: Weekend Look Book :

Another weekend, another look book! Are these getting old? I hope not. It's about all I can gather these days between school being out and everything in between. Ha! So just bare with me. At least I'm not completely absent, right? Right! So here's a look into our Memorial Day weekend.

First and foremost, we broke ground on building our first home!!!! Fantastic kickoff to the weekend, I must say.

Then the summer activities, watersides and fish fry/cookouts were among us for the next couple days.

Nothing like the smell of grilled goodness with some country music in the background... [sigh] ... Other than my exhaustion, allergies and hoarse voice, I could relive it all again tomorrow! The weekend was good to us. :)

Weekend Shenanis

Not a lot of documentation, but a pretty fulfilled weekend!

Family came in town on Friday and Saturday, and we did the norm; ate a LOT of food and played games. My kind of night. The only photo I seemed to gather at the time was that of our on-going game of "Hedbanz".

And if I must share, I had an extreme "Megan-moment" where I announced I was not good at geometry when discovering I was a country. Yes, that happened.

Moving on...

Sunday was also eventful. Our precious girl had a school recital and she sang in church with her classmates. This was her second for the year, and the first one didn't go so smoothly... as I mentioned here.

But not this time! She was up there singing, and did a curtsey after every applause. ;)

Not crazy shenanigans, but meaningful ones at that.

Family, friends, and food... What more can you ask for?

We are down to just 3 more weeks until our baby boy should arrive... I.CAN.NOT.WAIT.

Weekend Shenanigans

Yes, I'm aware we are approaching afternoon hours here, but this mama had a busy morning! I am usually more prepared with a quick post to keep things flowing, but not today... wutduhyado. This weekend was quite a busy one as well, with less than a few pictures to share. But nonetheless, I'll share what I have!

Friday night, the hubs and I spent the evening with my bestie and her husband. After making a quick grocery run, Jess picked me up at the house and we headed on up to her abode to save us from having two cars later that night; he was driving straight in from work. Although I only have two photos of that evening, I can surely vouch that we ate more than salad. The typical mistake of a blogger I'm almost always guilty of; start a photo stream... and then stop somewhere when the ADD kicks in. If by chance you're curious, we started out with some shrimp cocktail, salads, and a creamy mushroom chicken dish for our entree. Oh yea, and brownies for dessert (complimentary of her husband, Blake). It was a really fun night! Not done often enough. We'll have to schedule another very soon!

Saturday morning, my mother and I scheduled a girls road trip to watch the Providence volleyball team in the semi-state!!! I could not have been more excited; as we know, after sharing a bit of our own high school history the other day. The stands were full, and the team's dads had their Duck Dynasty themed gear on to get the crowd roaring and cheer the girls on into the finals! Yes... THE FINALS!!! The team swept through the semi-state matches and are on their way to the State Championship game this coming weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is one game I can't believe I am going to miss, as we are leaving out of town for the week. I'm devastated to think we won't be there to see it .... this is the year, the year they will make it, I just know it... and I'm going to miss it. :'(  Serious tears here.

After witnessing the best team in the state, it was time to head back home because that evening my husband and I had dinner reservations. We were celebrating our ONE YEAR anniversary! Although, the actual day wasn't until Sunday, we decided to celebrate it a day earlier. No expensive steakhouse this time around. We decided to make it special by going to one of our secret (not so secret now) spots, that served our absolute favorite... sushi. Mmmmm. And let me tell you, it hit the spot! It does every time, but this time was more special given the occasion. ;) We topped it off with some cuddles and a movie, just the two of us. A perfect night.

Well, that was pretty much the gist of our weekend! Sunday morning we went to church, then relaxed that afternoon until dinner that evening with family. A perfect weekend if I do say so myself.

A Vintage Wedding

No crazy shenanigans were encountered this weekend, but it was a special one! My dearest friend, Lindsay, and her fiance unified their love to one another surrounded by family and friends. The rains held off, and the weather was perfect. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty and grace God shed on this day for the two of them. It was absolutely flawless.

I truly love weddings. I can never get enough of the gooshy, romantic atmosphere that surrounds the day. I'm a serious hopeless romantic; my weakness. Also, the wedding could not have taken place at a more romantic venue; Huber's Lake House. During this fall season, it's great to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery. Simply breathtaking.

Now onto one of my favorite parts of weddings... THE DETAILS. As appropriately titled, Lindsay's decorative inspiration was certainly that of a vintage style. Everything from her dress, to the table decor and especially the cake.

 Unfortunately, I was not able to capture the delicious meal OR my slice of cake, because being that I'm quick to indulge, there was but a second in between placing the plate on the table and shoving the food into my mouth. It was a pleasant sight, I assure you. But the food was indeed delicious.

Towards the end of the night, everyone gathered in a line and awaited the extravagant sparkler exit for the bride and groom; one of my favorite reception exit details. Fortunately, the consumption of adult beverages and use of fire did not cause injuries to anyone. Success.

In closing, I want to say congratulations again to the newlywed couple. Lindsay and Byron, I hope you find unlimited years of happiness together. There's always ups and downs, but with true love and faith you will have the ability to conquer all the obstacles. Have patience with one another; every year is a growing stage together. And more than anything, have fun!! Now that you have your mate-in-life, ENJOY IT and never take the days for granted. :) Best wishes to you both!!!!!!!!

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Summer lovin'

Today I'm happy to share a special weekend moment! A dear friend of mine of about 15 years, got married  and I'm so grateful to have been a part of the celebration. Not to mention, the bridal party (groom's side) was basically a big reunion of guys I've known equally as long as the groom - the best man, I've known since Kindergarten! Needless to say, it was a great day seeing friends, and catching up with everyone. :)

NOW... on to the main event! :)

The location was outdoors, and fortunately the weather was very kind to us - not too hot, not too humid. Here are some of my favorite details; the crafts were too cute not to share.

During the ceremony of course we all ooooh & awwww at sight of the beautiful bride... yet, I still have to capture the moment the groom sees her as well! It's my absolute favorite part.

 

And then...

Isn't that just the best?! He's the sweetest. I love it! :)

I'm so happy for Kyle, and his new bride Natalie. I wish them unending happiness for the rest of their days together!!! Kyle, as did Chris (my husband), gained a daughter in this special unity. She adores Kyle, and you can see how happy they are as a little family. Again, I just can't express enough how happy I am for them.

 CONGRATULATIONS, Kyle, Natalie & Audrey. :)

Well with wedding news on the brain, what a great build up to this coming weekend... 

4 days until My Best Friend's Wedding, eeeeeekkkk!!!!!!!!!!

On your mark, get set...

The time has come!! This weekend marks the craziest, second most anticipated moment of my best friend's wedding shenanigans... The Bachelorette Party! Location?

Let it be known that our dear, sweet, innocent - yes, she actually categorizes in all of the above - bride to be does not partake in such party scenes and this may be somewhat of a chore for her. So it is our duty to help. And that we shall. ;) 

Given the obvious, this post will remain until a follow up post upon my return. 

For now, I'll leave you with a list of the songs I'm sure we'll be jammin' to on the car ride down. Gotta keep it in the theme of the weekend... so here we go! 

 

(a pure classic)

Have a safe weekend, ya'll!! <--- that was weird coming from me, but what the heck...

Let's LINK UP

No creative blog today... and found it relieving I wasn't alone when I hopped on over to visit Yoga Pants, finding she also wanted to keep it nice and simple. Just what I was intending.

Lets link up, and share our tunes for:

Currently obsessed with this song...  Heard it on a reward show long ago, and recently rediscovered it!!!   

Here's another all time favorite I'd love to share, just because I'm in a really good mood!

And a little country... yes, country! I'm sure there's people that'd still be wrapping their heads around the current playlists on my iPod. BUT, we need to gear up for next weekend - my best friend's Bachelorette party!! And given the location - Nashville, TN - what better way to prep?!

No this isn't a peppy song, but it's one of my favorites and I rock it out solid when it comes on the radio. 

Have a happy, long, SAFE weekend, everyone!!

In love with LOVE...

There really wasn't a more appropriate title for today's post. I simply love love. There's only one other person I know who can relate with that; an old teammate, school mate and friend, Jessica D - check out her sweet blog over at Little Miss Sunshine. Along with being in love with love, the best job I had the privilege of working, was alongside a well respected wedding photographer, Amy Shepherd. 

Now, Amy is not just any ordinary wedding photographer. I first came to know her just as someone with this incredible eye for capturing the most breathtaking images. Once hired, I witnessed her ongoing work ethic not only as a self-employed business woman, but as a wife and mother. I even babysat her two boys for the first few months of being hired - now that I think about it, was that a test? ;) I must have passed, because she kept me around thereafter, and even brought me along for shoots to help with lighting. I loved going on shoots with her, because at some point she'd put a camera in my hand and say "...start shooting." YES!

It's not only fun, but an honor to work with Amy. She's fun, FUNNY, and has one of the sweetest I've been blessed to know. And to say her work is amazing would be an understatement. I know there are many wonderful photographers, and maybe I'm a little biased, but regardless it does not discredit her work - art - the slightest bit.

It's about seeing what others can't - visualizing the image before it's even on print.

Moving forward, today is another one of those days! A wedding shoot!!!! Although I no longer work with Amy in the studio, she will still ask me to tag along a shoot with her now and then. I can hardly hide my excitement for what today will bring. As any shoot, not only are we in attendance to the wedding, but we get the backstage pass to see what goes on behind the curtain. And THAT is what it's all about - to me, anyway. We witness the moments that aren't always glamorous or poise, the reality where things aren't falling into place - the flowers are late, dad has the wrong the tie, the bride broke a toe the night before and the shoes don't fit! ;) Whatever the fiasco may be, it's beautiful to see. Because in the end, when the bride's walking down the aisle, no one knows the difference - it's the perfect fairytale.

Chris and I were lucky, and fortunate, Amy was available to shoot our own wedding. And as a bride, on the other side of the camera, it was quite the turn around. ;) Here's one of my favorites from our special day!

For more images, weddings, and additional portraits, check out her blog! Here. 

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Along with weddings, it seems most people attend them for pure enjoyment of the reception to follow! I mean, who doesn't love to dance the night away?? 

With that said, it's time to share today's tune of the day/weekend, as it is Friday - meaning:

It's time to LINK UP!!!!

I decided to go with an old favorite! More appropriately - with all this wedding talk - it was our entrance song, introduced as "Mr. & Mrs."!! The party was NOT ready for us!!! ;)

Have a safe and happy weekend, everyone!!!!!

A little thing called... DERBY!

It's that time of the year again!! The one event in which our little ol' town of Louisville, Ky gets recognition beyond its own population; and where spotting a celebrity or two... or three, seems as common as it would be in LA. Along with the infamous 2km horse race, hats, and celebrity sightings, it is quite the spectacle.

For those unfamiliar with this annual tradition; formally known as, The Kentucky Derby, here are some highlights...

The event is proceeded by a week of local festivities! It's a bit of an overload, so I'll get to the main event, which falls on the first weekend of May - divided into two particular days:

Friday - Oaks

Saturday - Derby

Location, is none other than Churchill Downs.

Attire is usually semi-formal, but for the women, the most popular accessory is the HAT! ie: here and here.

Regardless of the attire, this weekend is most certainly known for its heart-pounding, beat the program on the rail race of its beautiful thoroughbreds; as it's also deemed "The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports". Attending the Derby should definitely be on the bucket list. It's an historical event unlike any other. 

As for this household, the Derby festivities kick off this evening at Ferdinand's Ball. Friday (Oaks day) will be spent in our fun/matching attire (and yes, hats) at the track, then we'll magically spin around - you know, like Cinderella - and change into our more formal attire for the Unbridled Eve Gala. With whatever bit of energy left to gather, we'll then be back at the track on Saturday, Derby day (yes, more hats). This will be one eventful weekend!!

With that said, this post may be running until after the festivities!

As much as I cringe at that thought - as I like to be on top of things - I'm not sure my laptop would be an acceptable fashion forward accessory. So, I apologize in advance!

Our attendance, and attire, will be shared immediately following the weekend. 

Fingers crossed we pick a winner this year!!!! Good luck to all!!!

Have a blessed and safe weekend. :)

photo credit: 1 2 3 4 5 6 

:: weekend picture book ::

On any adventurous week, or weekend, expect a picture book post to follow!! Sometimes they're just too good to not share.

Post inspired by My Cup of Te & Sami's Weekend Shenanigans

Saturday, my family - which usually includes the following: dad, mama, hubs, baby, aunt & uncle - set out on a road trip to Cincinnati, OH, ready to cheer on the Reds. Being that it's just one of the many games we've attended, we had the necessities in stow! However, this particular weekend, the vehicle - aka, dad's 1990 Astro Van (in need of serious retirement) - was fully loaded with blankets and chairs, in preparation for Thunder Over Louisville later that evening. In case you didn't catch that, we would be traveling from Louisville to Cincinnati, back to Louisville... in one day... with a 3 year old. This was going to be an easily estimated 12 hour day. Needless to say, we weren't exactly sure how our little munchkin would last through it all, but we were pleasantly surprised. She was perfect. *Proud mommy moment... FOR SURE.

Immediately, entering the stadium, we're each handed a "Brandon Phillips" bobble head. Woo hoo! Surrounded by children, we adults easily blended in! We were now owners of five - yes, five - bobble heads. Necessary? No. Did we care? Not the slightest bit. They were free! Little did we know how convenient it would be to have such a vast number; two broken bobble heads in less than four hours. Again, we did have a 3 year old along this journey... it's expected something will break at some point. 

(continuing) We made our way to the Champions Club, and had our brunch/lunch/linner/dinner - yes, all four meals at once. At least that's what it felt like; stuffed wouldn't describe that miserable feeling. We then proceeded to our seats - beautiful high 60 degrees weather - and enjoyed a successful "W" for our dearest Reds!!!! Go Reds, GO!!!

Back in the car/van/oh my gosh, dad we're gonna die vehicle, we headed back to our hometown for the annual fireworks show. Luckily, little bit zonked out for the entire drive back; catching her second wind = pleasant child = pleasant every one!! ;) The rest of the evening needs no preface, or summary of any sort. It was cold cold COLD, our seats were on the Belvedere, and the show was as expected - AMAZING. I will only be sharing a couple photos, because fireworks are nothing new... 

...I did, however, want to share a video of the finale; regardless of the fact the effects on film surely don't suffice the feeling or impact of the sound when you're there!!! They don't call it Thunder for nothing. Enjoy!