maids in the making

I love all the cute, creative ways brides ask their friends to be bridesmaids these days. Maybe some less creative souls can feel pressure to cave into the Pinterest trends. But, even a sweet card can do the trick! 

This past weekend, a dear friend "popped the question" with this adorable cross-stitch. Can you say "wife-material"?!? No wonder he put a ring on it! Homegirl as her domestic skills DOWN! ;)

In need of some inspiration? Check out this list of 25 fun ways to ask your ladies if they'll stand by your side on your special day. Also, here's how I asked my girls, almost 4 years ago...

xo

me + you

I still remember so many details from three years ago today. The cool, gentle breeze and the tall grass in the field blowing softly. The calm and peace I felt, though embarking on a completely new, unknown, and exciting adventure. The sounds of favorite songs and joyful, laughing friends. I love that I have such a beautiful day to remember so fondly. But I love even more the partnership that's been shared since then.

I saw this video a few days ago, and of course it had me in tears. What a beautiful, precious, sacred thing it is to share a life with someone. I am so blessed.

Happy Anniversary, Andrew!

Anniversary number 2, our engagement pictures, wedding pictures here and here, and the winter wedding we never had.

xo

maternity leave monday

Today is my first official day of maternity leave, and I have big plans for a romantic date with Ikea :) There are still plenty of things to be done to prepare for baby world, but I will spare you the boring details and just leave you with this baby-related (addicting) link that tells you what your name might have been if you were born today, or in any other decade. 

Cheers!! xo

the best gift

You know what gift I have loved giving the past few weeks? Plants! I think I've given away three in the past week! They are simple, beautiful, and full of life (and usually affordable!). Always original, but still "safe"-- meaning, almost anyone can appreciate receiving a plant. Especially with spring on the horizon, I'm loving handing out these little babies of sunshine :)

What's your go-to gift?


P.S. Incredible houseplants and mason jar terrariums 


Image found here //

sister sister

And... she's back! Just for a few weeks to celebrate Christmas. Welcome back to the motherland!

Catch up on her last few months in London, here.

Hope your holidays are warm and special as family comes together and love is shared!

xo

the most wonderful time... almost.

Now that it's November and the weather here in Atlanta has been oh so chilly, I am all ready for Christmas decorations :) I'm trying to demonstrate self-control, but as the girls and I decided in our group text this morning, it might be okay to start displaying at least "winter" decorations ;) How early is too early for a Christmas tree? Thanksgiving is so late this year... I'm trying to convince Andrew to let me put up a tree at least the weekend before! I've never been the type to rush into the holidays like this. But last year, we were living with my parents and did not have a tree of our own, much less a house to decorate. So it's been a long time coming :)



Image found here //

costuming

With today being Halloween, I have to give a shoutout to my friend Olivia and the many genius costumes she had me be a part of in college. They are some of my favorite memories from this time in life, ones that still can make me laugh til I cry as I reimagine the night and the thrill of it.

Evil Disney Villans (not including Bo Peep and the Caveman...)

The best thing about my college Halloween experience, is while most college girls use Halloween to get dolled up, my Halloweens were spent competing with my girl friends on how ugly we could make ourselves. Way more fun! :)

Shrek

Sesame Street... the creepiest of them all. So creepy that we broke our "Best Costume" winning streak! To my sister!

She's so good, that one year a household of girls in the college ministry each went to Halloween dressed as one of her previous costumes. Genius inspiring genius.

Grinch, Shrek, Ursula, and Oscar the Grouch... not including a few others.

Now that's talent :)

do you remember.. the 25th of september

On this day 5 years ago, Andrew used a (fake) apple to ask me to be his girlfriend. I don't have any pictures of that day, because smartphones still weren't the mainstream. I don't have anything to remember the day by because I accidentally kicked the apple in the river in excitement, ha! I remember thinking we knew each other so well and were the best of friends. Man, life just gets sweeter.

One day later, we went on our very first date with two good friends to Six Flags. We've been matching clothes, rooting for each other's teams, and exchanging facial expressions ever since. 

Happy (dating) anniversary, my darling and my dearest friend!

xo

another one year celebration

Remember this little guy?? I became his nanny when he was just 6 weeks old. And this week he turned ONE! It was such a blessing to be a part of his little life, and to witness all of the amazing first year milestones- it's crazy how fast these little people learn in such a short amount of time. And, cheers to his mama for one full year of juggling 4 kids so gracefully and joyfully :)

xo 

forever 8

Happy Birthday to this dude, who is forever 8 years old in all of our minds (sorry bro, guess that comes with being the baby!). But for now, we will wish you a Happy 17th Birthday just to humor you ;) Love to you and your colorful shorts, witty 'tude, and curious mind

xoxo

city magic

Okay, Atlanta. You are officially cool with your locally manufactured popsicles, walkable streets, and magical lantern parades. This place is like Athens on steroids. So naturally, I officially love it. That's one thing I never (ever) thought I would say about Atlanta...

Atlanta, you have proved yourself. You can thank your beltline lantern parade for being the winning closing argument.

quarter time

We camped. 

We hiked.

We tried. :)

We dined.

We celebrated.

Happy Birthday, my love and my heart.

xo

the voice

This is such a thoughtful and sincere tribute. Of all the words and videos that have been shared about the late Robin Williams, this one has touched me the most.

xo


Image found here //

the new mr. and mrs.

I'm suffering from the post-wedding blues this week. BECAUSEEE it was such a wonderful weekend! From spending two nights in a hotel with some of my best friends, to renting a party bus and dressing up in pink crowns, to creating bouquets out of wild flowers, and then, of course, laughing until it hurt... there's just a special place in my heart for my college besties. And I am so over the moon happy for the newly married couple. It is a beautiful thing to witness the worship of God through marriage. Click the link below to see pics from the weekend...

Have a [love]ly weekend!

It's this sweet couple's wedding weekend! Thinking back over their journey, from before they even knew each other, I am filled with so much awe at God and His perfect attention to each detail of our lives. Let the weekend of worship, praise and celebration begin!!!

What a sweet wedding dress.

This would be so lovely as wedding dishes.

Homesick for people.

A not so overwhelming checklist for engaged couples.

Remember this mind-blowing wedding?

Barn venues in Georgia.

The ultimate babes in love.

Love ever after.

Vintage Loves.


xoxoxo

ritas and roses

Happy Birthday to this pretty lady who I love and adore. We intended to celebrate the night with Mexican food (birthday girl's fave), but had to change the plan last minute and got swanky at Five Bar. And we still found a way to fit in our "Mexican" margaritas ;) There's something so refreshing about being with friends who know your heart and have walked with you in life's heaviest trials and most wonderful celebrations. Even though new friendships are thrilling, these college friendships, formed at such a transformative time in life, feel like home. Would you agree? 

Roses, homemade cake (made by hostess extraordinaire and birthday girl's sister), and wine... all contribute to a girly evening watching The Bacheleorette and rooting on former Georgia Bulldawg (and friend to some), Josh Murray, while he tries to win the heart of this season's "it girl." While this show is not my cup of tea, girl time with these ladies definitely is. Do you ever look at your friends and just think, "I have a powerhouse of women surrounding me." I feel so blessed to have such godly women who love Jesus and have such pure, tender hearts.

My heart is full and I thank my husband for the night with the ladies :) Hope you have been able to get some good time or have good conversations with those close to your heart! It's good for the soul and so needed.

xoxo

Happy Birthday, Mama!

Happiest of birthdays to my mama- who has the tenderest of hearts, the perfect sense of humor, and is a total knockout. I am happy to claim that she gave me her legs and her eyes (along with a few other "assets"...), and I hope one day to see within me her humble wisdom and compassionate spirit. 

Babe. Even in prime 80's fashion.

She's so funny, she landed herself on the popular website "When Parents Text"! 

She also knows how to make some pretty cute babies :)

Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you.

xoxo

third time's a charm

This was road trip weekend round 3, and it's taken me an extra day to be able to recover enough to update on here. Let me begin by saying, this was an incredibly beautiful and moving wedding of two people that we love and adore so tremendously. Let me also say that after this weekend, I have decided I am never driving to Chicago again :) With stops in Nashville, St. Louis, and even the-middle-of-nowhere Bradford, Illinois, this trip to Chicago was one for the books.

In addition to the plentiful mileage, there was plentiful love :) I was able to spend (too brief of) an amount of time with one of my best girls, which naturally included many Parks & Rec quotes, creepy dancing, and life talks. The wedding and reception were held at Shallowbrook Farm, with corn fields for miles, a train passing through every few hours, and windmills on the horizon. It was dreamy!

{Video to Come Soon...}

Andrew was a groomsmen for Derick, who he traveled the country with in 2008- which is when Andrew and I first met! Needless to say, Derick has been a special part of our lives for some time. And his new bride, Jess, is an absolute joy and lifelong friend for me. We were also honored (and nervous! okay, just me.) to sing during their ceremony while they said their personal vows privately to one another. 

Mr. and Mrs. Anies, we love you and can't wait to travel the world with you- starting with your new home in Colorado, where we will be sure to visit you very very soon :)

xo

the saga continues

Happy Anniversary to our other "anniversary week twin" friends, Marilisa and Taylor. What a fun day, and weekend, that was back in 2011 :) Can't believe it's been three years! Andrew just told me this morning as we were reminiscing on our own wedding, "I remember when I went to their wedding, I thought it was the best wedding I'd ever been to. Everything was executed so perfectly." I said, "Well, that's Marilisa. She knows how to plan!" :) So, know your special day is still one we remember fondly :)

Love to you, our favorite red head duo!!

xo

Photos by Max Wanger //