What's in a name?

I always liked my name. Growing up I liked having an unusual name that nobody could spell and I could correct people pronunciation of. Having a different first name and a common surname, Jones, was a nice balance I thought. Now I come to a bit of a crossroads where I have a fairly large decision to make.. Do I continue my life as a Jones or do I take on a whole new persona as "Mrs McDaid" ?

I want to say something now and understand I am aware of the white trash connotations... 

I never took my first husbands name.. it just didn't fit. It didn't complement my first name and I didn't like it. 

This time around I guess I have a second shot at a once in a life time opportunity to change my name and I really am considering it. I never thought I would. I always loved being Jones, I never disliked my name as so many of my friends did.. I never dreamed of getting married and becoming Mrs someone else.. I was independent and it just wasn't important to me. I like the idea of being a family unit with one surname but of course I am now part of a nuclear family... Ella has her Dads surname so I don't want her to feel like the odd one out if I do take Lee's name and she is the only non- McDaid.

So it turns out this decision is not just mine to make. Every time I think I've made it I think of another pro/con that throws me out again! Lee doesn't like his name and has offered to take mine... seriously! I don't think I could let him. Another thing that has influenced my thoughts, although really shouldn't, is that his ex-wife took his name. I wouldn't be the first Mrs McDaid.. so do I want to be one at all? But then she took his name.. she was "his" by name.. so will I resent that I am not? It was much simpler the first time around when it was a simple no, not happening, keeping my name, thanks! 

I would love to hear from those of you that have made/are currently making this decision or even those who know what they will do in the future when they are posed with this quandry..

I must add... I do like the way the name looks with mine, and how it sounds... I worry about finding kids names that fit with McDaid better than they fit with Jones.. I often wish I'd given Ella my name, I don't want to regret that again! And lastly... A little picture... 

comments please 

xoxo

miss bb

Sheffield City Hall?

For a while my Mum has been pushing Sheffield City Hall on us as a wedding location.

We were pretty set on New York/Vegas.. at one point she suggested Gretna Green as the Vegas is the UK but on closer inspection... not so much! So a friend at work recently married at City Hall and said it was lovely and it got me thinking maybe my Mum was right. I am horribly indecisive so until it's booked (probably a week or two before we go ahead) I won't be able to confirm what our definite plans will be but I am kind of coming around to this grand building that is really quite close by and where we could have friends and relatives attend if we wished.

It backs on to the Peace Gardens which would be a beautiful setting for photographs and my Dad is a great photographer so we would have a free service in the attendance of my parents. I would really love my friend Caz to be there and we could all go for a meal somewhere afterwards... informal. 

I'm not totally sold yet because we really wanted to do it alone so we can say whatever it is we want to say without worrying about what other people might think... I don't want to censor myself or be nervous just because I have invited guests. I would ideally love to do the deed and have them waiting outside Carrie and Big style but I'm not sure they'd be up for that.. I think if they were coming down for a wedding they'd probably want to see it. I could maybe film it for them to watch later and feel more comfortable... ugh I don't know! Anyway... You know I blog in the stream of consciousness and this is what is in my head right now!

xoxo

miss bb

Waking Up in Vegas

BelleDuJourNYC posted about this polish the other day and it really pushed me back over to the Vegas side! How ridiculous that a nail polish would decide the venue of my wedding..




It's the ultimate vegas wedding colour!



I really love it and it reminded me of all the stuff I collected over the last 6 months for our vegas trip! I love New York I really do but there is nowhere that I would feel excited about getting married in the city! The only budget option is city hall which is all well and good but where's the romance?
I had my heart set on the chapel of the bells...




It just looks how I want it to look and I can imagine saying our I do's there! It's spontaneous, no queuing.. We can go grab our licence and marry within hours of landing in Vegas and I love that! Plus of course many celebs have been married there (inc. The late, fabulous Leslie Nielsen and the gorgeous Kelly Rippa) and it's featured on one of our favourite films "Honeymoon In Vegas"




Best of all is the price! It is, in my opinion the best looking chapel in vegas (inside) and the cheapest too!!! I don't see the point in spending a fortune on a venue when it's just the two of us.. But we still want it to be romantic and a lovely setting for the photos we will treasure forever...



I've been back looking at hotels and flights etc and this is what I came up with..



For the money the Tropicana seems like the best deal! It has great reviews and was recently renovated... The pool looks incredible and having visited vegas once before I'm happy with the location!



So I'm back on the vegas train.. My heart will always be in New York but we will return one day! Vegas was always the plan and now I think we might stick to it!


xoxo

Miss BB

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Apologies for the screen print photos! My laptop is on the fritz so I'm stuck blogging from my iPhone.