#Wedding Dress Wellington

[elodiebridal]

Elodie Bridal

Wellingtons boutique wedding dress location. We sell both new and pre-loved gowns, as well as offering sell-on-behalf.

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[louisisalarrie]

Hi!!! you have probably answered this, but what larry moment made you a larrie and what is your favorite? Hope you are having a good day :)

Hey baby!

I mean… being there throughout the beginning of one direction, we saw Larry stuff every day. I think it was very easily solidified to me. But when I read this ask, I definitely think of the Paris interview.

I mean oh my god.

How obsessed are they!!!! The love in their eyes!!!

It was just so much more than friends. And… I mean… an iconic HarryLouis interview, which we never got again, because of their obnoxious flirting.

And the “he’s caring… he treats me really well”

Which like… idk. Whatever. You can call that a joke or what have you but this interview absolutely is not.

Wellington, Dallas, AIMH tweet, the twitcams they did, “I’d marry you, Harry”, “we kind of share that really”, RBB & SBB, Harry at louis’ mum’s wedding, the rose and dagger and multitude of other matching tattoos, Leeds festival, Louis jumping into Harry’s arms so early on in X Factor, “I’m dressed as a cheerleader… wait, that was last night”, just the way they look at each other… “mmm I’ve never seen you in a dress before”, “painted nails make Harry beautiful”, “now kiss me you fool”, sharing clothes, that one interview they both get there late and sweaty and Louis is like “just a bit of banter I think” and Harry says “I lost my trousers”, when they’re walking towards the stage and Harry fixes his hair and Louis wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, Louis on the couch squirming when Harry whispers in his ear on stage… god there’s just SO MUCH

[erikaskblog]

Chatgpt made me a phantom of the opera cafe

@fymo-blogs

**Phantom of the Opera Café**

**Interior:**

- **Entrance:** The exterior of the café resembles the Paris Opera House façade, with grand arches and intricate detailing. The entrance features a red velvet carpet leading to heavy, gilded doors.

- **Lighting:** Chandeliers inspired by the iconic one in the movie hang from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow. Candles and vintage lanterns add to the romantic and mysterious atmosphere.

- **Seating:** Plush, red velvet upholstered chairs and booths with gold accents. Each table has a small candelabrum and a rose in a glass dome.

- **Décor:** Walls adorned with vintage opera posters, framed movie stills, and musical scores. Large mirrors with ornate gold frames reflect the candlelight, creating an illusion of space.

- **Stage:** A small stage for live performances, complete with a grand piano, where musicians play classical pieces and songs from the movie.

- **Phantom's Lair:** A cozy corner designed to mimic the Phantom's lair, with dark, gothic furniture, draped fabric, and a pipe organ prop.

**Menu:**

**Drinks:**

- **Masquerade Martini:** A signature cocktail with a mix of gin, vermouth, and a hint of absinthe, garnished with an olive.

- **Christine’s Charm:** A sweet, floral tea blend with lavender, chamomile, and a hint of vanilla.

- **Phantom’s Brew:** A dark, rich coffee blend with a touch of dark chocolate and cinnamon.

- **Opera Punch:** A refreshing non-alcoholic punch with cranberry, orange, and a splash of soda.

**Appetizers:**

- **Music of the Night Bites:** A selection of fine cheeses, grapes, and crackers.

- **Masquerade Masks:** Puff pastry shapes filled with brie and raspberry jam.

- **Rooftop Bruschetta:** Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on toasted baguette slices.

**Main Courses:**

- **Phantom’s Feast:** A decadent beef Wellington served with roasted vegetables and a red wine reduction.

- **Christine’s Delight:** Pan-seared salmon with a lemon dill sauce, served with wild rice and asparagus.

- **Raoul’s Choice:** Chicken Coq au Vin, a classic French dish of chicken braised with wine, mushrooms, and onions.

**Desserts:**

- **Angel of Music Cake:** A rich chocolate lava cake with a molten center, served with vanilla ice cream.

- **Opera Crème Brûlée:** Classic vanilla custard with a caramelized sugar top, garnished with fresh berries.

- **Rose Petal Macarons:** Delicate macarons flavored with rose and filled with a creamy ganache.

**Specials:**

- **Masquerade Dinner:** A themed dinner event with a fixed menu, live opera performances, and costume contests.

- **Phantom’s Afternoon Tea:** A selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and petit fours served with a variety of teas.

**Other Features:**

- **Live Performances:** Regular live performances featuring classical music, opera singers, and dramatic readings from "The Phantom of the Opera."

- **Themed Nights:** Special themed nights where guests are encouraged to dress in period costumes or masquerade attire.

- **Private Events:** The café can be booked for private events, including themed parties, musical performances, and intimate weddings.

[daydreamsandafternoonteafics]

Let's Pretend It's Love- Chapter 21

banner by ren

If everyone in the world could agree on one thing, I reckon it would be that January is the worst month of the year.

The world seems to be in a perpetual state of darkness and everyone’s pale, fat, and broke from Christmas. While the new year is supposed to offer new opportunities and adventures, there’s absolutely nothing to look forward to in the month of January. No holidays, no parties. Just darkness and fatigue.

With one week in I was certain my year was headed downhill. Things at work were the absolute worst. In addition to having to cope with the awkwardness and guilt of working with Jessa and the constant fear of being blackmailed by Murray, sales were at their very lowest. Jess was afraid we’d have to close down the shop. She had long phone conversations with her parents on the daily and most of our lunch breaks were spent having financial conferences. It was becoming a chore just to get up in the morning and I dreaded going to work.

I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I just wanted things to stop, to have some time to catch my breath.

But I couldn’t.

Penny’s wedding was fast approaching and there were still so many things to get in order. I didn’t have time for the emotional crisis I could feel approaching. I had to suck it up and move on. Like I always did.

“ Shoulda worn wellingtons.” I grumbled to myself as I maneuvered around a large rain puddle and scurried to the safety of the sidewalk, careful not to ruin my boots.

It was a cold, rainy Saturday and Penny was having her bridal shower at another one of her favorite restaurant. Having the day off I seized the opportunity to sleep in however, that didn’t quite work out in my favor. With the nasty weather and slush on the roads, cab traffic was fickle and I’d had to walk several blocks. I was hoping that my hair hadn’t frizzed and my nose wasn’t running but after such a long trek I’m not sure I cared at this point.

I clutched the expertly wrapped present to my chest, inspecting it for any rain drops before walking into the restaurant and approaching the front desk. I tapped my fingernails against wood smiling at the attractive host.

“I’m here for the Taylor bridal shower.” I announced plainly.

He smiled his dark eyebrows raising slightly.

“Right this way, miss.”

I smooth a hand over my head to keep down the hypothetical frizz as I followed the host to a party room decorated with violets and baby breaths. There were so many of them I was surprised no one had had an allergic reaction yet. The rest of the decorations consisted of eyelet lace and purple satin ribbons, the kind that belonged on vintage dresses and a grandmother’s tea table.

There were a few people I didn’t quite recognize, grouped into round tables. I spotted Penny and the rest of the bridal party sitting at their own table. She must have spotted me come in because she stopped her conversation with Charlotte to wave at me.

I put on a faux grin as I approached the table, present in hand. Penny smiled brightly. She was wearing this lilac colored dress with a Peter Pan collar and her hair was styled in an elegant updo. She reminded me a bit of an ice princess.

“Presley! I thought you weren’t coming.” she spoke excitedly.

I’m surprised she hadn’t gotten used to me being tardy. I was late for almost everything.

I waved briefly to the other girls before shrugging.

“Couldn’t find a cab. I came bearing a present so I reckon I’ll be excused.”

Penny grinned widely before taking the present from my hand.

“Thanks I hope it’s better than those monogramed towels Susan got me, ” she rolled her eyes. “Want something to eat? There’s quiche.”

My mouth watered at the thought of the savoury pastry.

“I am quite hungry after that walk.” I replied and Penny seemed pleased.

While assessing the spread of food I’d noticed just how many of Mum’s friend’s were in attendance and just how little of Penny’s were. It actually made me feel a bit of sympathy for her but also made me kind of thankful I wasn’t Mum’s chosen child. If I do ever get married, there’s no way I’m letting her have full control over everything.

I grabbed my plate and headed back over to Penny’s table making myself comfortable in the empty seat between Charlotte and Penny.

Charlotte rolled her eyes at me and I rolled them back before turning to Penny.

“This looks like Nana May’s 98th birthday party last year.” I announced.

Penny frowned before taking a sip of tea.

“I know. All Mum’s idea. We have to do it big for the Hen Do. Shirtless waiters, male strippers. I want penis themed everything. Mum is not invited.”

I nearly spat out my lemonade.

“That’s a bit extreme don’t cha think? What is Liam going to say about this?” I coughed.

Penny shrugged.

“He doesn’t have to know.”

The rest of the bridesmaids giggled and I cringed. Maybe I can skip the hen do.

“So, Mum told be about your holiday rendezvous. Spill the details.” Penny continued.

I gave a tight lip smile but cringed at the possibility of sharing such personal information with the table.

“Well, I really like Harry’s family. His mum is probably the sweetest lady I’ve ever met, his sister and I are practically spirt animals and his niece is adorable.” I replied honestly.

Penny scoffed.

“No fair. I wish Liam’s family was like that. His sisters are so nosey. The only level-headed person besides himself is his dad.”

I shrugged, my lips curving up into a small smile.

“Guess I got lucky.” I popped a piece of quiche in my mouth. It was true. I had gotten lucky with Harry in so many more ways than I could tell.

“So, did you get any goodies for Christmas?” Libby winked.

I was hoping to not be the topic of conversation anymore. The rest of the girls looked on expectantly.

“Well there’s this great scrub from Lush that Harry got me started on and-”

Penny groaned.

“C'mon, Presley! You’re not that innocent. She’s talking about sex! How was the sex?!”

I put down my fork full of pasta salad in fear that I’d choke and my stomach twisted into weird knots.

These were the last people on earth I’d rather discuss my sex life with and it’s not like I had anything to talk about. I wasn’t going to tell them about our failed New Year’s attempt. It was already embarrassing enough to even breathe around Harry after that.

“Oh, yeah..” I trailed off hoping they’d just drop the subject.

Penny’s eyebrows pinched together so furiously I was afraid they’d be stuck like that.

“What? You mean he didn’t give you any Christmas sex? You didn’t give him any Christmas sex? What is wrong with you people!” she exclaimed dramatically.

I rolled my eyes.

Maybe it was easy for me to realize that sex wasn’t everything because I didn’t have a steady sexual partner. Or maybe because Harry and I were nothing more than just friends.

“There’s so much more to a relationship than just that,” I replied quickly.

Penny scoffed.

“Yeah, but you two are grown adults. It has to happen at some point.”

She was right but she didn’t understand the real reason why Harry and I haven’t shagged yet.

“Is he, you know, impotent?” Alisa whispered across the table.

I trapped my bottom lip between my teeth. Why are we having this conversation like we’re all best mates who tell each other every detail about their lives?

“What?!” I snapped.

Charlotte smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

“I reckon he’s not even into girls. What straight bloke wears painted-on jeans?”

That was it. Who the hell does Charlotte think she is?

“Would you like me to unravel my scarf and answer your question,” I growled referring to the fading love bites Harry had left from our New Year’s tryst.

“or should I explain how he was willing and ready to fuck me on my own sofa? Sure. he’s not traditionally masculine but I’m sure he can get it up faster than any bloke you’ve been with before.”

The table was silent, everyone staring at us with eyes as wide as the tea saucers. I’d managed to surprise myself and silently prayed the ladies at Mum’s table hadn’t heard anything.

I glanced over at Penny whose jaw had dropped slightly.

“What I meant to say, Char, is that maybe you shouldn’t worry about my boyfriend so much.” I smiled sweetly before taking another sip of lemonade.

Charlotte just glared, probably trying to burn holes through my soul.

“Umm, I’m going to go grab a scone. Anyone want one?” Libby questioned nervously.

“Perhaps you should get Charlotte some ice instead.” I suggested.

Penny placed a hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle her giggles.

“Enough about that, yeah? Let’s plan this hen do.”

The bridal shower ended in the early afternoon and the rest of my day was spent handling household chores. I’d had much contact with Harry in the past week, just a good morning text every now and then.

I was far too busy trying to adjust to things at work. Time away from Harry was both good and bad. I didn’t feel so guilty around Jess and I had time to recharge my batteries. But time away only made me miss him and only left me with lingering thoughts about my feelings.

He was lovely. So, so lovely.

But we were never meant to be so close. I was likely to hurt him. It’s usually what I do in the end. Maybe it would just be better if I ended it all now. Then no one could get hurt. Not Jess, not Harry, and not me.

After sorting the laundry I shuffled through my contacts and found Harry’s number. I ran a hand through my hair as I waited on the dial tone.

“Hey, love. I was just going to call.” he rasped into the receiver.

I squeezed my eyes shut. I couldn’t do this over the phone.

“Come and get me?” I questioned .My voice cracked slightly.

I could hear Harry sighing on the other end.

“Everything alright?” he drawled, his voice rising slightly.

I bit my lip to stop its sudden trembling.

“Yeah, H. I’m fine. I just- I just t have some place I need to go and I want you to take me there.” I replied quickly hoping I sounded believable.

“Alright. See you in a few?” Harry questioned.

“Yeah. See you.”

I could feel this mixture of excitement and nervousness building in my stomach as I pushed open the doors to my flat building. A gust of winter wind hit me and I could spot Harry’s car in the dark parked across the street. I tightened my scarf around my neck before pacing across the street and tugging on the passenger’s door.

“Hey.” Harry spoke, startled.

“Hi.” I replied sharply before buckling my seatbelt.

I leaned over, pressing a firm kiss to his mouth. Harry deepened the kiss, caressing the back of my head and gently bringing my mouth closer to his.

He grinned widely once we’d pulled apart, a quarter-sized dimple denting his left cheek.

“Well, that’s a nice form of cab fare,” he spoke sheepishly, licking his bottom lip.

“Where to?”

I pressed another kiss to his jaw before sighing deeply.

“ I don’t care. Let’s just drive.” ****** It felt like we’d been driving for hours. The main attractions of the city had long disappeared. The ride was silent for the most part a part from Harry humming along to his Led Zeppelin cd.

We hadn’t talked much. My gaze had been fixed on the darkness out the window. A combination of steam from the heating system and condensation from the cold fogged my view but I didn’t care.

My heart flipped as I felt Harry’s free hand reach for my own . He intertwined our fingers with a contented sigh and I couldn’t help but steal a glance at our tangled hands.

They almost looked perfect together. Almost.

“Are you sure you’re alright? It’s not quite like you to call me up like that. You gave me a fright.” he drawled, turning to face me briefly.

The night shadows gave his face a gorgeous and different aesthetic. I’m not sure if I can ever recall his green eyes shinning so brightly.

I sighed.

“I’m sorry. I just needed some fresh air.” I replied quickly.

He hummed shortly, stealing another glance at me as if he could see right through my lies. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could. The more lies I told the worse I seemed to get at telling them.

“So, what’d you do today?” he questioned returning his gaze to the road.

“Penny had her bridal shower today. The wedding’s about a month away, you know.” I informed.

His lips curved into the slightest grin.

“Dully noted. I’ve already been fitted for my tux. Unfortunately, neither Liam or Penny would allow me to leave my shirt buttons unbuttoned.”

I grinned for maybe the first time that day.

“I’m glad they didn’t. It’d be quite horrible of you to flash your nipples at everyone in the church. Mum would have a heart attack,” I smirked. “ on second thought, maybe you should do that.” Harry chuckled.

“You’re somethin else, Presley.”

I giggled.

“I’m an evil genius. Admit it, Harry.”

He only grinned, shaking his head.

“I bet Penny’s pretty excited.” he spoke, moving the conversation along.

I sighed.

“She is. I really hope her and Liam last.”

“Like your parents?” he questioned, his eyebrows raising slightly.

I frowned. My parents had been married for quite sometime but I always felt their marriage was dry. I hadn’t seen them kiss or embrace in years, just small gestures like touching each other’s arm. They only seemed to stay married for the sake of Penny and I or just the simple principle of being comfortable.

“No. They’ve been married for a while but they seem like roommates if I’m being honest. You see how my mother is.” I replied.

Harry crinkled his nose.

“Yeah.”

“My grandparents on the other hand a great marriage. They were together for nearly fifty years.” I declared.

“Wow, that’s pretty impressive.” he replied.

If there was one couple that could make me second guess my view on love and relationships, it’d be my grandparents. They’d had a classic whirlwind romance. The kind that hopeless romantics dreamed about and novelist like Nicholas Sparks wrote about.

“Nan was super feminist and hated Poppy’s guts in the beginning. But he was persistent and wouldn’t stop until he broke down her walls. I guess in the end he did.” I continued.

My face flushed red once I realized I was still holding Harry’s hand and I was thankful it was dark out.

Harry tore his gaze away from the road to glance over at me. He smiled softly, his grin adorably lopsided.

“That sounds a lot like us.”

Us. The pronoun slipped out of his mouth so effortlessly, with such familiarity and confidence.

I scoffed.

“ I don’t hate you. I didn’t hate you, I was just indifferent, as all. Still am.”

He smirked.

“Sure, Pres. So they lived happily ever after?” he concluded, positive of the ending.

I sighed.

“For a while. Nan got alzheimer’s. She didn’t remember Poppy anymore, or how much he loved her, ” I could feel the tears forming in the corner of my eyes. “the day she died, she asked him to tell her their love story. He never got to the end.”

I could feel the lump forming in my throat and I regretted revealing such intimate information.

“Gee, m'sorry about that. What they had sounds quite beautiful.” Harry replied softly.

I returned my gaze back to the window.

“It was.”

Things were silent between us for sometime until Harry spoke.

“Do you ever think there could be more to us than just, you know, friends?” he drawled, breaking me from my trance.

A light shower of rain began pelting against the window and my eyebrows furrowed deeply.

“What do you mean, Harry?” I questioned innocently although I knew damn well what he was asking.

Harry laughed sharply his hand untangling from mine to rest on the steering wheel.

“C'mon, Presley. You know what I mean.”

I sighed deeply.

“I don’t know. It would complicate things for us. It’d be likely to end in burning flames.” I replied.

I glanced over at Harry who ran a hand through his hair, his jaw clenching slightly.

“But what if it doesn’t? You never know till you try, right?”

I sighed deeply, a mixture of emotions washing over me in a huge tidal wave. The lump returned to my throat.

“You wouldn’t want a girl like me, Harry. I’m cynical, insufferable, just damaged goods. You’re a sweet guy, H You deserve more. So much more.”

The tears pricked my eyes and my words came out choppy. The car came to a sudden stop on the side of the road.

“But don’t you deserve just as much?”

Harry wiggled out of his seat so that his body was angled towards me. His green eyes burned into mine and I had to look away.

“Harry, please.” I whispered.

“Answer my question, Presley.” he spoke firmly ignoring my plea.

I sighed. I could feel the tears brimming in my eyes and I just wanted him to stop. I just wanted it all to stop.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me, H.” I choked.

Harry sighed before reaching out to move a fallen piece of hair out of my face. He fastened his hand to my chin, staring me deep in the eyes again.

“Sure I don’t know everything about you, Presley. But I know enough to know that you deserve so much more than you think you do. I- I care a lot about you and it sounds hella cliché but I promise,” he chuckled shortly before running a hand through his disheveled hair.

“I’d give you the world. If you’d let me.”

His voice was deep and laden with sincerity and it scared the hell out of me. I wasn’t going to play stupid anymore. I knew exactly what he was trying to say and that scared me even more.

I broke, the hot tears spilling from my eyes.

“Stop, Harry. Stop. Just stop!” I sobbed.

I couldn’t control myself as I swatted his hands away, striking his chest with my palms as hard as I physically could.

His eyebrows furrowed deeply and green eyes widened in shock.

“Presley, what-”

“Stay away from me, Harry. Just stay away!” I shouted before furiously unbuckling my seatbelt and yanking open the passenger door.

The rain seemed to sting my face and I knew I was going to have a terrible cold after this but I didn’t care. I ran. I couldn’t quite see where I was going and I nearly tripped in the snow but I ran.

“Presley! ” I could hear him shouting in the distance, his voice cracking slightly.

I quickened my paced but my legs grew weak and I knew I couldn’t run anymore. I’d been running for so long. I collapsed onto my knees., my palms landing hard on the ground to break my fall. His footsteps grew closer and soon felt his hands pressing into my shoulders.

“Presley, tell me what’s wrong.” he cooed.

I shook my head, blinking back the tears in my eyes.

“Please. Don’t.” I choked out. My breath came out in puffs and my hair clung to the nape of my neck, wet from the rain.

“Do you want me to take you home? I can take you home. You need to get out of this rain.” Harry spoke calmly.

It was a wonder he was so calm in the middle me of having somewhat of a panic attack.

I swear, this man is an enigma.

A deep sigh escaped his lips and he extended his large hand which I reluctantly took. Harry’s nose had reddened from the cold and the rain had soaked his clothes, causing his hair to cling to his face and neck. There was something different in his eyes, a combination of fear and concern.

The world felt as if it was spinning as I stood to my feet and I gripped tightly to Harry’s arm to keep from falling.

“Alright?” he asked as I tried to steady my breathing.

My only response was to stretch on my toes, wrap my arms around his shoulders and burry my face in the crook of his neck. Harry didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around me, rubbing soothing circles up and down my back.

“’S’ alright, love” he drawled.

“Please. Don’t.” I whispered into his skin.

“Don’t what?”

“Please, don’t try to love me.”

[shoami323]

Wellington Decades Challenge

A fragment of Floriana's letter to her younger sister Cassandra, 1891.

My dearest Cassandra,

Your last letter has filled me with such vibrant joy. I am happy that your birth went smoothly and little Floriana looks very adorable. I cannot believe that you named your firstborn child after me, it is a true blessing!

I will confine in you: rural life truly is exhausting! Although Clarence and me have been a married couple for several months now, I still have the days when all of it is too much for me. I have to wake up with the rising sun and go to our cow, Stella, to milk her. She is usually calm and unproblematic, yet sometimes she starts to kick and move around, and oh, she spills the milk I just got right on my skirt! We also have a sheep, Bonnie, who never does that and is a nice animal. It is just occasionally when she starts to be moody. It is hilarious, though. She acts just like you a few years ago, constantly rebelling against our parents!

Recently, while tending to the garden, I have found a small male rabbit between the crops. I know that his presence is very bad for the vegetables, but oh, he was so sweet-looking! He had white fur with various black spots on it. I have even pet him and it was so nice and warm, like cotton! Clarence also has a soft spot for him. We named him Carrots, after favourite treats of those fluffy animals.

Oh, how foolish of me, my sister! I have completely forgotten about the sole reason I am writing to you right now. We are expecting!

Perhaps it is only natural that we are, as our wedding was almost half a year ago, but gosh! Clarence and me are completely overjoyed by the news. My husband does not necessarily have a prefference when it comes to the gender of our baby. I would be happy to give him a son, although I'll tell you something - I would actually love a baby girl! I could dress her up in nice clothes, play with dolls, teach her how to run the house... I will be content either way, though. Right now, all we can do is wait for the youngest member of our family to appear.

Your loving sister,

Floriana Wellington

[beardedmrbean]

Attorneys representing the person accused of dressing as a clown and fatally shooting a Florida woman in the entryway of her home in 1990 are asking a judge to dismiss the case, because prosecutors made "tactical decisions" in dragging their feet and in turn prevented the defense from being able to build a case, records show. 

"This is not a ‘cold case’ in the traditional sense: the State merely picked up their investigation decades later and conducted new tests on some of the trace evidence."

Prosecutors deliberately chose to delay the indictment of Sheila Keen-Warren for decades, and then charged her with the murder of Marlene Warren in 2017 despite the lack of new evidence, the defense team argued.

As a result, defense attorneys were faced with untraceable or now-deceased witnesses, people who no longer remembered what they did or saw, and even some who had suddenly changed their accounts of events over the course of 30-plus years, lawyers wrote in a motion to dismiss for pre-indictment delay, filed Wednesday. 

FLORIDA JUDGE ON ‘KILLER CLOWN’ CASE MULLS USE OF ALLEGED COSTUME, KEY EVIDENCE AS TRIAL LOOMS

"Those charges are based, not on some dramatic cold case breakthrough, but instead almost entirely on the same attenuated circumstantial evidence that has been in the State’s possession since 1990," the filing states. It later adds: "More than 30 years after Marlene Warren’s murder, much of the evidence that Sheila Keen-Warren could have relied on to establish that someone else has confessed to the murder, to impeach the State’s witnesses, or present an alibi defense is unavailable for various reasons." 

Several experts who would be called to testify as defense witnesses, including two people "who would have testified about the mishandling of evidence," are no longer alive. 

INSIDE FLORIDA 'KILLER CLOWN' MURDER: CARNATIONS, BALLOONS THEN A FATAL GUNSHOT THE FOCUS OF DECADES-OLD CASE

Another example provided in the filing details how investigators failed to "preserve the three white LeBarons that they recovered shortly after the shooting." 

"The law permitted the State to take their time in filing charges, but not to force Sheila Keen-Warren to fight her case blindfolded with one arm tied behind her back," the filing goes on. 

Marlene Warren, 40, was shot and killed at her Wellington, Florida, home Saturday, May 26, 1990, officials said. Warren had just finished breakfast with her son and his friends around 10:45 a.m., when they spotted a Chrysler LeBaron roll into the driveway, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.

FLORIDA 'KILLER CLOWN': TRIAL DELAYED AMID NEW DETAILS OF ‘CREDIBLE’ CLOWN-SIGHTING LEADS FROM 90S MURDER

A person dressed like a clown exited the vehicle and walked to the home’s front door, police said. 

"The person dressed as the clown was carrying a flower arrangement and two balloons," the sheriff’s office explained. One balloon reportedly bore a picture of Snow White, the other was emblazoned with the words, "You're the Greatest!" 

"Marlene answered the front door and as the clown offered the items to her, witnesses heard a gunshot and Marlene fell to the ground," police said. "The person dressed as a clown calmly walked back to the LeBaron and drove away." 

27 YEARS LATER, ARREST IS MADE IN KILLER-CLOWN CASE

Warren suffered a gunshot wound to the face and was rushed to a local hospital, where she died two days later.

Police arrested Keen-Warren Sept. 26, 2017, 27 years after Warren’s death.

Investigators learned Keen-Warren, who was married to someone else at the time of the murder, went on to wed Warren’s husband in 2002. The pair had been living in Tennessee, where they operated a restaurant, police said.

Defense attorneys argued in the dismissal attempt that prosecutors suspect Warren’s husband was involved in the homicide, though he has never been charged in connection with the crime. 

Keen-Warren is slated to go to trial in May. Prosecutors have not yet responded to the defense team’s motion. 

[aweddingstorynz]

Calling all brides-to-be! Wellington is home to some stunning wedding dress stores that cater to every style and budget. Explore local boutiques and find the dress of your dreams!

[wellingtonwellsdaily]

Funny Old Customs!

Good day, my dear Wellingtons! Uncle Jack here, bringing you a delightful little trip down memory lane with another edition of Funny Old Customs. Have you ever wondered about the quirky traditions of our ancestors? Well, you’re in for a treat, because today we’re exploring some of the more amusing customs that used to be the norm in our lovely town.

Let’s start with a curious old practice known as “Dressing the Well.” Now, this might sound a bit odd to us today, but back in the day, the wells in Wellington Wells were considered to be very special indeed. Every year, on the first day of May, the townsfolk would gather around the main well in the village square and decorate it with flowers, ribbons, and even small trinkets. The idea was to show respect and gratitude to the well for providing fresh water to the community. It was a festive occasion, with music, dancing, and plenty of good cheer. Children would make garlands of flowers, and everyone would dress in their finest clothes to celebrate the well’s importance. It’s a shame we don’t do this anymore – just imagine how lovely the square would look!

Another amusing old custom was the practice of “Beating the Bounds.” This was a yearly event where the town’s residents, led by the local officials, would walk the boundaries of Wellington Wells to reaffirm the town’s borders. Along the way, they would stop at certain landmarks and, quite literally, beat them with sticks! This was done to ensure that everyone knew exactly where the town’s borders lay, and it was considered an important civic duty. Of course, it was also a good excuse for a bit of a march around the town, followed by a hearty meal and plenty of good company. These days, we rely on maps and markers, but there’s something charming about the idea of the whole town coming together for a bit of boundary-beating, don’t you think?

And then there was the peculiar tradition of “Telling the Bees.” In the olden days, it was believed that bees were highly sensitive to the goings-on in a household. Whenever there was a significant event, such as a wedding, a birth, or even a death, it was customary to go out to the beehives and inform the bees of the news. People believed that if the bees weren’t told, they might become upset and leave the hive, which would be disastrous for the family’s honey supply! To make sure the bees were kept happy, they would be spoken to in a calm, respectful manner, and sometimes the hive would be draped in black cloth as a sign of mourning. It’s a rather sweet tradition, don’t you think? After all, who wouldn’t want to make sure the bees are in the know?

These old customs may seem a bit strange to us now, but they give us a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of those who came before us. It’s fascinating to see how much things have changed – and how much has stayed the same. So next time you’re enjoying a cup of honey-sweetened tea or taking a walk through town, take a moment to think about the funny old customs that once brought our community together.

That’s all for today’s Funny Old Customs, my dear Wellingtons. Until next time, keep smiling, keep Joyful, and remember – the past may be behind us, but it’s always worth a look back for a good laugh!

[seitajewelers]

Classic Couple Watches to Elevate Your Wedding Style

A watch might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of traditional wedding jewelry, however, the right piece can elevate your look.

Your watch repair in Pittsburgh, PA will tell you that watches are elegant, versatile, and affordable making them ideal to pair with any outfit and piece you desire.

Reasons to choose classic watches

For grooms looking for fine jewelry in Pittsburgh, PA always look for watches that are a bit more classic. Instead of strapping on leather water or a smart watch, look for something more sophisticated and refined.

Brides on the other hand need to pick a watch to suit their gown. If your dress is set with intricate detailing, lace or bead work, then look for something similar like a bracelet-style watch that won’t take away from your look.

On the other hand, if your dress is simple and solid you can choose something more ornate set with diamonds and other designs.

Grooms should choose watches that pair well with their tuxedo and blend in perfectly. look for something like a Shinola or Daniel Wellington over a blingy Rolex.

You also need to take into consideration your engagement rings in Pittsburgh, PA, and the theme of your wedding. For a casual beach wedding, look for something more simple and subtle, however, for a formal black-tie event, opt for a watch with a black face or one that’s set with small diamonds and sapphires.

Your jeweler will also tell you to match your watch to the type of metal of your cuff links and ring. If your ring and other jewelry are rose gold, your watch also needs to be rose gold so that it can look balanced.

Some people even mix and match their pieces and choose two metals like rose gold and platinum to set their jewelry in. This all depends on your preferences and what you like.

In Conclusion

Just like other pieces, make sure to take your ring to a professional to clean, repair, and maintain it every couple of months so that it looks new and shiny for years to come.  Your jeweler will polish the watch, check any loose stones, and keep it in good condition. Some couples even get their watches engraved so that they can pass them down as heirloom pieces to future generations for years to come.

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[elodiebridal]

Do I want to sell my wedding dress, and how do I do this?

There are several things to consider before deciding to sell your beautiful wedding dress.

How do you know if you should sell your dress or keep it? Brides wish to keep their dress for many reasons. Some say they want their daughter to wear it but have they considered that their daughter may not want a bar of their mother’s dress though? Of course, sometimes these daughters do go on to re model the dress or incorporate some of the fabric into their wedding day. Others feel that the dress is such an important part of their wedding day memories that they can't bear to part with it.

For some brides it takes 10 to 15 years before they realise they actually no longer feel so attached to the dress, and decide to sell it. Realistically though, they have missed the window to sell their dress more easily…. too often, the older the dress, the harder it is to sell.

If you do decide to keep your dress, read our blog on the subject for some tips on how to keep it in the best condition possible.

Before selling your dress, do some research. Pricing your dress will depend on many factors. You may have spent $$$$ on the dress but are unlikely to recoup as much as you think. Second hand wedding dresses are tricky to sell – so price it right. Also, the sooner you choose to sell the better; current dresses are more likely to sell than something that has been sitting in your wardrobe for 5 or 10 years.

If you are trying to sell a dress that you have bought online and you don’t like it or it doesn’t fit/suit you or whatever, then at least be honest and state where you bought it from, how much for, and show true photos of the actual dress, etc. Also give the dress a press or a steam to show it in the best light possible and photos of it being worn are really helpful too, rather than just on a hanger.

In New Zealand we have quite limited options to sell a second hand wedding dress online:

TradeMe - Going down this route means that brides cannot try on the dress, so are reliant on you providing great photos – especially ones showing it being worn - and good sizing indications – including any alterations you may have had done. Especially important is to mention your height as a dress can be shortened but hardly ever lengthened. You should also mention any damage, stains or marks on the dress and clearly state if it has been dry cleaned or not since your big day. I always recommend being clear on your price expectations – what is the point of a low starting price if you have a much higher reserve?

Facebook Marketplace - With regards to the dress description, the same applies as if you were listing it on Trademe. The main difference here, is that brides may contact you directly and ask to try it on, so you have to be prepared to have ‘strangers’ come into your home. Recently there has also been a lot of discussion around time wasters and scammers – so be wary.

Stillwhite - This is a global website so may attract overseas buyers if they are willing to pay postage. You pay a one-off fee and the dress is listed until sold. The site works well for designer gowns, and again you need great photos to make the most of your listing, including as many details as possible.

Remember with selling through these online platforms to try and put yourself in the prospective buyers’ shoes and pre answer all their questions.

If you are looking for an easier option to resell your dress, check with your local bridal stores to see if they offer a Sell on Behalf service.

Here at Elodie Bridal, we do just that. Dresses must be less than 4 or 5 years old, dry cleaned and in excellent condition. Selling this way takes the stress away of having to deal/negotiate with potential buyers, and it will be exposed to more buyers too. There are no up-front fees to pay and a commission is only taken once it sells.

How long will it take to sell? Who knows…. Depends on the style, the size, the colour etc – there are a lot of variables, but having it in a bridal store is way better than sitting in your wardrobe!

ORIGINALLY FOUND ON- Source: Elodie Bridal(https://www.elodiebridal.co.nz/post/best-tips-to-sell-your-wedding-dress)

[elijah-ndspl]

Elegance and Precision: Formal Watches for Women

In the world of fashion and accessories, women's wristwatches have evolved far beyond their utilitarian roots. Today, a formal watch for women is not just a timekeeping device but also a statement piece that reflects one's style, sophistication, and attention to detail which can be found in Daniel Wellington watches. Whether you're attending a high-profile business meeting, a glamorous evening gala, or a wedding, the right formal watch can elevate your look to new heights.

Formal watches for women are characterized by their timeless design, refined craftsmanship, and attention to detail. They are the epitome of elegance and serve as a testament to a woman's taste and class. Here, we'll explore what makes formal watches for women so special and why they are a must-have accessory in every woman's collection.

Timeless Design: Formal watches often feature classic designs that stand the test of time. They are known for their clean and minimalist dials, often adorned with Roman numerals or simple hour markers. These watches eschew flashy elements in favor of understated elegance, making them suitable for a wide range of formal occasions.

Quality Craftsmanship: Quality is paramount in the world of formal watches. These timepieces are crafted with meticulous attention to detail using the finest materials, such as stainless steel, gold, or even precious stones. The precision and craftsmanship put into making each watch ensure its longevity and durability.

Versatility: Formal watches for women are versatile accessories that can complement a variety of outfits. Whether you're wearing a tailored business suit, an elegant evening gown, or a chic cocktail dress, a well-chosen formal watch can enhance your overall look and add a touch of sophistication.

Precision Timekeeping: While formal watches are celebrated for their aesthetics, they are also reliable timekeepers. Many of these watches are equipped with high-quality Swiss or Japanese movements, ensuring accurate timekeeping. This combination of beauty and precision is what sets them apart from casual timepieces.

Brand Legacy: Some of the most renowned watch brands have a rich history of creating formal watches for women. Brands like Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe have become synonymous with luxury and elegance. Owning a watch from one of these prestigious brands is not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of status and achievement.

Investment Value: Formal watches are often considered investments because they can appreciate in value over time, especially if they are limited editions or vintage pieces. This makes them a smart choice for those looking to combine style with financial prudence.

In conclusion, formal watches for women are more than just accessories; they are expressions of individuality and refinement. With their timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and versatility, these watches have earned their place as essential pieces in any woman's wardrobe. Whether you're attending a formal event or simply want to make a lasting impression, a formal watch is the perfect companion to showcase your style and sophistication for generations to come.

[localizee]

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[resalereverie]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Matisse Sioux Black Leather Fringe Boot 8.5.

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Raelia Lewis for Shannon Wellington Weddings

~ America (21) ~

[orientallyyours]

Chinese wedding couple in Wellington, New Zealand. Photographer: Ronald Woolf (1930-1987). Registration Number: O.025019

Source: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa