wedding bells and all things mushy
The day I added my first image to RedBubble, some lovely people took a moment out of their lives to comment and tell me how much they liked it. They could see past my blurry focus and amateur composition and found something genuine and kind to say. When I realised that the whole community was like this, so giving of their praise and thoughts, I was instantly hooked.
Before long, commenting back and forth turned into conversation, and conversations into friendships. We saw each other every day on RedBubble, we shared similar passions, and we all wanted to surround ourselves with creativity and be inspired. RedBubble was the fertile soil in which to grow relationships with other artists and creative people.
Exhibitions, meet ups, holidays away together, creative successes – there have been far too many good times to comment on them all here.
But I will mention just one.
As happens in all good romance novels, I fell in love. I might sell 50 framed prints tomorrow, but nothing is going to beat that! A few weeks ago James proposed and this Sunday we are getting married. It’s going to be a small gathering of family and sprinkling of friends, overlooking the ocean.
Then, we’re off to Italy for a month to take as many photographs as our several external hard drives can handle. Today is my last day in the office before all the festivities begin, so if I don’t answer your bubblemail, it’s because I’m sipping espresso on a terrace in Venice.
Arrivederci!
Matt Mawson
congratulations Jo!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Matt :)
Caroline Gorka
Beautiful Jo & James …have a wonderful, wonderful day, honeymoon, and life xxx
Jo O'Brien
replied
I’m sure we will :) Thanks Caroline
Leda D
congratulations Jo wishing you guys all the happiness in the worlds xoxoxoxoxox
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you Leda
Paul Vanzella
Oh my… what dreams are made of.. huge congratulations to both of you! So sensational!
Jo O'Brien
replied
I’m pretty wrapped :)
photosan
good luck to ya…many happy years together…
Jo O'Brien
replied
oh yes, he is stuck with me now ;)
Rhana Griffin
One of the most successful collaborations Redbubble has ever seen methinks. Best of luck to you both as you start your journey in life together. Don’t forget to put your cameras down sometimes in Italy to indulge in the amazing food!
Jo O'Brien
replied
I don’t understand what you mean by “put your cameras down”? Is this some kind of new shooting technique?
Sarah Moore
Woo hoo! Have a ball…:)
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Sarah :)
Lisa Jewell
I’m so totally thrilled for you both…….don’t forget the garter hehe….I’ve no doubt your day is going to be divine.
As for Italy, say hello to her from me….
xxxx
Jo O'Brien
replied
You and this whole garter obsession! The idea of anyone reaching under my skirt, let alone with their teeth, with my mother in the room is completely out of the question my dear!
Alf Caruana
Jo congratulations to both of you, I wish you all the best…this is great news
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks so much Alf :)
Magenta
have a wonderful day and a fabulous honeymoon. I wish you both all the happiness in the world. Love Sharon
Jo O'Brien
replied
Yay! Thanks Sharon :)
StacyLee
You’re engaged!!! Congrats Jo! I’m so happy for you both :)
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks StacyLee, I’m pretty happy about it too! :)
adgray
CHOOKAS!!! xX☼♥☼♥☼Xx
Adrian Carmody
Congratulations… wishing both of you all the happiness in the world. I’m sure that the wedding that was organised around you will be perfect, in all your oyster/bone/white/offwhite splendor.
The holiday sounds absolutely incredible – the idea of pushing aside basic clothing needs for costumes is very “Jo” of you :)
Jo O'Brien
replied
I swear they make up shades of white just so you feel like your white dress isn’t the same as the other white dresses worn by all those other brides. lol. It’s a bit crazy. We’ll have to catch up and do crazy styling things when we get back.
DeviousLili
Sunday!! Already?! Sweetpea, I am so insanely happy with and for both you and James. I met my man-beast online, as well. I doubt we’ll ever be as peas-in-a-pod as the two of you are, but the inspiration is undeniable. You inspire me to not only reach out and show the world that I, too, can Create, but that all of these scars and souvenirs are worthwhile. You inspire me to be a better Me, Jo O’Brien. Thank you. and Congratulations to one of the best girls I am hoping to know. xoxoxox
Jo O'Brien
replied
You’re making me all weepy with happy tears. Hugs :)
Jess Andrews
Good luck with everything, the wedding is going be beautiful I’m sure xx
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Jess, there will be picture, I am sure :)
Sharon Mau
I wish you much love and every happiness!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Sharon :)
reflexio
Great news, beware of the gold fish scenario, strangely this evebt it seems to follow marriage…. !
Jo O'Brien
replied
the gold fish scenario? You’ll have to explain that one to me!
Ross Robinson
Congrats again Jo. Looking forward to perhaps a 2010 “Shots of Italy” Calendar? All the best for the big day and the trip.
Jo O'Brien
replied
You’re a clever one. Great idea :)
jemimalovesbigted
xxx have a ball you too. seriously the cutest couple I have met in a looooong time. best of luck on Sunday and happy travels. see you on your return =D
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you :)
Sue Kane
Congrats Jo and James…..wishing you a life full of love and laughter….all the best for your big day!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks so much Sue, it should be lots of fun!
Julie Langford
All the best both. Dont blink, it all happens so fast. Relax and take in every moment.
Jo O'Brien
replied
I will pack eye drops so I can keep them open! lol
adgray
☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼
I wanna come throw rose petals!
and on each one I’d lovingly write Chookas in gold and silver!!
You two are so well matched I am blessed to have met you
What excellent news!
I wish you had told us sooner but then you are not wanting a huge barrage of well wishes – which we’ll give anyway! lol
I hope you will show us lots of wedding pickies and shots of Italy – wow!
but you barely lasted a week away from the bubble last January
how you goner last a MONTH??? ..... don’t answer that !! forget I asked !! I forgot you’ll have James in Italy with you …. red what?
In all seriousness be happy
Always talk and always turn to each other for your solace (yes even when they’ve caused it in the first place! lol) Sorry is sweeter when coated in love!
♥ Chookas sweet Jo and James! ♥
☼ The world is your oyster! ☼
xX☼♥☼♥☼Xx
☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼♥☼
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you so much. And I have no idea how I’ll go being away from work for so long. I might have hidden some work in my luggage for the flight (just don’t tell James) ;)
Mishu7
OMG!!! Congratulations!!!!! I’m speechless, I’ll just say that I wish the best for both of you… And a life full of happiness, joy, love and laughter… You can never have too much laughter in your life…
:) yey! ♥
Jo O'Brien
replied
awww. Thank you!
Simon Whittaker
Well done and congrats – do you have a good photographer? lol.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Other benefit of this amazing community – we were somewhat spoiled for choice!
Karen Cougan
CONGRATS Jo and James
Have a fabulous time on Sunday and have the best most sexy Honeymoon ever….....
xkc
Jo O'Brien
replied
Don’t know about sexy (something about backpacking sounds a bit dirty and rough!) but it’ll be hot – 43 degrees when we first land!
Basia McAuley
Very exciting for you and James!! Congrats!! Have a lovely day,, a great honeymoon,,, and a beautiful life ahead together :o) Can’t wait to see all the photos!!! Well,, most of them anyway! ;o)
Jo O'Brien
replied
There will be many photos. Many. You will be blinded by computer screen brightness from looking at them all ;)
Anne Smyth
what a lovely story and the very best of wishes for a life filled with love and photographs
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you Anne
barnsis
Congratulations to James, have a wonderful trip.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Cheers. It should be heaps of fun
Soxy Fleming
I’m sure you will manage all the things you have to do with cameras still attached….could be interesting! I look forward to seeing those pictures. lots of love to you both xxx
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you so much Soxy. We’ll have to catch up when we get back.
Rachel Davison
Congratulations Bella Jo!!!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Rachel
Paul Louis Vil...
Woohoo!! Love mushy journals!! Congrats darls and to James! :D
Jo O'Brien
replied
I turn into a bit of a mushy mush mush sometimes. See you soon :)
Melinda Kerr
Brilliant Jo & James. Blessings on a crazy, happy, adventuresome life together.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Cheers Mel :)
Rosina Lamberti
tanti baci di amore alle sposi …...felicità per sempre
Jo O'Brien
replied
I can’t believe you are making me use google translator and we’re not even there yet! lol. Thanks Rosie :)
Jessica Tremp
awwww x
Jo O'Brien
replied
I know, x
earthairfire
Make sure you turn off your ‘phones and don’t check your email. Go escape and wrap yourselves up with each other – for once just ignore the rest of the world and enjoy the moment. Have a ball. I know you both will anyway.
xx
Jo O'Brien
replied
I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that “turning off” bit, but I’m sure we will have a great time away.
tkrosevear
Congratulations Jo, it couldn’t happen to a nicer lady ;) xoxox ♥
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks tk!
Enrico Bettesw...
congrats Jo – good stuff!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you Enrico :)
John Robb
Congratulations.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Cheer John, see you soon!
FlowersEtc
Congratulations, what wonderful news. Best Wishes, and I wish you many years of lasting Love.

Sincerely, FlowersEtc Ann
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you so much :)
Pip Gerard
you two have officially become our romantic fairytale… the tale many will speak of as legend of the wonderful land that is Red Bubble :D I love that kind of stuff!
Hope the month is the greatest month of your lives. And may it go very slowly.
Wishing you lots of mushy happiness.
Pip :D ♥
Jo O'Brien
replied
awwww. thank you Pip :)
Kenny Gulley Jr.
haha wow!
Jo O'Brien
replied
It hasn’t really sunk in yet for me yet either! maybe when we’re all there and it’s actually happening? lol
Michael Alesich
You guys rock…
Jo O'Brien
replied
but do we roll?
Jack McCabe
√ That’s wonderful news! :)
The best to you both!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Jack
Paul McClintock
Have fun guys.
Jo O'Brien
replied
That’s the plan!
Magaret Meintjes
Wow!!! How romantic, congratulations and just my best whishes for a wonderful life together. Enjoy every moment of your honeymoon! take care!
Simone Maynard
see you sunday gorgeous gal x
Jo O'Brien
replied
Yes, see you both there!
Karin Taylor
i’m so happy for you Jo and James, have a beautiful wedding day and a lovely time spent away together in Italy…...I know you’ll enjoy and savour every moment and make beautiful memories :) x
Jo O'Brien
replied
awww, thank you so much Karin!
John Dicandia
Congratulations Jo, what a beautiful way to meet someone. Hope you have a wonderful life together! A holiday in Italy is always a great way to start a marriage! Cheers to you both.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks John. I’ve never left the country before so I’m pretty gosh darn excited!
Tracey Mac
Awww I’m all teary, that’s made my week.
Congratulations to the both of you that is sooooo beautiful!
I can feel a million images coming on lol! xoxox
Jo O'Brien
replied
Tracey don’t cry! lol. There will be plenty of photos. You’ll be sick of looking at by the time we’re done!
DoreenPhillips
La Dolce Vita Congratuation’s Jo and James …...I suppose we will need a whole new group for all your Honeymoon pics…......lol…..Have a Wonderful Time…................x
Jo O'Brien
replied
haha, I did join the Italian groups in advance ;)
AlexMac
Wishing you both all the best and all things mushy…take care and cant wait to see all the pics xx
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thanks Alex :)
Mel Sinclair
congrats baby doll! many best wishes and happy snapping!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank You Mel
David Haviland
Congrats to you both. Enjoy.
Jo O'Brien
replied
Cheers David :)
Lara Luz
Well that’s just too cute isn’t it? Looks like James couldn’t hold on to the secret of the venue? It sounds awesome and of course, I wish you guys all the best for the future and may you both continue to look at each other the way you both do now.
The love you both share is evident and glows when ever I’ve had the pleasure of being in your presence and I’m sure anyone that has been witness to it, wishes to someday be that lucky. Have a great honeymoon and look forward to seeing/reading your first journal as a married women!
Jo O'Brien
replied
lol, it was a fairly badly kept secret before then too – his family kept blurting it out by accident and then (obviously) trying to cover it up by mentioning a bunch of other countries!
Thanks so much for you kind words. We’ll have to catch up when we get back.
Noel Elliot
Congratulationa and all the best for your future….let not your passion for creativity get pushed aside fo other passions but let them work together….cheers
Jo O'Brien
replied
Thank you Noel :)
Paul Grinzi
Congrats again – have a great time and I’m looking forward to seeing all these wonderful images from Italy when we next meet – possibly at Portsea (again overlooking the ocean). Have fun and see you on ‘the other side’!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Cheers Paul. See you soon!
dimsim
“Arrivederci!” indeed :) bon voyage!
Jo O'Brien
replied
Truth be told, I don’t really speak any Italian (I’m just bluffing) ;)
reflexio
Gold Fish Scenario
Jo O'Brien
replied
I’m pretty sure that I’m not going away with 12 other women or staying in a tank, but I get your drift ;)
Jordan Busson
Oh wow, Jo, that’s fantastic news! I wish you both the best of luck and happiness.
I love it that RedBubble can bring people so close together… Congrats, Jo.
Alateia
ooooo you get to make little bubbles together! so happy for you, James is going to make an honest woman of you, how lovely. congratulations to both of you.
The weather is perfect in Europe at the moment, Venezia bellissima, Tanti auguri!
Danielle Prowse
All the best for your trip….Italy is divine!! And good luck on Sunday Ciao!
Helen McLean
That’s awesome Jo – to gain friendships from RB are one thing, but a marriage is out of this world. Congrats to you both again.
Robyn Lakeman
That’s so awesome Jo. All the very best to you and James for a wonderful wedding and life together. You never know I might bump into you guys in Italy lol, I’ll be there in September
berndt2
congratulations!! that’s brilliant – all the best to you both!
Martin Pot
Congrats, and have a great wedding, and be sure to take lots of great photos in Italy!
Erin Lyall
Congrats and good luck guys, can’t wait to see all the photos from your special day and holiday!
Robert Knapman
Congratulations Jo. I remember when you joined. What a damn fine journey. Keep rocking girlfriend and have yourself a wonderful time / wedding xx
LeilaniMelayna
Congratulations & Best Wishes to both you, JO & James! WOW….I love this touching story! Cheers to happy endings & even happier BEGINNINGS!
Smiles Leilani
Stephen Colquitt
Thats fantastic to hear – I hope that you and James have a very special wedding day and a very long and happy life together
Jesse Blyth
Wow, congratulations!
You’ve posted up some great work, I just love it!
Lisa Defazio
Congratulations and blessings to you both…what great parents your children will have.x
martinilogic
CONGRATULATIONS… Isn’t love grand…... you will love Italy
Symmetry45
I’ll keep it brief with only three things to contribute.
Blessings! Blessings! Blessings!
sterenborg
Congratulations
Natalie Tyler
Hope you both have the most wonderful, memorable day and a fantastic few weeks in Italy. Wishing you a happy future together x
momleeb
Congratulations Jo & James!! Have a wonderful time :-)
jaffa
congratulations Jo, have a wonderful married life.
Colleen Milburn
Hugest congrats and warmest wishes ever, Jo!!!! Can’t wait to see your gorgeous pics of Italy, lucky you!! I wish you both all the happiness in the world :-D
Tama Blough
Aw, Jo, what a great story – living proof that Red Bubble can change your life for the better! Have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon and we’ll see you all glowy and refreshed when you return to us!
Lorraine Creagh
The wedding and honeymoon sound idyllic. Enjoy and have fun! ♥
TextureoftheSin
Wishing you a wonderful day and a fabulous honeymoon!!!!!
AngelArtiste
I wish that the angels will bless you and your hubby to be. I hope that you will be a happy bride, and a happy wife; and have a nice time in Italy! I can;t wait to see your pictures!
Tania Rose
aint love grand! sigh
DragonFlyer
Simply beautiful :D xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
K xxx
Shanina Conway
Oh Jo congratulations to you both:D
IA wedding how wonderful, enjoy this special day,and the rest of your lives together.
You’ve certainly got something old to wear, but I doubt you’ll be wearing goth lol!
The honeymoon sounds amazing…can’t wait to see the pics and hopefully pics of your wedding day before you shoot off;)
Hugs to you both;)
Rosemary Scott
Woo Hoo!! So exciting! All the best to you both :)))
Juilee Pryor
the ultimate Redbubble fairy story romance… how amazing… best bestest best wishes to you both on your wedding and have a great honeymoon in Italy… xxx
Agnes McGuinness
Congratulations to both of you, Jo. Have a great life.! Agnes xx
Taschja Hattingh
Congratulations! May your love boat sail the seven seas without a storm! Love and kisses all around! xxxxx
Isa Rodriguez
Congratulations , Jo!. what a sweet thing. love!!!
you have always been a true help to me.and countless others here.. . and I am so glad you are hooked on the bubble
LoriSmaltz
Congrats! Sounds like the beginning of a fabulous journey!
DonDavisUK
Marvellous, all the best and I hope you are both going to be a happy, snappy couple:-) Megga. Don.
Nascha
How romantic. Congratulations…..what a beautiful story! XX
Jodie Johnson
Enjoy the day, the honeymoon, the holiday, the photo’s, but most of all, enjoy the rest of your life together :-) Congrats
AnaCBStudio
Congratulations Jo…I am very glad for you…Have a wonderful Honeymoon!!...Hugs
Gregoryno6
Congratulations to you both. Mazel Tov!
Patricia Gibson
Congratulations to both of you, its TODAY!!! Hope the weather didn’t dampen you spirits. Have a wonderful honeymoon in Italy and a happy ever after : ) Patricia
Philip Johnson
congrats jo & James
Rosalie Dale IPA
I now officially have RSI having scrolled halfway around the world to get here!!! Trust all’s gone well and will certainly be looking foward to all the goss on your return (and a shot or two?!). xx Huge congrats.
Lawford
So that comment on mrbaxters page about being Jo O’Brien’s boy friend is not true then?
Mr Baxter
I like a challenge Lawford.
Simone Maynard
you looked so beautiful yesterday jo! james scrubbed up ok too! thanks for allowing me to be part of your special day. have a fabulous few weeks and an amazing life together!!! look forward to seeing all the photos. xxx
aglaia b
:
) xox totally missed this till now. what the? hehe ;) xoxhope you guys are having a ball and huge congratulations to you both. ❤ ❤
Di Jenkins
have a fantastic time guys!!!!!!!!! CONGRATS!
Lolo Lost
The very best to you and Matt, Jo.
Italy!!
BYRON
awesome!
funkyfacestudio
Congratulations ! what a wonderful story ! have a beautiful time !
nishagandhi
wow very cool story and congrats!!
georgiegirl
I knew fairy tales were actually from real life!!! Congratulations on marrying your Prince Charming!! And also huge Congratulations to you too, James. I wish you both a life filled with happiness, laughter and love!
Craig Goldsmith
My my I am behind the times, Congratulations to you and James!
Monique Alvis
Slightly belated congratulations
your story is a bit of a fairytale! :)
Kitty Schul
Congrats =] I just got married the 22nd of September this year. Marriage is a beautiful and wonderful thing =]
Alice Oates
That’s so amazing! Congratulations to you both
Christine Wilson
wow just seen this , a bit late but congrats anyway hope you had a great day and “funtastic” honeymoon
Stephen Mitchell
I thought I had commented already, but it appears I have not: CONGRATULATIONS to you both!
Miron Abramovici
Many congratulations and tons of good luck in your new life!