Recycling our love story.

For those of you who have been blogging for a couple years -- do you ever look back on your first few published posts? Man oh man, that's what I just did. It caused quite a few emotions in me. Mostly embarrassment that I knew nothing about blogging, link ups, or writing in general. But way more than that? I felt happiness. I came across one of my first posts. You see, I started blogging when I was about to turn 21, and that's right before Caleb and I got engaged (biggest surprise of my LIFE). I decided to simply "recycle" that post and let you all read a fun little love story today for those of you who don't know it yet...  (circa 2012)

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I know this blog has gone nowhere, and its my own fault. I am ready to commit. Something has come over me this week, and I like it. I am more motivated than ever. SO... since I am using this blog as almost a personal diary so I can look back on this stage in my life, I should tell you..

I GOT ENGAGED!!!!

As some of you may know, my (then) boyfriend came with my family on vacation to our annual spot of Hilton Head, SC. (gorgeous - you must go at least once!) We arrived on Saturday, the 18th, and he casually asked me to take a walk on the beach later that night (thank goodness I showered). So around 7 we left the house and took a cute bike ride down, parked them, and started on our slow walk. This was a Saturday, our first night there, and each was practically no-mans land, where the heck was every one?! I didn't mind one bit though, I'm a total sucker for a hand-in-hand walk anywhere with my man.

After about ten minutes of walking, he mentions that we should take a goofy video (something we do often), send it to Erin and Jared and just tell them we arrived safely, and also a "look how jealous you probably are--we're on a beach and you're not" kinda video ;) I prop my iPhone up against my bag and we begin talking to the camera awkwardly... (nothing unusual)...

About 40 seconds in, he says "lets go jump in the waves", and I'm all about THAT too. Who cares about wet clothes?! You're not on the beach everyday! So, we get up, start to walk towards the beach (video camera still rolling) and I completely run into him while he is at a dead stop. I throw my hands up without looking too obvious and am all "what the heck are you doing?! I thought we were going towards the ocean!" and you know the rest...

He got down on one knee, whipped out the most beautiful perfect ring that my bare left hand never knew it had been missing, I back up - probably from sheer shock - and cover my mouth because I am SO stinkin' surprised... and as he is reaching for my left hand, I finally give it to him... and he said the most simplest of sentences he's ever said to me. Something a little like... "Kayla, I've loved you from day one, and I've always wanted to do this. You make me the happiest guy on Earth and I can't imagine spending a day without you. Please, will you be my wife?" (there were a few silly comments in there too, but you get the gist).. I couldn't contain the river of tears that were coming. I first said "SHUT UP are you kidding?!" then.. smiled what was probably the biggest smile I've ever stretched across my face, and said YES! We did some jumping and crying and hugging, kissing, you know. All the while, the video is still streaming, and we kind of just forget about it being there.

I had always known I wanted to marry him, but never knew how badly I needed him in my life until he said he couldn't imagine spending another day without me. Those words are something every girl deserves to hear, and I am so blessed and thankful that God gave me him so early in life. We tried to not plan anything on vacation, but he was just as excited as I was.. and we did a little bit. After a few planning let downs, we have both been reminded that its not all about the decorations and colors, venue or attire, but that its about him and I, and God. We are striving to keep God the center focus on our relationship DAILY. It has been so much fun to plan so far, and I am just so excited that he will be mine, for the rest of my life.

If I haven't thanked you in a few days God, I truly am sorry, you've blessed me beyond belief and I am so thankful for everything you do for me.

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I hope everyone enjoyed a throwback post today, and has an awesome Wednesday!

Weekend, lets do this!

If you read my post yesterday, you know we have a crazy weekend ahead of us. It started last night when I met an adorable couple downtown for their engagement session. Not only do they share in our love of Mexican food, they also share our initials and they really, really like to laugh ;)

....those little dots are gnats. Cute, right? ;)

I was really tired when I got home, but perked up when I walked in the door. WHY? Oh, my freaking amazing husband just surprised me with a filet mignon dinner. No big deal.

Today, we're about to shoot another gorgeous wedding, then have one tomorrow as well, then an engagement session Sunday night. If you're bored, try crossing your fingers all day for me? Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow and as cute as dancing-in-the-rain photos can be, we'd like to enjoy some sunshine with the newlyweds we're photographing! ;) thanks! Happy weekend!

What a night!

New Years Eve definitely proved to be an adventure!

The actual adventure part was trying to GET to our hotel downtown. The lot was full where we were staying, causing us to pay for parking a street away and carry our luggage around, then when we finally arrived in the hotel...there were at least 30 people in front of us checking in. Needless to say, we completely missed dinner with our friends. It was fine though, the group was VERY large! So, Caleb and I ate a corn dog and funnel cake in the cold...and rather enjoyed ourselves.

Finally, our friends all came out and we could get the night started with them. We headed to a fun restaurant down by the river and grabbed some appetizers, then hit up fountain square where we'd end our night in a countdown ringing in the new year. Little did one of my best friends know, she was getting proposed to as the clock began to countdown at 3...2...1...

She was beside herself. She was so shocked and just kept screaming "IS THIS REAL?!?!", then of course, said yes. Angie is one beautiful lady, and I'm beyond thankful I've met her. We've been friends for only a few years now, but it feels like a lifetime. She is one of the greatest friends I've ever made, and I'm so excited for this new journey she and her FIANCE' are on together!!

The four ladies. The gorgeous gal next to me is ALSO getting married soon, and we're in her wedding on February 1st! Can't wait!

All in all, it was one fantastic night. I very much enjoyed our first holiday season together...and can't wait for many many more!! I hope you all had a safe new years! Lets make 2014 the best yet.

Dear wedding...

Dear wedding...

I have been dreaming of you literally since I was a little girl. The planning may have been a little stressful, but its also been one of the best times of my life. Seeing how involved Caleb has been with you (unlike most men), makes my heart swell. Yes, sometimes it caused problems, but we always ended up agreeing in the end. This day is going to be amazing, and I cannot wait to see Caleb's face when he finally sees me walk down that aisle with my dad. All the paranoia that he might see a picture of my dress will fade, and we can just enjoy the moment for what it is. 

Dear Caleb...

We are getting married. We are getting MARRIED! WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!!!!

Where did time go? These 9 months seriously FLEW. Thank you for letting me get giddy over silly centerpieces, thank you for holding me in my closet as I cried that one time, and thank you most of all for being the God-loving man I need. You're my everything.

Dear bridesmaids...

You all have been amazing. Showered me with love, support, encouragement, and so much more. Your fun weekly countdown messages made me smile, and your presents along the way made me giddy. Thanks for being the BEST friends I could ever ask for. I truly don't know what I would have done without all of you.

Dear Nanny...

You have been SUCH a blessing during this time. Your prayers and support have made a huge difference in this planning stage... and now the hard work has paid off. Thank you for EVERYTHING. All those hours spent helping with centerpieces, your financial support, and random trips to Sam's Club when I needed them. You're amazing and I'm so thankful for you.

Dear parents...

Thanks for loving me, even when I'm crazy. Dad, I can't wait to walk down the aisle with you, and listen to your toast at our reception. Open the floodgates...

Dear dance floor... get ready to be TO' UP! ;)

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I WILL BE MARRIED TOMORROW. Thank you ALL sooo much for the support, kind words, tweets, snap-chats, texts, random gifts and love. I literally never thought blogging could make someone so happy...how wrong I was ;) you all are the best readers I could ask for.

But for real... I'm getting married tomorrow?!?! WOOOO!!!!!

Single. Freaking. Digits.

I don't really know where the time has gone. One day, a long time ago... we had 9 whole months of engagement-ism (is that a word!?) ahead of us... and now... we have 9 TINY DAYS!!!

I truly don't know where the time has gone. Looking back over this engagement... it has been one heck of a journey. So I thought I'd share some fun moments from it, with you guys today.

-Getting fun, unexpected cards from people you love!

-Right after I asked my (future) sister to be in my wedding as a bridesmaid. She was so shocked. I would show you the picture of her face, but she'd probably kill me ;) so this will have to suffice.

-My silly, (un)creative ways of asking my ladies to be in my wedding. This was Erin's!

-Asking my MOH and another bridesmaid to be in the wedding.

-Showing off the ring every chance I got.

-Surviving the freezing winter with my fiance!

-Dress shopping with my flower girl.

-Getting the keys to our new apartment!!!

-Celebrating my first bridal shower.

-& trying not to die of embarrassment at my second one... ;)

-Receiving some fun RSVP's back!

-Dress shopping with some of my bridesmaids

-That feeling of being freshly engaged...ah, it's one I'll NEVER forget.

Overall....this engagement has been amazing. There were a few bumps in the planning, but that is what makes it memorable. All that truly matters is that at the end of this 9 day countdown... I will be a wife to the man of my dreams. Seriously, he cooks... cleans... and (sometimes) does laundry. What more could a gal want? ;)

I've LOVED getting to know my newer followers and I'm sooo thrilled you all find my "journey" to the altar an interesting one. This blog wouldn't be near as fun without you guys.

Guess what? Tomorrow is FRIDAY!

Help, please!

Totally honest right now? I had nothing planned for this post.

Then I started thinking... okay, my wedding is 11 (whaat!?) days away now. Everyone keeps asking "Are you getting butterflies yet?" and to be totally honest. I'm really not. I've never been more ready to marry Caleb then I am right now.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a little nervous. Mostly about everyone staring at me as I try my hardest to be graceful walking down an aisle. Or that something horrific will happen the morning of, but I keep reminding myself that at the end of the day, I'll be married to my best friend.

I'm going to keep this post short, but I leave you with one question... whether you're married or not;

What is one piece of advice you'd give me for the DAY OF my wedding?

Is it to be sure I have Advil? Starbucks? Extra lip gloss?

Or to soak in every moment as much as possible? Only play a few slow songs?

Whatevvveerrr it may be, lay it on me.

I want the advice!

Sincerely,

This excited bride.

Thankful Thursdays - Wedding style

At this point, I'm thankful to still have my sanity.

No but for realz... I could not have chosen a better time to start blogging than last summer...not only was it the greatest summer of my life (thus far), I turned 21 and got proposed too all in one week. How lucky can a girl get?!? So what am I really thankful for today?

YOU GUYS.

Yes...you!!!!

Any of you who keep coming back, thank you. Seriously! From the bottom of my big ole' heart, THANK YOU. I have formed real genuine friendships (Caleb will never understand them, but they are real none the less).

So what am I thankful for so far in this wedding planning stage we're stuck in at?

Snap chat with my BFF/MOH who is in California for her last semester at school. Girlfriend almost didn't take that opportunity just to be able to craft and do silly things with me for my wedding? I wasn't having that. California was an opportunity of a lifetime for her and I wasn't about to let my lil' wedding stop her. So we've talked daily via text, phone and snap chat. Love that girl.

Emails with my Erin/Bridesmaid/soulmate... thank God for her. That is all I have to say! Know what she did for me? Snap chatted me one day and said "I HAVE AN IDEA!" but never told me what it was for the next THREE DAYS!!!! Do you know what it was? An hour by hour timeline of my wedding day, with points of contact, phone numbers, people categorized by name, emails, etc...I mean, how did she know I was in desperate need of that without me saying it? It's a soulmate thing I suppose! ;)

Marie. She has been such an amazing friend throughout not only my engagement, but long before. I am so thankful for her heart. She truly has a servants heart and would do anything for me, and vise versa. Her and her awesome husband Josh treated Caleb and I to lunch after church Sunday, and we had them over for dinner on Tuesday...it is SO much fun hanging out with them, simply when we are doing absolutely nothing. So let me rephrase this, I am thankful for their relationship and how much Caleb and I look up to it. They are such a Godly couple and they just make my heart swell. Don't even get me started on their adorable freaking daughter...

Need I say more? I am also thankful for that little gal. She truly has Caleb and I wrapped around her finger. Can't say I hate it! ;)

Last but CERTAINLY not least... I am thankful for this man.

DUH!

What can I say? It is officially ONE MONTH until I marry this hunk and boyyyyyy I can't wait.

Literally...I'm just ready to say my vows, kiss that man, dance the night away, and jet to Mexico!!

What are YOU thankful for? Be sure to thank someone today. You are loved more than you know.

Some wedding deets!

So I've got the man, the dress, and the location... what more could a girl ask for?

As much fun as planning this wedding has been, can I just say for a second that I am so ready for it to just freaking get here already?! 

Caleb and I seriously talk about our wedding every day...now I am ready to just be married to him already and become sleepover pals for life. Not to get too mushy on ya, but he literally is my best friend. He makes me laugh, he encourages me, and treats me incredibly.

Onto a few wedding day details.

-PHOTOGRAPHERS: We spoke with them on Monday night and set up an official 'day of' timeline for photos... did I mention that Caleb ABSOLUTELY, 100% does NOT want to see me before the ceremony? Leave it up to him to be different than the rest of the world (no "first look" opportunity for him!), but you know what? I love that. I will truly get to see that look on his face as I walk down the isle... according to my best friend he will "fall to his knees" when he sees me... pfftt ;)

-CAKE: We decided on a smaller 3 tiered cake for us, the bridal party, and our immediate family to enjoy... top layer (ours) will be red velvet, and the rest will be regular white cake covered in buttercream icing, with the middle layer covered in edible hydrangea flowers. The rest of the guests will get to gobble down on some delicious cupcakes of their flavor choosing! Know what I am nervous about though? Caleb throwing cake in my hair... should I worry? Nah.... right?!!

-MUSIC: we are still in need of a first dance song!!!! We have it narrowed down, but some ideas wouldn't hurt... *ahem*

-JEWELRY: I have none so far. Woops!

-SHOES: I have only found one cute pair I'm considering. Help (pale yellow, please)!

-DRESS: not gonna lie, its amazing.

Okay that is enough little details for today...don't want to give TOO much away!

Cannot believe it is almost our WEDDING MONTH!!!!!

Best vacation of my life {Travel Tuesdays}

I have yet to link up with the amazing Helene yet for her new(ish) link-up...but I've been LOVING seeing everyone elses so far. So I figured why not talk about the best vacation of my entire life today?

Which vacation is that, you ask? Oh just the one where I got proposed toooo ;)

Want to know something sad, though? Since I had NO idea he was going to propose...I didn't set my camera out to get used to the lovely Hilton Head humidity on our first night...so my lens fogged up for like 3 hours, but needless to say Caleb was relentless and wanted to take a bike ride down to the beach together. We filled our bike baskets with my camera, flip flops, and a towel... and we were on our marry way.

All the pictures we took that evening from my camera turned out blurry cause the ONLY dude on the beach besides us that we asked to snap it put it on "manual" so it would NOT focus, so we couldn't tell when we started taking a million selfies... but that couldn't take away my happy.

As you can see...

The next day, I woke up and couldn't stop staring at my ring. I know a lot of women like to go ring shopping with their men when things start to get serious (not me!). Caleb and I had obviously talked about our futures together, and we both knew we'd get married, eventually. I had NO idea he was going to do this that night! I am probably the most simple girl on Earth, I'm not picky, I'm not too complicated, yeah I've got some baggage (but who doesn't!?). Caleb honestly couldn't have done better with my ring. It is so me!

After the initial shock of being a "fiance' " now...we spent the entire week celebrating.

I think its mandatory that the next few months after you get engaged, every picture has to show your ring!

I took WAY too many pictures, of everything... as usual. We spent so much time on the beach, shopping, and most of all...eating.

It truly was the best vacation ever... Hilton Head has always been special to me, but now its REALLY dear to me since there on that tiny, vacant beach, Caleb asked me to spend the rest of my days with him.

& if the past 3 and a half years is any indication of how fun our future will be together...then I think I'll keep him ;)

Happy traveling!

Embarrassing ones

So yesterday I showed you all the beautiful details and moments of my bridal shower. Well, here I am today to say there were some HILARIOUS and straight up embarrassing moments. I won't go into too many details (unless we email and I might slip some funny details), but I will let my ridiculous faces below do the talking.

Back story -- the women in Caleb's family literally go ALL out with gifts, and at the last two showers I've been too, even I was embarrassed for the bride-to-be...so now that it was me, I knew it was gonna be bad...and oh, I know think I caught the worst of it.

...in a good way.

All of the above were hilarious, embarrassing, but awesome gifts. Use your imagination, ladies.

See? They were funny.

As embarrassing as it may have been, I think I learned that its important to be able to laugh at yourself. & boy, did I learn!

*awkward transition*

My random's of the day:
Last night I addressed probably 100 invitations, which I think is quite the darn accomplishment!
Work is slowing down, sadly. Which means my days feel longer.
I'm slightly obsessed with Ashley & her adorable boys.
It is now officially 59 days until I get married. (woo woo!)
I am obsessed with my new pink and yellow post-its at the office.
I'm so ready for the snow to be gone. Bring on Spring!
I hate the tights I'm wearing today, I want to be in sweats.
I am loving miss Anna & her blog so much! Check her out nowww.

Happy Wednesday, every one!