bridal portraits

 

I just don't know what's more Hand Me Down Style than wearing my mother's wedding gown! I've told my mom for years that if I ever got married, I would wear her dress. My parents married in 1980, and they celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on Sunday. Amazingly, my mom chose a classic dress and mantilla veil instead of mutton sleeves or a cowboy hat. She will forever be one of my style icons, and I don't think she can say anymore that we don't look alike! 

This is the one I chose for the newspaper. I felt that it was traditional, having the veil, but also joyful! No one makes me happier than Zack, and I'm so proud to have my photo published with a caption that labels me his Mrs.! 

Since I'd already decided to wear my mom's dress before we were engaged, I did not experience going to a bridal salon and trying on gowns, seeing myself in a big mirror. I've heard that you should do your hair and makeup to see what the dresses would look like on your wedding day. I'd only tried on this dress at home, with messy hair and no make up, able to see bits of it in mirrors. We had a family friend do the alterations, so I had my fittings at home. I am so thankful for her and her hard work! 

When I got these photos from Krista, I fell in love with the dress! I didn't even know the back looked like that! It was like seeing the dress for the first time. I really had no idea what I'd look like on my wedding day, but these photos made me excited to put the dress on again. 

This is the one I chose for the reception. I love the detail on the back of the dress. Bridal portraits are one of my favorite parts of weddings (even beating out invitations and menswear), so naturally, having one displayed at our reception was important to me! 

The whole experience the day we took photos was fun, spending time with Sam getting ready and reminiscing about growing up at church together and her friendship with Zack. She knew both of us before we knew each other. It's kind of ridiculous that it took us so long to get together, but I'm incredibly thankful that we finally did! 

The dress is comfortable, and I started to understand why people say they want to wear their wedding gowns more than just one day. 

I wore earrings that my parents gave me for my 21st birthday and a necklace that Zack gave me at Christmas. 

Come back for more bridal portraits and an appearance by a special guest in the next few days! 

all photos by Krista Joy Photography 

hair and makeup by Lula hair and makeup

bridesmaids luncheon

I had the perfect bridesmaids luncheon last weekend, hosted by friends of my mom. We had a nice lunch at the country club, and I got to spend time with family and close friends. 

My nephew was the only boy there, so we had a mini photo shoot. 

He was jazzed to be there. But really, he behaved so well! 

He's only three months old and looks exactly like my brother. It's like watching my own (older) brother grow up! Wild! 

I'm thankful that these pals were there! It was pretty unreal that it was exactly a week before our wedding. How do people endure longer than a six month engagement?! I can't wait!!! 

thankful Thursday: bachelorette celebrations

I've been begging my friends to come with me to pure barre for years. Turns out all I had to do was get married! This was my one special request for any bachelorette type celebrations--I would much rather go to barre than a bar. I didn't think it would actually happen, but these friends showed up and went through a challenging workout just because I asked them to! 

I had a lot of fun celebrating this weekend with pure barre, a shower, and a dinner out with my small group pals. 

 My friends made some delicious food. My favorite shower detail (below) was this prayer tree. They each took a Bible verse from the tree and prayed that for me and Zack. 

I'm thankful that my family and friends took the time to make last weekend so special. 

And if you need a laugh today, here's a video of two men trying pure barre for the first time. 

thankful Thursday: downtime with my love

I definitely need some perspective in the midst of what's felt like a never ending search for a place to live. I went down to where Zack lives last week and made a little progress on our home search. 

The very best part of my visit last week was that I actually got to spend some time with Zack! His work schedule is pretty unpredictable, and he was out of town the first night I was there, but then he got to come back! I was basically jumping up and down I was so excited to see him. I rushed to the airport to meet him when he landed, and I just barely missed getting a video. I was so disappointed. The next morning, I went with him to work and got a video of him taking off (!!!) AND I went back to pick him up and got a landing on video. It was awesome to see him flying the Learjet! He's so cool.   Then he gave me a ride on the tractor, tugging Learjets around.

I'm so thankful that we got to spend some time together, even if it was just a few hours between shifts. 

friend time

This thankful Thursday I'm on the road. As soon as my bff Lindsay said she was sad that I'm moving away, I reminded her that I'll be just as close to her as I have been, AND her house is the perfect stopping point halfway to my new home! 

I'm so thankful that I got to spend time with Lindsay and Tom. They offer me a place to stay and even better, quality friend time. I am trying to spend my last few single weeks the right way, and precious time with friends is important! 

thankful Thursday: flying

I got to fly again! 

Zack and I went flying together for the first time since our engagement! It's been way too long. 

Then we went flying with dad. 

I'm so thankful that I get to fly airplanes! And I have wonderful people in my life who teach me so much about them. 

thankful Thursday: family and friends

Our family has had the highest highs and the lowest lows this year, and each of those presents an opportunity for our friends to draw close and show their love. I'm thankful for the calls, texts, comments, cards, hugs, and especially prayers. Our friends have truly been there and supported us through it all. As my family connections grow by marriage, the love and the cares have both grown. Even after losing a loved one, the good still outweighs the bad. I'm overwhelmed at the ways my life is enriched by my new family relationships. 

These times are both character building and character revealing, and I'm thankful for my family and friends growing with me and showing up for me in joy and in sorrow. Even the smallest gesture can mean so much. I hope that I learn how to be a better friend by watching my friends. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

our bridal shower

My best friend and next door neighbors threw a coed shower for us in April. It was clear that they put a lot of time and effort into it, which is nothing less than I'd expect from Lindsay. All of the details were so thoughtful! 

They created a photo scavenger hunt with pictures of us, and once all of the blank spaces were filled in on the sheet, it even spelled out a secret phrase about us flying! 

Lindsay's dad made these adorable bride and groom clothespins. 

Lindsay and Tom made us airplane cookies with our initials. How personal and sweet! 

One of my favorite details was the beautiful flowers. 

Thank you, Kelvingtons, for a wonderful shower!!! 

All photos by my pals Lindsay and Tom. 

thankful Thursday: Wesley

We mourn the loss of one of our family. There are still reasons to be thankful. God is still good. 

I'm thankful for Wesley and the (not enough) months I got to know him. He became my brother. I'm thankful that the last time I saw him, I hugged him tight and told him that I love him. I'm thankful for the Lord's grace in that. I'm thankful for the sweet marriage he had with Jessica and for giving us his daughter, our first niece. I can't understand why he is gone, and we may never understand on this side of Heaven. But I'm thankful that Wes is there and we will see him again. Right now, it doesn't seem real. 

We are thankful for family and for friends who support and pray for us. Please continue to lift us up. 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

Revelation 21:3-4

bridal shower outfit

I haven't done an outfit post in months, so I figured I may as well take a few photos while I was dressed for my bridal shower. These days I pretty much live in barre clothes. More bridal event outfits forthcoming . . . 

I decided to go the traditional route in a white dress and simple accessories. 

Zack and I got to visit with so many of our family members and friends this weekend. I am blown away by all of the people who support us and all of the gifts we received. 

I didn't give him any input with the registry sooooooo he gave us this face. He has no idea what's coming! 

hand me down earrings from Granny // Trina Turk dress // Jack Rogers sandals