Joy

A gorgeous autumn evening for a country wedding,

and hubby's perfectly timed capture of the moment

we saved ourselves from toppling over backward on a giant tree swing.

'If you let each day offer moments of awe,

it's easier to wake up with anticipatory excitement.

See everything as a gift and open your eyes to 

the wonder all around.'

Journal notes:

'...those who seek the Lord 

shall not lack any good thing.'

Psalm 34:10

Show up for life and participate to the best

of your ability.

Be love...

be well...

xoxo

💝

"The entire point of life is to

be so wildly passionate that people

can't decide if you're crazy

or a genius."

 

Fueled

Because...I believe in the power of a good road trip,

good music, savoring family, strong coffee, laughter

and LOVE.

Ohio bound...

prompted to do long exposure in a car...while moving

We traveled to my nephews wedding last weekend.

It. Was. Perfect.

Something about being with family and old friends.

It fuels me.

My perspective shifts.

I come home feeling whole...

and strong.

Ready to change some things.

That's the good stuff !

XOXO

Wedding

"Go for the happy endings, 
because life doesn't have any sequels."

We are continuing a love story that started years ago...
a new chapter... our wedding day.  July 4 2015. 
This weekend the  hubby and I had a very sweet and simple wedding.
Just the way we wanted it.

rehersal 

I was very proud to have Brandon walking me down the isle.
I tried not to think of us not having the same last name ...
because it just made me sad.
Like I was leaving him...or part of me... behind.
I know it's weird...
but I struggled with that.

The pastor went through a little practice session with us.

Then I hid myself away so that I could change into my dress.

Along the way I found props. :)

Hubby was with me when I bought my dress. (not this one) 

He loved it ! He helped me pick it out. It took us all day.

Unbeknownst to him...I wouldn't be wearing it. I ended up ordering a different one.

I didn't feel right about him already seeing me in my "wedding" dress.

So this is the sundress I ordered.

I think he was pleasantly surprised. :)

This was right before I walked down the isle.

I felt like a race horse at the gate...

the count down was about 2 minutes till my cue...

when I was notified that we were waiting on family.

They were on their way.

So I did what any nervous bride would do...

a pre-ceremony calming routine. :)

Brandon came to escort me down the isle...
and we got a case of the giggles.

 We were on the brink of hysterical, uncontrollable laughter.

See...!

Then he gave me away.

       My heart was all a flutter.
 It hit me as I stood there ... how blessed I was.
I had no doubt that this man

 would stand by me forever,

in sickness and in health,

for richer or poorer.

Till death do us part.
I love  him with all my heart.

I love how weddings remind us that life 
truly is , about love, family and the little things.

I wish I could bottle up all the love that filled our day

I would.

Then I would relive this day over, and over, and over.

Because moments like this make me insanely happy.

Nothing better than high-on-life exhilaration that comes from love. 

And surprise Limo rides :)

Shaving cream fights...

and laughing !

 Instead of rice being thrown...we had a chauffeur pick us up.

OK...it was really Gary's grandson... (Zach... & Katie too :) )

We went cruisin' !
He drove us around the beaches and the neighborhoods.
Cans draggin'... horn honking....
And God love him....he even took us through Sonic.
I told my friend at work that story , and she just cackled !
She thinks we should have ordered corn-dogs...
and then saved one in the freezer for our first anniversary.
 *smile

This is a wedding gift from my girlfriend.
I just love it !!!

" The best things in life are the people
we love the places we've been
& the memories we've made 
along the way. "
Gary & Robin 
Est. July 4 2015

I'm sitting here getting all teary eyed...
just in awe
of God's amazing goodness.

Of course every good love story has pets. :)

Lunch at Dana's

Oh....Lord have mercy....!!
I loved this tender moment. *Pure love*

Stinkin' adorable.

home 

The cakes were from Amycakes. They were delectable !!

I heard one of my girlfriends almost foundered on the lemon.

We had Strawberry and French Vanilla too.

*yummy

www.sweetsbyamycakes.com

my balloon

 We filled balloons to send up love notes to Jack.

The yard was filled with activity, twinkle lights...music,
and a huddle of loved ones.

release

I think Jack was waving from heaven.

fireworks scare Scotty

Our night ended with children playing,
quilts spread out , bodies crowded, fireflies, glowsticks 
and fireworks.

We were surrounded by strong beautiful souls.
we celebrated and we shed some tears...
and most of all...
we loved.
Thank you all for making our day perfect.
XOXO  

Wedding Plans

" Love alone lightens every burden, and makes rough places smooth.

It bears every hardship as though it were nothing,

and renders all bitterness

sweet and acceptable. " 

A small church wedding with family on the morning of the 4th

One of the things we knew for sure...

is that we wanted to keep our wedding simple.

We want to look back on our wedding day...

with great fondness & affection.

We didn't get caught up in any fancy planning,

or elaborate decorating.

We chose a day that was already magical.

We traditionally celebrate Independence day

at Dana's.  

Friends and family gather together for good food, fun, laughter and love.

 *heart*

It is something we look forward to every year !

This year we are going to be adding our anniversary to the mix.

We're keeping with our special tradition...

and possibly starting a new tradition of our own. :)

When the sun starts to set...

we'll go home with celebratory hearts.

Our friends and family will gather in the yard.

We'll kick off our shoes...grab some cake

  and spread out on old quilts and lawn-chairs. 

The fireworks will light up the sky...and we'll take it all in...

  and befittingly revere the beauty of our country,

 the pangs of loss,

and the magic of love.

XOXO