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

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

woodsy whimsy

I've seen this wedding before floating around pinterest or something of the likes, but I stumbled across the actual photographer's post the other day and I am even more in love with this intimate middle of the woods wedding.

This bride seems to be one of the few people on earth who could pull off a black and white wedding dress, and her boots just absolutely kill me. So adorable.

The beautiful thing about this wedding is that from the pictures, it seems to be that they and the officiant (and the photographer, of course) are the only witnesses. I couldn't ever have gotten married without at least my family there, but there's something so romantic and authentic about it being just the two of them. Skip all the fuss and and stress of wedding planning, and all you're left with is your love.

And if a gorgeous ceremony in the woods wasn't breathtaking enough? Let's go check out the views just a few steps away...

See the rest of the beauty here.

xo

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)

summer style watch

I'm totally into the shirt dress look this summer. I originally was thinking, "Great, another style that only looks good on super thin, super tall women." But I decided to give one a try and with a little bit of a length adjustment, I love it! It's a great casual look that you can dress up or down depending on how you accessorize. I recently wore mine to the wedding we went to this past weekend. The best part is that it has sleeves and isn't low-cut, so you don't have to worry about anything being accidentally revealed :) 

You can watch the video of Andrew and I singing at the Anies wedding here.

Shirt Dresses worth a mention:

1. // Anthropologie 

2. // Urban Outfitters

3. // Shopbop- AIR by Alice & Olivia

4. // ASOS

5. // Stripe button-down

6. // Target (I'm wearing the Oatmeal/Black in the video)

Top Image found here //

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

early weekend love

Do you have plans this weekend? I'm signing out early this week because we are headed to Chicago this weekend for yet another wedding :) This time, Andrew is a groomsman, so we have several days of fun (and busy!) plans ahead of us! Hope you have a great long Memorial Day weekend!


Bathroom swooning.

For the Italian chef.

How cute is her hair?! Here too. Babe.

Great dress, great outfit.

Sing.

The freshest pregnancy announcement, ever.

xo

Image found here //

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 //

another year in the books

Happy Day, my love! This time two years ago, we were preparing for a beautiful day. 

After a day full of magic, we whisked away to Maine for two weeks.

This past year has brought more tears and challenges than before, but with it, so many more laughs and an even fuller heart. I'm so grateful you are my partner and best friend through it all. I love you, Andrew.  

P.S. Our wedding soundtrack and see more of our wedding pictures here and here.

Top 3 images by Gracie Blue 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 //

have a marvelous weekend

What are your plans for the weekend? Andrew and I are leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for a wedding in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. We are renting a car (our first time!) and are super excited about driving a new Fiat or something of the sort- and saving plenty of money on gas. Should make the 7 hour trek a little more enjoyable :) Hope you have a marvelous weekend. Congratulations to the sweet couple, Justin and Ashley!

Wow. Now this is talent.

Beautiful re-imagined princesses.

Food for thought.

Did you know Wednesday was National Chicken Dance Day?!

These look incredible.

The book that highlights the approach followed by the counselors at my new job. A great read, for anyone. Seriously, I can't stress it enough!

Love the sweet sass.


xo


Image found here //

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...

have a peachy weekend!

The weather has been so warm this week- it feels like we skipped right over spring and went straight to summer. I don't know if I'm ready for this much heat yet! Pollen counts have already jumped from 50 on Monday to 5,230 today (!), so have those tissues ready. What are your plans for the weekend? Hope you stay allergy free and enjoy an ice cold drink outside in this beautiful weather :)

Kristen Bell singing live- so great!

Kind of terrifying... Do you believe it?

Such darling wedding dresses.

Now, this is a taco.

An interesting perspective on Noah.

For all my Georgia peaches.

Would be a great DIY birthday gift for a friend.

Home Inspiration. Can't wait to decorate our next home with all the trinkets I've been collecting.

Wanderlust- stargazing.

xo

Image found here //

a flower twist

Wouldn't these floral pendants look gorgeous hanging over wooden tables at an outdoor spring wedding? There's a DIY tutorial over at Sugar & Cloth today, and it really doesn't seem very challenging. Let me know if you decide to give it a go!

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

wedding whimsy

Back in November, I had the opportunity to assist my friend, Gracie with Gracie Blue Photography, with a wedding day shoot. I didn't have a camera in my hands… well, not my camera, anyways. I was her assistant and basically did all her "busy" work- it was a blast! Although the weather was pretty frigid, it was an absolutely gorgeous wedding. The couple, specifically the bride, was so cheerful, playful, and down to earth. I have met a few of Gracie's clients, and I can't believe how she always seems to find such great people to photograph. 

                           

Anyways, the pictures from the wedding are finally up on her blog and I wanted to share. It was so much fun being behind the scenes and now seeing how they all turned out! I took the above pictures with my iPhone, and if you compare them to Gracie's pictures, you can see what was really going on to create the stunning images!  

Click here to experience the magic :) Enjoy!!

P.S. Isn't the bride's dress amazing??! I want to have another wedding so that I can wear it ;)

xo