Our Beautiful Beginning

 It is hard for me to imagine myself married. Even a month and a half into this new adventure I find myself smiling in surprise.  Honestly, I didn't think that was in the cards for me...but then God placed me and my sweet man in just the right place at the right time.  I am blessed.  

When it came to having a wedding, we talked about a lot of options, but ultimately wanted just to celebrate "us" with our families and, of course, within Covid-19 guidelines. The ceremony was held in one of my favorite places, the courtyard of my church on the steps of the Parish Hall. The sun was shinning, a slight breeze was blowing through the trees and our loved ones were there to make it perfect.  

After what I would call a perfect wedding we had a wonderful reception at a local restaurant which was the perfect ending to a perfect day. It was all amazing and I fully believe it is a sign that the best is yet to come.  This is an adventure I never imagined but am so glad I am here. 

And just wait until you hear about the honeymoon!

Lilly in life and Love!

When it was time to take some engagement photos, of course, I wanted a little Lilly love there as we were already running with Lilly Pulitzer inspiration for wedding plans.  Oh, everything seems more fun in pink and green anyway!  So off to Swan Lake and Iris Gardens we went with my favorite photographer (yes, I am biased!)... my beautiful daughter of PMD Photography.  Here is a peek at the fun! 

By the way, if you can't tell...that is one special man. 

Planning a wedding in the time of Covid

Even if we weren't living in the season of Covid, I would have opted for a small, intimate wedding -  which is just what we planned. My sweet man, David, and I knew exactly what we wanted...simple and special.  It was fun leading up to the wedding and it gave me an excuse to indulge in all things pink an green, AKA Lilly Pulitzer as

I even got to say YES, to the dress at Lilly!

Having my baby girl right there with me, was extra special!!!  The decision on which dress was made at the Lilly Store in Savannah, GA Palm Avenue; but my local Lilly Store The Pink Cabanna was where we got the ties, shoes, dresses, etc. from and they were so sweet and worked so very hard to make sure it was all perfect!

I can't wait to show you all the other fun details of our special day!  

She Got Married!

I don't think it could have been a more perfect day for my bestie to have gotten married.  It was beautiful, clear and the perfect temperature...even our famous humidity minded it's own business! 

 She and I did get one last hurrah together and spent her wedding day, just the two of us.  We went to a very bitter-sweet lunch, then had her hair done and got her dressed and all the details just so.  Of course, then it was off to the venue for photos and lots of nerves but happy ones!

It was a small, intimate, but elegant ceremony and their love for each other was felt by everyone.

 Cupcakes instead of a big wedding cake!  So Cute!

Can't you just see how happy she is and he is truly a gem.

I wish them a lifetime of joy and happiness full of new adventures.





Before we totally move on, I thought I would do a quick recap in photos of our holidays!

We [I] started by changing up our tree décor this year.  I have to admit it was a pretty radical shake up in these parts and I got lots of strange looks from the natives when I announced such a rebellious streak in changing the tree!  I decided to use real cotton (still on the bush!), cardinals and burlap as garland.  It was a big departure for me and for the kid,s but I think once it was completed they really liked it!

We even had outside lights this year for the first time in a long time!

Also, I added a touch of Santa to my office space and my Dining Room

Side Board had just a touch of glamour to it! 

 

This is the first year I have been excited about Christmas in several, so it came out in a bit more decorating than I have been doing.  It was nice to feel like a child and get excited when I pulled up to my house at night as saw all the lights twinkling.

And what is Christmas with out some sweet Puppy dog kisses!

I got to visit with a friend's little lovers and they always make me smile!

 

Christmas Eve arrived and the party really started! There was food, crazy antics (that comes naturally when you get all my kiddos and all the dogs under one roof...I lovingly refer to it as the Bumpus Hound Reunion!)

 

For Christmas Eve we went with traditional Low Country Seafood (though those crab legs may have been bought in Georgetown, SC...I have a sneaking suspicion they aren't local....at least the shrimp was fresh off the boat!) My sweet girl made Shrimp and Grits because who doesn't love a little Shrimp and Grits?  I even caught a picture of the newlyweds sneaking a smooch! 







I got some really wonderful gifts from my parents and all my boys I do have to show off a favorite for this year (just overlook my first thing in the morning look....Santa still manages to wake my children up early on Christmas Morning!)  It is a portrait from my very special Daughter and Son-in-love's wedding. I will cherish it always because it has all my family included. I can't wait to get it framed and find just the right place to hang it so I can see all of my loves every day.

 

I was blessed to have vacation between Christmas until actually tomorrow (though work will sneak in today I am sure!) so there were some fun times just enjoying free time.  On New Year's Eve I got to walk the red carpet and felt quite like a movie star!  It was a major departure from last year when I think I slept through it!

Welcome 2017!

 

May your year be filled to the brim with abiding joy!





2016 and being the Mother of the Bride

Can it be that I have not blogged in over a month?  For shame!!!!  I suppose work has been busy (actually work seems to keep busy 24/7!)  Then I have home and Mommy duties to take care of and a couple of volunteer organizations I belong to...so I think blogging lost out to everything else.  But I have missed it.  The last couple of weeks so many times I planned to blog but then I didn't for what ever reason. 

I am getting more organized and adjusted to my life and what being a single Mom and working full time means lately.  I am getting my house organized a little at a time, even though that feels like an uphill battle.  I am starting to force myself into areas that I used to love and I have gotten away from in the last couple of years like cooking and gardening.  If I can find time to read for pleasure I will feel pretty accomplished!

One thing I don't think I have mentioned is 2016 makes me a Mother of the Bride!  Yes, my beautiful daughter is getting married in April.  She is so excited and wedding invitations have gone out and plans finalized.  It is a strange season for me personally...my baby girl is getting married.  How can that be real?  My daughter actually gave me the super cute tote bag in the picture for Christmas so I carry it every chance I get because lets be real, how often do I get to be a Mother of the Bride....just once!

So, here's to blogging again and learning write and sharing my life! 

Crafty Question: Cricut or Silhouette?

I have decided I would like to get either a Cricut or a Silhouette cutting machine (considering there is a wedding in my future I can see a lot of great uses for these nifty tools!) but I need some advice from all the wildly talented crafters out there!  So please leave me some feedback on your experiences!

 OR

and why?

Sweet Southern Wedding...

Last weekend, I attended a wedding that was simple and southern. It was a small, sweet ceremony and reception held in the Bride's family church with a gorgeous fall afternoon as backdrop.  The Bride, her Mother, her family and friends came together to create a beautiful start to a life time of wedding bliss!

Anticipating the start...

 red roses for love....

 Her Daddy walking his baby girl down the aisle. 

 Beautiful....

 with this ring....

 beauty in the details...

 Mother of the Bride holding the sweet Ring Bearer (her 1st grandchild and nephew of the Bride).

 A time to celebrate...

 My daughter and the sweet Bride...

 The handsome Groom and his Bride cutting that delicious cake.

 She is a beautiful and happy Bride.....

and now they are off for the ride of their lives.

Me and My Boys...

I meant to share this photo yesterday; it is a shot taken of me with my boys on our porch before leaving for the wedding. I am so blessed an I am trying to treasure each of these simple moments. It seems I sometimes forget how wonder filled just today is!

Wedding Bells are Ringing...

This past Saturday we attended the sweetest wedding. Before I launch into the details of this particular wedding I need to preface it by saying this sweet, bride wore white once before (20+ years ago!) as one of my flower girls! Her Mother, my 1st cousin, was my Matron of Honor.

Circa: 1988

Don't they look precious together? I wonder if, in this picture, this Mama thought about the day when her sweet baby girl would put on another white dress and make her way down the aisle to meet her own groom?


Flash forward 20+ years and this little flower girl has planned her own wedding. She and her handsome groom decided on an outside venue that has much family significance, as they married outside the Clubhouse, by the lake that her Great-Grandfather/Grandmother founded (my grandparents). My parents and the Bride's Grandmother still live there.

What a pretty walk she has! I love the pomaders lining the aisle.

The Groom getting "before" instructions from the Minister?

Weren't these two Ring Bearers adorable?

A fresh faced flower girl contemplating that walk down the aisle.

Oh, my...she has really grown up since that little, tiny, three year old in a white dress, dropping flower petals down my aisle.

Lovely.


The couple performed a Salt Covenant during the ceremony. It was a beautiful symbol.

Love....







Love....

all you need is love.

The Father of the Bride, Mother of the Bride (who was my Matron of Honor) and Grandmother of the Bride (my feisty Aunt!!!).

I love this shot of the Bride's younger sister. It had to be a bit bitter-sweet for her. She gained a brother all the while seeing her sister begin a new family of her own.

The reception was held in the barn at the couple's new home and I loved these simple but elegant table centerpieces!










Gosh, I love weddings!!!!

For more information on the Salt Covenant see: http://www.marriagesaltcovenant.com/