Quiet Moments

At this time three weeks ago I was pregnant. Eternally pregnant, I thought. Did you feel that way? I think every woman gets to that point where you're thinking "Um... I think I'm going to be this way forever".

I was finished with nursery projects. I had washed baby clothes. I was already reading books to Baby. The hardest part was- I was looking at all this stuff... and it was empty. An empty swing, crib, car seat. We had been anticipating our first born for what felt like forever already, and we could hardly wait another day.

We waited 6 more days to be exact. Actually, it was more like 8 days. But contractions started the party on Friday at 2am. 46 hours later, our beloved Blake Matthew graced us with his presence.The best Mother's Day present ever.

It seems like there should be more to be said. But that's what I'm figuring out in this parenting thing. There are so many words in the unspoken moments. I could hold Blake all day, not say a thing, and feel like I've expressed anything and everything I'd ever wanted to tell him. I know at some point, I'll actually have to do that. Teach him, and bring him up in the ways of the Lord. But for now, I love the quiet moments. In the middle of the day, late at night... and really early morning. I am breathing in the quiet moments as if each one will be my last. (From what I hear, they grow up fast)

Blake- you take my breath away. You make me cry for no reason. You are perfect to me. I love you.

a warehouse + museum

I am the oldest of four. And I was beyond thrilled to learn that my brother (next in line) was shopping for rings for one sweet girl that we all loved! This past weekend they tied the knot- and it was perfect and so fitting of their styles and personalities. That's how weddings should be, don't you think?

I had tons of fun spending Thursday evenings with Kayla planning, creating, sewing and brainstorming. I LOVE weddings, and pretty much all that they entail.

We made lots of banners and chalkboards.

The reception was held in an art museum- so unique and cool.

And of course, an awesome photo booth.

 I was in the Bridal Party- making it a little harder to get lots of pictures. But these are my favorites.

Aren't they to-die-for-sweet?! Who couldn't love love after this?!

 And we got some fun photo booth pictures :)

It was SO fun to have some cousins {that we love and adore} there to celebrate with!

I love you, Ross + Kayla, and am praying God's blessing over your union! 

 

 love & happily ever after,
e.

times to remember.

This weekend was filled with fun-ness. Saturday marked my 26th birthday, {woo!} which was celebrated 3 times with eating out goodness. I had coffee and birthday cupcakes (homemade by my mama- chocolate cherry = delish!). Matt took me shopping, where someone told me I looked like Mary Ellen from The Waltons {?} and out to eat at Minerva's. It's probably the nicest place to eat in Aberdabber. They have the most delicious house salad. Omg. I could just eat that!

On Sunday we had more birthday celebrations- out to eat for steaks {Mmmm}. Monday was the hubster and I's first year anniversary. We celebrated by.. You guessed it... going out to eat! (We don't usually eat out this often- don't judge us) We had Mexican, exchanged prezzies and talked about our favs of the past year. I love him :)

What did you do this beautiful Fall weekend?

love & leaves,
e.

{an evening in august}

Saturday, August 4th was a sunny, cool, windy day. And it was just fine for a wedding. The day started early. Like 7am early. But everyone worked together to get everything set up!

The wedding took place at the homestead. Lots of open space and pretty views. I'm sure the photographers LOVED the area :) And I know I can't wait to see the pictures.

Samantha and Scott wanted their wedding to be a celebration shared with family and loved ones, and that's exactly what it was. I was honored to stand up for Samantha and be a part of the whole experience.

There was fun yard games and lots of yummy food. S&S are vegetarian/vegan so they chose foods that were equally delicious as they were fitting to their diets. There was American, Italian, Mediterranean, and Indian food enjoyed by all. It was such a great idea to have so many choices!

The evening was beautiful as the sun set. Lots of fun and laughing took place on the dance floor, along with the expected "ooo's and aw's" of the Father-Daughter and First Dances.

One of my favorite parts of the whole night was the cute drink station. S&S' friends and family brew their own beer and make their own wine. So there was plenty to go around. Homemade sangria called my name all night! And it was delish!

The photographers- a darling couple from Michigan- set up a "goof booth" where everyone was encouraged to go be goofy in front of the white screen. Katelynn and I had {probably} too much fun with that... Here's one of our "goofy" ideas:

Yeah. Silly, I know. But what can I say? We love the Olympics.

Anyway, it was a wonderful day. I am so happy for you, S&S, and wish you all the happiness in the world!

Isn't she gorgeous?! Yeah... not jealous at all...

love,
e.

sBs

This week is going to be busy. But I don't mind. A very dear friend of mine will be getting hitched Saturday- and I couldn't be more excited for her and Scott! We will spend a lot of time together in these next few days- crucial days- getting all of the last minute wedding touches in place... Which reminds me.. I still have a few napkins to sew.

Here's a view from the deck- where the magic will happen.

I really love weddings. And not just the actual wedding day. I've always been a huge fan of all the festivities that come with that special day. Showers, parties, gifts.. family and friends gathered together.. Decorations. Oh, decorations... How I love thee! Often I wish I was a grand wedding-planner... with all the cool tricks of the trade and an eye for everything wedding. I can dream- right?

So for this week, here's to all of the wedding festivities and lending a helping hand where ever I can. 

I can't wait!

e.

"Feels like Home"

That was their song. And theme for the wedding.

My sister-in-law got married at the end of June. I've been waiting to write a blog about the wedding festivities so she had a chance to see pictures. Our camera was being shipped off to NY to be worked on, so all my pictures were just snapped with my iphone. However, those smarty pants phones do pretty well :)

Laura and Jeremy live in CO and the wedding was in good ol' South Dakota. A darling little chapel in the heart of a place called Joy Ranch. It was intimate and fun. Very family oriented. All-family wedding party, and a close cousin to marry them. It was great to be a part of!

The days leading up to are always busy. {if you've been married, been in a wedding, or helped with one- you understand what I mean} I went down to Watertown a couple days early to help with things like:

Getting decor sorted through and hand selected for center pieces, covering sparkling cider bottles with personalized labels, and of course- cures for our manis and pedis :) Oh yeah- and LOTS of coffee!

I was busy making sure everyone was in their place during the ceremony, so the pictures I got at the rehearsal are all I have. But they're candid and creative- so I think they'll do just fine. Bradley Laurvick (cousin/officiant) does this great thing when it comes to the rings during rehearsal. He uses Ring Pops! Isn't that so fun?

The picture directly above is a shot I snapped during a baptism we had before the rehearsal :) It was a precious thing to be a part of.

The day of the wedding was beautiful. Everything came together- regardless of the falling cake. Laura was radiant and Jeremy knew he'd lucked out ;)

Congratulations, sis and bro! Love you guys and SO happy for you!

love,
e.