• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Moment With Franca

A Family, Lifestyle & Travel Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Family
    • Family Events
    • Family Life
    • Family Days Out
    • Birthdays
  • Lifestyle
    • Home & Interiors
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Garden
    • Kitchen
    • Health
  • Travel
    • Days Out
    • Things To Do In London
    • Holidays
    • Press Trips
  • Reviews
    • Theatre & Shows
    • Days Out
    • Toys & Games
    • Fashion
    • Beauty
  • Seasonal
    • Christmas
    • Halloween
    • Mother’s Day
    • Father’s Day
    • Easter
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Giveaways
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Meeting Your Idols: Expectation vs Reality

amomentwithfranca · 19 November 2016 · 74 Comments

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.

meeting-your-idols-expectation-vs-reality

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.

1928305_22075897024_5474_n

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

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-jolys-session

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

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?

img_8393

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:

Related

Filed Under: Blogging, Events, Reflections

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. alana - BurniShed chaos says

    21 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  2. Helena says

    21 November 2016 at

    I think we could all do with a Sunita in our life. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  3. Poppy Reflects says

    22 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  4. Lianne harris says

    22 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  5. ERFmama says

    22 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  6. ohmummymia says

    22 November 2016 at

    I would never know that you are shy person:D glad that you could take a photo with your idols:)
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  7. Alan Herbert says

    22 November 2016 at

    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.

    Reply
  8. Rachel George, Ordinary Hopes says

    22 November 2016 at

    It was certainly properly memorable and a great story to share.x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  9. Cherry - the newby tribe says

    23 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  10. Laura says

    23 November 2016 at

    Sounds like you had a lovely day!! You look super happy in the pic go you for getting the photo! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  11. Jenn @ Mad Mommy says

    24 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  12. Sonia says

    24 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  13. Nicky Kentisbeer says

    24 November 2016 at

    I love that you got to meet them Franca. Had no idea that they were part of the inspiration behind the blog x #kcacols

    Reply
  14. The Speed Bump says

    24 November 2016 at

    What a great story! Sounds like you had a great time and that’s a really great picture you got with them! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  15. Becci - The UnNatural Mother says

    24 November 2016 at

    So glad you had a good experience. I know lots of people finally meet their idols and find them disappointing. #KCACOLS

    Reply
  16. Emma Plus Three says

    24 November 2016 at

    I think I’d faint if I met the Saccone Jolys, love them! x #KCACOLS

    Reply
  17. James Hopes says

    24 November 2016 at

    Really glad you got to meet them especially when you were feeling a bit under the weather! Lovely photo in the end too! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  18. Sarah - Arthurwears says

    25 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  19. Nadia - ScandiMummy says

    25 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  20. Silly Mummy says

    26 November 2016 at

    Aw bless! I am really awkward and say stupid things meeting anyone for the first time, regardless of them being well known! #KCACOLS

    Reply
  21. Louise says

    26 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  22. Mum in Brum says

    26 November 2016 at

    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

    Reply
  23. Amie says

    26 November 2016 at

    Haha to be fair I think I would have totally frozen too and also blurted out a load of utter nonsense! #KCACOLS

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

HI THERE, I’M FRANCA!

Hi, I'm Franca, a lawyer mum of 2 gorgeous girls married to my best friend, living in London. Award nominated parenting & lifestyle blogger. Read More…

Newsletter

    Built with ConvertKit

    Amazon

    What’s On

    • Barbie Movie Review: Girl Power or Feminist Flop?
    • Wicked Musical London Review
    • 42nd Street at Sadlers Wells Theatre London: A Review

    Family Days Out

    • Qbix Gamecube Review at All Star Lanes White City
    • Frameless London: Unforgettable Immersive Art Experience in Marble Arch
    • tastecard: Your Handy Guide to Exploring and Saving in London

    Collaborative Videos

    Popular Videos





    AWARDS

    BritMums



    BritMums

    Tots100

    Tutora Best Parent Insight Blog Award Shortlist

    RANKING

    Tots100
    Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2020

    Flea Network Top 20 UK Parent Blog 2018

    MEMBER

    LINKY

    Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
    ✨Wrapping up our Barcelona adventure✨ .We’ ✨Wrapping up our Barcelona adventure✨ .We’ve loved exploring this vibrant city during the summer and sharing it here with you! Hope you found our tips helpful if Barcelona’s in your travel plans. 🇪🇸.Next stop: Torrevieja! ☀️ Get ready for content of two weeks of sun, sea, and summer vibes! Hopefully will bring you a warm escape as the chill of autumn sets in! 🏝️🌊. What’s your favourite destination to escape the autumn chill?.#VisitBarcelona.....Barcelona | Barcelona Skyline | Barcelona Landmarks | Spain | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Cityscape | Barcelona Tourist Attractions | Family Travel | Mirador del Santuari Barcelona
    ✨24 Hours in Barcelona: Exploring the Must-Sees✨.Although our time in Barcelona was brief, we made the most of every moment. Check out this list of must-visit places we explored in just 24 hours! 🌆.1. Stroll Las Ramblas - Soak up the lively atmosphere and street performances.2. Discover Plaça Reial - A picturesque square with palm trees and vibrant architecture.3. Marvel at Casa Batlló - Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece.4. Explore La Pedrera (Casa Milà) - Another Gaudi gem with a unique rooftop.5. Be awed by La Sagrada Familia - An iconic masterpiece still under construction.6. Soak in Views from Mirador del Santuari - Panoramic vistas of Barcelona.7. Hit the Beach at La Barceloneta - Feel the sand between your toes.8. Savor Tapas & Tinto de Verano - Enjoy delicious Spanish bites and drinks..Bonus: Plan a visit to Parc Güell for more Gaudi magic!💫.✨Watch the reel till the end for the full Barcelona experience. Like, Save, and share if Barcelona is on your travel list!✨.Which Barcelona attraction are you most excited to visit? 🤩 .#VisitBarcelona.....Barcelona | Barcelona Skyline | Barcelona Landmarks | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Guide | Travel Blogger | Travel With Kids | Cityscape | Barcelona Tourist Attractions | Family Travel | Mirador del Santuari Barcelona
    ✨La Sagrada Familia ✨.We were captivated by ✨La Sagrada Familia ✨.We were captivated by the beauty of La Sagrada Familia which is a must-see in Barcelona! .We didn’t manage to get in due to lack of time but we did our research just in case we had time, so here are some key insights to keep in mind before your visit to La Sagrada Familia:🌟La Sagrada Familia is Open All Year Round🌟It is located in the Sagrada Familia neighborhood 🌟The easiest way to get to the Sagrada Familia is by metro. Alternatively, you can get there by bus🌟You need to buy tickets in advance. You can buy ticket up to 2 months in advance🌟You should purchase your tickets through the official website 🌟The Sagrada Familia box office only sells tickets for that specific date and you may have to wait 4 or 5 hours until the next available entrance time🌟There are discounts on full fare for children under 11, students, disabled and senior citizens (65+)🌟Any time with the sun outside is good for visiting the church🌟 You can buy a ticket to climb the Torre de la Pasión or the Torre del Nacimiento🌟The ascent of the towers is done with an elevator but the descent is made by a long and narrow spiral staircase🌟There are audiguides available to purchase🌟As the Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church, you must dress appropriately.Swipe left for a close-up view and pics of us in awe of this remarkable masterpiece! 🏰.✨Like, Save & Share if you are planning to visit Barcelona or if someone you know would like to visit ✨.Did you know it’s finally nearing completion after over a century? 🏗️🔜 .#LaSagradaFamilia ....Barcelona | La Sagrada Familia | Gaudi | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Gaudi Experience | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Blogger
    ✨Admiring the Timeless Beauty of Casa Batlló✨ ✨Admiring the Timeless Beauty of Casa Batlló✨ .We managed to check Gaudi’s masterpiece facade within the 24 hours time we stayed in Barcelona! 🏠 We’re hopefully planning a longer stay to explore the interior! ☺️.Watch the reel till the end to get a glimpse of its fascinating details, including those impressive skull-like balcony railings! .✨Like, Save & Share if you are planning to visit Barcelona or if someone you know would like to visit ✨.Have you ever visited this architectural gem? .#CasaBatllo ....Barcelona | Casa Batllo | Casa Gaudi | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Gaudi Experience | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Blogger
    PR Invite ✨Feasting at Burger & Lobster✨ .Ou PR Invite ✨Feasting at Burger & Lobster✨ .Our taste buds had an amazing time in the heart of Mayfair in London yesterday! 🌟 We enjoyed the delicious food from @burgerandlobster Family Feast menu - a fantastic culinary experience for the family. Sienna was thrilled watching the lobsters alive. Nick’s first lobster experience was a complete success! The grilled lobster was wonderfully tender, and the crispy chips were a real treat. 🦐🍟.I must say, my first taste of lobster rolls was delightful. The girls enjoyed their cheeseburgers, and my tropical juice was a refreshing choice for that hot summer day. 🍹🥵.The £100 Menu offers:🌟For the adults: Whole Lobster, Original Burger, and Original Lobster Roll, all served with fries, salad, and your choice of sauce, plus a drink each. 😋🍔🦞🌟For the kids: Cheeseburger, Plant Burger, or Prawns & Fries, served with fries, a scoop of ice cream, and a soft drink. 🍔🍟🍦.Did you know you can enjoy this feast at all their London locations throughout the week? A treat that’ll leave everyone smiling. 🍔🦞👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The offer caters for two adults and up to three children (aged 12 and under). .This special menu also joins a host of exciting activities and offers taking place across Burger & Lobster restaurants including their mid-week Shell & Spritz Hour, offering guests £1 oysters and £5 selected cocktails from Monday to Friday, 3pm - 6pm.We highly recommend the £100 Family Feast Menu! it’s an unforgettable feast! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦😋 .Watch the reel until the end and tag someone who needs to savour this experience! 🍔🦞.#BurgerAndLobster ....Burger & Lobster | London Restaurants | Where To Eat In London | Eating Out With Kids | Family Friendly Restaurants | Mayfair | Kid Friendly Eats | London | Where To Eat With Family | Taste London
    ✨Back In Beautiful Barcelona✨.I remembered b ✨Back In Beautiful Barcelona✨.I remembered being here, standing in front of "La Pedrera", Casa Mila feeling the vibrant spirit of Barcelona! This was our 3rd stop from our road trip and it was perfect! 🌆🇪🇸.I am so excited to share our whirlwind adventure with you all! Our Barcelona journey was quick but so memorable. Stay tuned for the upcoming content as I will be telling you our experience, from the places that you must visit as well as where to have good tapas and drinks to enjoy Barcelona properly. We managed to fit a lot in such a short stay! Although we missed some key places we would love to come back and add those to our bucket list!💃👜🌞 .Have you been to Barcelona before?.#LaPedrera #CasaMila #VisitBarcelona #GaudiBarcelona #BarcelonaSpain #BarcelonaExperience #BarcelonaTravel #BarcelonaGram #MaxiDress #SummerDress #EveryDayOutfit #EveryDayStyle #Over40 #Over40Blogger #OverFortyStyle .....Barcelona | Casa Mila | La Pedrera Casa Mila | Casa Gaudi | Spain | Things To Do In Barcelona | Gaudi Experience | Exploring Barcelona | Barcelona Diaries | Travel Blogger
    Load More… Follow on Instagram
    Copyright © 2023 · A Moment With Franca · Privacy Policy