have a fancy weekend

I just love Fridays. There is something so motivating about knowing there will be two straight days of bliss that makes the work day fly by. Taylor and I have some especially fun plans this weekend - going to the beach with my family! It might only be three days, but that's all the sunshine I need. Here's to hoping I come back with some new freckles :)

And a little bit of link love for your Friday afternoon...

A lovely Sydney home

What a shower!

Oh so charming wedding cakes

Easter eggs inspiration

// Photo of Shirley Temple via Pinterest //

love + life

This quote reminded me of one of my favorite promises in the Bible. When I am truly grateful for the life and loved ones I have around me, it's an endless cycle of feeling full and loving more.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10

// Photo via The Late Afternoon //

dream home {bedroom}

I haven't been daydreaming about our new bedroom as much as I've been anticipating our living room, dining room, kitchen, guest room and bathroom. But I'm never one to pass up an opportunity to gather design inspiration on this little blog. One of the biggest adjustments we will have to face is the size of our bedroom. If you remember from my house tour, our bedroom is massive and offers plenty of space for a king size bed, night stands, two dressers and a seating area. Our new bedroom will probably be half the size.

Although there will be less furniture, there isn't too much I want to change for the overall look of our new bedroom. The most important decision to make for our little retreat is the wall color. Even though the living room will be gray, I like the look in bedrooms as well. Perhaps we will try a hue between a gray and a blue.

The next decision will be layout. What layout do you prefer for a bedroom- the bed facing windows or facing the entrance of the room? With two sets of windows we can still use our current drapes from Ikea (similar ones here) and spruce them up with rope accents. I also love the idea of homemade rope bowls for jewelry, keys or keepsakes.

I also love the thought of a soft, furry rug as soon as my feet hit the floor. In college my friend Erin had one of Ikea's sheepskin rugs by RENS. So fluffy between your toes!

 And if there's room for a woven basket with extra pillows and blankets, I'm there!

// Photo sources: 1. from Design*Sponge, 2. from Design*Sponge, 3. from Design*Sponge, 4. from Design*Sponge, 5. from Design*Sponge. 6. via Pinterest, 7. from Design*Sponge. 8. from Ikea, 9. via un petit baroque //

wedding wednesday

Last Saturday my lovely friend Alexandra got ENGAGED! We lived together during my junior year of college and it was one of the most fun years of my life. Alexandra is a sweet, selfless and strong woman who will surely be a stunning bride.

Thanks to Pinterest, it's so much easier to store inspiration and ideas for that special day. I thought I'd share some of my favorite ideas from Alexandra's wedding board.

* beauty:

* ceremony:

* reception:

Alexandra has some fabulous ideas! I love seeing how big day dreams unfold from images to the real thing. Good luck with all your planning, Alexandra!

// All photos (except top two) via going to the chapel //

Chief at three weeks

After another visit to Allen Kennels I am more in love than ever before. Chief's eyes are open and he's ready for adventures in this big wide world!

It is amazing to see those little eyes and all the personality they hold! I think he will fit into our little family perfectly. Only 18 days to go!

P.S. he grew so much since one week ago!

over the weekend

You know those days where you literally cannot stop smiling? That was Friday. And Saturday. And Sunday. This weekend was full of so many good things, I don't even know where to begin.

By Friday I still wasn't unsure what I was going to give Tay for his birthday. I love giving practical gifts, but also something he wouldn't necessarily spend big bucks on for himself. So naturally I bought him new Nike baseball cleats.

Friday evening included dinner at Transmet and drinks with some of Taylor's best friends. His boys make me laugh so hard. We also met up with Dan & Lauren at Treppenhaus. Lauren and I couldn't get over our matching outfits - bright pants, white tops & wedges!

Saturday morning started off nice and lazy with breakfast biscuits at Chik-fil-A and then Taylor went to the batting cage with his brother. In celebration of both Taylor and his friend Brandon's birthday we met up for dinner at Fuzzy's (I was not impressed to say the least) and then the boys played corn hole at Little Kings.

We ended the night at Boar's Head and I must say- I have the most beautiful friends.

Sunday was Taylor's official birthday so naturally we went to Ike & Jane for a birthday donut. I even had a birthday banner installed! Just kidding- the shop celebrated it's 3rd birthday a few weeks ago. I also think I look more tired than I actually was...

At church my sweet friend Sophie was baptized into Christ! We had been studying the Word for almost eight months and I am so proud of her conviction and maturity at such a young age. How can I thank the good Lord enough for an amazing husband, wonderful friends, and a meaningful purpose in this life?

xoxo

P.S. this is my 100th post! woo hoo!

have a casual weekend

This week was filled with many on-going projects (at home and work), but I'm looking forward to the weekend. Taylor's birthday is on Sunday and I'm hoping to spoil him rotten every chance I get this weekend. Tonight we're going out for dinner at Transmet with some friends. Tomorrow's plans are somewhat up in the air- any suggestions for our Saturday night? I hope you keep things casual this weekend.

Did you know the skies go pink in Ireland?

Loving this door knocker

Sectional sofa of my dreams

Brilliant stationary ideas from Emily

Amazing vintage wedding dresses

What are your summer goals?

The Late Afternoon has been added to my Daily Reads

// Photo via Prepfection //

wedding wednesday

For this week's Wedding Wednesday, I'm excited to feature the rehearsal dinner I helped plan at the Georgia Theatre last weekend! It was the first ever rehearsal dinner at the theatre and I feel pretty confident it won't be the last Epting Events-catered party there. To say the concert venue was transformed would be an understatement.

The new rooftop bar played host to cocktail hour and passed hors d'oeuvre. Since the groom is a professional golfer, our floral designer created a golf themed tablescape complete with pictures of the young golfer, a grass runner, golf balls, and tees. The bars offered "His & Hers" signature drinks as well as favors & monogrammed cocktail napkins.

Dinner took place inside the theatre on the main floor, with some guest tables on the balcony level as well. We carried the K monogram all the way from drink signage, to napkins, to a personalized gobo on the back wall of the stage.

The exposed brick offered the most stunning backdrop for decor and details. Grapevine balls strung with lights was actually an idea from the client! A red velvet groom's cake in the shape of a golf bag was another personalized touch to the night.

Before the dance party started, champagne was passed for toasts from friends and family.

I can't wait to see and hear about future events in this iconic venue, reborn in 2011. One of these days I'll share the details of my own rehearsal dinner, but until then...enjoy!

// Event Planning & Catering: Epting Events // Paper goods: Foglio Press // Gobo: Live Event Solutions //

xoxo