The Stones Roll into Year Four

On this day, three years ago, I woke up in a quaint bed and breakfast on my wedding day. Many girls dream of that fairy tale wedding, and I certainly lived it. The day started with breakfast with six of my closest girlfriends, then it was off to hair and makeup. Mimosas anyone?

We took MANY ‘getting ready’ photos before actually getting ready. Then it was time for a first look with my dad. (Definitely recommend!) Priceless. Next, I waited for my bridesmaids to finish getting ready (yes, I said it) so we could go take bridal party pictures. I didn’t do a first look with Cason, so it was just us girls and the family. Then we waited some more while the guys took pictures.

Before I knew it, it was wedding time. I rode in a car down to the barn and waited with the bridesmaids and my dad for the processional to begin. I also remember that across the street a car had swerved into the ditch–thankfully they were okay, and it wasn’t anyone who was attending the wedding. When my dad and I walked to the end of the aisle, I remember feeling overwhelmed at how many people had come to see us get married.  Then about a third of the way down the aisle, my veil got stuck on the newly installed hardwood plank floor, tugging my head back. I stopped in the middle of the aisle, and my dad urgently whispered “Where are you going?” Honestly the funniest memory from that day, especially considering I’d always said growing up that I didn’t want to wear a veil on my wedding day. (I don’t regret it. It was beautiful, and worth the hang up.) After the wedding coordinator unhooked my veil from the floor, I walked down to Cason, and the rest is history! I only remember bits and pieces of what Cason’s dad said as he officiated the ceremony, but I remember how I felt–the prayers were beautiful and sincere, and the love was palpable. (Random side-note: the heaters were on and kept blowing my veil and hair.)

We kissed. People cheered. And I can’t believe it’s been three years. And honestly, I know this sounds cheesy, but believe me when I say that I felt like Cason was the only person I saw clearly that day. While I certainly remember talking with everyone and dancing, it was like I was seeing Cason with 20/20 vision and everything else blurred in the periphery. What a lovely way to feel on your wedding day.

Another thing I remember is that my bouquet was the most gorgeous arrangement of flowers I’ve ever seen. I LOVED them. Still do. At some point between the post-ceremony pictures and the reception, my bouquet was placed in a vase as the centerpiece for our table, unbeknownst to me. I remember saying that they were beautiful too! And someone gently informed me that they were in fact my bridal bouquet. (I did not toss that bouquet. Sorry bridesmaids, but I think I stole one of yours. Haha)

 

Well, if you’ve made it this far in my recap of one of the most beautiful days ever, you may as well keep reading about the things that have happened since then. Cason and I have lived in 3 cities in 3 years, got a puppy, got a rabbit, and that’s about it.  Kidding! But sitting here and sharing wisdom from three years of marriage sounds a little silly. I mean three years is more than one (duh), but it’s not 5 or 10 or 30. So how about I say this…with everything that we’ve experienced and learned in three years, I cannot even begin to imagine what the Lord has in store for us for the rest of our marriage. We’re just getting started, and I’m thankful for this stage of our marriage.

Thank you to everyone who believed and had faith in God’s plan for our relationship and marriage from the beginning. Thank you to those who have come along side us and stood by us to support us emotionally and otherwise. Thank you to my friends who insisted I leave Target and go home to my husband when I was upset. Thank you to the couples who intentionally give grace and mercy in their marriages and remind me to do the same. Thanks be to God, who has a bigger plan than I can even begin to fathom. And of course thanks to my husband who is still here after 3 years that included some of the toughest battles of my life. The Lord knew exactly what he was doing when he denied my heart’s desire to go to China and gave me you on a spring day in 2013. Here’s to year number four and all the growth, joy, and grace it may bring. I love you today, still.

 

became the stones

Two weeks ago today, I married the love of my life.  It’s hard to describe a day like that, so I will let the pictures do most of the talking.  However, I will say that the things I expected to care about most didn’t matter (aka, all the little details), and certain things took me by surprise.  (When my dad and I walked in during the ceremony, I was shocked to see so many people there to celebrate our wedding–one sweet surprise I will treasure…then all I could see was Cason for the rest of the ceremony.)   Ultimately, the wedding was a sweet celebration of the path we will walk down together.  Here’s a sneak peek of the photos:

wedding wednesday: the honeymoon

I planned to do a recap of the wedding shower this week, but with the chaos of grad school starting back, that post is on hold until next week (hopefully).  Coming to you this week is an overview of our honeymoon plans.  I booked all of the flights today! Hooray!  So what are we doing for our honeymoon, you ask?  Drumroll please…

We’re going on a 7-day cruise with Norwegian!

 

to Ochos Rios, Jamaica; the Grand Cayman; and Cozumel!

in the Spa MiniSuite!

We are so excited to go on our fist big vacation together!  I think a cruise is the perfect way to spend the first week of married life together! We love food and spas and adventure, and we can’t wait!

Wedding Wednesday: A guide to our registries

I’ve had lots of family and friends asking my mom what Cason and I want, to which my mom replies, “Well they are registered at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohls.”  However, I’ve heard that the response usually goes something like, “Yes, but what do they REALLY want?” So, I thought I would make a quick guide for the guests who want to know what we REALLY want.

A few quick things to give you an idea of us as a couple:

1. I am the sentimental one.  In ten years, Cason and I will be standing in the kitchen trying to get rid of old things and the conversation will go something like this:
   C: “Jess, this wooden spoon has a crack down the middle.  I will buy you another spoon if we toss this one.”
   J: “Yes, but my aunt so-and-so gave that to us for our WEDDING gift. Can we frame it?  Keep it in a box at least?”
   Moral of the story: I will cherish any and all gifts and attach sentimental value to everything.  However, I am a fan of the personal gifts–the ones that we will use forever and likely not have to toss.
2. Cason is the memory-maker and story-teller.  He likes to experience life and look back fondly on memories.  So even though including a check in a nice card may seem impersonal, he’s likely to look back on our honeymoon in 5 years and say things like, “Remember how much fun we had zip-lining on our honeymoon?”  And he will be thankful that our family and friends contributed to that experience.
3. We both like things that are practical and good for everyday use.  And we both love food!  So, organization and kitchen items are always a good fall-back.

For the Sentimental Gift-Giver:

For this type of gift, our Etsy registry is a must-see!

Decorative mirror to highlight our family name! This item can be found on our Etsy registry: http://www.etsy.com/registry/MTYwNjk3Mnw3OTAxNzc1/

A tea towel from the year of Cason’s birth is the sweetest sentimental gift for our new kitchen! http://www.etsy.com/registry/MTYwNjk3Mnw3OTAxNzc1/

A tea towel from the year of Jessica’s birth is the sweetest sentimental gift for our new kitchen! http://www.etsy.com/registry/MTYwNjk3Mnw3OTAxNzc1/

For the Practical Gift-Giver:

Many of these items can be found on our Target and Bed Bath & Beyond registries.

Stylish and functional! How could a practical gift get any better? (Target)

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/organizer-rack/1011197345?skuId=11197345&registryId=10741783

One can never have too many bath towels! Check out our Target registry for a list of our favorites!

Though they aren’t the prettiest, these cabinet drawers will certainly help me guide Cason to the item he’s hunting. “It’s the second drawer from the left, honey!” http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/simple-solutions-reg-cabinet-drawer/120640?skuId=16722588&registryId=10741783

While the rine rack Fridge Binz is probably the most fitting for me, we have several options on our Bed Bath & Beyond registry that make organizing the fridge a breeze.

For the Best of Both Worlds:

These are probably some of our favorite gifts on the list, and we will likely use them for years to come!  Check out Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl’s registries for more details.

The dish that Jessica will cook all of her lasagnas and Thanksgiving sweet potato casseroles in. http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/product_page.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=984546&prd_cd=984546&skucode=92433923&listId=2608466&listItemId=92433923&listItemType=SKU&quantity=1&frmPage=listView&size=&listType=registry&registryName=Jessica%20%26%20Cason&shipToID=600000012289006233&registryType=0&registryID=2608466&color=Sea

To add a more sentimental touch, pair this gift with your favorite cookbook. Be sure to include or highlight your favorite recipes! (See our Target registry for this item.)

The butter dish that we will use for years to come. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/lenox-reg-opal-innocence-8-inch-covered-butter-dish/1041566497?skuId=41566497&registryId=10741783

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/monogram-doormat-insert-in-letter-s/1016443883?skuId=16443883&registryId=10741783

As a footnote, please feel free to take advantage of each store’s savings programs!  Sign up for 20% off coupons from Bed Bath & Beyond, and use the Target and Cartwheel app for extra savings!

wedding wednesday: our venue

Though I always thought I wanted to get married in a church, when it came right down to it, this place was it!  The vision that Cason and I (mostly the latter) had dancing around in our heads was perfectly fulfilled in Vinewood Plantation.  Let’s take a quick tour, shall we?

Vinewood Plantation’s house is the first thing you see when driving onto the property. If you think the outside is gorgeous, you should see the perfectly decorated rooms on the inside! It’s going to be perfect for getting dressed with the ladies and taking lots of photos!

The back of the house is just as gorgeous! It houses rooms for the groomsmen to get ready in without spotting the bride and her bridesmaids. Also a great spot for a photo op!

The barn is the perfect place for a rustic-glam reception! I’ve seen all the fabulous ways to decorate this spot, and I can’t wait to walk in after the wedding and see how everything comes together for our special day!

Here’s one example of the inside of the decor inside the barn. How fabulous is the draping and the chandelier?

One of the many fabulous details at Vinewood includes their eclectic collection of perfectly mismatched wooden chairs. I can’t wait for my guests to sit in chairs as unique as they are! I think it’s a great image of many different people coming together to support us on our wedding day.

Wedding Wednesday: Say Yes to the Dress

This weekend I made an unexpected trip to Bridals by Lori (aka, Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta) to pick up my wedding dress. I was originally going to wait until August, but we had some extra time after our conference was over. I even got to try it on, and it fits like a glove!
I also got to meet Lori, which was pretty awesome. I’m still waiting to meet Monte, but I’m gonna make it happen for sure!

Wedding Wednesday: #VowVoxBox Review

Y’all! I just got one of the most awesome boxes ever from Influenster!  If you haven’t heard about them, read the fine print below! They are pretty awesome.  Well this past week I got what they call the #VowVoxBox, which included items directed towards brides.  So, I’m going to review some of those items for you here today!

1. EcoTools Pure Complexion Facial Sponge
   
   So, I almost bought this product during one of my weekly shopping therapy sessions at Target last week.  Thankfully I didn’t, and now I get to try it for free.  Don’t be put off by the fact that it feels rough before use; it softens in water.  I think it will be just what I’ve been searching for! Further updates to come!
2. Sally Hansen Complete Spa Manicure (in Barracuda Blue)
   
   This is a go-to toe nail color for one of my good friends, and rightfully so!  It’s a fabulous color, especially for the spring and summer.  Also, it’s perfect if you’re still looking for your ‘something blue’ for the big day.
3. Olay Regenerist Tone Perfecting Cream
   
   Can I just say that my first reaction to this product was WOW! I couldn’t believe they included it in the FREE trial box.  Y’all, this product runs upwards of $30.  If you know me, you know I’m not likely to spend that much on beauty products, but I’ll always make an exception for a good moisturizer.  This gives my normal moisturizer a run for it’s money.
4. Pure Silk Shave Cream
   
   Let me be honest here: I typically go with soap when it comes to shaving.  However, this was a nice product to have in the latest VoxBox.  No complaints!
5. Tide to Go
   
   What a great item to incorporate into a wedding day survival kit. (Have y’all seen those? Aren’t they great?)  One tip, which is probably common sense: don’t use this on your wedding dress, obvi.
6. Riley & Grey Wedding Websites
   
   When I was looking at wedding websites a couple of months back, I’ll admit that Riley and Grey would have been my first choice for several reasons.  They are absolutely gorgeous while at the same time incorporating everything you could wish for in a wedding website (including a RSVP component).  However, I will warn you that the price is more than what I was willing to pay.  Check it out for yourself, of course!

Wedding Wednesday: date days

 

Last weekend Cason and I visited Homestead Heritage in Waco. We enjoyed the cafe for lunch then toured the village shops, which included the potter’s house, gristmill, forge, and fiber arts buildings. I’m hoping to go back and take some fiber arts classes in the fall, if my schedule will allow. Please check out their website for more information and enjoy our photos below! We had a truly fabulous date day (as we like to call them), and we are looking forward to going back!

A photo of us together on the bridge to visit the village shops.

Cason getting ready to enjoy his delicious peanut butter pie.

Gristmill gardens

Cason in front of the gristmill.

Cason checking out the inside of the gristmill.

Inside of the fiber arts building.

Me in front of the fiber arts building.

Side note: Expect more posts soon about my first year in graduate school as well as my upcoming study abroad trip to Costa Rica!

 

Wedding Wednesday: save the dates

My talented future mother-in-law designed our Save the Dates and sent me a proof last week! Here’s a sneak peek:

Super tiny sneak peek, but isn’t it pretty? Somehow during this busy weekend I managed to find time to order them! (Imagine that!) I cannot wait to see them in print! They should come in sometime this week, and I think it will be a pretty sweet end to a busy two weeks!  Now we just have to finalize the guest list, and as soon as this semester is over, I’m going to address these babies and get them in the mail!

It’s the little things that make everything seem real.  I mean obviously getting married is a very real thing, so I’m sure you’re wondering how it may not seem so real at times.  Well, here’s the truth: life is crazy busy and in living day-to-day with my fiancé I sometimes forget that there’s a wedding coming up and a honeymoon and a new life together.  Plus it’s so super far away (255 days, to be exact) that it’s easy to forget that it’s “coming up.”  But the save the dates are real, and they will be delivered to me so soon!  Then they will be coming your way, so be on the lookout!

Happy Wedding Wednesday!

Wedding Wednesday: the little things

It has been a crazy time with school right now, y’all, so forgive me if my posts are lacking lately.

This weekend my mom, aunt, cousin, and MOH went to an open house at my lovely venue, Vinewood Plantation.  I was super bummed that I couldn’t go with and even more bummed that I’ve barely had a spare moment to talk with them about their experience and their ideas.  But let me just say that I am SO thankful to have such patient, encouraging, supportive, and WONDERFUL people by my side during this stressful time.  Everyone has been encouraging as I struggle through my last few weeks of this spring semester, and I could not be more thankful for that.  I promise that I am thinking of you and thankful for you during this time.  I can’t wait to sit down on Skype and talk with everyone!  I know that everyone is so excited, and I can’t wait for this semester’s stress to be lifted off of my shoulders so that I can be excited too! (I mean, I am obviously excited about the wedding, but it’s hard to show it when I have 2 large papers along with several other projects and major finals here at the end of the semester.)

Another little thing: On Monday night, Cason and I stayed up SUPER late (like 2am, late) to see the lunar eclipse.  It was ah-mazing.  We mostly stayed inside and went outside every 10-15 minutes to see the progress (mostly because it was rather chilly outside).  Well when we went back out right after 2am (when the eclipse was complete), not only did we see an awesome red-colored moon, but we also saw a SHOOTING STAR.  It was incredible! It literally looked like it was shooting right towards us.  I was so excited! Apparently some other kiddos in the neighborhood thought it was pretty neat too, because we could hear them cheering in neighboring yards.  What a cool experience.  I absolutely cherish those little moments in time that cause us to pause and take it all in.

Oh, and today is mine & Cason’s first day of pre-marital counseling, eek!  We were supposed to start last week, but I think our counselor was out sick.  So here we go!

Also, I was going to add the pics that I received from the open house, but as of right now, that may or may not happen.  Check back soon!