an apple and a river

Six years ago today is a special day for Andrew and me. We frequently explored the outdoors of Athens, each with an apple in tow for a snack. One day we found a spot by the river, and he pulled an apple out of his bag and asked me to be his girlfriend. He knows I am sentimental, so he had even bought a fake apple and written on it so that I could keep it! I said yes, and then as I lunged forward to give him an awkward sitting hug, I proceeded to accidentally kick the apple over the rock cliff and into the river below. Whoops.

I would have liked to have been able to keep the apple, to have it bring up a sweet memory each time I came across it in a box or on a shelf. But I guess not having it is a symbol for me not to hold onto material things, or to be stuck in nostalgia- but to appreciate each moment for what it is... To keep the past close to my heart, but to make room for and enjoy the presence, as well.

Since that day, we've seen graduations, marriage, living internationally, starting real jobs, and having a baby- and we are still so early on our journey. I love the things we've done together, and I am excited for all that's to come... but what I love most is that we are together now. What a joy it is to grow up and grow old with you!

xo


First two photos by Gracie Blue Photography // Last photo by Hannah Forsberg

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

the little piece of heaven

What was your summer routine when you were growing up? Both of my brothers are at camp this week, and it seems that with each summer that passes I miss it just a little more. I was able to be a part of camp for 16 years, and after 5 years of full time counseling and with marriage on the horizon, I was ready to call it quits. Now, as I see my brother spending his summers as a full time counselor, I am reminded of the sense of family amongst campers, counselors, and workers, and the beauty in the calm of each morning before the crazy begins.

I also miss the time away from the world, with some of my best friends just a cabin away. After the directors of 20+ years stepped down and a new couple took their place, the next generation has risen to call camp their home. They've created a new space, with new trends and personalities and activities. But the same will be true for everyone- a safe haven to connect with God and grow to love Him more deeply. 

And one more memory just for fun... ;)

xo

'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 gift it is to be a nanny

Last week I said goodbye to 4 little people who have stolen my heart. When I started spending every day with them back in November, I didn't view this temporary situation as one that would grab hold of me so deeply. Now, 5-6 months later, my heart has grown bigger and my love deeper...

for the soul

This weekend we got to spend some time with a couple of friends from college. We don't all get to be together very often, now that everyone has moved to new places- and we missed a few others from our group of friends- but it was still so nice to laugh and reminisce and catch up, even if only for a few hours. It's cool to see the direction each person is headed, who they marry, what they're learning. We've each developed into our own people and made our own decisions, but we still have so much ahead of us. We are all still in such a transformative state- we joked about how we can't wait to be established and in our 40's and stop having these "so what are you doing with your life now" conversations, because these days it seems plans change every other week. But it sure is nice to have such good friends as the journey continues :)

are you empathetic?

Have you seen this video describing the difference between empathy and sympathy?

I can find myself frustrated with my almost overwhelming ability to be empathetic, because it leaves me feeling stuck right next to the person, totally unknowing what to say to "make it better." I just feel it with them, and I think, "Surely this is getting them nowhere! This must be making it worse, adding to this pile of feelings!" But I absolutely love the last thing she says, because it totally puts it all into a much more truthful perspective.  I am excited now to grow in my empathy ability :)

 "Rarely can a response make something better. What makes something better is connection."

xo

that time of year...

Yes, Christmas time, but I mean… Christmas card time!! I used to think that it was silly and somewhat vain for young couples, sans children, to send out Christmas cards of themselves to all of their friends- like, who cares? We have Facebook, we know what you look like. 

It wasn't until last year when I sent out our first Christmas card as a married couple that I found out what all the fuss is about. I wanted to send a few wedding and honeymoon pictures, along with a sweet personalized, hand-written note to our family members. As cards from my friends all across the country poured in, my home became full of Christmas joy and the beautiful smiling faces that I love so dearly- and it made me wish I had printed enough of my own to return the favor!

So, this year, although we are probably currently poorer than we will ever be again our lives, it was still essential for me to send out some cards. I decided on a style at Walgreens. The quality is not up to our desired standard, but it only cost us $20 for 40 cards so you know what? It's okay :)

Especially now that the majority of my friends are married and living in different cities and states, on top of this year being one that our friends and family have played such a huge role in the ups and downs of our ever-changing journey, I'm so excited to send a picture with a "thank you for loving us and putting up with us" message on the back. The cards from my lovely friends have already started arriving, and I am looking forward to posting a few and showing them off here within the next few days. Think about it, if you were just to frame a picture in your home of a couple you are friends with, that would just be plain weird. But a Christmas card makes it perfectly normal to scatter your home with pictures of people that are not you or your family members! 

And here's the one we chose for our Christmas card this year:

xo