This is a live recording of a very popular psalm to have sung at your wedding, I’m accompanied here by Lesley Magee on Concert Harp.
D is for Diamond. D is for Dangerous.
I spoke to various people over the last couple of days. One was a Goldsmith, the others included a self-declared novice, a Gemologist, and a Client. We spoke Diamonds.
Obviously with each it was a different conversation. It dawned on me as I put the phone down at the end of the most recent chat, there is a phenomenal ‘grey area’ that causes so many problems when talking Diamonds and more so when it comes to choosing them.
Filed under wedding
Barbara Edwards Video Montage
A short video montage made from places I’ve been, couples I’ve sung for and pieces performed. I hope you like it.
Filed under wedding
Mid Forties and Clothes – A Dangerous Territory
I’m no fashionista or style icon but like most women I love nice clothes. These clothes should be ones that I can feel comfortable in, be stylish or even elegant in. So what’s my problem? Well, I’m in my mid forties and sometimes I’m at a loss as to what is best to make my statement – even if only a casual one. That’s what fashion is after all, making a statement about who you are and how comfortable you are in your own skin and highlighting your best bits (or even learning how to reduce them as the case may be).
Salma Hayek attends the 2009 Alma Awards, September 17, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Sometimes when I see an outfit hanging on a mannequin I think ‘yes please’ and then when I try it on I end up looking frumpy or much older than my years, or worse still, the outfit is designed for a 20 year old. I’m stuck in that rut between having had and reared children and tending to all their needs, and rediscovering what it’s like to actually spend money on myself. The only problem is, after four wonderful children my style has been lost along the way and I’ve forgotten how to shop just for me.
To help me on my path of recovery I decided to see if there were any sites online that deal specifically with my age group and lo and behold there are tons of them. Why didn’t this epiphany happen sooner?
One site that really caught my fancy is http://40plusstyle.com and my oh my Sylvia (the author) has so many helpful tips for all of you women aged 40+ out there. With the current Autumn collections showing a lot of leather, Sylvia has great tips on how to wear it and incorporate it into your wardrobe.
So even though it’s September and the year is almost out, I’m making an Autumn resolution – no more will I be a trackie mammy going to do the school run, or the shopping. I’m determined over the coming months to change my ways. I’m not too sure if I’ll have the money to invest in a new wardrobe of clothes, but I’ll give it a go anyway using what I’ve got and I’ll see how that goes.
One of her many great posts is all about finding your body shape, and dressing for it.
At the moment though I’m hovering somewhere be Triangles and Apples, but that’s for a completely different blog post!
If you are 40+ and want to know more about finding your style then I would recommend you head over to Sylvia’s page where you will find more than enough information to get you started. Sylvia is also on Pinterest so if don’t feel like reading but just want to look at some stylish photos why not head over and have a browse.
Now, I’m off to do a major wardrobe cleanout 
Filed under Style
Leaving Cert Mammy Part 2
This is only a short blog as a sort of update to all of you who read my first post on the Leaving Cert Mammy.
So the Leaving Certificate results have come and gone, the college place has been accepted and very soon my first born will head off to start his new life as an undergraduate.
I was very apprehensive the day the results came out, not because I doubted that he would do well, but because his chosen course Computer Science, would see an increase in demand. Thankfully my fears were laid to rest when his college offer came through and he secured his place.
So now I’m in a bit of a limbo.
As I said in my previous blog post, I am excited for him. He even sees a future for himself and he believes it to be here, in Ireland. He doesn’t forsee working abroad – he’s a home bird (to be honest, in reality I think he knows where his washing will be done) He heads away soon for the orientation week which will be closely followed by full time student life.
So here I am looking at a young man, who my friends call ‘mums rock’ because that’s what he was. All those years of my hubby working away my first born stepped up to the mark without even being asked. When his siblings were small he learned how to make bottles, clean up the playroom and is one of the best when it comes to hoovering. He can even cook using a real cooker!! To this day he is still able to suss if I’m a bit down or tired and will step into the breach. I feel like I’m losing my right arm which I know isn’t fair on him, hence my excitement is tinged with a tiny bit of sadness. Looking at him, I wish I was that age again and had even half of the opportunities ahead of me that he’ll have. I envy his new found freedom and hope that he’ll put it to good use and stay safe while doing so.
His youngest sibling on the other hand, is already eyeing up his bedroom. He doesn’t realise that his older brother may actually come home every odd weekend and might need somewhere to stay.
I’ve no doubt that city living will change him and will give him a new perspective on life. So although I may be saying goodbye to a boy, I’m full sure he’ll come home a man, and as such I’ll have to be ready.
I don’t remember any of this in the ‘becoming a parent’ manual !!
Filed under Getting There, wedding
Feature Fortnight: Diamond Photography, Wexford
Welcome to the first of my ‘Feature Fortnight‘ articles where the spotlight will shine on a vendor within the wedding industry. The main reason is to get an insight into their profession and to get their top tips for couples for the big day. If you are a wedding supplier to/in Ireland and would like to be considered please feel free to contact me.
A huge thanks to Wexford based Fergul McClean, Diamond Photography L.I.P.P.A. who has agreed to be the first Feature Fortnight participant.
Fergul studied Mechanical Engineering but his passion was photography. Having worked part-time in the photography business for more than 10 years, he finally took the plunge in 2008 to make his passion his way of life.
http://www.weddingphotographerwexford.com
Pretty Maids All In A Row
Fergul’s style is one of fun and he believes that photographers should ‘blend in’ and be unobtrusive. Attributes which are evident when you view his work.
When asked how he approached such a big event in a couples life Fergul says “ I believe in letting the day flow as natural as possible, and to simply follow and capture it as it unfolds“.
In 2011 Fergul received his Licenciate from the Irish Professional Photographers Association which is testament to the dedication that Fergul has to his craft.
http://www.weddingphotographerwexford.com
The Grand Entrance
- I work alongside many vendors when performing for couples, but I’ve always envied ‘the eye’ of phototgraphers and have loved looking through Fergul’s work. His images speak volumes.
Fergul’s Top Five Tips
- Meet with the photographerand get to know them. They are going to be around for most of the day so you’ll need to feel comfortable with
http://www.weddingphotographywexford.com
Awash With Lovethem.
- Check that your photographer is fully insured – this can be a prerequisite for a lot of the hotels too.
- If they use a booking form, make sure you are aware of all the terms and conditions of the contract you are entering into.
- Research, research, research. There are a lot of photographers out there and expensive doesn’t always mean the best.
- Finally, you are paying the photographer so don’t be afraid to ask questions – professional photographers are only too delighted to answer any questions no matter how silly they may seem to you. Take nothing for granted.
If you would like to contact Fergul just click here or alternatively he’d love to take your call directly on 053 9244775
Disclaimer: Barbara Edwards Soprano accepts no responsibility or liability for or on behalf of any supplier featured.
Filed under Feature Fortnight, wedding
Paper Petals
I’m back on my wedding theme with this post, which I suppose is really about time. I’ve written previously about wedding bouquets, specifically Heirloom Brooch Bouquets but since writing it, I have come across another very inventive type of bouquet, and these ones are made from paper.
Siobhan Oliver lives in Co Cork. I’ve met her previously through music as she too is a soprano and also performs at weddings. But her ‘weddingness’ (I know, I made it up) doesn’t just stop at the music. Siobhan is lucky to also have very gifted hands and to my mind must also have the patience of Jobe to create such wonderful masterpieces that are ‘Paper Petals‘.
As Siobhan says in her ‘About‘ details on Facebook she is allergic to pollen but loves flowers, and aiming at those sensitive sinus issues is where Paper Petals comes in. To give you an idea of how a masterpiece is created just take a look at these:
You see, it starts something like this …
Then it moves to this (after quite a bit of time)…
Until eventually, we get this.
These bouquets make a very stylish alternative to traditional flowers and can be created in any colour for that special day. I think they are ideal for those who suffer with hayfever and who may be on very restricted budgets. They could also be boxed and preserved for years to come bringing back those magical memories from a wonderful day.
You can contact Siobhan directly via her Facbook page or her music website. And while you consider your options here are just a couple more images for you:
Music Madness
