As a lot of you know, I was so looking forward to meeting the Saccone Jolys since discovering they would be speaking at BlogFest (Mumsnet’s Blogging Conference) in London last weekend. I had also been shortlisted in their Best Vlogger Category for the awards which would be taking place the same day. This made me incredibly proud and happy about our little blog and YouTube channel. Of course, the excitement of this was curbed when we found out that we didn’t make it to the Finals, LOL! The reality is that having come close at the BIBS (Brilliance in Blogging organised by Britmums) back in May, this time I was fine about it and it didn’t affect me. I think this was because I was really looking forward to saying hi to my vlogging IDOLS Jonathan & Anna in person.
I guess you may be expecting this post to be about my day at BlogFest and the highlight of meeting Anna & Jonathan. Well no, this post won’t be about my day at BlogFest and how good or bad the sessions were or how amazing it was to meet again with some amazing bloggers or meeting other bloggers that you have been chatting with for a lot for months for the first time! I obviously loved all of that but this post won’t be about that.
This post will be about my expectations of meeting Anna & Jonathan and what the reality actually was. I had been looking forward to this day for months and the main reason for this was because they were my inspiration, my reason to start my YouTube Channel and therefore my blog. Yes, I started my YouTube channel first but it wasn’t until a couple of months later that my blog was born too. My main purpose was to make videos and complement this with some blog posts. However, things changed along the way and I also fell in love with blogging and ended up writing more than filming. Despite this, what I really love is when we produce videos. It is just so cool to be able to watch back and share all the things that we have been doing and appreciate all the opportunities that we have had so far.
My sister in one of her TV Shows
I guess this is because I remember watching my sister, who is a psychologist, on television and making such cool TV programs. She is well known in my country and I went with her on many occasions when she was filming her own shows or when she was invited as a guest on another show. This world of being in front of the camera was not unfamiliar to me, well at least I had some ideas. Obviously, I never thought of filming and started talking to the camera on my own. Of course it’s a totally different level but what I wanted to say was that I think I was building up that need to express myself through the camera and having been inspired by my sister. I hope it makes sense! Now I understand it but I probably didn’t at the time – I feel incredibly proud of my sister for being able to do something like that. She definitely has talent.
Anyway, I guess this all led me towards starting this new adventure. As I’ve already said Jonathan and Anna were my main inspiration. I followed Anna first as she also has a blog and I fell in love with her! She is beautiful. I was pregnant with Sienna at the time and she was expecting her second child so there was something in common. I then started following their family channel which shows their daily lives and since then I never went back. They upload daily, so I always look forward to checking my email notifications for when their new video is published, at around 6 pm every day.
I have mentioned to many people about them being my IDOLS and how cool it would be if one day I can meet them. I have seen them going to special meeting ups in their videos but I have never had the opportunity to go to one. Also, I’m not very good with massive crowds. Honestly, it makes me nervous and very claustrophobic.
On my way to BlogFest 16
This time was different, as I was going to meet them in my element as they were coming to speak to bloggers and vloggers who wanted to find out tips about growing a successful YouTube channel! For weeks, I was looking forward to all the things I wanted to tell them and Nick and I had some questions for them too. We were hoping to do a quick vlog when we met them and to have a little chat.
Well, the day arrived and the YouTube sessions were very popular. A lot of people were very keen to learn more about vlogging. I was actually surprised as we were surrounded by bloggers who normally write but now many of them want to start vlogging/filming too. I thought that was very interesting!
Anyway, Anna & Jonathan’s session was in the morning so it was not long after the welcome speeches. So this is the interesting part. I wasn’t feeling very well during the day after 3 days of sleepless nights taking care of a poorly 2-year-old little girl that had a chest infection. All these months waiting for this day and I have to start feeling lousy! Typical right? I was dying to go to the bathroom after the first main session, so as soon as it finished, I queued up and went in. Whilst washing my hands I was better but still felt a bit under the weather, so I decided to put on some red lipstick to lift my spirits, LOL! I think there were 2 or 3 other people there but, when I turned my head GUESS WHO I SAW? Yes, I saw ANNA!!!!! Can you believe it? She was just approaching the sink to wash her hands. I was next to the hand dryer so she went there to dry her hands. My heart was beating super fast and I was telling myself, “Franca, forget you are nervous and shaking and please just say something. Try not to be shy!”. This was my opportunity to say hi. It was just her next to me! How cool and at the same time how awkward is that?
I wanted to say so many things but my words didn’t come out. I was so nervous. I managed to get myself a little bit closer and said: “Anna?” She turned her face and looked at me and said: “Yes, hi“. I was just freaking out at that moment! Dying inside thinking that I had her in front of me and I managed to say hi. I felt like a little child! Then I tried to say something like: “OMG, I can’t believe this. I’m a MASSIVE FAN” She couldn’t hear anything as she, of course, was drying her hands, LOL! What an awkward moment! So she then moved away from the hand dryer and said: “Sorry, I couldn’t hear anything. What were you saying?” I just felt so silly as it is not common to me to go and poke famous people’s shoulders and say hi. In fact, I absolutely hate that but this time I had to do it. I really had to say hi. otherwise, I would have regretted it my whole life, LOL!
After this, you would expect me to say something amazing and start a rehearsed conversation! I managed to repeat what she didn’t hear that I was a massive fan and she thanked me. What else is there for me to say? Such a weird moment! So then I said, “Are you speaking soon, right?” Such a stupid question. Of course, she was going to speak soon. She was there to do that! Can you believe it? Such a waste of time. Instead of saying all the things that I wanted to say to her in person, I wasted those 5 minutes with silly questions. I think I was even mumbling. She might be thinking what a weirdo I was, LOL! Obviously after that, she said: “Oh sorry, I really need to go now as they are waiting for me“, so I felt more stupid than ever.
On my way to The Saccone Joly’s session
I went straight to Nick and told him what happened. He laughed because he knew how much this meant to me. We decided to go straight to their session and listen to what they had to say. When we arrived, the room was already filling and we got sat a little bit towards the back. I couldn’t see much which was annoying. The good thing is that the session was very good. They actually answered all the questions that we wanted to ask so we didn’t raise our hands for the Q&A at the end. Also, I’m very shy so the truth is that I was never going to ask a question in front of so many people.
YouTube Session with The Saccone Jolys (sorry, it is very dark)
When the session finished we were really hoped to get a picture and maybe a little vlog with them. I think I was being naive in thinking that! There were too many people and they were in a rush I think. We were actually waiting in a queue to get a photo with them but then needed to leave. I was thinking, “NOOOOO please don’t go yet! I really want a photo with you guys!”.
As ‘luck’ would have it, we were standing with Sunita from Lucky Things, who was my hero for the day. She has a great DSLR camera with a large flash which made her look like a professional photographer. I was explaining to her how excited I was to be able to have a photo with them, and she agreed to take one for me. Just in that moment, Anna & Jonathan decided to leave so my hero, Sunita stood in front of them and stopped them! Yes, you are reading correctly, she stopped them, LOL! Hilariously, she then said to them, “Aren’t you going to have a photo with Franca?” Can you believe it? I was thinking ‘OMG Sunita, I love you so much’. I’m in debt to her for the rest of my life, LOL! Of course, they agreed:”Oh yes, of course, we will!”. How funny is that?
This is how the photo above happened! All thanks to Sunita. Nick managed to take a quick video while Sunita was taking the photo. He also managed to take a photo with his mobile which was cool too. After this, I thanked them and they left! So that was my experience of meeting THE SACCONE JOLYs!
After waiting for this moment, it finally happened but it wasn’t exactly how I was expecting it or had picturing it in my head. I felt disappointed with myself to miss that great opportunity in the bathroom but what else can you do! I never got to tell them that they are the reason why we do what we do at the moment and they are my guilty pleasure every day at 6 pm, LOL!
Have you ever had a situation like this? Did you finally meet a famous or inspirational person but all your expectations were thrown out the window? Do you have any similar stories that you would like to share with us? If so, please leave a comment below as I would love to read about it.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
Linking up with:
So pleased you got to meet the Saccone Jolys on Saturday. The session was fab wasn’t it? You shouldn’t feel nervous, although I would feel the same. It was lovely catching up at the weekend, and I look forward to hearing all about your future plans. Claire x
Hey Franca. I’m so glad all of us were there “at the right time”. It was fab capturing a photo of you with Anna and Jonathan. I’m glad they managed to have your photo with you 😉 I could genuinely see how much it meant to you. You looked so happy in the photo. I love taking photos of people especially when they are happy or enjoying themselves. Thanks for the lovely shout-out. I’m glad I went to the vlogging session too. Picked up so many easy tips! Catch up soon xx Sunita #KCACOLS
Aww Franca, I would never have guessed that you get nervous or are even shy. It really doesnt come across at all! You were so comfortable and confident and chatty when we met, I really enjoyed talking to you face to face finally! Im so pleased that you managed to get your picture with the Saccone-Jolys, as I was reading this I had all my fingers crossed for you. Its so lovely of Sunita to step in the way that she did for you 🙂 Emily x
Awww! Its always like that, isn’t it. I’m a huge fan of the SacconeJolys also. You’re so lucky to have met them! x #KCACOLS
Go you! I met SIr Steve Redgrave a few years ago. We were at the commonwealth games and he slipped into the hockey match we were watching to watch. At half time hardly anyone had noticed he was there, so I decided to just pop over and say hi. He has diabetes also, and since I had only been diagnosed 18 months before I just wanted to talk to him. We have matching pumps which we laughed about and then I left him alone. Such a surreal experience – but I was shaking head to toe the whole time! #kcacols
So jealous! I love those two, they have the most delightful family. You’re very lucky.
Thanks for hosting.
He he – this made me smile. Not quite the same thing, but it reminded me of a guy at work I had a massive crush on (this was a lifetime ago). EVRYONE in the office knew about it, so on a department trip out, they made sure I’d next to him on the train to give me a chance to talk to him. I just couldn’t! So funny! #KCACOLS
I am so jealous you got to meet them I watch them everyday too. I would have been the same as you if I ever met them or anyone new to be fair haha! #kcacols x
I feel like I missed out, somehow I never hear about blog fest until it is happening. Well done on the photo opportunity and you and your sister are both so stunning. #KCACOLS
Oh I completely related this Franca. It happens to the best of us and can he so disappointing. I’ve kicked myself when I didn’t take opportunities to meet people I really wanted to meet. Sometime the day never comes round again so we really need to just do it. #kcacols
Oh well done Sunita -! well how lovely for you to get meet people you admire so much . Exciting times #kcacols
So fun! Plus you’ve got a great photo to remind you of the experience. My only similar experience was meeting a bunch of the Olympic athletes after the Vancouver 2010 games. #kcacols
AW that is awesome, I am so glad you got your photo! Thanks for sharing! #kcacols
I have never met an Idol..I honeetly don’t even know who I would consider to be an Idol, I guess the blosest thing at this point in my life would be one you lovely ladies who has this bloggy thing down! I am still figuring it all out, trying to make a go, feeling the ups and downs….Looks like your experience was a win with a great photo! #KCACOLS
I would be exactly the same as I too am really shy around people I don’t know, and get totally star struck!,I think I’d be a mumbling wreck when I get to meet you and the rest of the #KCACOLS gang, Lol! X
Poor you! I know how you feel – I met Robbie Williams once and was totally star struck – I had all these things to say and of course none of them came out! #KCACOLS
Oh bless you! This is really quite endearing and I am so glad you got to meet them after looking forward to it for so long! xx #KCACOLS
I met Nicky Wire (the bass player from Manic Street Preachers) a few times as he used to come into the music shop I worked in back home in Wales. The first time I actually short changed him after he purchased a few items as I was a bit hungover, but he was so lovely about it! I’ve still got his autograph on a bit of till receipt somewhere! #KCACOLS
I think I would be a nervous wreck if I thought I was going to meet someone I really looked up to! I’m so pleased that you got such a lovely photo with them in the end, I bet you’ll treasure that for a long time! x #KCACOLS
I don’t follow the Saccone Joly’s, but my friends girls love watching them. I’d be sure to make a total nob of myself if I ever got to meet any of my idols! #kcacols
Ah, Franca! I never would have thought of you as being shy and nervous. You always seem so confident. Mind you, it is daunting when you are faced with meeting your idols. I got to speak to Davina McCall at Blogfest and she was so lovely and gracious and down to earth that it gave me confidence to speak to her. Luckily, I made sense! Usually, I get ‘verbal diarrhoea’ and say something stupid when I am nervous. She was really happy to chat with all of us and have photos so although I’m not one of these who has lots of idols etc, she certainly got another fan that day…me!
Arghhhhhhh! #KCACOLS!
Oh bless ya hon. How fab that you got to not only meet your idols, but that you got to have your picture taken with them too! Xx #KCACOLS
I really feel for you, getting nervous like that! It happened to me years ago when I met Patrick Stewart who is one of my favourite actors. I saw him in a play and had to hold the programme still for him to autograph it, but my hand was shaking and it made him mess up his signature. He acted a bit cross with me…I could have died! I can see how it must have been very awkward to approach her in the bathroom. Fantastic that you did get a picture in the end though, and it is a very good one. So cool of Sunita to help! I felt a bit like a fan girl meeting all of you cool bloggers like you and Sunita actually! #kcacols
Oh brilliant tale! I love how Sunita stood in front of them and you got your picture – yaaaaaaaaay! It is always weird when you meet your idol. At least you didn’t do what I did….pass out cold! #KCACOLS
Oh bless. I haven’t met anyone famous so I don’t really know how I’d react. At least yougor your photo! #KCACOLS
I am a *little* jealous you got to meet the Saccone Jolys. I have watched them for a while and they are incredible. I think It’s pretty normal to go a bit blank when meeting someone famous. I haven’t yet met anyone who is well known, but I’m sure if I had gone to Blogfest I would’ve turned a little ‘fan girly’ over Louise Pentland haha. Fab post, I did have a giggle over the hand dryer thing.. How awkward! hahaha #kcacols xxx
I’m really pleased for you! I would be the same, all nervous and berating myself. Well done Sunita!! She is great!
#KCACOLS
Oh lol I did have a similar situation before! I think when you meet someone you really look up to in person you totally shut down mentally! Congrats on being short listed – it’s well deserved, you have a brilliant YouTube channel! Thank you for hosting #KCACOLS x
Thats usually the case isnt it? haha, but glad you had a fab time. I spent my teenage years being crazily obsessed with the Backstreet Boys, imagining the day I’d finally meet them. I did manage to meet them on many occasion years later and spend quite a bit of time with them, drinks in hotel bars, parties in hotel rooms, and see what they were like as actual people. It was eye opening to say the least 🙂 #KCACOLS
Phew!I’m so glad you managed to get your photo with them in the end. I’ve never met any of my idols but I’m sure if I did I would be a nervous wreck!!xx #kcacols
I would never have imagined you being shy Franca! I am too, and don’t think I’d even have had the nerve to approach someone I was a big fan of, even if it didn’t go quite to plan, so at least you don’t have the regrets of ‘I wish I’d said hi!’ That’s a lovely photo of you with them though, so pleased you managed to get it! #KCACOLS
Oh wow! That’s amazing you met Sacconejolys, I love them! We always watch them every day at 6pm, hehe. It looks and sounds like so much fun! #KCACOLs
I know what you must have felt like, Franca. Many years ago I met Leonard Cohen outside the concert he’d just been playing in. I was completely lost for words and as it was cold, dark and rainy, he walked out of the stage door and our conversations was minimal to say the least as he was rushing to get home and i was tongue tied. Eternal regrets! #KCACOLS
What an amazing experience to meet your idols! Shane you didn’t get longer to chat and that your nerves got the better of you, t really is nervewracking meeting someone you admire! #KCACOLS
Ahh what a lovely story and so exciting to meet your idols! It must have been so exciting and I can tell from your post how much it meant to you! How amazing you also got to ‘jump in’ for a photo! 🙂
#KCACOLS
Oh how exciting that you got to meet them, even it wasn’t how you expected. And well done for even speaking to Anna at all, I’m not sure I would have managed it x #KCACOLS
Aww bless you, i can hear the excitement in your writing so I can only imagine how you would have been on the day! I don’t think I’ve met anyone i can class as my idol. My ultimate dream is to meet Robbie Williams and I have a feeling I’ll either become a mute or have verbal diahorrea when that happens, if it ever does! Thank you for hosting #KCACOLS xx
It’s lovely that you got to meet them. I would have been nervous too, and it is a lovely photo of you with them x
#KCACOLS
What a brilliant story!So glad it had the ending it did.I’ve never met any of my idols but I have no doubt I’d be exactly like you! x #kcacols
Ah, it is lovely that you managed to meet your idols and that, more importantly, they are still your idols and lived up to expectations. There is a danger that we can put our idols on pedestals and they are never quite as great in real life as they are in our imaginations. I am really pleased that Saccone jolys were great. Pen x #KCACOLS
Oh bless! It’s so nice to hear someone else gets totally hyped up about things like this, i’m glad i’m not the only one! haha x #kcacols
Wow! That is great for you! I would be really nervous also. Very exciting!
#kcacols
Isn’t it weird how being nervous or excited affects our ability to talk and think properly. Thanks brain! Glad you got your lovely shot in the end! #kcacols
very cute. There have been a few times I’ve seen people that I’d like to talk to in casinos, but I’m always afraid that I’m going to bother them. The one time a few of us asked the lead singer of 80s band Slaughter for a pic after his show, he claimed not to be him. #KCACOLS
I would never have thought you were shy either! It’s funny how people come across as super confident on line but then in person they can be just as shy or insecure as the rest of us. I would never dare approach someone for a photo, or even a conversation, I’d be more likely to hover near them and get a quick photo with them in the background!! We’ve never really met any celebrities, and none that I admire, but my son has met a few footballers he loves and he’s gone straight over for a selfie! #kcacols
I would have been nervous too, I would never have you down for being shy! Well done for talking to Anna though and getting your photo! #KCACOLS
Maybe they’ll read your blog and know then how much they have inspired you. That would be the best! x
#KCACOLS
Ah it’s nice you got to meet some idols. You shouldn’t be nervous lovey – you’re just as fabulous. I’m that being said I am total numpty when I meet someone I look up to! #KCACOLS xx
Hahaha! I feel like I was there as I have a perfect mental image of being there in the bathroom with you! (Well, that sounded creepy….)
I went to a Harry Connick, Jr. concert going on 20 years ago. I got all kinds of dolled up for the show and squeezed my way to a spot right by the stage. As luck would have it, I caught his sweat towel in a moment of exhilaration. After the show while I was waiting in line with my friend to get Harry’s autograph, I had planned on being brilliant. Instead, what ACTUALLY happened was me saying, “Uhhhhh….could you please sign your sweat towel?” A thrilling moment turned embarrassing! I guess it could have been worse. I could have accidentally spit on him or something wretched like that!
Regardless of your experience, your picture looks fabulous!
#KCACOLS
haha this made me chuckle because I hate it when nerves get the better of you and you are left completely star struck and come out with ridiculous questions or observations. so pleased you got your photo with your idols though and hats off to Sunita!!
#KCACOLS
I’d be so star struck if I ever met any of my idols I’d probably just start drooling, or faint, or both, so you did better than I would have! How great that Sunita was able to get that photo for you x
#KCACOLS
I think we could all do with a Sunita in our life. #KCACOLS
Ahh I think I would be exactly the same in the bathroom situation.. I hate that feeling when you wish you had said lots of things but totally forget at the time! I’m so glad you got to meet and have a picture with them in the end though! x #KCACOLS
I agree with people when they say not to meet your idols, just in case you get disappointed. I had a similar experience as you, last night whilst trying to get photos of cast members at a show I desperately tried to get a picture to fail miserably until someone asked them to take one with me. That lady made my day so I completely get your feeling frustrated but still elated at meeting someone you’ve been wanting to for a while! #KCAKOLS
Sounds like you had a fantastic time!! 😀
I have never met or had anything like this happen no hehe. I’m not sure what I would do – I’m quite shy as well!!
#KCAKOLS
I would never know that you are shy person:D glad that you could take a photo with your idols:)
#KCACOLS
Oh dear Franca. Its funny how those moments we build up so much in our head and act out a thousand times in our daydreams don’t go that way at all.
I was a film extra for a day in Oxford on Shadowlands, directed by Dickie Attenborough and starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger. I never expected to meet any of the stars, but as we stood in the Marquee having a chicken roll and coffee a deep Welsh voice behind us said “Well boys are you enjoying yourself” we turned round and there was Anthony Hopkins. This was long before Camera Phones so unfortunately I didn’t manage a Selfie.
It was certainly properly memorable and a great story to share.x #KCACOLS
I don’t think I have ever met a famous person face to face – although I did see David Walliams in a restaurant once – but I’m pretty sure that’s not the same thing! It sounds like you had a lovely day and well done for getting the photograph! #KCACOLS
Sounds like you had a lovely day!! You look super happy in the pic go you for getting the photo! #KCACOLS
It is funny how at the end of the day we are all just human. We get nervous about the silliest things. I wouldn’t have managed a word! #KCACOLS
OMG my reaction would have been the same! People think I’m so confident, I’ll happily stand up and talk to a room full of people, but put me in a situation with someone famous or particularly important and I would turn into a stammering imbecile! #KCACOLS
I love that you got to meet them Franca. Had no idea that they were part of the inspiration behind the blog x #kcacols
What a great story! Sounds like you had a great time and that’s a really great picture you got with them! #KCACOLS
So glad you had a good experience. I know lots of people finally meet their idols and find them disappointing. #KCACOLS
I think I’d faint if I met the Saccone Jolys, love them! x #KCACOLS
Really glad you got to meet them especially when you were feeling a bit under the weather! Lovely photo in the end too! #KCACOLS
IS It really bad to admit I’ve never heard of them??!! But this post did make me laugh Franca because you sound so much like me – my nerves often get the better of me and I say things that I regret afterwards and feel silly!! Then think of a million things I COULD have said afterwards! I’d love to do more vlogging but my problem is that I use iMovie which is only on my iPhone and I have hardly any memory! I recently did a YouTube review and had to literally clear my entire phone just to upload the video ! #kcacols
I once sat next to Madonna and Guy Richie at a restaurant in New York. It was just before their divorce and the mood was very low, so it didn’t feel right to go over. I think you forget that you are a lot of bloggers idol and they might feel like you if they met you in real life. Be proud of everything you have achieved. #KCACOLS
Nadia – Scandimummy x
Aw bless! I am really awkward and say stupid things meeting anyone for the first time, regardless of them being well known! #KCACOLS
How amazing to meet your idol. It is always so surreal. I once met Bob Mortimer in a train station. I was a huge fan and had to say hi. My attempts at conversation were mortifying so in the end I just apologised and left. You should like you did better than I did x
Haha loved this story Franca! This is definitely the sort of thing I’d do – in fact I probably wouldn’t have started talking to her in the first place as I’m way too shy!! Yey for Sunita, she is such a legend xx #KCACOLS
Haha to be fair I think I would have totally frozen too and also blurted out a load of utter nonsense! #KCACOLS