Wedding Day-Part One

Somehow I managed to narrow down from over 500 photos but I'm still breaking the day into two parts.  We'll call this Part One: Getting Ready.  This old blog needs some love and a good update so this seemed like the best way to start.  

I've been sitting on these photos well over a month now and have only shared a few on Facebook and shown to a few friends and family for Christmas.  Has it really been 3 months already? 

Jon and I put so much into this day.  We wanted it to reflect both of us but also include all of our guests in special ways.  Marrying a graphic designer has it's perks and Jon did so much to help out.  Lucky girl!  Both of our moms were the best help too.  We kept them busy with florist phone calls and dress fittings but they were calm, cool, and collected the whole way through.  

The day was full of the best moments.  It started with some DIY yoga in the girl's cabin and eating breakfast with my grandparents and bridesmaids.  I got ready in my mom's cabin with my best friends, grandmother, and my aunt Sharon, who also did my makeup. Of course I cried before I even saw Jon for our "first look" by the pond.  All the girls ended up waiting for the ceremony to start in the little sunroom on the second floor of the farm house, watching guests arrive, laughing and putting together a random horse puzzle.  

I could go on and on on about the details.  The most amazing dream location, (Jon and I are so lucky!) how my 3rd grade class got me my hairpin, my great-grandfather's table for the programs, the Queen Anne's Lace and Lamb's Ear...but I'll let the pictures tell it all.  

   

Details:
Photographer: Jon Black of Matt Powell Productions; Venue- The Mast Farm Inn, Valle Crucis, NC; Taylor's Dress- Robert Bullock via Bellissima, Veil- Jennifer Leigh, Shoes-Seychelles, Hair Pin- Jennifer Behr, and Earrings- Anthropologie; Mom's dress- Siri; Bridesmaids Dresses- Modcloth; Invitations- A Printable Press; Flowers- Pearl's Garden; Hair- Shear Shakti; Makeup- my aunt :)

Because this will make up for the last 2 years

Ignore the fact that I've not posted in forever.  Here's the short version: I moved to the city (Charlotte, not anything too crazy), started teaching at a new school, got engaged to Jon(!), and had the most perfect wedding last month  (!!!).  I thought about blogging every little wedding detail during the planning but didn't want to be that girl.  I'll share some details sometime soon when all the photos come back.  Can't wait for that.

I haven't frequented Etsy too often since the wedding but today I was browsing and had to stop to post this.  I've not dressed up for Halloween since college but I still love browsing costumes. So, that led me somehow to this:

Who knew a cat wearing a knitted mermaid costume could break the non-blogging streak?

Kitchen Display: Mirror, Mirror

It's been ages since my last kitchen display post.  After seeing this kitchen today I knew I had to start this up again.  I think I like the idea of an oversized mirror in the kitchen.  It definitely makes this space seem larger and reflects the lovely open shelfs.

Source: thekitchn.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Merry and New

Christmas and New Years were so lovely this year!  My school system did not get out until the 23rd so only having one day to prepare for all the Christmas festivities was not grand but it was the best break despite that.  In 11 days I managed to visit with everyone dear to me and have a few days  to just be lazy.  Here is a short version of my holiday.

Christmas Eve Eve-Secret Santa Party with my best friends!  Not Christmas without this event.  Miss Emma Louise attended this year too :)

My cousin, Amy, breaking in her new watercolor pencils at MawMaw's Christmas Eve afternoon.

Cats love Christmas too!

What makes Christmas dinner at Betty Mom and DaDa's even better?!?! A puppy! Mom and Tyler were smitten.

No family get together is complete without going through some photos.  How stylish is my grandmother?  And DaDa's skinny tie! My mom is the youngest in the middle.

 My dad cooking Christmas breakfast on his new "Man Patio".

Cooking in the new kitchen at my dad's.  MawMaw is always in charge of grits.

Good Christmas Breakfast

 We always get a gigantic tree at my dad's but he was late on the tree game this year. This little tree is so  perfectly cute in the newly renovated study.

After Christmas I went down to South Carolina to spend a few days with Jon and his family.  

Wilda Kate has grown so much since August!

"Again!"

I'm not sure if Isabelle was happier to see me when I got home or my new quilt made by Jon's mom.

 New Year's shoes!  Update to my old suede heels with my grandmother's shoe clips. Fancy!

 I made him wear the hat for a photo and he made me hold out my pinky while holding my drink.  Compromise.

On New Year's Day we went and saw The Artist (so good!) and then cooked our first official New Year's dinner the next day.  And Jon couldn't spell apocalypse but I still love him.

So that's it!  A great end to a wonderful year and a great beginning to an even better year.  Happy 2012.

To: You From: Etsy

My favorite online thing of the holiday season? Gift Guides!
Almost every shopping site has them now.  The more specific you can get the better.  Need to know what to get your preppy yet outdoorsy mother?  Search no more! Anthropologie's is pretty good (that really isn't a description of my mother I was just being silly).  But this morning I found this: The Etsy Gift Guide.
Go on, link up to your Facebook account and it gives you ideas for every friend!  As if I need to know what to get the girl from my

Here are some perfect examples of why you should use this great, great invention.

For my brother Tyler, based on that he has Jackass listed as a favorite TV show (ugh, I know).

He'll love this adorable vintage nativity donkey!  An instant family heirloom.

For a best friend's ex-boyfriend who for some reason is still on my friend list?
Well based on his love of video games, he'll love this Legends of Zelda necklace.  A little bittersweet don't you think?

Why am I still Facebook friends with an ex's roommate that I spoke maybe 3 sentences to?
To get him this sweet Charleston sweatshirt of course!

My mom loves reading.  This Powerful Tarot Love Spell will be perfect!  Also, how can you buy a love spell over Etsy?!? 

And, last but not least, my boyfriend.  Here is what Etsy has recommended:

No Recommendations Available. 

Seriously! This is one that actually could have worked. Thanks for nothing (except lots of good laughs) Etsy!