Hello you lovely lot,

I've missed you! Hope you've had a wonderful Christmas break full of family, friends and good food.

Have you got something fun and sparkly planned to ring in the new year?

Speaking of rings, perhaps you're recently engaged and flashing one very special bit of sparkle ~ if so congratulations!

Bridal Musings' Best Bits

I couldn't head into 2012 without reflecting on some of Bridal Musing's best bits so I'm sharing some of my favourite posts from just under a year filled with wedding loveliness.*

Real Weddings

Real weddings are the heart and soul of Bridal Musings.

I adore every single wedding I feature for many different reasons ~ sometimes it's due to the incredible photography, the creative details or the down right chic or uniqueness! But always it's about the love.

Here are some of the weddings that had me at ‘hello'…

13 rainbow coloured bridesmaids ~ need I say more? Photography by Laura Murray Photography

Mismatched neutral bridesmaids in boots = rustic chic farmhouse wedding perfection. Photography by GPT Photography

Quirky vintage English country garden wedding captured on film by Ashton Jean Pierre Photography

quirky vintage wedding on film by Ashton JP Photography

Have you ever seen a more chic and sophisticated couple? Photography by Christa Elyce

A unique Harry Potter themed wedding in the woods ~ I loved Michelle Chiu‘s magical Photoshop skills!

Yellow and grey mountain top wedding with breath-taking views and a school bus! Photography by Ben Blood

I fell in love with this romantic kiss at one of the most glamourous destination weddings I've ever seen! Photography by Studio 1208

bride and groom kissing in the water Studio 1208

My first Nigerian wedding ceremony feature ~ a beautiful wedding photographed by Anushe Low

I adore this laid back, beachy chic travel themed dream of a wedding ~ if Zee and I were to do it all again, we'd do it just like this! Photography by Sweet Little Photographs

Of course there was also my own wedding which I shared on these pink pages ~ that was rather special! See all my wedding posts here.

I think you'll agree they're an eclectically beautiful bunch. A true reflection of Bridal Musings and the variety of wedding styles I feature (I refuse to be pigeon holed!)

Planning Posts

~ Wondering where to start with all this wedding planning malarky? This guest post by wedding planner Jenna of Lucky Sixpence Events is a must read: The First 5 Step For Engaged Couples

~ I pondered the question ~ Just when is the right time to take off your veil?

~ Fabulous tips on choosing your bridal accessories from the lovely ladies at Dolecka

choosing your bridal accessories by Dolecka

Photo by Natalie Sternberg Photography headpiece by Dolecka

DIY Posts

Top 10 Washi Tape DIY Ideas for the modern, quirky bride

~ I had the pleasure of welcoming Anna Lee Company onto these pink pages who kindly shared some of their fantastic, budget DIY projects for all you crafty brides. My favourites include their genius clothes peg boutonnieres and their unique ornament string lights!

DIY clothes peg boutonniere

Photo and DIY by Anna Lee Company

~ I also started a regular feature BUY or DIY? (Because I figure not all brides have the time, energy or inclination to DIY and may just want to buy a ready made and hand made product instead!)

~ A seriously unique DIY idea for a meaningful, beautiful chalkboard aisle runner ~ this one got a lot of comments!

Photos by Lizelle Lotter ~ see the full post here.

Beauty Posts

~ Embrace your inner 60s siren with the bridal Bardot !

~ I played bride for the day at my Bobbi Brown bridal trial ~ read my honest review with photos

~ Boho fishtail braids were so very popular this year. I shared the best of the inspiration & tutorials on the web.

~ Bold red lipstick for the chicest of brides

Smokey Eyed Bride Tutorial by the super talented make up artist Mariam Jensen

Photo credits here

Inspiration Posts

10 Creative Ways To Incorporate Keys Into Your Wedding

~ Don't you just love it when brides embrace the statement necklace?

~ Top 10 Chic & Unique Travel Themed Wedding Ideas

~ Is this the most stylish rock the dress shoot EVER?

Photo by Jessica Janae Photography ~ see the rest of this stylish shoot here

Fun & Frolics

Wedding planning doesn't always have to be so serious!

Throughout the year I've included some light hearted relief from all the stresses of guest lists, table plans and all those big decisions:

Super Hero Themed Wedding Ideas…KAPOW!

~ Badass Wedding Invitation

~ The size of the ring is directly proportional to…

~ I pondered What would Barbie Do?

Wedding Films

I shared some amazing films on Film Club (video gallery) in 2011 but two of them stood out for me ~ they are absolute must-sees. Be sure to turn up your speakers for both!

~ A truly moving film that captures a wedding in reverse

~ An incredible, wild rock n roll wedding film

I hope you've enjoyed my round up of Bridal Musings' best bits.

Please leave me a little comment to let me know if you agree or if I've missed out your favourite post!

Have a sparkly New Year's Eve ~ here's to 2012!

See you back here on Monday 2nd January for LOTS more wedding loveliness*

Love Elizabeth x

*I probably typed ‘loveliness' far more than any other word in 2011. Sorry about that…but it's kind of stuck now!