My flashmob story

The story begins with these girls.

They are my girls. I've known them since highschool. For over twenty years. We've had our ups and downs but we've grown together, and have always been there for each other. I expect we always will be. 

We have a tradition. Well, it's fair to say we have a few. But this story is about a tradition that involves producing a personalised short film for each one of us as we get married. Each film has been different and creative, all are a tribute to the person and our friendship. The bride-to-be is kept in the dark, while the rest of us meet in secret, brainstorm, storyboard, recruit friends and family, film and edit. 

Katie was the first of us to get married. This was where it all began. We created K! True Hollywood Story which chronicled her whole life story, complete with interviews from all her nearest and dearest, plus a few surprise guests.

Amy was our resident Ranger Guide. Girl can tie a knot. She can also build an engine, wire up an electrical circuit or fix a lift. For Amy's, we filmed her Hen's event, complete with red carpet arrivals and live crosses back to a studio newsroom. It was serious, hard hitting journalism with a dose of frivolity and a sense of occasion. Much like a televised royal wedding, thus befitting a woman who both loves a good frock and is handy on the tools.

I've mentioned Mel before, here. Before she got married, we created M(el)TV. Our most ambitious project to date. We chose five of her all time favourite songs. And with the help of loads of friends and family, recorded film clips based either exactly (Beyonce, Crazy in Love) or very loosely (NKOTB, Hanging Tough) on the original version by the artist. Once we had recorded and edited the five music videos, we recorded ourselves presenting them in a music show program format. It was epic.

Since I eloped with Richard in Fiji, the girls didn't get the chance to do one for me. Little did I know that they weren't going to let me out of it that easily. It was my turn last Sunday, and they did an actual, real life flashmob! They've been working in secret for the past couple of months, rehearsing every weekend and planning every detail. It was all caught on film and is currently in the editing suite. 

BEST. EVER.

You may be wondering, why now? 

Well. It's not conventional to be sure but this coming weekend, two years after we eloped in Fiji, Richard and I are finally having our reception party. We have our reasons for the delay, but now that it's happening I'm so glad we waited. The timing is right.

We've been busy with planning and preparations over the last few months and we have one hell of a party in store for our family and friends. I can't wait and I know it's going to be a fantastic day. But because we're aiming for a relaxed, family picnic style day, I hadn't really given alot of thought to what the occasion meant to everyone else. It's really hit home for me now. They might not have been able to join us on our wedding day, but they sure as eggs are turning up to the party!

Belinda x

PS. As soon as that movie is ready to share, you can bet I'll be posting it here! A glimpse here of the flashmob in action, in case you missed it.

8/52

"A portrait of my husband and our marriage, once a week, every week, in 2013."

Richard: hanging out poolside. The Little One loves the water. She'll happily swim, splash and snorkle for hours, in any weather.

We: are planning a special family celebration next week. This photo was taken by a passerby as I was Flashmobbed this morning by Richard, friends and family. Best.Surprise.Ever. I will explain the link between these two seemingly random things in the coming weeks. Still in shock!

Participating in the 52 Portraits series led by Jodi at Che & Fidel.  You can view all of my weekly portraits by clicking on the button in the sidebar.

Belinda x

*Second portrait, photo credit: Roger Jaber (random passerby)

Sundays are the best days

Recipe for a perfect Sunday.

Sunshine.
Lunch by the water.
Jug(s) of Pimms.
Post lunch meandering.
Waffle cone chocolate icecream.

And, that guy. He's the cherry on top.

Belinda x

Indigo

 

Last weekend, I was lucky enough to steal away a for a few hours to learn an ancient art form incorporating a hue that is possibly the most universally used colour in our collective histories.

Indigo. One of the oldest blue pigments, threaded throughout our history, connecting all of us. It's a colour I instantly link to the Mayans, the Romans, the Egyptians. It's blue denim, it's ocean shores.

With the lovely and talented textile designer and artist Joanna Fowles at the helm, our small class donned our aprons and gloves and delved into the highly addictive Shibori techniques of Japanese tie-dye. The process is so cathartic, it's tangible, you can see the dye reacting to the oxygen in the air and turning blue. Jo described her love for Shibori  because it helps you reconnect with your hands. In this digital world, creating with your hands, seeing your ideas unfold, your gloved fingertips turn blue. It's grounding.

One of the great things about Shibori is that it's so forgiving. Mistakes and experiments often turn out the most beautiful results. I think it's the indigo. It's such a beautiful colour that it's impossible to get wrong. I bought the take home kit and my mind is overflowing with ideas of new projects and gift ideas. It's safe to say I'm hooked!

Megan Morton creates such a gorgeous environment for classes at The School. In the crisp white space all high ceilings and light, located in the same complex as Koskela and Kitchen By Mike. It's almost too much amazing in the one place. Plus there's always tea and there's always cake. Especially beautiful American Chocolate cake, if Julie Gibbs has anything to do with it!

There's an all day Shibori class coming up at The School next month, and loads of other beautiful classes and crafternoons in the schedule. I'm aiming for a class every few months or so. It's just so good for the soul. I challenge you to attend a class and not come away utterly inspired!

Belinda x