Say Cheese~ Wedding Wednesday

If I've said this once, I've said it a million times, but a great photographer is worth every cent of a wedding budget. However, there is more to a great photographer than just being organized, taking good photos, being a voice of experience... you want someone who thinks outside the box...someone who can capture a magical moment, without any plan....or someone who can think of ideas that we all "oooo and ahhhhh" over on Pinterest. Something that I would suggest (if you've found your photographer) is to print off pictures that you LOVE! Maybe something you've seen before, or maybe you've thought of something that is different and uniquely you. In one of the pre-wedding meetings with your photographer, make sure to share these photos with him/her. This way...they know what "moments" they are looking for. I'm loving all these precious photo ops lately....check 'em out!

 

 

 

 This picture is one of my favorites from my wedding...JennHopkins... at it again!!

 

Remember, when everything fades and your wedding is simply a blurr in your mind, your photos are all you have left....so Go Big or Go Home!!!

 

                              Happy Planning!

                            ~ G

#Dostiewedding

Lately, B & I have been on a circuit of weddings. We spent a weekend in Houston, this past weekend in Greenville and next weekend in Biloxi, Mississippi (post to come later). I LOVE weddings and seeing your friends find that "someone special" leaves you feeling joyful and recommitted to your own wedding vows!

 

This past weekend we traveled to Greenville, SC to see our dear friend Michael Dostie get married!!! Dostie married a precious girl from Atlanta named Laura. They met while living in Greenville (they both went to Furman) and now live in Atlanta. Because of their connection to Furman, they chose to get married at the chapel on campus....stunning!

 

Dostie and I go WAY back...middle school...awkward...embarrassing to think about! He and I were in the band together and spent each day getting to know each other. Our friendship has grown and matured over the years, from middle school to high school, from day camp to weddings, our lives have really changed. However, amongst all the change, Dostie has always been a great friend...not only to me, but to B too! Actually, what alot of people don't know, is that Dostie actually takes credit for setting B and I up...he was always a voice of reason :))  He and his family mean so much to me...and I feel grateful to call them friends!  

 

I couldn't be happier to see Dostie find the love of his life! I know that Laura is perfect for him! I just hope (and pray) that maybe....just maybe...they will move here ONEDAY! I'm grateful to have such an awesome friend and can't wait to see where life's journey takes us all!

 

So happy I captured this moment!!! So cute!

 

 Leighton and Nell, the most precious flower girls ever!

 

 

 

 

Best Father-Daughter Dance ever! Caught me off guard for sure!

 

Mother~Son Dance...Love these two!

 

They are CUTE!

 

 

 

Dostie loves to fish...so it's no suprise his cake was fishing and SC themed!

 

 

 

I love my groom!!!!

Thankful to be a part of The Dostie's special day!!!!!

 

 

         To many years of love and happiness!!!!

                 ~  G 

 

I will always think of Dost when I hear this song...here's to you!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MdeSLxz5TTE

 

 

 

 

Wedding Wednesday~Simplicity

Let's take a little break from the all the "to dos" of wedding planning and enjoy some of the wedding details I'm LOVING right now... I love how simply details can make a BIG impact... Nuetrals, large flowers, important details, all the makings for a perfect day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few ways that simplicity can be so beautiful for any wedding!! Timeless, exceptional and limitless!!!!

 

                                      Happy Planning!

                                             ~ G

 

 

Sources: StyleMePretty.com; EveryLastDetail.com; Pinterest.com

Guest Feature....AKA my husband!

Well, for all you guys who once dreamed of having a guest appearance on your wife's blog (me neither, but they always seem to start off with something witty so I thought I'd give it a shot). Anyway, here it goes...

I am a self proclaimed clean freak when it comes to automobiles. It is not uncommon to find me walking tirelessly around the car after washing it to make sure that every little detail is taken care of, just before it rains of course. Therefore, this afternoon when I so effortlessly backed my truck into the front of my wife's car, doing a significant amount of damage, you can only imagine the pit in my stomach. However, the pit was nothing compared to "the look" I received,once my wife,who by the way did I mention was in the truck with me, realized what I had just done. Guys... this was not one of my shining moments!!! It was following this unfortunate accident that it was explained that is what the back up camera, beeping alarm AND three rear view mirrors are for .... DETAILS.

So now that I have admitted to pulling off one of the most ridiculous accidents, let me explain why this happened. On a normal Sunday I wash both cars...remember the tireless walking around the car?! However, this Sunday was full of lawn maintenance, rain etc.. Upon completing my Sunday chores, G and I were set out for dinner with the fam. We jumped in the truck and I realized that in front of the truck was all the lawn trash I had put out on the street. I NEVER leave both cars on the road, so... who would look behind them to see if in the 5 ft necessary to clear the lawn trash there would be a car ( #lessonlearned)? Not just any car my wife's car? You know the one she drives every day?! The moral of this story is to always look behind you and never AND I MEAN NEVER back into your WIFE'S car!!

                                            To lots of "I'm sorry gifts"
                                                       ~ B

Pioneer Woman 'Monster Cookies'

During the summer time, I have a lot of free time to do some of the things I love...shopping, decorating, baking, exercising etc. I really love to bake, but it is something that I have to really have the time to do...which is not very often. Recently, I've gotten hooked on The Pioneer Woman. I love her recipes, her mentality and her blogs. I found this recipe for her 'Monster Cookies' a couple of weeks ago and I've been DYING to try them. Now... the funny thing about baking is as much as I love to bake, I really don't LOVE sweets. I enjoy baking the cookies more than I enjoy eating them...but I can also be ensured that someone around the house will indulge! 

These cookies are truly everything compiled into ONE LARGE COOKIE! My sister tried them and said "My mouth is confused...I'm not sure if I'm eating a cookie or a rice crispy". They contain everything thats delicious about cookies; chocolate chips, peanut butter pieces, oatmeal, m&ms ....mmmmm.... 

They were really easy to make and taste quite good...here is the recipe. I did modify the original recipe just a little, but stuck to the Pioneer Woman's recipe for the most part!

Here ya go! 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Always use a good mixer...makes the work a lot less! 

First, add softened butter and sugars. Mix these together until creamy! 

Then, add the large eggs...one at a time, mixing after each one! 

Vanilla comes next....

Mix together well... 

Next, Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda) together in small bowl. Add to mixer slowly combining all the way through. 

Here comes the fun part...all the yummies! I chose to use M&MS, Peanut Butter M&Ms, oats, and milk chocolate morsels. Mix gently! 

Next, add the rice crispies....gently! 

I could stop here....how good does that look :)))) 

Scoop dough onto non stick cookie sheet and bake for about 10-11 minutes! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 sticks (1/2 Pound) Butter (salted) Softened
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 1-1/2 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
• 2 whole Large Eggs
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1-1/2 cup Oats (either Quick Or Regular)
• 1/2 cup M & M's (more To Taste)
• 1/2 cup Pecans, Chopped (more To Taste)
• 3/4 cups Chocolate Chips (milk Or Semi-sweet)
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Chips
• 2-1/4 cups Rice Krispies

All the "special" ingredients can be altered in amount!! My cookies were a little too big and ran together a little...but I promise they tasted just the same!!!!

They were deliciously yummy!!!! Give them a try...you won't disappointed! 

                                                                     Happy Baking!
                                                                             ~ G
Source: ThePioneerWoman.com

Wedding Wednesday-Interview your Vendors

Happy Hump Day! Sorry I have not written on Wedding Wednesdays in a couple of weeks. B and I have been traveling (see our older posts) . 

Hopefully, by the time that you reach this point in your planning process you've secured a date, venue (church and reception etc), and made a definite budget. Now the fun part begins...interviewing & picking vendors. You are most likely hiring a photographer, florist, musicians, possibly even a planner or day of coordinator. Of course, there are many other vendors you will be speaking too as time gets closer like a caterer or calligrapher...but make sure you book the "BIG" ones as soon as possible.
I know for a fact the good photographers book up FAST....like over a year in advanced! YIKES!!!! Also keep in mind, just like a job interview, you DO NOT have to book a vendor on the spot (dont let some of them fool you).  Go home and think/talk it over before deciding...it could make all the difference. 

10 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VENDORS:

1. What do your packages include? Proofs, Bridal portraits, rights to your photos, all day planning, meeting with other vendors, rentals...these are just a few things that may or may not be included in vendor packages. Make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what items will cost extra. For example, many photographers will not shoot all day long...they shoot for a certain number of hours then charge extra. Make sure you are aware of these things and CAN afford them in your budget. 

Photo Courtesy of Jenn Hopkins at Jennhopkinsphotography.com

2. Do you work only with certain venues or vendors? Some vendors are particular about where and how they work. For example, some wedding planners only use specific florists for weddings. Make sure you are in agreement with these opinions before hiring your vendor. 

Jennhopkinsphotography.com

3. What is your experience? years? Number of weddings? Make sure you know that your vendor has EXPERIENCE!! No one wants their wedding planner to be a "first timer" on their special day. OR think about this...you hire a florist who specializes in landscaping....not weddings :( It sounds silly...but it happens!!! Make sure you know the size, location and themes of previous weddings. Asking about experiences will also show you about your vendors personality which will be majorly important down the road. 

4. Can you work within our budget? At this point, you should know exactly (or close to) how much you will spend on certain elements in your wedding. Make sure your vendor can work within your budget. Sometimes vendors get "carried away" and forget they are working with someone else's money. Be firm about how much you have to spend!! It is better to know up front than to be eliminating things at the end of planning to be able to afford it :) 

5. Do you work with a team or alone? Most vendors have some assistance when pulling off a big day! Whether this is a second shooter or another wedding coordinator make sure you know what that person will provide! Will this cost extra? It sounds silly, but make sure you know exactly who you will be working with...you don't want any surprises on your special day! 

6. Will this be the only wedding you work on for that day? This question is particularly important for florists and planners. It is very normal for vendors to book more than one wedding per day. This shouldn't NECESSARILY be a negative. If you are working with a reputable vendor, they are probably very prepared for this, but if it is a new vendor, I would be cautious. Also, keep in mind, you want to know exactly who you will be working with on your big day, so if your planner has multiple weddings...make sure you know who will be there to assist YOU! 

7.  How do you communicate with other vendors? It should come as no suprise that vendors need to communicate prior to the event in order to full off a smooth and successful wedding. Make sure you know exactly how they will do this! Will they have a meeting a week before the event? or speak on the phone? or email? Make sure your vendors plan to communicate with others so that everyone knows the vision for the day! 

8. What is your cost? Make sure you get a number from the very beginning before deciding on the vendor! Some vendors will try to tell you that it is personalized and they can't give you a number! I'd beware of this!!!! You want at least a base number that then can fluctuate as you add or take away elements! It sounds silly...but you may end of regretting your choice if you do not ask this question!!!

9. What elements of the day are you responsible for handling? This is something I wish I would have known from the beginning. For example, if you have a planner, you want to know if your planner will take all decor items home with her/him or if she will give the to a family member. You want to know that he/she will take care of set up for the toast or timing of the reception. Knowing up front is the best way to ensure your planning and day go smoothly!

10. What sets you apart from other _______________(photographers, planners, florists, bands etc)? Have the vendor answer this question! Although it may be cheesy...you will begin to see who the person is and what traits they will bring to your special day! 


Many of these questions seem like common sense, however, many of them are questions I wish I would have asked my vendors!! It never hurts to know exactly what you are getting prior to hiring someone for your special day! It may take some time...but it will be WORTH IT!

                                                            HAPPY PLANNING!
                                                                   ~G 


Sources: weddinglovely.com; tlc.com; herecomestheguide.com; jennhopkinsphotography.com

beach week 2013

Hi everyone! 

B and I are finally home from a week long vacation to the beach. Living here in Florida, beach vacations are pretty easy to come by! I grew up spending a couple of weeks at the beach each year. Now as an adult, I only wished for the same luxury. There is something so delightful about having NOTHING to do, but lie on the beach or float in the pool! 

We had a few days to ourselves, just peace and quiet...then we had several people down for the end of the week. It was awesome to have friends and family come down to spend some quality time. 

Me and my sisters

Love this no so  little girl

B & I on the 4th of July! 

some of the crew of the 4th

I am pretty sure the beach is my all time happy place!!!! and there is no better way to spend time with family and friends than on a beach....NO WORRIES, BE HAPPY! 

                                        ~ G