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 //

haitian nuptials

Ah! It's August! Is it just me, or did July feel like such a long month? 

Also, am I the only one that until last month thought nuptials was pronounced "noop-i-tals"? Yep? Okay.

Anyways...

This weekend we had the chance to attend our very first Haitian wedding. It’s true that love transcends all languages, because seeing the groom look at his bride as she walked down the aisle still had me teary eyed. Andrew and I do not know the couple very well, but thought it would be a good cultural experience- and that is exactly what we got! The bride looked beautiful (though she is not referred to as a bride, but as a fiancé), and the following reception at a friend’s home was simple yet lovely. We will share some pictures for now, and leave the details for another time ;)

living simply

Moving to Haiti means downsizing... a lot. Luckily we have wonderful parents and psudeo-parents who are storing our stuff over the next year (thanks, mom&dad and tom&deb!). I am really looking forward to living more simply, even if it does mean parting with AC for a while.

However, we are bringing a few new and recently purchased items that I am excited about- one thing being my substitute wedding band. I'm choosing to leave my original engagement ring and wedding band safely with mom and dad in the states.

I was so excited to find this ring on Etsy. Now I am just praying that it makes it to me in the mail before we fly out Saturday evening...

check out some other rings I considered here and here and here

xo

Update: The ring made it to us a few hours before we left! Now I can officially be married in Haiti ;)