Princess Prep for Sarah & Aubrey

Aubrey (along with her mum and brother!) have arrived in London!!!

We are staying in Primrose Hill which happens to be one of my (Sarah's) favorite areas of London.  It's quaint, pretty and the houses are pink, yellow and blue.  As Aubrey says "It's like we landed in a fairytale".

And fairytales were the subject of the day.  Our first segment of this special series was with Princess Prep's founder, royal-expert Jerramy Fine.

Jerramy is an ex-pat American who has called London home for the past 12 years.  We fell in love with this fascinating and inspiring woman.

She grew up with very hippie parents in small town Colorado.  Jerramy always dreamt of a land far far away - in merry old England.  She also dreamt of someday meeting a prince and living happily every after as a princess.

Jerramy with her parents

Well, some of that came true.  She lives in merry old England with her husband, who may not be actual royalty, but is a prince nonetheless.

Jerramy's princess wedding at Hampton Court Palace

Anyhoo, Aubs and I had already prejudged this Princess Prep idea.  A camp for girls to become princesses?  Aren't we already living in a culture of entitlement?

But after talking with this extremely well-spoken lady, we realized her Princess Prep overnight stay for girls is not about stomping your feet to get your way.

It's about high values, always staying true to yourself and being of service to others.  Just like real-life princesses such as Diana or our Disney favorites like Belle.

Jerramy taught us princess decampment/departure/de-something.  I forget the word.  Basically, it's about carrying oneself with grace.  We practiced with books on our heads.  Then we learned how to curtsy and properly drink tea.

Surprisingly, most of these things (like not slurping) should be taught in every home.  But then again we live in a world where Jersey Shore is the highest rated show and Kim Kardashian is famous . . .

Here's to all of you finding your inner princess - whatever that means to you!

- The Bride aka SARAH (which just happens to mean 'princess')

PS  You can read up on being a princess in Jerramy's book Someday My Prince Will Come available on Amazon

Day One in London

I (Sarah) have come earlier than Aubrey to get things sorted (erm, or to get over jet lag and drink Pimm's?) and am so happy to be here!!!

London is one of my most favorite cities in the world.  Right now the city is getting a very unusual spurt of springtime warmth and sunshine - 27 degrees!  To add to that, Londoners have an extended holiday due to Easter and the Royal Wedding.  Therefore, the sun-filled streets are full of jovial drinkers spilling out of pubs and wine bars, happy parents pushing their prams along sidewalks, and sunbathers lounging in all the parks.

With wisteria dripping off of stone houses and lilacs blooming all around, I definitely have a spring in my step.  It's so wonderful to be here!!

The town is also getting ready for the Royal Wedding.  EVERYONE and EVERYTHING is in the general spirit.  Union Jack bunting hangs over streets and in pubs, all the windows are full of Kate and Will paraphernalia and there is a general sense of celebration. 

I can't wait for my buddy to be here with me.  Aubrey has only been to London when she was 5!!  I know she will be on the prowl for Prince Harry (I kept my eyes peeled today but no luck).  I did however spot a Kate Middleton worthy red dress that I may just have to go back and try on .  . .

On The Road To the Royal Wedding

This season we are fortunate to be able to start off with a bang:  The Royal Wedding!

Obviously we couldn't let an event like this pass us by, so we of course have to go to London.

But first we have to help our viewers throw their own Royal Party!  Today we shot our first segment of the season at the amazing Fairmont Pacific Rim.  They always treat us like royalty at this hotel, and today was no different! 

Photos Courtesy of Fairmont

Pacific Rim exterior

Pacific Rim afternoon tea

View of Vancouver harbor from Pacific Rim

Pacific Rim Room

We even met Candice from the Savoy - we can't wait to have drinks at the American Bar next week on the Strand!  And maybe stay in a super posh room :)

Photos Courtesy of Fairmont

Room we would like to stay in

Savoy tea room

Todd, a mixologist extraordinaire, started us off with a classic Pimm's Cup #1 which happens to be one of my favorites.  On April 29th, the Pacific Rim will serve their very own homemade homage to Pimm's:  an oak barrel aged mix of gin, bitters and some house secrets to give the Royal cocktail a unique flavor.

If we weren't going to be in London, we would definitely be spending the night here! For only $319 you can stay in one of their gorgeous suites, view the Royal Wedding from their plush and private theatre, and, of course, drink Pimm's!

Next we talked to Elsa Corsi from  Jeweliette who has become famous with her vintage inspired gorgeous jewellery.  We felt like princesses wearing sparkly tiaras!

And finally no princess, or Wedding Belles, party is complete without beautiful gowns.  Blush Occasions to the rescue!

We had to be ready for our photo shoot with Ellen at Hong Photography!

Not to mention all the cool Royal stuff I have been collecting!  Fascinators from Miss Ruby Sue, a tea towel (but not the one your grandma had!) from Claudia Pearson, and 'I prefer Harry/William' necklaces from Tea Please.

Miss Ruby Sue for Brooklyn and Sarah!

Miss Ruby Sue for little princesses

Miss Ruby Sue for women

Tea Please on Etsy

Claudia Pearson on Etsy

If you can't come to London with us, or the Pacific Rim - don't fret!!!

Grab your closest gal pals, some of your best PJ's and head to your local liquor store for your very own bottle of Pimm's!  In England, if you are throwing a Royal Wedding Street party and plan to serve Pimm's, the company will sponsor it!  We'd love to know if they are honoring that across the Pond - want to try and find out?

Never made Pimm's?  It's easy!  All you need is a bottle of Pimm's (usually found near the gin), some sprite, ginger ale, lemon juice, and garnishes of cucumber, mint and orange.  Urm, I tend to guess the amounts.  But I usually put a tad more Pimm's than probably necessary.  I have ended up under the summer table thanks to Pimm's!

Check out recipes here

And if you need that oh so important fascinator, you should be able to find them in your local accessory store.  With Miss Middleton setting the trend, we're pretty sure they will be all around by the end of the year!  If not, write to missrubysue@gmail.com and she will custom design one for you!

Of course, the most important part of watching the Royal Wedding is setting that darn alarm clock!  The show starts at 1AM PST.  Aubrey and I will be Facebooking from the streets - so feel free to ask us questions and send your comments as you watch the big event!!

Cheerio!

The Bride

PS And if you are in Victoria - GO TO THE EMPRESS!  They have a Royal MONTH!  Including a wonderful night  with full English Breakfast and then a tea picnic on the lawns on Saturday to listen to the Queen's speech

One of our First

In case you missed our first season, here is one of our earliest segments!

Wedding dresses are the first thing on a bride's mind!

On the Eve of Season Two!

Last year, we had such a GREAT first season and met so many great wedding pros!

We laughed, learned A LOT, and wore quite a few wedding dresses!

We thought it couldn't get better, but Season Two is shaping up to be an incredible year!

Firstly, this season I finally get married!  On June 28th, I get to say 'I do' to my amazing fiance under the Tuscan Sun.

My wedding might be the wedding of the century for me, but the wedding that is getting all the press right now is that of Wills & Kate.

Yet another reason why this season will be amazing!

Aubrey and I head to London next week!  Woo hoo!  Check here for daily updates and videos from the streets of London.

This year we are again teaming up with some of our favourite vendors.  From the fabulous gals at Dreamgroup, to our amazing decorator, Jeanette at DeLovely to the gorgeous dresses at Frocks, Isabelle's Bridal, and Blush Occasions. And meeting new incredibly talented vendors - but you will have to wait and see who!

Dreamgroup.ca

DeLovely Creative at Indie I Do

Frocks.ca

Isabelle's Bridal

Blush Occasions

Aubrey and I love our job and love all the people in this great community.

We look forward to coming to an aisle near you!

- Sarah