The Wild West

Well, We've been residents of the great state of Arizona for about 3 weeks now. Our house is finally unpacked and decorated. It's perfect and I love it. We have pictures of our family and friends everywhere, an ungodly amount of Walter Anderson pieces (but can you really ever have too much?), and small bits of Oxford everywhere. Putting our house together has been a process, but it's been so much fun. Re-opening all of our wedding gifts was such a treat because we got to think about each sweet family member or friend that gave us each gift. I've loved going through all of the pictures we have together and figuring out which ones are worthy of my gorgeous Kada frames courtesy of The Lily Pad.

Addison and I are a few days short of our 6 year dating anniversary and we've been blessed to make so many memories together in so many different places. I love looking at the pictures from when we first started dating. Two babies look back at me, but I recognize the look of love in those babies eyes. Okay, that was way too poeticly romantic. No more mushiness. Promise.

It's hot as heck here. Is anyone surprised? It's literally 108 degrees. Not joking. I can barely stand to be outside for more than 5 minutes, but Sassy begs to go outside. She sits under the super cool fire pit my cousin got us and eats grass. Only to come in and throw up said grass. It's awesome.

I will now mention that I found out I got into nursing school this week!!!! I couldn't possibly be more thrilled. I spent close to a year working as a nurse's aid at Baptist in Oxford. Let's just say I was at the bottom of the totem pole doing very bottom of the totem pole work. However, it helped me realize that nursing is exactly what I want to be doing.  I sent in my application in December. Most schools let me know that I was in in February so waiting until June was killer. I was expecting to hear back today so when I checked my emails on Wednesday my heart literally stopped when I saw the email from Grand Canyon. I'll be on the same campus Addison's dental school is on so we get to go to school together! I mean, how many people get to say they got to do that? I'm so excited. I'll get my RN in 15 months so we won't be in school together for too long, but it'll definitely be a good time.

I indulged in some slight shopping once I found out. As everyone knows I live for nail polish...specifically Essie polish. I got myself a lovely bright blue called "strut your stuff" because I mean I'm allowed to prance around now that I know I'm in, right? I also got some new shower gel from the bath and body works sale. Have y'all smelled Bali Mango and Moonlight path? If not you need to get to your local store and pick yourself up 3 of each. They are both AWESOME and are currently both in my shower because I couldn't pick one over the other. I also decided to get myself my 26th bathing suit because it's CURRENTLY 108 DEGREES HERE.

So Addison starts school in early July and I start at the end of August. That's literally a month and a half of hanging out alone all day. I don't think I've actually had a summer break where I didn't take a class or work or have some kind of travel plans in years... like years. It's going to be weird for sure. I'll probably blog a lot. About what color my nails are. And where Sassy decided to sleep that day. And how hot it is. So get ready because we're in for one fun summer together :).

We love y'all and miss y'all! Here's some pictures of Queen Sassy for ya.

She really likes our couch. A lot.

xoxo

Going To The Chapel

I've been dying to write this post! I thought about doing so before getting our pictures I was THAT excited, but I'm glad I didn't. I was so eager to see our wedding photos. I ran all the way back to the house when I opened the mailbox and saw they had finally come in!!

Okay, so here's my bird's eye view of our wedding-

I didn't sleep the night before because I was literally a bundle of nerves and excitement. Well...that's a lie. I slept for like 5 hours, but I woke up every 30 minutes to make sure I wasn't about to miss my wedding. I spent my last night as a single gal with my family. I'm really glad I did that. We didn't make a big deal about it...no tears were shed or baby albums produced- it was just a nice and peaceful night with my loving family before a very very busy day. I woke up on Saturday and it felt like a normal day, which was pretty cool. I was super nervous and excited, but it still felt like a casual saturday hanging out with some of my favorite people. My Dad's brother and his family were staying with us so our house was busy that morning. It was great and I loved having everyone buzzing around in excitement.

My bridesmaids and I got ready together at the church. I really love that we did that. When it came to my "wedding day look" I chose: simple. I wanted a wedding dress that was simple yet classy. Nothing big or elaborate. I wanted to wear the dress, not the other way around. I had the same idea with hair and make-up. I wanted to look natural and like myself on my big day. Addison complains when I have too much make up on (eye shadow and lipstick/lip gloss is WAY too much in his book) so I wanted to honor that on our wedding day. The last thing I wanted was for him to look up and think he was getting married to a clown. My bridesmaids couldn't of looked more beautiful. Not only are they spectacular friends and human beings, but they are stunning. They each radiated beauty that day. Getting ready with them is a memory I will treasure. I think doing that also helped keep me from being a nervous or emotional wreck. It just felt normal to be in a room filled with my girlz getting ready with every make-up product ever made, more curling irons and straighteners than we could count, and bee-bopping to Pharell while we beautified than doing so at some make up counter.

Addison and I chose not to see each other until we walked down the aisle. Actually, I don't know if I consulted with Addison on this little decision. I think I decided this one. I understand it might be more practical to just get all of your pictures done before the ceremony instead of splitting them up and making people wait to get the reception going because you're taking pictures, but I wouldn't have changed seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle for anything. I think weddings sometimes lose the romance and the tenderness that are so vital in a relationship to all of the formalities and traditions we like to uphold. All morning, everyone that caught a glimpse of my stud of a soon-to-be-husband came and told me how handsome he looked. It made me that much more excited to finally get to see him. I will forever remember peeking through the glass windows of those doors and seeing the most handsome man alive, for the first time that day, standing up on the alter waiting to become my husband. Yes, I know that's cheesy and corny, but it was so special.

so handsome. 

Once we were ready and we had taken our bridal party pictures, groom's party pictures, and family photos. Our church's wedding coordinator came and stowed me away until it was time to make my grand entrance. Those 45 minutes were literally the worst in my life. I'm actually feeling all of the nerves again just thinking about it. I was in a little closet/bathroom without a watch or my phone so I couldn't even read the same statis/tweets over and over again until it was time to come out. I kept reminding myself how to walk (I was terrified I would trip) and how to speak. I was so nervous I would just stare blankly back at Pastor Scott after he had just told me what I needed to repeat. It came time to walk out with good ole' pops and I was shaking like a leaf.

Everyone told me to just breath and take in that moment because you only live it once. If that's not the truest thing I've ever heard I don't know what is. Before I knew it the piano was playing our que to enter and everyone's eyes were on me (gulp. It was terrifyingly awesome). It took me literally .1 seconds to walk that aisle...or so it felt. I tried to take in every single person's face in that church. I just wanted to stop and hug everyone and thank them for being there. Don't get wrapped up in the little things of your big day because there are many little things you'll want to worry about. Make sure you're 100% in every moment at every moment.

I can't stress enough how flipping awesome it is that we had so many people come watch us marry one another. I'm sitting here with tears of pure happiness streaming down my face. While it was Addison and I's wedding day we couldn't have possibly gotten to that alter without so many people-mainly all the people sitting out there in those church pews. Without our precious and loving families who have taught us how absolute and unconditional love is. Without our friends who have supported us and have loved us and reminded us of how great we are together even when times get tough. Without our church families who pray for us hard enough to feel and remind us that no matter where we are we're never in this alone. I'm not kidding when I say that while I appreciate every gift everyone gave us to start our new life together...the best gifts we received were having those bodies in that church with us. (I'm still keeping these gifts we got though....  :)  )

Our ceremony went by without a hitch. It was beautiful and meaningful and I loved it. Our reception was so much fun! Everyone danced and my brother performed the best rap I've ever heard. My brother is a rapper and he is absolutely fantastic. His rap was the sweetest gift I've ever received and everyone spent the whole night raving about it. Seriously, he's awesome. If you haven't heard it or just want to hear it again. Here it is.

I think between us and our parents we were able to hug every person's neck. I wish I could of seen everyone, but unfortunately there isn't enough time. My one regret is that I didn't get pictures with every member of my family. I had family that drove over 12 hours to see us and there isn;t a single picture to show that they were there. That's my advice to other brides- Make sure you get a picture with all your family. You'll definitely regret not having it later. Our wedding was absolutely the best day of my life. It was better than I could of ever dreamt. I know I keep saying that, but I mean it 100%. It was a team effort and I can't say enough wonderful things about the people I was lucky enough to have help me.

Our photographer, Natalie Wester (here's her site ) was incredible and amazing and fabulous. She waltzed right in with vision up the wazoo and started snapping away. She was great. She didn't waste a second and she had great ideas. I've looked through these pictures a million times already since I got them this afternoon and can not believe the stunning bride staring back at me....is me. She's awesome.

Our florist, an Ocean Springs local, Alexis Williams couldn't have possibly done a more beautiful job. Not only did she create the wedding party and families' bouquets and boutonnieres, but she did the flowers we had at the church as well as all of the flowers we had at the reception. Everything looked even more beautiful than I could of dreamt. My bouquet was literally gorgeous (bonus- it smelled AMAZING). I could of cried when I saw it. Tears of literal joy over flowers. She was incredible to work with. Here's her info.

Okay, I feel like I need an entire post to dedicate to our cake. I'm not exaggerating when I say I am currently drooling thinking about it. First off, it was absolutely breath-takingly beautiful. Yes, my cake took my breath away. When I regained my ability to breath and I ate some I almost fainted. Okay, I am exaggerating, but it was delicious. Addison, my mom, and I strolled into French Kiss in downtown OS one day for a coffee break and stumbled upon GOD'S GIFT TO MANKIND. Seriously, if you want the best wedding cake ON PLANET EARTH. Call up French Kiss. You will not be disappointed.

Our reception was at The Redding House in Biloxi, MS. If you are in need of a venue on the coast USE THEM. Their chef- Chef Patrick- is literally the bomb.com. We served some typical Cuban dishes and he nailed them. They were amazing. Suzanne, their coordinator, is absolutely stupendous at her job. She made everything so easy for us! The staff was so kind and friendly. Seriously, you will love working with them!! Here's their website.

Thank you again to everyone who came and helped make our wedding day spectacular. We love y'all so very dearly and can't wait for y'all to come see us in Mesa :)

xoxo

Hawaii Five O

Hello!!

It's been awhile since I last checked in with y'all! We have so much to share about our past few weeks of adventure. I'm going to wait to post about our wedding. Our absolutely darling and awesome photographer is getting us our pictures sometime next week and I want to be able to share some of our favorites on here! So get ready because I am dying to talk about my favorite day EVER.

Let me start with our honeymoon! We went to Maui, Hawaii for 6 days and had a blast!!! We got there at 3 pm, but it felt like 8 for us. We thought we were going to be exhausted after a full day of traveling, but when we caught a glimpse of the beautiful beach we caught a second wind.

Addison scored us free breakfast at one of the restaurants at our resort. Let me tell you, I don't think I've ever had better breakfast...ever. It was phenomenal. I had pineapple, doughnuts, bacon, and more fruit than you could imagine EVERYDAY. I wasn't even mad I gained the weight I lost for the wedding back in a week it was that good. Okay, maybe I'm a little embarrassed that I did that, but WHATEVER. After breakfast we set off to drive The Road to Hana. You can read about it here. There is a lot on the web about it if you google it. It was raining on the side of the island where Hana is located and we weren't really prepared for that. I guess all I had been thinking about was the wedding that I packed horribly for our honeymoon. I brought 5 different running outfits, 1 dress, no rain jacket, and no socks. Everything you don't need and nothing you do....of course. We stopped at the first waterfall along the road, but the rain had made the stream so strong and heavy we couldn't get to the larger waterfall. We kept on driving towards Hana and even through the rain Hawaii was absolutely beautiful.

When we got back from our adventure we went to the pool at our resort. The pool at The Four Seasons was great! You got a stunning view of the ocean, comfy lounge chairs, and they passed out fruit and ice cream to help cool you down. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I absolutely love spending time lounging in the sun. I think it's because it means I've got nothing else to do but relax. It was pretty windy that first day and the sun wasn't out, but it was nice to hang out together.

On our third day we went scuba diving....at 5:45AM! Addison got certified years ago and loves to go diving. He convinced me to get certified even though I was pretty scared to do so. Even though I get a little nervous before each dive I'm so glad I did. Our planet is 75% water and it's pretty neat to be able to not only explore on land, but to do so underwater! It was still pretty windy so our guides chose not to go to the normal spots. We did two dives that were each about 45 minutes long. We saw a bunch of sea turtles which was super cool. I've decided that they're my second favorite animal. One of the turtles we saw was at least 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. We also swam over to same caves! Our guide took us to these caves where you couldn't see a thing, but once you got in far enough you could pop your head up and you were in air bubble. I was pretty unsure about going into the cave, but after some coaxing (read: being pulled in) I went in and it was definitely cool.

After our scuba diving adventure we came back to the hotel and ate breakfast (of course) and then spent the day at the pool. I am actually almost in tears thinking about how delicious that breakfast was and how lovely that pool was.

That night we went to Lahaina- a town on the other side of the island. It was an absolutely precious town. It reminded me of Key West with a touch of Seaside. It was gorgeous! We had tickets to a magic show at Warren and Annabelle's. When we came in they asked us if we were celebrating anything and when we told them we were on our honeymoon they asked us if we would be a part of the show. Naturally, I said yes and Addison said no. After some persuading I got him to agree and we got front row seats! The show was spectacular. Seriously. I'm not kidding. Warren was hilarious and he really did blow your mind. We helped him with several of his tricks and I still CAN NOT wrap my head around them. He put a card that had been ripped up into my hand and told me to put imaginary tape in my hand...and I did..and then I opened my hand AND THE FLIPPING CARD WAS WHOLE. IT WAS IN MY OWN HAND AND HE DID MAGIC. It was awesome. If you're ever in Maui, GO.

On our way to Lahaina!

The next day we made our way back to Lahaina and went horse-back riding...after our breakfast of champions! Okay...so I think horses are awesome and beautiful and TERRIFYING. They're just so strong and there are so many ways they can hurt you. Although I was nervous I was pretty excited because I was hoping I would climb on to my super tame steed and look like a freaking warrior princess or something.  That dream came crashing down around me when I was informed I would be riding a pony. A PONY. We were riding up the side of a mountain to a reservoir. It took us about 45 minutes and the whole way we had a gorgeous view of Maui. It took about 15 minutes for me to realize that I have no future in horseback riding- I'm sorry, ponyback riding. It took about 2 days for my legs and backside to quit hurting each time I sat down after our adventure. It sounds like I'm complaining, but it definitely was cool! We had a great view the whole time and although it was a little painful it was a lot of fun!

Questioning this life decision pretty hard at that moment. 

On our way back to Wailea we stopped for a few photo-ops because the sun was out and it was breath-taking! I think we went to the pool when we got back..surprise surprise :).

On our last day we hung out by the pool all day. It was perfect. We hung out under one of the cabanas and I got to catch up on my reading. I read Gone Girl and it was AWESOME. I recommend you pick it up if you haven't already! Ben Affleck is starring in the movie based on the book later this year so definitely add it to your reading list before then!

On our last night we did some exploring around Wailea and found where the locals hang out. The beaches were gorgeous! We found them a little too late, but we'll keep them in mind for the next time we go back :)

We took a red-eye back on Saturday so we were able to spend another little while by the pool on Saturday! We had spent our week there with our eyes peeled for celebs and on our last day we spotted one! We were next-door-cabana-neighbors with Brandon Jennings who plays for Detroit! We made it back safe and sound and started packing for the trek to AZ!

I'll try to be better about updating! I'll update you on the move and our house next!!

Love everyone and miss everyone so much!!!! Our extra bedroom is the first thing we set up so if anyone is up for braving the Arizona heat for the summer is welcome :)!!! I'll leave y'all with some of my favorite pictures!

xoxo

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hello again!

April started off with a beautiful shower....well a literal shower and a gorgeous bridal shower in Ocean Springs!  Addison and I went home for a few days to finalize some decisions, get my dress fitted and attend my shower thrown by Mrs. Dent's sweet friends Tori and Melanie. It was spectacular! The food was great and the decorations were absolutely precious! They let me keep some of their decorations to put up at the reception and I couldn't possibly be more thrilled.

I was able to spend time with many of Addison's precious family members, Mrs. Dent's friends, and the lovely ladies I've grown up going to church with. I think everyone truly enjoyed themselves. It was great to put faces with the names I had addressed invites to. It'll make it that much more fun to see everyone at the wedding now that I feel like I know them! My first shower definitely helped make everything feel so real. I feel like I've been planning for this event that is so far in the future, but after spending a day celebrating and talking about the wedding it started to feel like our big day is actually right around the corner. Because it is. It's in less than 4 weeks (!!!!!!!!).

I've added a few pictures from the shower that showcase some of their amazing deco! I mean look at that banner...so cute! The first is with momma V, the second with the world's most fabulous flower girl (guess what her name is...wait for it....Addison. I know. Precious), the third with my beautiful future mother-in-law, and the last with a dear family friend Mrs. Hudson.

All-in-all, it was beautiful and I loved it and I want a bridal shower every weekend because they are so much fun!!!!!!!

When I got back to Oxford I had the cutest shower awaiting me from my fantastic lily pad family!!! It was elephant themed and done so perfectly in our wedding colors!!! I loved it!!! The crew that we have working at the lily pad is literally the most fun group of people I've ever met. Each person is so funny and so kind and I'm so lucky to have met them and done something right to make them like me. This "surprise" shower meant the world to me! We had some delicious food made by these talented young people and Addison and I got some absolutely fantastic gifts. The crowd favorite was a pink elephant that I have lovingly named Ernie Taylor. Keep an eye out for him because I'm going to find a way to get him into the reception.

It was a fun night hanging out with some of my favorite people and enjoying way too much scrumptious food.

My last bridal shower was yesterday and I am still pinching myself. Two of my bridesmaids and their kind mothers gave me a bridal shower in Oxford and it was so much fun! My mom and Mrs. Dent drove up from Ocean Springs and we were able to celebrate with some of my closest friends here in Oxford. We spent the whole afternoon laughing and everyone got to know each other a little better too.

 I was really looking forward to this shower because the people who were there have played such a vital role in my college career and have been such great friends to me that I was so eager to spend an afternoon with them before it'll require lots of planning to get to spend time together. I got a very pleasant surprise when I found out Cathryn drove up from Starkville and I was able to spend the afternoon with my favorite bulldog! The food was, once again, delicious. The flowers came out of Mrs. Mauldin's garden and were beautiful. It was a gorgeous shower made so special because it was spent with so many people I truly love and care for so deeply. 

Here are some pictures for ya! The first is of the girls before Cathryn got there. The second is of the gorgeous cake(it's got Walter Anderson on it. Seriously? They're the best). The last is of all the ladies at the shower (excuse all of the sorority squatting going on)! 

So what I've gathered is that I am BEYOND blessed to have these amazing women in my life. If I haven't said it enough before I'll say it again......thank you to everyone who planned, attended, and gave us a gift. We are so lucky to have each of y'all in our lives. 

xoxo

Engagement Sesion

We have literally been trying to get these pictures done for weeks. If it's not our work schedules its the weather getting in the way (WHERE IS THE SUNSHINE, IT'S ALMOST APRIL), but FINALLY we were able to get together with a great local photographer, Brian Flint, for our session yesterday.

I spent so much time searching through Pinterest for engagement photo ideas that weren't over the top and looked like something Addison and I would actually do....I came up with like 6 ideas. We knew we wanted to take pictures on campus, the square and a secret location that meant a lot to Addison. Brian was great and had lots of ideas for us....since we pretty much showed up empty-handed. It was so much fun! I really liked parading around town with my super handsome date. Oxford is gorgeous and so is Ole Miss...I mean we win most beautiful campus every year, right? Our pictures had perfect backgrounds that mean so much to us making them that much more special.

Brian got our pictures back to us in a record-setting 24 hours! (Seriously...check him out!!)  So I'm leaving y'all with a few of our favorites.

All invitations have been sent out (!!!!) so keep an eye on your mailboxes! I hope y'all like the invitations as much as we do....we brainstormed and made them ourselves with a little help from Mrs. Kay at Realizations and Caitlin at The Lettered Life Shop. We're officially 6 weeks away from THE BEST DAY EVER. I just got chills writing that.... I can't wait!!!

xoxo 

Heading West

Hello sweet friends!

Addison and I recently got back from Phoenix with his parents. We went to find a place for us to live in..........and we did!! We found a great house with plenty of room for the two of us, Sassy, and hopefully a new addition. Well, make that additionS. I'm hoping for another 12 cats and maybe 7 puppies. Kidding, but we are giving the idea of another furry friend a little more thought than before because our future house has a great backyard. I think we all pictured a precious little pup running around back there when we checked the place out. We're still waiting to hear if the Dents' offer will go through so keep your fingers and toes crossed.

I've always dreamed of getting to play house with Addison and here we are.... with a place of our own! Now there's not only wedding pinteresting going on 24/7, but home decor pinteresting happening all day long.

The weather was absolutely phenomenal in Phoenix. I wore shorts everyday and loved every second of it. I went for a nice run outside one morning and could not get over how AMAZING it felt. Of course, I'm well aware that those perfect 75 degree days will turn into scorching 100 degree days in just a few weeks, but it's nice to know we'll have a few months of perfection before we all melt away.

It was a short trip, but it was a busy one. It was nice to get to spend a few days away with my main man getting to know our future city and hanging out with Addison's parents. I really enjoy spending time with that sweet pair.

Since we've gotten back I've been working and doing some more wedding planning. We're getting so close and I'm so excited!!!! I literally can not wait until May 10th. I hope y'all are just as anxious as we are because as eager as I am to marry this precious boy I'm ready to spend a weekend with all of y'all fabulous people!!

We didn't get any pictures while we were in Phoenix so I'm leaving you with these perfect cacti. I'm going to have them all over my house, I'm obsessed. We're taking our engagement pictures on Tuesday so here's to hoping I'll have a sneak peek for ya!

xoxo

Playing Catch Up

Few things beat spending time with old friends, and even fewer beat being able to pick up right where you left off after years of not seeing a friend. That's how you know you've picked some special people to surround yourself with. After my bachelorette trip we made a pit stop in Ocean Springs to visit my fantastic parents. It was a short visit, but it was just what I needed. I treasure the time I get to spend with my parents so dearly and they were so eager to get to know my bridesmaids a little better.

We left Ocean Springs with our hearts and minds at ease. Mom and I got some much needed wedding planning done with Meg and Claire's help. After a few shopping stops in downtown Ocean Springs (hello Walter Anderson :) ) we made our way back to Oxford so that Stephanie could spend some quality time in God's country. On our first night, Oxford was lucky enough to be graced by Mississippi State's finest- Brooke Cannon. From the moment we re-united it felt like we had never been apart.

Brooke is a Bulldog, through and through. I remember when she told me she would never set foot in Oxford, but here she was taking the town by storm (and looking perfectly put-together while doing so). I shared the deliciousness that is Boure with them, and our night ended re-watching episodes of Laguna Beach. I should maybe tell you that my middle school and early high school years were fundamentally altered by these strangers I loved to watch on tv. I was obsessed, and so were Brooke and Stephanie. All-in-all the visit was way too short, and I'm trying to plan a trip to Starkville (I'll admit it-it hurt a little to write that ;) ) to spend some time with my sweet, genius, and beautiful friend.

Stephanie and I spent the rest of the week catching up and just relaxing in Oxford. Claire, Meg, Stephanie, and I went back to Boure to end her stay in Oxford, and had so much fun. There's seriously nothing better than watching your closest friend from way-back-when becoming friends with your present-day besties. I've said it before and I'll say it again....I'm not sure what I did to deserve these friends I have. I was sad to see my girl go, but it makes me THAT much more eager for May 10th.

The past week has made my heart so happy and has made me feel so lucky.

xoxo