it's not easy being green

It's tough being pregnant while some of the finest babes of Hollywood, like Carrie Underwood and (allegedly) Jessica Biel, head up the club. Blake Lively looked like a baby-goddess-queen in her last few months leading up to the recent birth of her daughter, meanwhile I am slowly taking the shape of one giant potato. However, there's something bonding about following closely behind the steps of a royal. Especially one who has had a not so magical experience. Poor Kate, bed-ridden with hyperemesis and dehydration. If there's one thing I'll remember about these pregnant days, it will be how many people have told me in response to my battle with severely above-average nausea and vomiting (still on-going deep into my second trimester), "You're like Princess Kate!" I'll take it. Here's to us, Kate Middleton of Cambridge- sisters bonded through our mutual attachment to the porcelain express.

And one of Princess Diana while pregnant with Prince William. Man, the 80's were a rough time to be a pregnant. Thanks, mom, for sticking it out and making it through. 

xo

Image Source: 1. b&w royals // 2. family of 3 //

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 //

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

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.

have a spirited holiday weekend

What are your plans this weekend? If you said anything other than watching the Georgia game- WRONG! It's okay, I will leave you with the only link necessary to lead you to repentance and bring you to full on UGA Bulldawg spirit :) Have a good weekend! And GOOOOO DAWGS!!!

A song to start off your weekend in the most perfect way possible.



Image found here //

the georgia way

It's here! UGA Football is finally here! This Saturday marks the first game of the season, between the hedges. This video may or may not have made me cry...? Each year that passes, I love my alma mater more and more :)

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

happy trails!

Today marks the beginning of a one year journey that my sister is taking to LONDON! Ever since I can remember, she has loved all things British- books and authors, tv shows and movies... way before it was "cool." It's all paying off and she is now given the chance to live it out and learn first hand about the culture she has always loved. I am so proud of you, Holland. 

As the oldest sister, it's weird to watch your siblings venture off into territory unchartered by yourself. You become accustomed to paving the way, learning things first and passing them on to your younger brothers and sisters, always having your hand in making sure things are set up just as great or better than when you first experienced it. It's hard to know I can't do that for Holland this time, but I'm thrilled for her to experience and discover it all for herself on her own.

Naturally, I'm also jealous of all the cold weather she will be in! So over this heat! And she's been struggling with making all her boots and jackets fit into her suitcase! Lucky girl ;)

I love you and am so excited to hear of all of both the thrilling and the challenging as you develop yourself and come to know God in an even greater way. 

Anyone been to London and have any tips for her?

If you want to follow her trip, check out her (hilarious) blog, Stories with Bears.

xoxoxo

timeless tradition

It has been a privilege to assist several wedding planners and photographers over the last 9 months or so. One of my favorite things about it comes long after the vows have been said and the guests have grooved- the photographs. I love being able to see behind the scenes, and watch how such talented photographers bring that day back to life through their photographs.

At the beginning of the summer, I was able to assist my good friend and wedding planner with an absolutely gorgeous and timeless wedding. The photos are up, and I am excited to pass on the link to you.

The bride, Alysha, was completely beautiful as she wore the same dress both her grandmother and mother wore for their weddings. I love the more casual and outdoorsy feel of weddings today, but there's something about tradition that just pulls at my heart strings. It really connects your love today with the love of all of the people that have loved before you.

The sweet Haley Sheffield is oh so talented. See the rest of the pictures from this day on her blog here.

xo



(Second and Third pictures are mine, all others belong to and are property of Haley Sheffield Photography)

'tis the season

It's that time of year again! Weddings galore. May is always so busy with travel and celebration as summer kicks off and the gorgeous weather finally becomes more consistent. This week is jam-packed full of love, with 5 couples I know celebrating their days of matrimony.

Saturday, Ashley and Justin said "I do" and celebrated in New Smyrna Beach at The Delamater House- a gorgeous venue with a cool history. The bridesmaids carried daises and the garland that hung above them as they said their vows was one of the most beautiful floral pieces I have ever seen.

Yesterday, an old friend of Andrew's celebrated her 1 year anniversary with her husband in Pittsburgh. And today, one of my close friends celebrates her 1 year anniversary. It was such a privilege to be a part of their special day in Chicago this time last year, and it has been a joy to watch them grow together as a couple over this last trip around the sun. 

Happy Anniversary, friends! I am so thankful to be a witness to so much love. 

Two more anniversaries this week... we'll take it one day at a time ;)

xoxo

Top photo found here // Bottom 4 photos by Summer Lynn Photography //

the working woman

So... I started a new job on Tuesday! We are just in a trial training period for the first two months, but if it's a good fit, then I will have the pleasure of continuing to work at a local relationship counseling practice in their administrative office. I'm so grateful to have this opportunity to extend my skills set and make a little cash. I'm also happy to have a "normal" schedule, for the first time, um, ever... but I am a little nervous at how I will respond to balancing work and home- cooking dinner right when I get home, not having as much time and flexibility to run errands and spend time with other people, etc. But, hey, many women around the globe have done it for decades, so I know I'm not alone in learning to manage the chaos. Also... I'm kind of excited about buying some new nice work clothes (and actually having the money to do it!!) :) :)

xo


Image found here //

instashop discount!

I'm having a special on my Instashop today, and the deal ends tonight! Anyone who lives in Athens, GA is eligible to receive FREE 

1-day shipping*. See the image for details, and don't forget to comment on your favorite item!

xo

*Some rules apply
Image found here // (words added, mine)

two new adventurers

Guess where my two baby brothers are visiting this week??!.... INDIA! They left Saturday and I have been a worried and weepy big sister ever since. They have never truly been out of the country (sorry boys, family vacation to Cancun in 2007 does NOT count), and I just feel so proud of my little world explorers. They are with a group that is implementing a kids camp for the week, and you can follow their blog updates here. 

Grayson in the middle, riding the bus to the camp in Chennai

Jacob on the left, waiting in the airport with two of his teammates

Have you ever been to India? It is definitely on my list of top 5 places I want to visit asap, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates. After browsing through pictures on Pinterest, I am experiencing some serious wanderlust. For real, if you need a "daydream" break, simply search "India" on Pinterest. The beauty and energy is unbelievable. 

P.S. I've heard some hilarious stories about the Indian monkeys...

P.P.S. What a chic elephant! :)

P.P.P.S. (last one, I promise.) HA! Reminds me of Haiti...

xo

Image Source: 1. Painted Elephants // 2. Grayson and Friends // 3. Jacob and Friends //  4. Rainbow Door // 5.  Baby Elephant // 6. Looking into the Blue

we are on style me pretty today!

Laura Leslie Photography http://lauralesliephotography.com/

Super exciting news today- we are on the main page of the wedding blog, Style Me Pretty! {Click this link to see the post!} Remember the snow-pocolypse back in January that trapped hundreds of people in their cars on the perimeter for hours and hours on end? Well, something magical was happening down in Douglasville. We had no idea what mother nature had in store for us that day, but it gave us the most beautiful coincidence- a wedding shoot on the same day as a snow storm that will go down in Southeast history.

Andrew's view // behind the scenes

Congratulations to all of the vendors and contributors, and a huge shout out to Kate for all of her hardwork and planning, as well as her and her husband's efforts in creating this gorgeous video. In addition, props to Gracie and Laura for shooting ALL film on this unpredictable day. These are some passionate and extremely talented people! We are so lucky to have been a part of such an exciting and memorable experience.

Laura Leslie Photography http://lauralesliephotography.com/

Click below to see some of my favorites from the shoot...

moving day!

Finally, after just 27 days shy of a whole year without our own home, we... are... MOVING!!! TODAY!

It's hard to believe it has been a year without all of our things, without grocery shopping or paying electric bills, without an opportunity to have people over for dinner, without a place to create and call our own. It's even crazier that it was two and a half years ago that we first picked out our very first home together...

It has been such a roller coaster of a year, and as always, we are so so so grateful to our family and to everyone else that has taken care of us during this up and down time. We are thrilled to finally be able to establish ourselves and begin our lives again. Thank you for the year of prayers and support. We can't wait to have you all over to OUR HOME!!

xo

we're moving!

Exciting news today-- We are {finally} moving! We found an apartment in the heart of Virginia Highlands in Atlanta. The best part? Piedmont Park is right in our backyard :) Our move in date is set for two weeks from today, and it's hard to believe that after almost a year without our own home we will be back on our own feet again in such a short amount of time. 

We are so thankful to everyone who has taken care of us these past 11 months, and we can't wait to return the favor with dinners, movie nights, and even an occasional sleep over (in our second bedroom!) Yay for grocery shopping, paying bills, and cleaning your house and putting everything in its place... it's funny the usually tedious things you miss when you don't have them anymore- the good stuff and the annoying stuff, it's all a part of life... and I'm so happy to have it all again :)

xo

Image found here //

a sweet southern wedding

My friend (and our wedding photographer), Gracie, is experiencing some excitement today as some of her work has been posted on the Southern Weddings website! She had the opportunity to be published in their magazine this past fall, and I am so thrilled that she is able to receive this recognition for her beautiful images. You can view the photographs and the bride's sweet thoughts here.

Andrew and I had the privilege to meet and work with the couple from this wedding, Kate and Cesar, during a wedding shoot we helped out with a few weeks ago. They are such a fun and genuinely sweet couple- also extremely talented and creative (she was the brains behind the shoot we did... pictures coming soon!)... and aren't they just gorgeous?! Check out their work here. 

Congratulations Gracie! One step closer to your millions ;)

xo