterers and this is what we got. No phone call. No text. No prior warning, considering we were both driving to this place conveniently halfway between the two of us. Nothing. Absolutely sweet Fuck All.

I was pissed. Whilst I could sympathize and emphasize with their situation which must be difficult, if this was the case then plans should not have been made to meet us, which were only set in stone at the beginning of last week. I had been in contact with these people for years and certainly, in recent months, weeks and days, no one had suggested anything other than what we had signed the contract for. Completely unprofessional to not call ahead or speak directly in order to explain the situation and firing off an email less than an hour before we were meant to meet is unacceptable, regardless of the situation.

Fuming I tried to call but, of course, I couldn't get through, more likely than not that they had screened my calls considering I was trying to contact them a mere ten minutes before they were meant to show up. I had no choice but to reply to the cold email:

I have just tried to call you but unfortunately not been able to reach you. Whilst we appreciate the email that has been sent I really don't think this is good enough. We have just arrived and seated ourselves at the table ready for our meeting only to then discover this email. At no point have we had a phone call or anything, despite being in contact with you very regularly over the last few months and weeks. I appreciate your predicament and sympathize with your situation however I really think this is highly professional and I expect a phone call today at some point to discuss this matter further. Regards

Over nine hours later and still no reply either to the email or the voicemail left simply reinforcing their unprofessionalism and inability to unbury their heads in the sand. I may seem like a bitch for being like this and feeling this way but they have not even done the leg work in finding another company to cater for us, just giving us a list of names that are all either unavailable or too pricey. Despite the clear health issues or problems they are facing which I totally understand, I am now left in a position where I have no food, cutlery, plates, evening catering or basic structure for my wedding day. This is not a birthday party or baby shower or some fucking fun day - THIS IS MY WEDDING DAY!!!

Right now I feel completely deflated. I haven't been able to stomach anything since then and even a crisis meeting with my Dad earlier only seemed to make things worse by compounding the fact that with less than seven-FUCKING-weeks to go everywhere is either fully booked and unavailable or are extortionate. What I do now I don't know, but by next week I am sure there will be more tea to spill ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

What happens on Stag ...

Afternoon All, 

Last weekend I indulged in a relaxing weekend of spa's, supper, and shots, but now it was the Stag's turn. Talk was established early on, as it normally is about the stag do and hen do, and Mr. Warehouse and I were no exception. The future Hubby has never really been the centre of attention and so having him being the limelight was his idea of his worst nightmare. So when his older brother (who gets hitched just four weeks before we do) suggested a joint one. Considering that they would have literally been inviting all the same friends and family, it made sense. It also meant the pressure was off of one brother or the other and hopefully would be distributed evenly the pranks and stitch-ups.

And so the moment soon came round as Mr. Warehouse packed up his suitcase with fresh creps and clobber. I was pleased we had even just reached this stage of wedding planning to the point he can enjoy his stag do. It meant that we were a little closer to our special day. Sadly though the relaxing nature of our girls away weekend the week before would not necessarily be happening as there was plenty of DIYs and wedding stationery that needed doing.

I can't lie though, I was a little anxious about my fiance heading off for a boys weekend jam-packed with activities. A typical stag-do of course meant a trip to a strip joint or gentleman's club, of which there is actually a difference (Mr Warehouse explained it as plainly as a strip joint is just that whereas a gentleman's club you can pay for "extras"), still not making me feel any easier about the plans. But I didn't want him to worry or think I was being a psycho bitch of a future wifey, so I tried in-vain to play it cool.

A BuzzFeed article written by an American called James details it perfectly, and most of it seems odd to him and he's a yank. Aside's from the obvious it was quite a good read, but I feel as though some things were just not touched upon. The dressing up - OK yeah I get it. The pranks, dare's and rowdy drunken behaviour - Fair enough. But I don't think it told the whole story of what actually happens on a stag do's. Cosmo to the rescue! The article from the popular women's magazine details that just the mentioning of the words 'stag weekend' and brides to be are filled with fear. But it's not just the girls about to tie the knot who worry – it's any girl whose man is set to disappear for the weekend to celebrate their mate's last night of freedom.

One brave guy, unnamed in the article detailed how he ended up going to a strip club. "I don't know the reason behind why we went, but I guess it's what most stag dos end up doing. Unless the stag is a doctor, it'll be the last time he'll see a woman – other than his wife to be naked." Claiming that not a lot actually happened when in the strip club (a likely story I think not young sir!) the mystery man concluded simply by confirming what women already know; That most men are lazy stating that the "lap dancers spoke to us, trying to get us to have a private dance but I just think guys like going because they know that girls will flirt with them and they don't have to try even though they know the girls are only doing it for the money."

I don't mind Mr. Warehouse going to strip clubs or seeing boobs or fannies. but what I draw a line at is being unfaithful. I suppose for me, in my heart of hearts I knew my other half would never do anything like that, it still didn't stop me from wondering or having thoughts about what would happen if he did and what life would be like in the aftermath. Even despite me being very secure in my relationship and not the needy, insecure, or self-conscience type that (usually because of poor treatment from other men and relationships) needs the constant reassurance and compliments of their partner, I still had a wobble and a few times had to check in to know we're OK as a couple - And maybe to remind my Beau of how good he has it here!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.