Featured - again!

Last week a wedding I helped plan & coordinate through Chancey Charm Weddings was featured on Ruffled Blog! If you've never visited the site it's an amazing resource for wedding inspiration and all around pretty stuff. It was a pleasure working with Lindsey & Cam on their special day and despite the August showers in Highlands, North Carolina, the day was magical.

Check out the full post on Ruffled Blog with photos by Teale Photography and stunning floral design by Amy Osaba.

// Bottom image by Teale Photography //

Wit & Delight for Target

I've been a long time fan of Kate Arends and her fabulous blog (and tumblr) Wit & Delight so to finally see the launch of her Target line is exciting indeed! And the fact that the line focuses on something near and dear to my heart - entertaining with craft beer - puts almost every item on my birthday wish list!

A cheeky gold bottle opener, chalkboard pale for icing down some cold ones and hexagon votives are just a few of my favorites and I love how all the other entertaining pieces are the perfect palette of gold, white and black. They could even work for an upscale tailgate! What entertaining pieces do you have on your wish list these days?

P. S. Can I have Kate's hair?!

// Top image from Wit & Delight. Other images from Target. //

Early Fall Mood Board

Crisp air, crackling bonfires, and steaming hot cider are just a few things on my mind as fall approaches.

// Image sources, clockwise from top left corner: 1. Tec Petaja, 2. Ace and Whim, 3. Philippe Baumgart, 4. Amelia Johnson, 5. via A Well Traveled Woman, 6. via Pinterest, 7. via Once Wed //

Featured!

Last week a wedding I planned and coordinated in May was featured on Southern Weddings' blog! A huge thanks to the sweet couple for letting me be a part of their special day, to the team of vendors who made it come together seamlessly, and of course to Chris Isham for capturing the most tender moments on the beautiful! Check out the full feature here.

Would You Wear: Sneakers + Dress

I probably haven't rocked a dress and sneakers since 3rd grade when I accentually wore a dress to Field Day, but it seems like (done the right way) it can be pretty darn chic. Here's my round up of ideas for pairing a simple dress with your tried and true tennis shoes:

1. Pleated Ponte + New Balance 620, 2. Silk Moonset + Cole Haan Snake Embossed, 3. Patterned Dress + Nike Genicco

What do you think? Would you rock a dress and tennis shoes?

// Top image via Patterson Maker //

Flowers Are My Love Language

I know not every wedding budget allows for over-the-top florals and I'm a huge advocate for less is more. BUT, on the occasion when a bride does want elaborate centerpieces and floral details, I am happy to oblige.

The past weekend we had a wedding at Montaluce Winery & Estates in Dahlonega where Stylish Stems did a fabulous job capturing the bride's vision for a lush aesthetic with plenty of candle light for ambiance. My pictures certainly don't do it justice and I will be excited to eventually share the real photos taken by Amy Arrington.

Hope everyone had a great long weekend!

Thinking Cooler Thoughts

Happy Labor Day! They say wearing white after today is a fashion faux pas and while I think you can bend that rule in Georgia considering we're still experiencing 90 degree temps, I don't mind getting a head start on anticipating fall fashion. It will be a while until temperatures drop in Athens, but that doesn't mean I can't begin to build my fall wardrobe wish list!

1. Biker Jacket
2. Faux Fur Vest
3. Double-breasted Jacket

// Top image from Cheetah Is The New Black // 

Defeat

Yesterday was not a good day. I will spare you the whiny details, but miscommunications led to unfair assumptions which led to an unhappy client, which had me feeling something between anger and guilt. Anger over the undefined, yet unattainable expectations people have, and guilt over that ever-lurking-feeling of "could I have done more to make them happy?"

Simplest of Suggestions

If you're like me, you love a good "How To" guide. If we're kindred spirits, you especially love the down-right-practical ones so much that you'd be foolish not to follow directions immediately. Which leads us to my point that Camille Style's simple suggestion to incorporate a pile of loose pictures to create an interactive space on your coffee table is brilliance. Sheer, functional brilliance. Read more here.

// Image from Camille Styles //

Friday Notes 09

What a week! With Taylor starting grad school I found myself starting a whole new regimen to stay on top of work and anticipating his needs. I've found that keeping my at-home work schedule as close to 9-5 as possible really helps me unwind by the end of the day, and not be so attached to my computer once he's home. Here's my gratitude round-up from this week in August:

Moved By Words

I stumbled upon a blog I used to follow and read an endearing quote in reference to helping someone find a relationship with God,

"With the Lord as my strength I will stay the course! [They are] very special to me. I can't imagine heaven without [them]! With you on one side, us on the other and the Lord before [them, they] have nowhere else to go but up!"

My heart stopped at the thought of expressing to someone, "I can't imagine heaven with you!" Doesn't everyone deserve to hear that? And wasn't that how Jesus truly and authentically made everyone around him feel? I pray to live a life with that heart for those around me! So if you need some motivation to hang in there, know that heaven would NOT be the same without YOU!

xo

School of Marriage

Hi friends! It's hard to believe today is the first day of school for student in Athens, and many others have already been back in the swing of things for over a week. I'm not the one heading into a semester of course work, exams and projects, but I very much feel like I am since today is my Taylor's first day of graduate school.

With My By Myself

Have you ever stayed in a hotel by yourself? And not just in a room to yourself, but in a new city without knowing anyone else? On Friday evening, after running a ceremony rehearsal at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn, I checked in at 200 Main by myself for the evening.

After checking in I grabbed dinner to go at a local burrito place, made myself comfy by watching HGTV and finally updating the blog. I also had time to think through any last minute updates for the wedding the next day, take a bubble bath and simply relax. I tend to be a huge worrier when I'm alone and freak myself out by hearing "sounds" and assuming there is an ax murderer on the loose if Taylor is not right next to me...I didn't get the best sleep in the world but it was certainly an interesting experience to say the least.

Have you ever traveled alone overnight? If so, do you like it or does it give you anxiety? Perhaps I should have poured myself a fat glass of wine and called it a night ;)

// Image via Southern Charm //

Slow & Steady

Does anyone else feel like July was...slow? In the best way possible? I had a month break in-between weddings from the end of June to the end of July which was certainly a blessing. Not that the month hasn't still been filled with work, but it can be nice to experience real weekends every once and a while. Instead of Friday Notes, I thought I would share what I was grateful for in the month of July:

July started off with a trip up to the north Georgia mountains to a lake house with my in-laws. I cherish my time with Taylor's parents who truly feel like an a second set of parents. The photo above is of Taylor and I bonding in the most temperamental canoe...hence why I am not rowing. Or moving!

I organized my first official styled shoot at Creature Comforts Brewing Company with an amazing team of vendors, and learned A TON about the real logistics behind photo shoots. Challenges pop up, just like on a wedding day, but it's certainly easier than dealing with the stress of running a ceremony!

Half way through the month I traveled to beautiful Highlands, North Carolina for a final walk through for a wedding that is actually this weekend! I continue to be amazed by the opportunities put before me to work with such talented creatives and sweet families. Downtown Highlands is absolutely darling and I'm excited to be staying at 200 Main this weekend and have my own personal getaway :)

We went on vacation with my family to St. George Island, Florida and had one of the most relaxing weeks I can remember in a looong time. I read Bridge to Haven in TWO days while it was rainy, played Scrabble with my mom, Rummikub with my sister, got some color on the beach and sipped on my mom's mean margaritas daily.

The family vacation was the perfect treat before jumping into another wedding weekend - this time at Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club. The month ended with T and I celebrating 6 years of being together (dating + engagement + marriage). All in all it was an incredible month, with a leisure pace. One thing I wish I had done differently in July was being more consistent with my PowerSheets. Luckily, I ordered my next 6 month set and am ready to push the re-start button to continue to MAKE 2014 HAPPEN!

How was your month and your summer as a whole? I can't believe August is here!

xo

Happy Birthday, USA!

Happy 4th of July! We are headed to the lake to see my in-laws and get some much needed r & r! What are your plans for the long weekend? Besides eating, drinking, and tanning, I will be finalizing all the last details for a styled shoot on Monday with Lauren! So excited!

Have a wonderful Independence Day and great weekend!

Yum.

The cuteness. I die.

White hot summer night.

If you're in need of reading a blog that defines the word raw, this is the one.

A necklace on my wish list.

// Image via Pinterest //

Orange You Glad

Although I don't have the skin tone to rock orange like I wish I could, I still love the hot tone in summer and admire all the tan women who make it look so fierce. Last night I dreamt up a mood board and thought I would share it to bring some brightness to your Thursday! What colors are you loving this season?

xo

Cultivate Truth

Life throws many loops and it seems that the more I think I've arrived to a state of normalcy, the more loops arrive in LOUD and obvious ways. Perhaps my biggest loop currently is navigating changing relationships and knowing how to cultivate more honest and authentic friendships- despite disappointments or being hurt.

Summer Starts Now

With spring wedding season behind me, I can officially say this is my start to summer! Not that work will stop, but I'm excited to get in a steady rhythm of (reasonable) work and life balance without another wedding weekend until the end of July.

How is your summer going so far? I know I'm late, but I love this list of ways to celebrate summer.

xo

// Image by Jose Villa //

Art & Soul: Lauren Carnes Photography

I'm excited to feature today's Art & Soul because Lauren is not just one talented woman, she has become a dear friend over the last 7 or so years. We met freshman year of college through my roommate (Lauren's sorority sister) and destiny has kept us running into each other ever since!

 

Lauren has honed her photography skills for years now and finally in early May launched her company and website - Lauren Carnes Photography! Her energy and passion for life is infectious. Having spent time on the other side of the lens with her (Lauren shot our Christmas photos in 2012), I can truly say she makes you feel so happy and comfortable.

Although Lauren no longer lives in Athens, we are planning a styled shoot to be feature one of Athens' newest venues and I can't wait to share more details in the future. For now, enjoy her serious drool-worthy eye candy from her recent trip to Italy!

 

Wouldn't this beach shot be a killer print blown up and hung above a bed or on a mantle?! If you are on the hunt for a great lifestyle, e-session or wedding photographer, be sure to check out more of Lauren's work on her blog.

// All images by Lauren Carnes //

Time to Chill

Three weekends, three weddings. Cheers to that!

// Image via Bloom //

Taste of Summer

Last night I made dinner using one of the easiest recipes from Martha Stewart and it was such a hit with the hubs that I had to share here too! Instead of grilling the salmon (due to time) we simply baked it on 350 for about 20 minutes. The corn, tomato and avocado relish is so refreshingly good it could be eaten alone - or used as a salsa instead!

What are your go-to summer recipes?

Currently Following: Design Improvised

Don't you just love how a simple search for design inspiration can lead you to all corners of the web? That's essentially what happened when I was looking for office ideas on Apartment Therapy, saw Haeley's home office featured and then immediately checked out her blog. 

She shares tons of DIY projects that are both simple and low budget- best of both worlds, right? 

Haeley's ideas range from home office organization like revamping a file cabinet and simplifying craft supplies clutter, to adding simple touches to a cinder block or craft paper for an instantly updated look. 

My personal favorite is definitely her stamped tea towel tutorial - perfect for an outdoor summer party, paired with snacks and cocktails for a group of girls!

What new blogs are you discovering and lovely lately?

// All images from Design Improvised //