A pow-vow with the future Mrs Hawkins
Emma Clapham sure has her hands full. The gorgeous Who Loves That founder and fiancé of Geelong footballer Tom Hawkins, is busy planning the pair’s fast-approaching March wedding.
Emma recently sat down with Ivory Tribe to share her planning journey so far, giving us a sneak peak of what we can expect to see from these lovely, down-to-earth high school sweethearts as they tie the knot.
Having enlisted the help of Ivory Tribe’s Laura of Weddings of Desire, and knowing Emma’s distinct eye for style – this is one wedding story we can’t wait to see more of.
IN EMMA’S WORDS…
I thought long and hard about whether I would talk or blog about our wedding or the planning process we’re going through (I’m deliberately starting to use the term “our” and “we” as opposed to “my” and “I” – something I’m still working on). I am a very open book – sometimes too open, and the older (not necessarily wiser) I am getting, the more I am starting to wonder what to put out there and what I should hold onto.
However, since entering into the bridal world, I decided, absolutely I would like to share my journey (to those who are interested in it), because I am so grateful for all of the other brides who have shared their journey. There are definitely things and special moments that we will keep to ourselves but I am in love with this whole new wonderful bridal club (it’s like a secret club, but there are quite a lot of us) who have inspired me and helped me along the way. I have been posting on social media and getting so many lovely tips and advice from everyone. That is what I love about social media, the sharing and receiving of inspiration that is positive and enlightening. So, whilst I haven’t walked down the aisle yet, hopefully my little journey and any mistakes I have made just may help some other brides-to-be out there.
Now, onto what I can share about our engagement so far…
The proposal.
It was very romantic and while we were holidaying in Fiji – I’m leaving a few of those special details to myself, but what I will say is that it was magical – nearly an out-of-body experience of happiness. Have I made you throw up?
Was it a surprise?
We have been going out since school! So after nine years, I knew we were heading in that direction (cough, cough, certainly hoping). But to be honest, that moment and everything about it was a surprise, a true surprise. From the words that were spoken, to the ring he picked and designed himself.
Why the quick engagement?
Why not? We have been together forever, we know what we want and Tom and I are traditionalists. For us personally, and this is different for everyone, you get engaged to get married and we just didn’t want to wait, we are too excited! We are also so lucky to be in position where we don’t have to wait, which is a huge factor. Oh, and one more thing… it’s either before the football season or after…we don’t have much say in that.
Are you stressed? What’s been the hardest thing so far?
Managing my expectations and that of all our families, along with the guest list…that’s the hardest thing.
Choosing a venue was also difficult, we had always pictured getting married in our hometowns on either one of our respective family properties but alas, with football, we had to stay around our local area. We are happy we did, because we have found the most amazing venue (which I won’t go into too much detail about just yet).
To be honest, I’m not that stressed (touch wood). Although, I’m sure I will be at stages and I will let you know how I go with managing them.
I am a control freak, so I work to time-frames and task lists well. However, I have had to learn that whilst it is your special day, it’s so much more and you need to be open and flexible with other opinions and offerings.
The best advice I have been given so far is to just remember how you will feel on the day and how happy you both will be, and that no one remembers the small details apart from you.
What are you most looking forward to?
Marrying Tom. At the end of the day, when I feel a little stressed over the tiny things, I just remember the day is about marrying Tom in front of our closest friends and family. I also can’t wait to dance the night away.
How involved is hubby-to-be in the grand plans?
He certainly has been…. as much as I let him be! No, in all honesty Tom likes being involved. Whilst we might not see eye to eye on some the things (i.e flowers), we are on the same page with how we want the day to come together and what the important elements are. Tom is also in charge of the cake, dessert and honeymoon (what awful jobs to be in charge of!).
Have you grown up imagining what your ‘dream’ wedding will look like?
Yes and no. My ‘dream’ has definitely changed and has been adjusted to be a bit more practical. I did always imagine getting married on the farm in Deniliquin and when I started going out with Tom, potentially on his farm in Finley, but we couldn’t due to reasons outside of our control.
In saying that, we are so happy with the location we have found, it does really represent Tom and I and our childhood and our family upbringing which is very important to us. The overall tone and aesthetics of my ‘dream’ wedding hasn’t changed at all.
Have you found your online network/resources to be helpful in inspiring your plans?
Oh, big YES! Super helpful. I’m almost having the post-wedding blues already when I think my nights wont be spent on blogs and Pinterest. I personally love the ‘real’ wedding inspiration and the realistic resources. It’s all well and good to go crazy and pin everything you like but it’s important to rein it in a little as well (well, for me it was).
The biggest thing I have learned so far with the web and all of these resources available is to not compare what your wedding might be or look like to others, as you will potentially set yourself up to be disappointed.
Know what’s achievable for you and don’t worry about what you can’t have, instead concentrate on what you can have and how you can make that amazing for both you and your future hubby. I keep going back to, ‘does this reflect Tom and I?’ and ‘will this make or break our night?’. Usually the answer is ‘no’, so it’s pretty easy to move on.
Wedding prep.
Well, I broke my toe at my hens and I just had a scar that I have had on my face for a couple of years re-opened and stitched – so I am killing it at the moment, haha.
In all honesty, I’m not going to go on a crazy diet or work out. My figure is my figure and Tom proposed to me because he loves me just the way I am. I want to look myself on our wedding day not someone who is in desperate need of a hamburger.
In saying that, I want to be the best version of myself, so I have been upping my pilates classes and doing spin (I hate exercise, so this is a lot for me). I am also lucky enough to have a life coach Body Clarity who helps me with my nutrition and keeps me exercising when I go to Melbourne (I live in two homes, which means it is difficult to maintain a routine). I have been doing this since before I became engaged though, I guess now I am bit stricter.
In terms of skin, I have been going to Pamper Clinic ever since I moved to Geelong as I have had a world of skin problems that they have helped me with. My skin is great at the moment, but it’s really important for me to maintain it (as I can break out with no warning), so I went into Pamper (and I can’t recommend this more) and had a consultation and worked out a two-month skin prep. Depending on your skin, and this will change, but for me, I will get a few Micro’s leading up to the wedding and sit under a UV light twice a week (it’s not as expensive as it sounds, I promise). I’m so glad I have done this, I can already see a difference and for me (because I have problematic skin) this is the most important prep I can do.
Best decision I have made so far?
Getting a wedding planner, FOR SURE! I am so hands on and have a clear idea, but what Laura from Weddings of Desire has been able to do has been amazing. She has helped me stick to my budget (something I’m not great at), helped me stay organised and calm, while at the same time bringing a third party perspective into the design and the running of the day.
I know this is not realistic for everyone, but I personally have saved more money, because Laura is so good with budgeting. It’s completely a personal choice.
I’m also so happy I have chosen to stick local. We are so lucky in this region and I decided I wanted to make a point of showing that we have amazing suppliers. I am basically doing everything local apart from a few things that were not available to me. Tom and I are proud of that.
What’s it going to look like?
Surprise! But I have included some of my mood boards so far that will hopefully show you how my head works and how I have started the visual process of the wedding.
I am such a visual person, so this helps me keep organised as well.
Wedding “quick six”.
Favourite celeb wedding – Ashley Tisdale
Wedding cocktail of choice – Mojito or the Yellowglen Sparkling Gin Gin Cocktail I created last year.
Must-have dance floor track – That’s so hard! I’ll go with The Proclaimers – I’m Gonna Be (500 miles). I’m a pub music gal at heart.
Dream honeymoon destination – I honestly have no idea.
Describe your wedding vibe in three words – Romantic, fun, memorable.
Finish this sentence – “You’ll never see me….” Happier than I will be on my wedding day.
We look forward to following Emma’s wedding journey and you can too over here.
