Boho Chic Bride

Matrimony

2010-06-04T13:56:00.004-04:00

Here is a new band "Matrimony" and I simply LOVE them! Sam and I live in a community of AMAZING musicians! Their music has so much organic texture and familiarity that it makes your heart smile and soar!

I've watched them live, listened to them, all the way around their music is genius!

They also have amazing style! Check them out and enjoy!

Matrimony formed in December 09 out of a common desire to make uncompromising music.Their goal is to write God honest songs about things that actually matter and to play them with as much heart and vigor as they can. Jimmy Brown & Ashlee Hardee Brown play memorable, trustworthy, triumphant almost spiritual sounding music that gets inside your head.

This is Ashlee, she is simply beautiful and has crazy, unique vintage style.

The Eye & The Storm

click the above link to listen and purchase their new EP!

The Taste of Aroma

2010-06-04T13:52:00.001-04:00

Rugalach-traditional Israeli rolled pastry with chocolate filling.

So, there has been this looming craving in the depths of my little pregnant soul since last night!

Aroma.

Aroma is an AMAZING coffee cafe in Israel that leaves Starbucks crying in the dust miles back. There actually aren't any starbucks in Israel because Israelies prefer freshly made foods compared to frozen, heated up junk. They have the yummiest, freshest sandwiches, salad and AMAZING coffee.

I found out that the only place in America where you can find Aroma's are in New York. So, I'm trying to find a reason, and way to go. SOON. :) Ha!

Here are some of my favorite things. If you ever are in New York stop by and grab a bite or a cup for me.

My FAV! Halumi Cheese sandwich...sigh.

This seriously makes my mouth water...Aroma Mocha. Yes, those are little melted chocolate bars at the bottom of that glass.

MMMmmmmmm Israeli salad!

ICED AROMA! Better than ANY frappachino.

Carrot/Apple Juice

AROMA

A Peak Into My Flavor of Living

2010-05-31T16:23:00.004-04:00

Most of the goodies that decorate my little cabin where used throughout my wedding for decor. I guess you can call it a type of "green" decorating.

Duel purpose, old thrifty junk that is like gold to me makes my home smile from door to door and window to window! :)

You might consider this when trying to think of ways to make your wedding unique in a new/old way. Or, when purchasing things to decorate your reception etc...you can then transfer them over to your new nest! Whether it be old books, bottles, frames or misc. items don't just use them for your wedding, bring them into your home afterwards. Then you not only have stylish, eclectic decor, you have the loving memories that will forever go with them!

I posted this same post on my

Boho Baby Bump Blog as well but thought someone might enjoy it and find some inspiration.

Enjoy.

Thrify Finds

Retro Metal Teal School Desk-$5

Orange Lamp from the late 60's -$3

Early 70's zipper sun dress I got for $5

Vintage Crochet Afghan-$2

Old Vintage velvet pillow-$1

An old painting pallet I've used for a long while spontaneously got placed in one of the frames on my living room wall.

I like to use Mason Jars to trade out the seasons. In winter I put little pine cones in them, in the summer, bird seed...and paintbrushes. ;)

Plus, another vintage clock I found for a $1

All the mason jars from my wedding, I use to decorate my living room.

When you come over to our house, you can leave your shoes in the old suitcase please.

This is is the suitcase we used to collect all our wedding cards.

My fireplace mantle is sprinkled with old books, clocks and bottles.

Including an old children's book I nailed on the wall.

All my old books, some I had long before the wedding, the hymnals I purchased for the wedding, now are used to adore my fire place mantle and a couple I nailed to my wall.

...and another clock -$1...

...and yet another, one of my favs also found for the steal of a $1.

I collect old clocks-I've had a slight obsession with them for years.

Vintage Crochet Afghan-$3

Here's another one of my suitcases we used for the wedding, now holds our blankets, ready to be used if we get a little chilled.

Toodleloo.

Boho Chic Pics Wanted

2010-05-28T10:59:00.003-04:00

Calling all Bohemian, Crazy Brides!

Did you have an Eco-Boho Chic Wedding? Do you know someone who did?! Send me the pics so I can blog about them!

Was there something TOTALLY different and earthily unique you did in your wedding or your engagement photos? I want to hear about it! How about the way your sweet heart proposed? Drop me a note and send me some photos!

Summer Boho Bride Look #1

2010-05-26T19:38:00.004-04:00

Stephanie Teague

"Hemp Silk Layered Dress"

This dress is made from gathered layers of gorgeous, sustainable hemp silk, the

edges have been left raw with a securing stitch.The lining is

hemp and organic cotton muslin. The trim on the skirt is a vintage trim.

The belt is Hemp muslin and hand dyed with eco friendly dyes!

The Generation

The "Eco Chic Handmade Vegan Bridal Ballet Flats"

would be perfect for a sweet,

simple organic type feel wedding. Whether it be an

outside or inside venue! I love these and would have gotten these for my wedding, had I

found them then!

Wild Rose and Leaf Organic Headband by: Janay A.

This is so lovely!

Hawaiian-Boho Wedding

2010-05-24T01:17:00.007-04:00

Natalie and Kawika got married last year in Hawaii, where Kawika is from. They had an AMAZING wedding! Here are some pics that I thought would be inspiring! Kawika sporting his colorfully wrapped dreads and Natalie looking like a tropical Bohemian princess, I thought this was something that had to be shared and would inspire you.

While doing their wedding shoot, a real, full rainbow appeared over them! :)

Natalie's bride's maids all wore amazing wrap dresses.

Tropical Boho Princess

They have such free beautiful hearts! I love how simple and gloriously heavenly their wedding was!

Natalie's jewelry is ridiculously amazing and lovely!

Both Natalie and Kawika are surfing, adventurers who have a very nomadic lifestyle, traveling the world. Boho through and through. I LOVE this pic.

Photos by: Willy Brandlund

Girl Meets Gown: "The Boho-Hippie Chick"

2010-05-24T00:48:00.007-04:00

Here are some pics from our experience of being filmed from the wedding reality tv show "Girl Meets Gown" on WE tv. It was a fun time and I made some really wonderful friends! :)

I've had people ask me, "So what did you do to get on a reality tv show!? How did THAT happen?" Truthfully, I didn't really do anything, I just was looking for a dress at the "last minute" in wedding terms and was my energetic, crazy self. I guess they got a kick out of me.

While waiting to hear back if they could get the dress I liked in time Stardust dropped this boho-hippy chic an email and asked if I was interested. At first my reaction was, "Mom! Ha, listen to this!" I was like, "Wha?" I had heard of shows like bridzillas and the like and had no interest for the sake of "being on tv" having my personality smeared and blow out of proportion. No thank you.

I was assured it wasn't nasty drama and was sent a pilot. I liked it. Sam and I were like, why not? So, the adventure of "reality" tv began. I have to say, I had more fun cutting up with the crew and forming friendships with them than anything in the whole process. They let me be my complete self, and didn't try to change me in the least.

Here are some behind the scene pics. Enjoy. :)

Right after our ceremony.

Kim, the head producer let me tell her our love story and what I thought about love and life stuff.

First day of shooting. Beka, my maid of honor and best friend was there and was interviewed as well, that part didn't make it on the show though.

Kim and some of the crew at my house in Dallas.

My awesome parents being interviewed after we finished our first alteration of my dress. It was my dad's first time of seeing me in my dress.

This is Scott, he also came and shot our wedding for the network and became a friend. We had fun being total goofballs in between filmings. :)

Earth Cakes

2010-05-22T00:55:00.006-04:00

Want to green up your wedding with earthy cakes? Check out this idea I found on Martha Stewart's site today! Once you've eaten your treat, wash 'em out and get out those herbs or seeds and do some planting!

Each cake is topped with a creamy layer of chocolate

frosting, a smattering of crushed cookies and candy "rocks," and a fresh sprig of mint.

I loved this idea for a wedding reception or even an Earthy Bridal Shower!

You could include a little burlap sack filled with some sort of seeds or a tree sapling as your wedding favor with instructions to plant it in your little pot to get it started! :)

Ingredients:

1/3 cup vegetable oil, plus more for pots
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for dusting
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush the inside of each flowerpot with oil, and line with parchment paper or foil. Brush lining with oil, and lightly dust with cocoa.
Sift cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda and powder, and salt into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add egg and yolk, 3/4 cup warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix on low speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
Divide batter among prepared pots, filling each about two-thirds full. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, rotating sheet about halfway through, until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean, 20 to 30 minutes. Let cakes cool completely on sheet on a wire rack.
Frost cakes with an offset spatula; sprinkle with crushed cookies. Top with candies; "plant" 1 mint sprig in each cake.

Makes about 3 cups

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Sift sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Whisk in butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Use immediately.

The Dreaded Bride

2010-05-19T14:13:00.004-04:00

So, I have a secret envy of girls who wear their dreads on their wedding day! For that matter, grooms as well who wear them get an extra Boho style star in my book!

Whether it be, obsession, the love of an overboard, make people raise their eyebrows extremist-call it what you like, I LOVE bridal dreads. Just do.

Enjoy.

Photo taken from Off Beat Bride

Natalie and Kawika's Wedding was amazing! More to come from this couple later this week.

From Off Beat Bride Blog

Monday Musings

2010-05-10T15:13:00.005-04:00

I thought these images were very inspiring! The one above I think would be amazing inspirations for some sort of wedding backdrop or canopy. So lovely.

http://www.lundlund.com/stylists/sahara-widoff/9488/57528

Boho Weddings Make Boho Babies

2010-04-19T12:33:00.005-04:00

We've all heard it said, "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage!" Haha! Well, that is the true story for us.

Yes, I know this isn't a wedding post, but it IS some dang amazing photography! My sister in law, and best friend Rebekah Fancher of Tirzah Photography took me out on a prego shoot the other day to capture my 24th week of pregnancy and I wanted to share the results with you.

You can see her entire blog post for the details of the day plus many more amazing pics on her blog!

TirzahPhotography.com

I am 24 weeks prego with our little boy.

Boho Gowns

2010-04-14T00:14:00.005-04:00

I think this gown is simply beautiful.

Sara Seven.

All I have to say is I love her. Her gowns are amazing. They are very earthy, feminine and affordable. Any one of these beautiful pieces could be the dress to frame the nontraditional bride in beauty.

She has designed a number of dresses that could be bridesmaids or for the truly "go against the flow" kinda gal who decides to add color by adorning her lovely self with a colored gown! (which I truly think is fabulous.)

From short and sassy, to long, flowing and elegant; Sara Seven has made me swoon. :)

Check her out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sarahseven

Wild Picked Flowers

2010-04-11T21:55:00.006-04:00

We had tons of mason jars filled with flowers and wild grasses lining the table in the barn.

My bridesmaids spent 2 days making all the flower arrangements in the barn.

One of the main images you think of when thinking of weddings has to be flowers.

Flowers for the bride, flowers for the bridesmaids. You have flower girls and flowers on the table. Flowers. Flowers. Flowers.

I love wild flowers of all kinds and our wedding site upon arrival was surrounded by walls of yellow flowers 5 to 6 feet tall. When asked if we should mow them down I widened my eyes and said "Are you kidding?!" So, we simply cleared pathways through the kingdom of yellow goodness, leaving the natural beauty that was already there.

Being a more natural type of gal, I really wanted the flowers I had to be loose as if we had all gone out that morning and picked everything.

The flowers for the ceremony, my bouquet, tables etc. were purchased from a woman in the mountains who had a wild flower nursery. One of my dearest friends, Charlotte from Norway made my bouquet after I told her what my favorite flowers were from the batch they had picked up the day before the wedding. Using wire hangers as a form, she wove and created the most beautiful bouquet, that was like a piece of art! Twigs were sticking out and it tapered down. It was so lovely.

"Girl Meets Gown" Premier Commercial

2010-04-05T01:46:00.001-04:00

The show we are on has released a commercial! Tune in to WEtv on April 25th, Sunday at 9 pm CT!

Still Photo Inspiration

2010-03-06T17:03:00.000-05:00

The still photo imagery here is so inspiring to me! Enjoy!

The music is one of my favs: A Fine Frenzy.

ANTHRO-Wedding 2011

2010-03-06T11:46:00.000-05:00

Ready, set, WEDDING!

URBAN the umbrella company of Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Leifsdoitter announced the start of an all inclusive bridal line! Wooooooohoooooo!

With the goal of opening in Spring 2011 the yet to be named branch will carry everything from their own uniquely designed heirloom wedding dresses, bridesmaids attire, accessories and invitations. It has even been mentioned that wedding/honeymoon planning services will be available plus fresh flowers and the like!

Sound too amazing? I KNOW! It's the buzz on many of the wedding blogs and fashion sites online right now.

I used to work at Anthropologie and had heard it rumored that this was a future possibility! I just didn't realize it would be this soon! I think many girls have been secretly hoping this would happen! There is definitely a market for something like this. Truly, it's like a pot of gold for a company like URBAN to invest in starting a wedding line considering the following they have among female consumers. J. Crew has had a very successful time with their branch off into the bridal world. There's nothing quite like what URBAN is projecting to supply Anthro-styled brides. Sounds almost like a one stop shop. We shall see!

So, keep your eyes peeled next spring ladies and gents!

I'm SO looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and the quality of their product.

The wedding dresses are said to range from $750-$5,000.

Image from Anthropologie's March 2010 catalogue.

Boho Inspirations and Then Some

2010-03-04T15:45:00.000-05:00

Click here to get more ideas for layering! I found these photos while I was looking for inspirations for the look of my bridesmaids attire. Isis is an Australian design company that I love. Check it out!

The Little Things

2010-03-01T23:34:00.003-05:00

My favorite finds in creative trends and unique inspirations, when it comes to weddings, are the "little things." The places where you see the personality of the couple gleaming and smirking through out, whether it be in the little note cards or the presence of certain sayings scribbled throughout out the reception site. It truly is the little things that will set your wedding a part.

I tend to lean towards the thought, "the older the better, the newer the fewer." Things that are old and have a history are more interesting to me than brand spankin' new gizmos. Whether it be old books, hardware, fabrics or textures...if it has had time to collect an inch of dust, bring-it-on baby!

Loving old books and music the way I do, I had an idea to go out and buy some old hymnals from the used book store. You can pick one up for a couple of bucks and the creative uses that you can pull from them are endless! You've got the yellowed paper and the worn edges of the paper...mmmmMMMMmmmmmm good!

I kept the cones and now use them to decorate my house. The hymnals themselves, at least two of them, are nailed open up on the wall, in my living room, both inside an old emptyt frame. (It looks really cool!) Also, I used more of the old paper left over from the wedding to make all my Christmas tree decorations! How many uses is that? And for 2 bucks and truck loads of memories? Yeah.

We tore the pages out and with tape in hand we rolled them into cones. (Don't worry, we weren't being sacrilegious. Although for a second it felt a little awkward.) We used them in baskets, mason jars, on the tables, everywhere. One of my friends even made two little origami cranes out of the hymnal paper and stuck them in an old bird cage I had brought. How cool is that?

Almost ALL the decorations were from my collection of thrift store finds and antique treasures that I had found from Dallas, Texas to Jerusalem, Israel.
I've seen people use old paper in so many different ways in wedding receptions and the like!

Old keys are something that are very meaningful to us, along with old records (which I collect) and antique instruments. (Sam and I are both musicians.)

These are keys that I bought in Jerusalem from some Bedouin friends of mine who own a shop in the old city. (It was the same trip where Sam proposed to me. )

This is the trumpet that I purchased on the same trip at an antique/junk shop in Jerusalem. It was the first thing that I bought for our new house. Sam and I talked about having a room in our dream home one day, where we incorporate old various instruments for lighting, tables, art etc...this is the first of many.

I think the way to have a "unique wedding" isn't to have that main objective of having a "unique wedding" be your goal. To truly experience a different kind of wedding and make it your own, you have to pull from yourself, what you love, what defines you and your man and let THAT inspire you. You guys are unique, unlike any other couple in some form or fashion. Incorporate you story: a saying, a gesture, an image that represents your love for each other. Maybe even some special secret "love thing" known only to the two of you. Then, your wedding will be like no other! :)

This old dinner booth I'm siting on was one of many treasures hidden away under junk and dust in the barn. We pulled them out, cleaned them off and used them everywhere for seating!

Details and Transformation: The Barn

2010-02-25T12:25:00.000-05:00

This is how the barn looked before the picture below...but it was oh so much worse! These AMAZING, AWESOME bridesmaids, my dearest hearts in the world (and their husbands) made our wedding beautiful! That was a loooooooong, fun, dirty day. Notice the absence of the white sheets to the right and the pile of junk to the left behind Charlotte.

Lights strung (I found a ton of Christmas lights at Hobby Lobby for $1 because it was off season!), lanterns hung, the table stretched out and everyone having a blast!

One of Sam's groomsmen and 2 of my bridesmaids' husbands, Nathan and Martin, created our dancing area for our dance floor.

Notice the diner booths to the left-we found those in the barn and incorperated them for seating! The guys made this beyond lovely!
Tackling the barn and giving her an internal face lift!

This barn was being used as a huge storage shed, we pushed everything back and stapled white sheets behind the beams.

We found some treasures in the barn, including this vintage chair and desk! We left one portion of the barn uncovered, using it for our gift and cake room.

One of the most beautiful sites for a wedding shin dig I've seen! Still one of my favorite locations.

The location of your wedding sets the tone and the feel of your entire ceremony/reception. If the ceremony is being held at a winery, you automatically have the ambiance of elegance and class. Let's say it's located at a downtown pizza eatery-you have that laid back unique flare and casual vintage sense. If you have it a barn, or in the woods-well-the possibilities are endless...
The location of our love parade was not a wedding venue at all. It was a horse property, 2 mama huge barns and kingdoms of woods that had no desire to be tamed. I knew I wanted something raw and when we tracked through the woods avoiding horse manure piles and then pulled the massive weathered grey barn doors open, I knew, this was it! The spider webs danced hauntingly and the dust that was sleeping on all the timber flew about bringing about sneezes in Sam. My friend and co wedding planner Molly and I looked at each other-we knew-this was the jewel we were looking for. We saw the lights hanging and the table stretched down the center of the beams and rafters, everyone laughing!

Sure, some of our family members thought we were a bit crazy and couldn't see past the junk-but in the end, it couldn't have been more perfect!

There was junk everywhere in the storage barn that we had our reception dinner in-old furniture, barn equipment, timber and tons more misc. objects that where quite stubborn in being repositioned behind the white sheets myself and 16 bridesmaids staple gunned to the beams!

We searched for deals on globe lights, Christmas lights and the like. We borrowed paper lanterns ordered a dump truck load of saw dust to be poured do the center of the barn. Away wen the dirt floors and the sweet smell of fresh sawed wood filled the barn! That's one think I totally believe in if you are on a budget, if you have friends who are willing, borrow things like lights, lanterns, jars etc.... it saves so much money and most times makes people feel more a part of the wedding.

This is the house we ALL stayed in. (all 16 girls, 2 husbands, my dad and mom, aunt and 2 extra friends plus myself!) It was an adventure. My girl friends came out 3 days early all the way from Norway, Mozambique, Northern CA and Israel to help out and be with me! Weddings are wonderful, especially when you have friends like that come out and enjoy the love with you.

Boho Bridesmaids

2010-02-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

My friend Charlotte from Norway had to cut the bottom of her dress because it was so long, so she used the extra fabric for a head scarf! Love it! Abby created another amazing boho head piece with the hem of her dress! mmmmmm love, love!

One of my favorite things about these dresses, is that they were comfortable and easy to have fun in! They had no problem gettin' down on the dance floor or twirling around the bonfire!

My Maid of Honor Beka, (aka: best friend/sister in law) wore an AMAZING scarf I found on Ruche, one of our fav places of vintage style, unique, feminine clothing and accessories.

One of the challenging things for me in my quest for my wedding was the attire of all my girl friends. I wanted something different, no cookie cutter, "Oh, just another bridesmaids dress."

Sure, I considered the regular kinda thing-but just couldn't do it. The weeks kept creeping closer and closer to W day and still NO how I was going to pull off the look I wanted. Considering I had 16 bridesmaids, (which on that topic ALONE I had more opinions that I desired) it's not that easy to find 16 clothing items of anything!

I considered doing wrap skirts and the day before I ordered them I accidentally found my hidden treasure! At a funky, loud apparel shop in Dallas called "MetroPark." The tie dye-tube top wonder of a dress jumped out at me and then the process began. Locating 16 of the varied sizes I needed in about a month. HA! We did it eventually. It was the product of a lot of calls to MetroPark stores all across the country and rushed shipping. Once getting them in, I shipped them back out to my girls all across the the nation and internationally as well, including Norway! It was worth it!

The dresses cost around $60 which is AWESOME! They all LOVED the dresses and will wear the heck out of them this summer. (I liked them so much I even bought one for myself! Heck, their dang awesome! )

You will notice the wedding pics-every girl did something a little different with her accessorizing, which I absolutely loved! Dresses of this style give a laid back, feel but keeps the style of elegance at the same time.

The Veil

2010-02-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

I'm going to do a couple of blog posts on the details of our funky awesome wedding day. A little series. This awesome chica, Kat who has one of my fav wedding blogs posted our wedding on her site and a couple of gals have some questions on how we did a few things. Still being obsessed with anything to do with unique, crazy and rich in meaning weddings I'm going to feed my weakness for everything organically couture and write some posts. :)

The Veil:

Most of you knowing that I don't really gravitate to the "norm," I wanted something in a veil that mirrored my style and who I am. I even thought of not having a veil because I was pulling away from traditional things. But, I mean, come on, a girl's gotta have a veil. At least I did. Haha. My trade mark with anyone who knows me is the fact that I wear the heck out of scarves on my head. Any which boho way you can. So, why not, I thought do it for my wedding?PERFECT. Thus the birth of my veil.

It all came slowly together. If any of you watch the airing of the "Girl Meets Gown" episode our wedding is on-they got the whole process of how it came together.

Step 1: "Pile and Pin" Toss up your locks of beauty with a dozen or so bobby pins.

Step 2: Get your scarf fabric ready once your hair is a perfect mess.

(I ordered a couple of extra yards of fabric, the same as my wedding dress to do this. I wanted some of the aspects of my dress to be unique and me.)

Step 3: Tie the scarf securely.

Step 4: Attach the Fabric/lace flower head piece.

(The flowers are sewn to a ribbon which I tied along with the scarf. I made them out of several different types of laces and cottons-then I kinda ratted them and made them scruffy.)
After that I added the tulle veils under each side of the knot of the scarf. The two veils were different lengths which added a dramatic effect. A little bit of romantic dressiness.

As the day/evening progressed having veils that were separate allowed me to take the long one off then both leaving just the fabric tails of my head scarf which was a much more laid back look and made it easier to dance and be crazy.

Of course, by the end of the night, when the bonfire started going and the drum circle started, all of my veil, scarf and all was long gone. My hair, a wild, wild mess and every ounce of me delighting in every moment. But hey, that's the joy of it-it was my wedding my hair could be crazy and I didn't care! I married my best friend and love of my life-who cares what my hair looks like! I was celebrating and no hair style or wedding veil was going to keep me from doing that to the fullest of my hearts content!

Be Mine?

2010-02-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

Me and my man going on a late Valentine's Date. (He was sick yesterday.) Just when you think that you can't love a human more than you do-love surprises you and blows you right back to the beginning where you feel like it the first kiss, the first holding hands, the fist everything wonderful. I love my husband.

More To Tell

2010-02-15T13:37:00.000-05:00

It's been 4 months of total bliss! I FREAKING LOOOOOOOOOOVE being married! I truly believe the state of being married to your best friend and hero the most wonderful thing God ever dreamed up!

Here is the highlight video from our wedding! It is amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMpFEjD_8j0

Guess what! Just under 3 weeks until our show airs! March 9th! WE tv-"Girl Meets Gown" premier! We are so excited!

Just yesterday one of my fav wedding blogs posted our wedding pics!

Click here and see the article and more pics!

Wedding Bells Echoing

2009-09-27T00:32:00.000-04:00

Just as the fireflies start to wake up and begin to dance, there was a rustling in the wood. A drum was heard as the people gathered there.

A stunning man, clad in wonder began the heart beat of what was expected to be the union of two souls.

Friends came up from the walls of wild flowers and tree trunks standing like columns hidden with joy-carrying, following the beat of the love.

Strings were playing like the kiss of the breeze.

Beauty was in the air for the taking and eyes as springs could be seen as one looked out at the faces of the gathered. Them men with drums, the maidens with glowing lanterns.

This was the wedding. Our wedding.

When the last friend came into the circle and melody heightened a girl could be seen carried on a horse-startled by joy, wearing a white dress with a look of longing in her eyes.

The man with the drum came up to get her and there in the heart of the trees they poured themselves out to each other with love looking on. The threads of their souls entwined as feet were washed and songs sung. Sealed with a much longed for kiss they couldn't help but twirl and dance in utter delight.

Heaven watched, and could be felt as something so sacred and beautiful was laughing in colors of a priceless wonder. The trees spread their branches like a chuppa of mystery. And God smiled.

They now were each others. Forever.

The party just continued in a big red barn, dancing, eating, laughing. A bon fire was started and a drum circle was gathered as the bride and her friends danced and spun around the flames singing their love and joy in the Beautiful One who kissed the day with perfection.

Thank you Jesus for the best wedding I could have ever dreamed of. You are so fun.

My Life According To A Card Board Box

2009-08-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Wow. I'm laying here on my IKEA futon bed with my cat curled up at my feet, the morning sun sweetly shining in my room. Well, at least it used to be my room. Now it more resembles one of the display rooms at a furniture store. Everything that made it mine is now stored in a card board box in my garage awaiting loading into a moving cubicle.

I found my self feeling strange as I stretched packing tape across my last box yesterday. Lifting onto the stack of 17 other boxes I thought, "I don't want this to be the last box. This is it, things will never be the same." At the same time, "I'm going spend the rest of my life with this man, who has become my best and closest friend, the lover of my heart and the husband of my dreams. WOOOHOOOO BABY!"

The weird part is that I can have both of these emotions at the very same time. "Yeah baby, I gettin' hitched to my dream guy!' and "Oh my gosh, no, this can't be my last box. Maybe if I find something else to pack this really won't be happening. I won't be leaving but I'll still be getting married."

Ha! Bless my heart. So much change and transition has kissed me in the past year that a part of my heart is getting used to it. But, the excitement I feel to be with my Love for always and the freaking outness I feel for leaving in such a permanent way my folks is a very interesting set of emotions I've been examining inside myself.

Being a drama queen doesn't help either!

So, as I set off on this adventure I am anticipating the joy I will revel in as I'm comforted with the thought that I won't take another journey without a hand to hold, his hand.

What's With the Veil?

2009-08-19T11:47:00.000-04:00

Can you make a traditional thing-nontraditional? I think so.

For me a wedding veil is just a cool thing. I mean many of us pretend from itty-bitty to wear a veil while playing dress up. All of a sudden the once lacy curtain or sheer runner on mom's table becomes the mystical, fairy tale wedding veil that you imagine to flutter and float as you glide down the aisle to you groom. Then, your thoughts and imaginations are interrupted by the call to come eat macaroni and cheese.

Now you're about to get married-and you find yourself slightly "hippie-fied" with the tendency to lean more to the extreme and un-ordinary at the same time you want some sort of veil.

What are you going to do?

First off-don't feel the pressure to be "un-traditional" in everything. If there is something you really want-DO IT! It's your day and you should determine what you do and don't want. A concept or set idea shouldn't lead your decisions. YOU should let your decisions lead your visions and ideas.

Think up some funky crazy ways you can shape your veil, incorporating your personality etc.! Experiment and have fun!

My Flowers

2009-08-17T22:43:00.000-04:00

Boho Road Trip

2009-08-08T11:44:00.000-04:00

I found these pics on another blog called Thrift Candy (http://thriftcandy.blogspot.com) and I just think these are the description awesomeness! The girl with the long brown braids-yeah, that's my dream hair right there!

Kathrine & Jeremy

2009-08-08T10:57:00.000-04:00

I love these! My friend Renee Lawnsdowne is just incredible! Her work is stunning, lovely and so full of emotion!

Renee Lawsdowne

http://www.pedrottiphotography.com

Textures In Jewelry

2009-08-07T19:43:00.000-04:00

Peacock Please: My Colors

2009-08-07T13:07:00.000-04:00

Some Wonderfulness Today

2009-08-06T15:05:00.000-04:00

Earthy Cakes-Crazy Cakes

2009-08-06T11:09:00.000-04:00

A cake. To some couples, (or mostly

brides) it is one of the main highlights to a we

dding! If someone wants to make a statement the wedding cake designers say, do it through your cake!

I think that if you are wanting to go off the well

trodden path of tr

adition and venture the little braved path of o

riginality - and if you are wanti

ng to do a cake, think of something that reflects a crazy or unique aspect of you and your sweetheart! Go for it!

I found some really cool, and som

e really well, uh... let's jus

t say "creatively interesting" ones!

Enjoy!

I Feel Like My Car

2009-08-05T23:42:00.000-04:00

1993 white, cute little reliable Volvo-mine. Yes, even though once home from school (Lucy) yes, that's the name of my car, spent many a day at the car doctor getting all spruced up and repaired for the next leg of our journey together. Which includes a new family member, a husband, my husband.

1986 not quite white, tall crazy Jess-me. Yes, although I spent many a year, NEVER having to go to the doctor's. You know, the place where they wear the funny colored outfits that always sport the V-neck is "in". It seems that since I've come home, quite a large amount of my time has been going to different body part doctors. Teeth. Skin. Bone. Hair. Yes, hair. I think that qualifies.

They are getting all the little, and some not so little details regarding my body in good shape and health for my own self, and for a husband, my husband.

Why am I writing this post you ask? Maybe not, perhaps my own eyes are the only ones that will glaze over these humored musings. No matter.

The cause for this act of randomness is simply this-stairs are off limits to a girl who has injured herself so she can't walk up them. (By her own doing-call it the Bridal Crash Course in Working out. Or, otherwise known as, "Oh my gosh, my wedding is how many weeks away??? I need to get a gym membership baby! ") The over stressing of the body wasn't the greatest idea. Certainly not the fact I ignored severe pain in my foot and ankle for 3 weeks.

I know, I know, but I have a ridiculous high pain tolerance. Don't know if that is such a good thing now. haha.

Pack Up Your Life: In 4 weeks...Um Maybe 3

2009-07-27T15:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I go dear friends to the seemingly ever growing stack of boxes in my parents garage. Things that were packed by someone else from my parents previous move. Finding little things that remind me of all the different seasons life has found me in make me smile, sigh and just get lost in a flood of memories.

I suppose this is what so many girls go through as they pack up all the smiles to be carried away to a distant land-shared with their love.

Haha-yes, I know that sounded rather dramatic. But, I am dramatic so I can get away with it!

Truly though, I have so much to do in what seems like so little time. As the days seem to fly away I'm tempted to throw up my hands and say-"There's no way!" 4 more weeks and counting...Oh dear.

Good-bye procrastination. Hello "I got it done, and done good!"

Some Rather Lovely Things

2009-07-27T14:19:00.000-04:00

I completely think that her flowers are utterly fabulous!

One get the sense that one has entered a magical land by these pictures! The mood they created by all the natural elements is just wonderous and spellbinding! This has a similar strand of color that I'm going for with mine-just I want a little more texture.

Sweetgum Drive

2009-07-27T11:10:00.000-04:00

You know, it's raining right now and as much as I was planning on starting off writing about my cute, cozy little cottage tucked away in the woods of South Carolina, I'm going to begin differently.

It's raining. I love rain. I love to listen to rain, dance in the rain but mostly right now-sit with the one I love and watch, listen and enjoy the wonder of it all. 47 days seems non-ending.

Sam said last night, "Why does it seem like the weeks get longer, the days stretching on and the distance greater?" I knew exactly what he was saying. The closer it gets to the time you have been waiting for the piece of your heart that has coped with the distance enabling you to stay functionning slowly starts to switch off and you're ready baby! It's these last weeks that are the most precious, full of anticipation and longing.

"Hang in there Jess." I keep telling myself. "Only 4 more weeks 'til you see your man." "4?" Sigh...I ask the question with fading steam and stamina. Time makes you realize your love in a way that the immediate can't. Distance causes you to hold your love out in front of you and inspect it's intricate delicacy, causing you to see more beauty than if you were close and content.

Do I like or enjoy this season of separation? Um...no. Am I choosing to see the beauty and love in it? Absolutely. Some days better than others.

So, let me put it this way, I'm desperately looking forward to my Sweetgum drive days in the near future. :)

50 Days Ladies and Gentlemen

2009-07-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

Every bride counts down the days til she dawns her wedding gown and pledges her life, heart and smile to the man of her dreams. It always seems so far away-week after week goes by and the endless wait seems never ending.

Then, all of a sudden, she wakes up one morning and the day which seemed permanently placed at months down the road is now only weeks away and counting.

A flood of things to scribble down on her "To Do Today" list blow and swirl all around in her head. Is there enough time? We'll see.

Having 6 more weeks here at my home in Texas before I set out on the start of a new and exciting adventure that will forever change the color of my world is a new reality that is just now truly starting to hit me!

My days lately are consumed with sorting through boxes of childhood doodles and nick-naks, going through last winters box of clothes- do I really need to bring all my 80 fashion boho scarves...? Absolutely! Priorites ladies, it's all about priorities!

Along with scrambling to get all my invitaions stuffed, sealed and mailed out my Beka (maid of honor) has been helping me organize decor for the wedding site, picking the kind of flowers I want. Wild flowers of course! Yeah baby!

I'm finding that as many out door weddings as you can find on all the endless, magical wedding blogs there are only a few original, crazy "I never thought of that!" ideas out there!

It's time to go waaaaaaaaay outside the box. For years we have been content as brides to just nicely color inside the lines of the coloring books we call the wedding ceremony. We've been using the box of 8 crayons when there's a world of colors and textures available. Lets get out the finger paint. There are so many new and creative ideas popping up in the wedding world! It's time to create our own!

Those of us who have an earthy, bohemian, gypsy type style many times automatically think we have to be strapped to a satin gown with glitz, sparkle and tradition. It's a new day-to everything you want to do and find no one else doing say "Why not!? and go with it!" Your wedding should reflect your smile. Let it shine.

Somethin' A Lil' Different-From Head To Skirt

2009-07-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

I thought these pics provided a little bit of somethin' different! So love the boho-hippie veil! I think I'm going to play around with making something like that for the day after photo shoot we are going to do! Check out that multi colored tulle skirt in the first pic! Amazing!

Today at Stardust-"Action!"

2009-07-22T01:01:00.000-04:00

A Lil' Bit of Stardust!

2009-07-21T13:24:00.000-04:00

Today is the day!

I get to go see my wedding dress that came in!!! yaaaaaaay!

Beka, my maid of honor drove down from Joplin, MO on Sunday to have some fun and help me with wedding stuff! We got almost all the invitations done and found some AWESOME deals at Hobby Lobby for decor stuff for the barn! yaaaaaay!

We are going to film today up at Stardust Celebrations Bridal! Yay! Should be fun!

Here's A Snippet For You

2009-07-05T22:43:00.001-04:00

Here's a link to a video clip of the show!

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.amspictures.com/uploads/page_thumbnails/GMGthumbnail.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.amspictures.com/page.php%3Fpage%3D%253Ci%253Egirl-meets-gown%253Candi%253E&usg=__9GcvG7dyiFn38mWqgbx_3qAIx7A=&h=74&w=132&sz=8&hl=en&start=3&um=1&tbnid=66QhGTjOiQl6eM:&tbnh=52&tbnw=92&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgirl%2Bmeets%2Bgown%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26um%3D1

A Girl and A Gown...

2009-07-05T20:26:00.000-04:00

...Throw in a little Texan "Yeehaw!" and you have yourself the makings of a... crazy, hippie, Texas girl who got asked to be on a reality TV show about girls and their wedding gowns?

*winning bell* *ding-ding-ding!*

Yep, you guessed it!

LOL! I know right, sounds crazy. But, it's true! I wrote a little post mentioning the show called "Girl Meets Gown" and how they were wanting to film my wedding gown experience on the show!

My mom, Gran and I went out to meet Kim, the producer of the show, so she could film a casting video of us to send out to the people in New York who give their 'yay' or 'nay' on who would and wouldn't be good for the show.

It was fun! Kim was amazing and just the coolest!

Heard back from her on the Forth of July and told me that it was a go! :D

I was talking Amy, one of my crazy awesome friends and bridesmaids-we were both like-"This is craaaaazy!"

Everything the Lord has done has been so over the top. Like, He was doing all this for my heart to be a memorial of his faithfulness to me, constantly reminding me. So, in the future when I find myself in what seems to be an impossible situation-I can look at all the colors He painted for my dreams in this season! I can remember that it's going to be beautiful, no matter what is going on it will be beautiful.

So, I think they are going to get a crew together and do some filming next week! My dress came in, and I haven't seen it yet! Yep, I'm one mega excited chica!

Beka and Brandon came and spent the 4th of "Yay, we are some mighty freeeeee people day" with us! (my maid of honor, which is also Samuel's sister and her husband) We laughed so hard my tummy hurt!

I'm learning so much about resting in the middle of craziness and I have really discovered that no matter how crazy the day or week may seem or how frustrating a circumstance appears to be, rest is a choice. Joy is a choice. At first it's kinda hard especially when you've been in a rut of freaking out. Yes, perhaps a dignified freaking out, but freaking out just the same, stealing the awesomeness of the this time you will never have again.

Once though, you put a little helium in that balloon, it will start to float. Same thing I think with joy, you relax and know, you worrying won't change anything-it will only make it worse. When you choose joy and rely on that smile of Jesus to help you out-it's way easier.

If I always remember that He is intensely, interested with a genuine delight and expectancy for what is going on in "my world" I don't seem to have a problem. He loves to lavish my heart, lavish in every way.

Jesus is so good.

Jar For Me (Bring Your Own Fork)

2009-06-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

So, I'm really wanting to use mason jars for decor in my wedding-maybe even for the drinking glasses!

For eating utensils, old forks and spoons instead of plastic, which is way more eco-friendly and green than your typical plastic ware!

Bring on the glass jars and tin cans baby! Wooohoo!

Don't Be Mumpy

2009-06-27T23:22:00.000-04:00

Today, I spent my day doing a very rare thing for me (just as myself) or as a bride: NOTHING!

I didn't go ANYWHERE today! *happy sigh* I didn't make any phone calls except to my man and I got to sorta take a nap! My, my, my... what has the world come to!?

I got to check out some cool wedding shows while lounging on our living room couch curled up with a fuzzy blanket and eat 2 day old vegetable fried rice heated upon the stove with spicy oil by my mom from Pei Wei. (One of my favs!) Oh, and I've been on this kick of eating with chopsticks whenever I eat Asian food. I think just because it makes me feel cooler or something, ;) LOL!

The reason for my wonderful laziness? The Mumps. Yep, that's right, the lumpy, bumpy, "say wha?" mumps. I know, I don't really understand them either. I mean they are one of those things you really don't ever find out about until you get them. It sounds all scary and monstrous but for me, just a little discomfort-head aches and major tiredness.

My body is like "Thank you very much Jess, finally we get some 'do nothing rest!'"

When you are on the go all the time, I guess it takes a booger like the mumps to make you take it easy, chill and watch some wedding shows. :)

Girl Meets Gown

2009-06-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

Well, the boutique we found my wedding dress at emailed me a couple of weeks ago and told me that WE is airing a new reality TV program entitled: Girl Meets Gown and that they are filming right here in Dallas at their location. Pretty cool eh?

Then, my wedding gown consultant goes on to tell me that she wants to recommend me to the producer for the show if I were interested! She told me that my creativity, our story adn the vibe for the wedding would be an awesome thing for the show.

At first I was like, "Whoa, TV huh? Hmmm... DUDE! Wow. Do I really want to do? Cool!" A flood of thoughts came through my little noggin all which I took one at a time and evaluated. I decided that I would talk about it with my Sam and my parents. (Both of which were positive about it.)

They gave me the pilot dvd to watch of the episode that aired in March. My mom cried on one of the stories, I was hooked! It was a really a sweet, tasteful show! It's the kind of show I would want to watch regardless of if they wanted me on the show or not. It reminds me of one of those cool HGTV reality TV shows, but even better!

As I'm standing in line at the DPS (getting my Texas license) I get a phone call from the producer of the show, Kim. She was very down to earth, way cool chica! She asked me a couple of questions about Sam and I, our proposal and my dress process etc. It was fun talking to her!

Today, Momma, Gran are coming with me as I go in to meet Kim and do some sort of casting video or something. We shall see what happens. I so love God-he makes me laugh!

I didn't hear anything from them for 2 weeks and was like, " Oh well, one less thing for me to have to think about. I guess they're not going to call." I told my mom this, then later that day I got the call from Kim. Just us even going to that particular wedding store was a fluke and last minute thing. I thought I had found my dress at the first place we looked, but still felt a little, I don't know about it and my mom, Gran and maid of honor Beka didn't think it was really me but didn't say anything.

So, I told momma, "Let's just go tonight for fun and look around!" So we called, they said it was fine and we drove over to Stardust. (That's the name of the bridal store.) Whether or not my friends get to wait in anticipation and laugh and squeal as they see me on a reality TV show it's been and will be a fun experience.

Dream In A Bottle

2009-06-24T18:33:00.000-04:00

Ok-so I totally thought of this idea before I saw it! Soooo, when I came across these images I was mega excited to say the least!

I have been thinking of what to do for the little gifts you give your friends and family who celebrate your wedding with you. You know, do you give them a cute little picture of you (that most likely they will not hold onto or loose within a couple of weeks. Do you give them a jar of jam?

Well, there are so many AMAZINGLY awesome ideas out there. Hundreds and hundreds, so much so that it was kind of overwhelming for me. I love dreaming. I love pulling out the dreams in people's hearts, helping them remember them just by being me. So, I thought: A glass little bottle with a scroll inside of it with something to do with the dreams of their heart being painted into reality. I didn't think of the cool wax seal like this wonderful Etsy artist did. When I saw this I was like, "Yes!" I had told one of my best friends Kalia that I wanted to use keys in my wedding and have been buying up some really cool cast iron, huge keys to use in the decor. The tiny key accent is just sweetness! The key to your dreams!

The whole theme of our wedding is dreams coming true and I want to spread that. Will everyone remember where they put their little dream trinket once the wedding is over? Um...maybe not. Sure it might get lost in my Aunts purse or get lost in the car-but if for just a moment when they first look at it and read the little card that I will make for them, describing what it is and why-if for just a second it inspires them to expect beauty and wonder, then that lights up my sky.

Check out MiniatureRhino 's store on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26893307

Shoes and Scarfs

2009-06-24T17:55:00.000-04:00

Awesome option for the girls! Lace up sandals from Free People
I really like the look a guy in a cool earthy scarf. I want to do maybe a few of the groomsmen in some earth tone scarves to give a romantic tossed look.

I think on one or two of my girls, a cool scarf will appear. Either, around the neck, wrapped up in the hair or who knows??? *creative laughter echoing in the distance*

Regardless of how many of these wonderful ideas and inspirations make to the final cut of my creativity it is fun to find textures and textiles that make me smile!

Ruche

2009-06-23T14:44:00.000-04:00

I found this blog and I really like it! Awesome Boho/Vintage clothes! Check it out!

http://www.shopruche.com/about_us.html

The Photographer is AMAZING! Her name is Stephanie Williams

http://stephaniewilliamsphotography.com

Bake the Paper Already!

2009-06-21T18:36:00.000-04:00

Today I spent quite a bit of time out in the Texas summer heat, creating my beautiful earthy invitations! hehe!

I had found with Renni pads of water color paper for like $2.50 each and we thought we could totally do our own amazing custom paper! I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you don't mind a mess! It was a blast! I laid out to card board boxes (or you can use trash bags with one side torn open) that were flattened. Then took two pads of paper at a time and spread sheet by sheet by sheet down in a few rows. Any good spray bottle works well for this and makes the process quick and adds a variety in texture. Searching about my back yard I found some

cool leave that I put down to have a stencil nature look. Spattered some gold paint, let it back in the scorching sun and-TADA!!!

A Boho Feel

2009-06-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

It's just around dusk and the fireflies are starting to dance around in the woods as the lanterns glow and the sound of laughter and expectation fills the air.

The tree trunks standing like columns of strength and hope are the natural decor-you can feel God smiling as nature looks on about to witness yet another love story unfold into a dream.

Samuel and I knew we didn't want a typical wedding. We teased that the only church we wanted to get married in was one without a ceiling and without

walls. So, you can see our options were limited

there weren't too many churches or cathedrals that fit that bill. LOL!

I love being out in nature, I can see so much of the Lord's smile in the smallest detail of a leaf, the sound of rocks being kicked off a walking path any and everything that grows. So,

outside it was for us!

We're still piecing together details, but here is a broad general feel I'm goin' for:

Earthy, Robin Hood forest princess in the woods kind of a feel, a touch of hippie, bare feet, fairy tale, mystical, simple, lanterns hanging in the trees, lots of glow, lots of lights, down to earth but heavenly, where our friends and family leave feeling like God kissed them.

Boho, natural and organic textures, kinda messy not all prim and proper. OUT OF

THE BOX! Nontraditional-laughing

lot's of laughing. I want it to feel like a big family reunion. Trees, keys, birds, wild flowers, vintage-old but not junkie. Eclectic. color-fun. moss, twigs, flower crowns, leaves! glow and texture instead of sparkle and glitz.

Samuel, my heart and love told me, "Jess, you can do whatever you want to do my love, just as long as I'm waiting for you at the end of the aisle." I am so blessed to have such a man! One of my favorite things about him-he truly loves who I am and lets me be me-coloring the world all sorts of colors and smiles in or out of the lines!

Don't get me wrong- I think glitz and glam weddings are lovely-in their own way! That's just not me. I think I own 2 pairs of high heels and have only worn them 1 1/2 times, walk around bare footed whenever I can outside and still love to climb trees and do cart wheels. You will still find me stopping whatever I'm doing and going outside if it rains outside. Nothing like playing and dancing in the rain.

The ceremony itself should be interesting! We have a huge wedding party and I really don't want to go about the traditional "guy walking the girls down the aisle."

Right now we want djembe (hand drums) cello and hammered dulcimer to start off the music like a heart beat off in the woods. Some of the groomsmen will be holding drums as well as they come and bring in my man! with the music increasing and building. Sam and I are both musicians and artist so we're not afraid to be a little...um, different!

I want to set up the site in the woods in a circular form-so our family and friends seated seem more to be embracing and surrounding us with their love verses observing us.

Having the groom's guys and the bride's gals entering in from a few different directions-it should be cool.

I'll be so excited and full of joy, I just

might skip down to Sam!

With the reception being in the big red barn and under the stars-it's going to a big hug of a party.

Take Time Part 1

2009-06-20T10:35:00.000-04:00

I don't know how many of you have seen the new Pixar movie "Up" but, it is really one of the sweetest movies I've seen in a long time. Summing up the heart felt truth that simple love is the adventure of life time. I cried. Yes, I cried. I couldn't help it! I told my mom afterwards that I don't know I would have cried like I did if I wasn't in this season of being head over heals in love with Samuel.

My dad took us to see the movie in 3D. Their first 3D movie and it was an experience let me tell ya! haha! So much fun!

With all the time it takes to plan a wedding, and an out of state one at that-as a family we decided that no matter what each week we would all go do something out of the house together. Whether that is go to the cafe for an early dinner, go to a movie-just hang out and get a smoothie. We are going to make time to do simple things where we can be together, not letting the our daily business dictate to us our heart time with each other.

It's so easy to get swept away in deadlines, phone calls, multiple texts and chats with people coordinating vendors etc. Then, by the end of the day I might find myself realizing that I didn't go down and give my dad a hug good morning or tell my mom she looks beautiful and that I love her new earrings. I was too busy cutting out that cool flower arrangement out of the new Modern Bride Mag for my idea book or just had to send that email. When the truth of the matter is- there will always be things to do and things to plan, but I won't again have today.

I can't let my day tell me what to do, I'll just do a tailspin if I do that. I have to stay flexible of course but, keeping the priorities of my heart in check. Perhaps family is at the top but by actions many times it can relate a different message if you're not careful.

It's so fun to enjoy simple moments. Don't miss them. Don't hold back an "I love you." "Gosh, you look gorgeous today!" "You are so fun to hang out with!" We all need to hear encouraging kisses of the heart.

A Taste Of A Smile

2009-06-19T22:22:00.000-04:00

You walk out of every girl's friend, Target-the store that you love-the store that you can spend time in like no other. Come on now, say it isn't so. After a productive evening of working out, you feel inspired to do an extra set of those weights that tone up your thighs... you are MOTIVATED. (Just to the point when you think you are starting to notice a difference after putting on those used to be " a lil' too tight shorts." *Happy sigh* You are walking out and all of a sudden, in the evening air floating to you nostrils like the smell of roses-it hits you: french fries. hamburgers. onion petals. Everything fattening and oh so delicious.

Yes, junk food. It hit me like a wave of the most intense craving today. LOL I found myself rationalizing why it was totally ok for me to go pig out and get some major french fries baby! We even pulled into the parking lot of a local junk food place. Then, it hit me. I saw myself later in the evening feeling miserable from caving in. I told my mom- "We can just go home momma. Let's just go home." Trying to convince my appetite, I grabbed her hand dramatically and we solemnly drove back out to the main road. Home to our apples and fresh avocados.

We overcame. (doing the Rocky victory dance...yes the music too.)

I know, I know-I'm dramatic. I can't help it, I come from a long line of drama queens. I think it just adds some extra shades of color to my coloring page of life!

But truly- I was so happy that I didn't give in to my one true weakness that I am not proud of: french fries. I have this thing with them. But I said no. After which my organic salads and fruits at home sounded amazingly wonderful! Most of craving I think is a mindset that we get used to. Just takes a few times of teaching your body to crave good stuff.

My latest fav:

-Frozen organic black cherries. ( Oh my gosh soooo good!)

- Organic sanoma chicken salad. (out of this world)

My daily smoothie (apple juice-pear juice-1 frozen banana, a bunch of frozen strawberries, cherries and a dose of liquid green vitamins-blend it up and bam! A sweet taste of a smile.)

-Pei wei fried rice

-Frozen blueberries

You feel more confident when you know you are putting good stuff in your body, and you are giving it what it needs to thrive.

I want to take care of my body, not just for myself but for Sam as well. I want to be as healthy as possible and not give any place for the enemy to come in and steal from us. Whether that be health-joy anything. :)

Momma and I are having so much fun working out. I do miss working out with Kalia though ! So much! My house mate back in Cali and one of my bridesmaids. :( It's so fun to have a work out buddy to have those little victories with! hehe! Oh, the little things in life that make me smile.

Work It Girl

2009-06-15T13:55:00.000-04:00

Most brides, once they start the count down til' "i do" go on a massive work out binge. So funny-but it's so true! I'm included in the stereotypical masses of girls with rings on their fingers, sweating long hours each week at the gym. You work it girl!

Inspiring Ideas

2009-06-15T11:32:00.000-04:00

The Day Is Here, and I'm Pooped

2009-06-14T21:07:00.000-04:00

You might have let out a surprised laugh when you read the tittle of this blog. But, the truth is that too many couples, (mostly the bride part of the couple, sorry ladies but it's true) get wrapped up in the wonderful and sometimes not so wonderful craziness and stress called a wedding. To the point that when the wedding day roles along-she's too tired to fully enjoy it!

Suddenly the ribbons and bows-flowers and photographers-guests and all the drama that comes with figuring out who to invite and who not to invite overtakes the bride's world. "Do we invite Aunt B. AND Uncle J. even though they haven't spoken to each other in over 30 years and refuse to be in the same place at the same time?"

As the day draws closer she realizes that she has spent months not even enjoying this season, not even living it but stressing it.

When Samuel proposed to me I was dancing in the ballrooms of heaven, listening to the angels sing our personal love songs for weeks. All that filled my mind was the faithfulness of God and everything he had taught me about expecting above amazing from him. I didn't have a worry, I wasn't stressed, I was in love. I was in love with the heart of God who so richly and lavishingly poured out the dreams of my heart in the most vivid and colorful way I could imagine-in a dream named Samuel.

After a couple of months-still floating and flying I started to plan, think and sort out detais about the actual day. In a rush of childlike excitement I would tell my friends the vibe I wanted my wedding to have, how I wanted my friends and family to feel when they left and the sound I wanted to paint in the joy of the day as Sam and I started our new life together.

In the middle of planning after more weeks I started to slowly put my expectancy in the wonderful goodness of God on the shelf and started to freak out. All of a sudden the realities of budgets, time and distance away from Samuel started to add up. Putting the wedding list together alone was worthy of a comedy screen play that, because of it's painful truth and the fact you could so easily relate makes it hilarious. It was and is interesting, bringing up family issues that 99% of the time sit silent like a huge pimple on the end of your nose deep under the skin. But there is just something about a wedding... *raising my eyebrows* ...that makes you have to deal with it, in some form or fashion, one way or another. Somebody isn't going to be happy and you just have to be ok with that.

When Sam and I talk during our daily skype time, he reminds me as he comforts my at times, overwhelmed heart, the wedding isn't about a wedding, it's about us, our love for each other and beautiful heart of God that brought us together. Period.

Being reminded of the simplicity of love is so freeing. Your wedding day isn't about a wedding, it's about that look you give your man when are watching him tell you something he's excited about. It's about the feeling your heart feels when his gentle smile caresses your face and you hear him say "I love you." It's about the dreams you dream together and future God is weaving for you as one.

This time, while I'm engaged is a time I will never have again. How sad for me to waste it in worry, and allowing all joy to sucked down the drain. Every day, I have to look for the Kisses God is blowing me.

To sum it up-don't get so wrapped up in the wedding plans that you loose the joy and heart of why you are planning one.

90 Days & Invitations

2009-06-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Today we've hit the 90 day mark! Less than 3 months officially! Wow!

Invitations? Have I sent them out yet? What do you think? No.

Yesterday I spent a few hours out in the incredibly humid Texas heat painting the paper for my invitations! You know, the kind of heat that when you walk out the door you feel the sensation of being in a broiler and you start sweating like a football player in July. Yeah, it wasn't the most dazzling sight, but it sure was fun!

My friend Renni who lives in New Zealand designed them for me and I, with her basic instruction manual from skype am creating them. I wanted invitations that capture the feel of the wedding-earthy, happy, creative and raw with a touch of a mystical fairy tale feel.

So far, the paper turned out GREAT! The colors of the wedding are in deep, organic like peacock colors. So, we chose browns, olive greens, mustard's and teal paints to color the invites using a spray bottle and watering down the paint! To garnish the little joy bearing cards we are having a twigs, a peacock feather and hemp twine to tie around it. One side note that I wasn't planning on doing was I wanted to give more of a natural feel so I went in my back yard and picked different leaves to lay out on the rows of paper as I sprayed them with paint. When I was done I had wonderful little leaf prints left! Yay for creativity!

The day is closing as I sit here at my little desk pondering all the ways in which I can be more efficient and ahead of schedule. *Clearing throat* Even though I am months behind what all the other "wedding planning people" say, I am choosing to enjoy every moment-fall more in love with my sweetheart and bask in the goodness of God-which I continuously have to remind myself is there for me every day!

I still have a couple hundred invos to finish making-but for me, an artist it is a relaxing time whenever I can create instead of looking at budgets, appointments and numbers. :)

Thank you Jesus for another lovely day.

He Proposed, Plans On Hold

2009-06-13T12:40:00.000-04:00

So, the man of your dreams, flew half way around the world. He crosses oceans, time zones and the thresh hold of jet lag to utterly surprise you by proposing you at your most special spot in the world.

You laugh. You cry, and yes, you scream. As tears are streaming down your lovely face because of this unexpected dream come true. The LAST thing you are thinking about is a budget, do you get plastic forks or silver-do i need to rent port-a-potties for my venue? Will the guest be bothered by the smell of horses and goats? Wait a second! Where am I even getting married?

Maybe these thoughts danced through your mind. Or maybe they will when you become engaged if you're not already. But, for me-unlike those of you who, "pre-ring," painstaking have every detail of your wedding day planned out up to the details of whether you would serve table salt or sea salt to your guest-what colors you would use, and for food: buffet, catered, DIY?

Ummmm...not me. No.

Love over took me like a rainbow surprisingly overtakes a rainy day. Caught up in a whirl wind of fairy tale love that is, of course what I think is most worthy to be recounted in the form of a book or even a movie! (I know, you might roll your eyes but, aren't we all a little bias when it comes to our love and the dreams of our own hearts? Heck yes we are!)

All I really knew before my fella' came and swept me off my feet was, I wanted to get married outside. Maybe in the mountains or in the woods, and one thing was for sure- I did NOT want it to be typical or traditional. That's about it. Nothing more-really.

One thing I have learned, is that generalized ideas are great, like "I want it to feel chill and relaxed." GREAT! But, do you know how many versions and colors there are of "chill" and "relaxed?" HA! I do now!

Love found me in December-got down on one knee in March and will put a ring forever on my finger in September. You say, "Hey, 6 months, you can plan a wedding in that time." I'd say sure you could. But, I was in school full time, and didn't know where in the world to start. So, what did i do? Nothing. My fiance, Samuel and I did decide on the Mountains of North Carolina. That was a start. But still vague. Sure, I looked through magazines, book marked cool wedding blog sites on my mac and giggled with my girlfriends. As far as any really defined game plan... not much.

You might say I'm crazy and that you would never do such a thing. Well, maybe so. Perhaps you will have everything laid out and planned. But, then again this is just a documented adventure: Where practical kisses romance and fairy tales have a talk with their manager with the last name, budget.

3 months after I became engaged is when I truly started to plan my wedding. Here goes...