It was Perfect.

Nearly 12 years ago Jeff and I shared Coach Burnett's Reading class. He was the shy guy that sat next to me and I was an obnoxious 13 year old who thought she was going to make him blush. We quickly became friends, only living a neighborhood apart, and always claiming other boyfriends and girlfriends in our corresponding cliques.

Jeff moved away when we were freshman in high school, and we remained phone-pals throughout our 4 years apart. We wrote letters every few weeks and he would visit every summer.

(Jeff's note in my yearbook freshman year, 2003.)

"...The year would have been empty without you. It's gonna be real hard leaving you. We gotta stay in touch ok? You're awesome and I'd hate to lose touch with you. This is redundant but o-well. Before I go I want a picture of you AIGHT. Have a great summer and life. I love you. -Jeff S."

In retrospect, I'm so glad my hoarding teenage ways had me keep all the notes and letters Jeff wrote. To look back now and know how much he loved me then, brings such faith and hope to the future that has presented itself. 

(Snail-mail letter from 2005)

"I cherish every second I get with you. You'll find Mr. Right soon. Everything happens for a reason right?...I'd love for you to be my wife...The spots open for you!"

We decided we should be 'boyfriend & girlfriend' in the summer of 2005. I figured, what have I got to loose? He's a great guy, good at sports, and he's pretty cute, too. We can totally do this long-distance thing. Within six months, we decided we would go to college together. 

As the saying goes, we've been together ever since. Over the years, Jeff has become my very best friend and the love of my life. He has made me a better person, a confident woman, and an absolute believer in true, unfailing love. He is thoughtful and gentle. He is painfully funny and too witty for his own good. He tells me I'm beautiful every, single day and likewise tells me when I'm being entirely too dramatic. He listens when I need him, and believes in my talents and dreams. I know he will take care of me for the rest of his life and I will do my best to be the wife he deserves.

The Proposal...

A few days prior, Jeff promised me dinner somewhere nice on Saturday night. After work and a little shopping, I headed home to be ready for 7. I called Jeff to tell him I would meet him at his place since he had mentioned his parents wanted to go with us. He said he'd rather pick me up in case we wanted to do something after. I wanted to see the movie Lincoln so I assumed that would be our after-dinner plans. 

At 7:10 he arrived at my apartment and told me we were meeting his parents at Rips Restaurant on the lakefront. We parked a little ways from the restaurant. His parents were 'running late' so we had some time to kill. 

Years ago, on a night after ice cream we stopped by the lakefront and came up with a genius (and dangerous) idea of walking out on one of the narrow, stone docks off the lakeside. (Picture below is a good example of what I'm talking about). I'll never forget how nervous I was that one of us would slip, but Jeff held my hand all the way to the post at the end. We had one awesome kiss and I scurried off the ledge as fast as I could!

So as we were walking to dinner, I brought up that very moment and we both reminisced on my 'scardy-cat' ways. As we approached the restaurant Jeff stopped me and simply said, 

"I need to be honest with you. The other weekend when I told you I was going fishing, I didn't"   

In my mind, I'm thinking..."Ok, buck-o. Where were you then?" 

"I was in Memphis because I had to ask your dad a question."

My heart dropped to my toes and my breath slipped away from me.

"Now, I have to ask you a question." He dropped to one knee and said the most beautiful words, "Emily, will you marry me?" 

Through my excessive shaking and borderline hyperventilating, I said "Yes!"...followed by..."Is this real?"

Then he turned to the restaurant and said, "My family isn't the only ones here either, yours is too." 

It was perfect. Everything was flawless. The love that filled the evening was insurmountable and I am beyond blessed and thankful. Jeff has truly made me the happiest girl in the world. 

My family on the balcony of the restaurant

Doing my happy dance!

So proud of my beautiful ring! 

The next day we decided to take a few pictures of the engagement spot. Thank you Shelby Wilson for being our photographer! 

The exact spot he proposed! 

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you. It is a day Jeff and I will never forget and I am excited to share our planning journey with you! Get ready belles, this blog is about to blow up! 

XOXO-

Future Mrs. Songer :) 

It's All in the Deets

The evening began in a beautifully ornate, Catholic cathedral. Equipped with a stunning bridal party and  adorable groom, the room was difficult to 'one-up.' All until the large wooden doors divided to reveal a spectacular bride. 

The ceremony was thoughtful, filled with words of love and blessings. I thought the night had peaked but this was just the beginning. The second line ended at The Ezell House where it was easy to fall in love with the tiny details harmonizing perfectly.

From the antique dining plates, floral wreaths, photos, and monograms-you felt like you were celebrating a crisp, fall evening with a pretty awesome couple. So I'll do a little less rambling and a little more demonstrating.

The courtyard was complete with floral centerpieces, festive lighting, and heaters to keep us toasty.

Lanterns brought a since of the inside, out. Rustic and beautiful! 

The 'Groom's Room' or what I like to call the 'Man Cave' was adorned with red gingham, sunflowers, poms, and coozies. So awesome, right?

A&W (Abby & Wes) root-beer,  wedding date coozies, and chicken minis at the end of the night. All great favors appreciated by the guests. 

Bar in the 'Groom's Room' garnished with Georgia and Southern Miss spirit poms! 

Perfect spot for frame pics. Me and Kristi taking advantage of a photo-op! 

The receipt from the first night Wes and Abby met. This was one of my favorites! 

Wes and Abby, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful, unique, and just-plain-fun wedding. I pray many blessings for you both and that you would grow more in love every day!

XO

He's With Me

PDA...The dreaded acronym. I'm afraid it's ruined our view of what being in love is supposed to look like. We hold back, hold hands, hold off til' we're alone.

I think it's time to have an intervention.

Couples read carefully...if you love each other...show it! Not the yucky, gropey kind...but the unconditional, gaze in his eyes, hold him close kind. On your wedding day it can be hard to avoid the groomsmen getting toasted and the caterers being late but on this day take lots'a time to love each other.

Be yourselves. Be your loving, happy, thrilled, and giddy selves. Pictures aren't for poses...they're for gaining memories that are unexpectedly and wonderfully charming.

James and Aubrey from Geoff Boothby / Landshark on Vimeo.

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Shout out to Southern Bell's newest Ad Sponsor, Pip Pip Hooray! Check out some of Pip's stylish invites and stationary by clicking the logo below. Ad Space is still available on SB! Check out the 'Support & Sponsor' tab at the top. 

It had to be You!

I've been itching to share some new DIY ideas with y'all and now I've brought the best! I'm sure on Pinterest you've come across some bridesmaid gift ideas but Ms. Analise Durr (soon-to-be Glover) has come up with some of the best!

Her 'Will You be my Bridesmaid' package has all the makings of somethin' yummy and fantastic! And best of all... affordable! Let me break it down for ya' real quick! 

This little booklet included the wedding date, dress information, and a shoe poem written by Ana...

Extra large paperclip with a simple addition of a ribbon. 

Awesome poem, right? 

Beautiful way to give your girls all the deets. 

Bridesmaid invitation complete with wedding date, location, and poem. 

Ribbon tied list of all her ladies! 

Everyone received a personalized hanger, found on Etsy, with a corresponding tag! 

Ana found it hard to resist getting one with her new last name. Precious! 

Handmade tag made with a stamp from Hobby Lobby, complete with a bow. 

The completed 'Bridesmaid Box.' So creative and thoughtful and sure to give all the belle inspiration!

Now go grab some glue-sticks and craft paper and get creative! Dream well dolls! 

Xoxo-

Belle of the Blog 

Back to the Beginning

Analise Durr may be my soul-sister when it comes to the love of all things DIY. Not only is she stunning but her creative mind might be her most beautiful attribute. Tomorrow y'all will get to see the amazing bridesmaid gifts she put together but today it's all about Ana and Jay! Now, Jay is a total dream boat, and rather than me going any further, I'm guna' let Ana do all the talking about this one in a million man...

A little bit about A&J...

Jay & I met in October 2011 through a mutual friend, and now bridesmaid, Patricia. Jay had just graduated from medical school at the University of Arkansas (Go Hogs!) and moved to Birmingham to begin his residency at UAB. We were not interested in each other at first....it was not love at first sight. He was a handsome doctor and I thought, why waste my time? He says it showed (imagine that!) and the feelings were mutual. It didn't take long for his big baby blues & delicious dimples to change my mind, maybe it was worth a shot? We went to a charity ball together in December and as they say, the rest is history.

It has been a year of mushy, gushy, sappy, dripping with sweetness, heavenly love. Contrary to my premature judgments, and although he is the most brilliant person that I have ever met, he is also kind, humble, gentle and unassuming. He is wise beyond his years, hardworking and steady. He is the opposite of me and I adore him.

Many people ask when I knew he was the one. It's hard to put my finger on it because his sweet surprises and displays of affection were a daily event that sent me flying head over heels...over and over again. I couldn't keep up! Everyday it was flowers, flowers, flowers and more flowers.

He left notes on my mirror, hidden in my pockets, spelled out in my food or on the table with knickknacks...but when did I really know? It was Valentines Day, and as any spoiled lovebird would, I expected something grand, and as predicted, it was grand. It was everything I could have imagined. Roses, chocolates, candles, music, jewelry, and a fancy dinner with expensive wine ta' boot. It was perfect and I was over the moon. Still floating from the night before, I came home from work the next day to find more gifts, more flowers, and a card that said, "Every day is Valentines Day with you." The day after Valentines Day, that's when I knew. 

The engagement...

On July 28, 2012 he sealed the deal! We got in the car to head to my 'dad's 50th birthday party.' I noticed he was taking the scenic route and after a while I knew something was fishy. We ended up in the parking lot of Centennial's Women's Hospital. He told me that we were there because it was the hospital where I was born. He got out letters from my mom, dad & brother recounting my birth & happy times.

We got in the car and drove to my first house. He read letters from my mom, dad, brother & two sisters, all composing memories from our little yellow house on the corner.

We then went to our log cabin where there were more letters, more memories, and lots and lots of tears. 

The next stop was our family farm with the final letters from each person. My mind was flooded with the sweetest memories of such a blessed upbringing.

We finally made it to Nana & Granddaddy's for the party. As we walked up I noticed the balcony full of family and friends, including Jay's mom who lives 6 hours away. We walked up to the gazebo where there were tables full of mementos from the past year. Everything, even the tiniest details had been saved. We went into the gazebo and he told me that this was the last stop, going all the way back to the beginning - because we were standing in the spot where my parents said "I do" twenty something years ago...Where it really all began!

He got down on one knee and popped the question, and of course, I said yes.

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Ok belles...pull yourselves together and wipe up your tears. Tomorrow check back to see the amazing 'Will you be my bridesmaid?' gifts Ana put together and how you can make your own. Happy Sunday sugars! 

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Hey there guys and dolls! Southern Bells is announcing a give-away and y'all are gonna love what we've got!

Meagan Duran, designer at Savage Pearl Girl is giving away a pack of six personalized cards embellished with her one-of-a-kind designs! Whether you need 'Will You Be My Bridesmaid' cards, 'Thank-You' notes or Shower Invites, Meagan will personalize the lettering and color of the card to your specific needs!

So all you gots'ta do is follow Southern Bells Wedding on Twitter and retweet our latest tweet about this giveaway! Click below...

Winner will be announced next Saturday, October 22! 

Coming up this weekend...Pics from the coolest photographer south of the Mason-Dixon line and an engagement tell-all from Ms. Kayla Gauthreaux!

Sleep tight sugar-bears!

Throw A Flag!

With a shower 'round the corner, I spent today doing a little crafting for centerpieces! So I thought I'd share my DIY spirit flags! The best part is, these can be made for any event...football get-togethers, baby showers, or high school graduations. Just pick out your colors in scrapbook paper and pull out the craft supplies!

The invite was my first inspiration...

Step One: 

3 inch triangle base cut with a straightedge using a ruler as my guide.

Step Two:

Glue stick about 3/4s the way up beginning at the point to the base. You can turn and mold the paper to give it a little wave once the glue is applied. Leave the base without glue. 

Step Three: 
Hot glue a kabob skewer between the unglued craft paper.

I thought the final product was a little plain so I pulled out some jute to ad one more touch...

Step four:
Punch holes at the top and bottom of the flags and tie jute knots.

So cute right? Put two or three flags in a mason jar with flowers and you've got the perfect centerpiece!

With the extra flags I spruced up a gift bag!

Y'all have a wonderful week and get excited...Southern Bells and Savage Pearl Girl are pairing up for a hand crafted card giveaway very soon!