Back in Time-The Wedding

As promised, I shall now recount all the beautiful details of our Wedding Day.

The Date: November 7, 2011

 

As many well know, this is the same date my

great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents

were married. This was my

"something blue"

on the inside of my wedding dress. All of our

initials with our respective wedding years.

The Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Alabaster

 

 

 

The church I grew up in and the place where

David and I still attend church. Jack was

dedicated here in June 2013.

 



The Reception: Magnolia Springs Manor, Helena



Beautiful southern home built in 1875.

The First Dance: Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley





I couldn't think of a more perfect song

to celebrate our first dance as husband and wife.

Complete with surprise "dip" at the end!

 



The Cakes: Debbie Hall

 

Hers: White Cake with Buttercream Frosting

     His: Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

and Filling. Garnished with Peanut Butter Cups.



My very talented aunt listened to all my ideas

and created the two most delicious and

beautiful wedding cakes. Still tasted delicious

one year later!

 

 

The Dress: Pronovias from Bella Couture in Mt. Laurel

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bouquet: Brooches and Jewels.

 

 

 

Along the bottom I had pictures of each of the generations that were married this day.

Here you can see my parents and David and I.

This was my

"something old".

From all the ladies in my family.

This is also where I carried my sorority badge.

 

The Flowers: White hydrangeas and handmade paper rose boutonnieres.



 

The Décor: Rhonda Brantley.

 

The Photographer: Kellen Jacob Photography



 

Every little girl dreams of her wedding day. Who? When? Where? How? For me, it was the day I had always dreamed of. From the prince, to the dress, to the church, and right down to every little embellishment on the pew. 

Last Post, September 2011

Here I am! Back again. Revisiting this great space so graciously created for me by a lovely friend, Rhonda Brantley.

Since my last post, much has happened...

We got MARRIED!!

 

Thus, the original purpose for this blog! I promise to go back to that very special day and share my experiences as I catch you up on life.

 

 

We had a gorgeous honeymoon in Ocho Rios, Jamaica!

 

 

 

 

 

Five months later, we found out we were expecting our first baby

(we had to take three test before we believed it)!

 

 

Then we found out it was a boy. Jack was on his way!

 

 

And on December 14, 2012, our sweet blessing was born.

Jack David McLaughlin

The serious nature of my face

in this picture does not show my true excitement, but hey,

I was in a lot of pain!

 It's our first family photo... I had to share!

 

 

So, in the last (almost) eight months since that last photo was taken (and especially since September 2011) life has seen many changes. We have been on the most incredible journey you could ever imagine. Our life with Jack is crazy, exciting, sleep deprived, and super fun! And I can't wait to update you on all of it!

 

 



 

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

We've been busy with planning, so it's been a while since I've updated although I have TONS of ideas, experiences I want to share! For today...

Some bouquets I love!

I love how romantic this one looks. The blushes, the frills, and the beading around the clutch!

You will start to see a similar theme with the peonies. They just show beautifully in any arrangement. Only one problem for me... spring flower!

Just love the classic elegance of this white roses. I love how open the blooms are...

...and MY FAV of all! Love the pink, blush, and cream! Love how large it is! Love the little accent twigs! Just love it!!

Very unique and whimsical looking! Perfect for spring!

Also love the classic elegance of this one.

 

Again, the peonies. If David and I were having a spring wedding this would be my bouquet!

I'm sure my bouquet is going to be as lovely as any of these. Hope all my "wedding planners" are taking note! Final decisions to come... :)

Every Good Hostess Needs Them, But Does She Have Them?

LINEN NAPKINS!

I got a new white set today as another wedding gift. Our friends and family have already been so generous in showering us with gifts and we are so excited about all our new things. Thank you, Sharon Hopkins, for such a nice surprise. I will us them and think of you always!

I haven't gotten a good picture of the linens yet, but you can view them on the Pottery Barn website here.

Our First Vacation!

So, since we started dating there hasn't been much time to take off and get out of town. With work and so many social obligations that come with a new relationship and especially an engagement our calendars have remained booked. ...and with much joy might I add, but this past weekend we got to do one of the things we've been wanting to do! We got to spend a full 72 hours together, uninterrupted, just enjoying each others company. We took off Saturday evening headed to Atlanta for a quick, but glorious two and one half days of fun and relaxation!

On Our Way!

Day 2 was highlighted by an all day trip to Six Flags. It was a little chilly and there were plenty of clouds, but we brought along our own "sunshine" and made it a great day! It's unfortunate that we didn't get any pictures after riding Thunder River and the Log Ride because we were two little drowned rats.

  

Riding the Swings!

That evening we decided to get ready to go to dinner, but after leaving the hotel thought that it would be more fun to rent movies and eat Sonic in our room. So that's what we did! ...and we enjoyed every second.

As day 3 began, it was time to head to the Georgia Aquarium. WHAT an experience if you've never done it!

Sitting in front of the 6 million gallon fish tank!

All in all, the only thing that could have made our first vacation better was if it had been longer. The honeymoon can't get here fast enough!!



Heading Home!

Forever could never be long enough for me...

What a perfect song!

Our First Wedding Gifts!

We got our first wedding gifts today! SO exciting!!

Monogrammed Napkins

...and

Monogrammed Nightlight

Thank you, Mark and Dana Whitlock, for such a lovely gift! It is so exciting to see our monogram on something. It just makes it all feel so real!  These will definitely be put to good use. :)