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:
The Pramshed says
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
Sunita says
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
My petit canard says
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
Kayla Loves says
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
OddHogg says
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
Jason @tassiedad says
So jealous! I love those two, they have the most delightful family. You’re very lucky.
Thanks for hosting.
Sara says
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
Mrs Morgan Plus 3 says
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
Coombe Mill says
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
Geraldine says
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
Themotherhub.ie says
Oh well done Sunita -! well how lovely for you to get meet people you admire so much . Exciting times #kcacols
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
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
jen|Practical by default says
AW that is awesome, I am so glad you got your photo! Thanks for sharing! #kcacols
Brandi with Big Fit Fam says
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
Kerry says
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
crummy mummy says
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
BEAUTY BABY AND ME says
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
Kerry says
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
Madeline (This Glorious Life) says
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
Fran back with a bump says
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
Jane Taylor says
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!
Jane Taylor says
Arghhhhhhh! #KCACOLS!
Mommy's Little Princesses says
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
The Mum Reviews says
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
Emma says
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
Lucy's locket says
Oh bless. I haven’t met anyone famous so I don’t really know how I’d react. At least yougor your photo! #KCACOLS