Preparing Hearts

Looks like another gent fell victim to a beautiful, blonde, southern belle. Learn a little about Caroline, Westley and all their wedding details only on Southern Bells!

What southern staples make you drool?

Mashed potatoes and mac n cheese. Both veggies right? We'll pretend.

Where are your heart stickers on the US map? 

Charleston, St. Augustine (a lot of Westley’s family that I love live here so we visit every summer), and it may sound silly but, I love Myrtle Beach! My family has a home there so lots'a

fun memories have been created at the beach.

3 things we'd find in your closet...

I’m sort of a plain jane, hehe! If I find a shirt that I like, I buy it in 3 different colors. Other than my solid tops, I love a good sundress! However, if I could just be totally honest about it all, I am the happiest in my nike shorts and a t-shirt! Norts never get old. One in every color, please! 

What was the first thing you did to plan for your wedding?

Other than picking our wedding date 30 minutes after Westley’s proposed; I called and booked the reception venue the next day! I've always loved the Springdale House and knew I had to snatch it up quick!

Thoughts on wedding colors?

Aqua and Coral!

Did you take anyone special with you dress shopping?

Mom and I decided to run in Bella Vista and browse one day. After about 30 minutes, I had found the dress…and it was on sale!

Any areas you've been able to save some moolah?

I’ve found some great websites via Pinterest for buying burlap, mason jars, and paper lanterns in bulk for a great price! And, of course my dress! 

Give the readers your best advise about wedding planning...

If I could give any advice it would be to enjoy the planning process but don’t forget to prepare your heart for marriage. Being engaged is not only a time to prepare for the wedding but to prepare your heart to be united to one another for a lifetime! A dear friend of mine gave me the book, Inviting God to Your Wedding and I would recommend it to any bride. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the hoopla that comes with planning for the actual day, but honestly none of that will matter. I will marry the love of my life on July 28th and even if it rains on my day, even if the bouquets aren't exactly right, even if no one else even shows up, God will be present at our wedding and He will be glorified…and that is all that matters to us.

Caroline, thank you for sharing your deets and wisdom with us! Southern Bells wishes you all the luck in your planning and a marriage full of love and adoration.

10 Things

During a 'catch-up' call with my sweet friend Dania, the little lady inspired me to make a '5 Things' post. As the author of The Pink Smashbox Blog, she asked her readers to post their top 5 things that make them most happy.

Now I know, you are expecting some post about wedding-what-nots but how's about a little somethin' different? I sat down to consider some options and of course, I couldn't consolidate - so without further ado, below are 10 Things that make this belle tick...

1.

 Picnics! I've only been on one in my life but I imagine it would be reminiscent of the good ol' days.

2.

Hunter Wellies. The only thing that makes me excited about rain is the promise of wearing these waterproof wonders!

3.

Schnauzers! I fell in love 14 years ago to a black schnauzer named Barkleigh. How can you resist these bearded pups? 

4.

A clean room. Yes, I enjoy cleaning. A part of me finds it therapeutic. Another part of me contributes it to my mother. Saturday's were cleanin' days and your bed better be made before she gets home! 

5.

Colors of Fall. Reminiscent of my drive home from college through the Tennessee mountains. The closer to home, the brighter the colors.

6.

Surprises! Simply put...I love them. 

7.

Planning. Wedding planning, event planning, party planning. I love it all. Turning someone's vision into a reality makes me giddy! This blog is my brain's sketchbook to ideas, galore! 

8.

Merridee's Chicken Salad Sandwich. Oh baby. This Franklin, TN bakery featured in Southern Living's: The South's Best Bakeries serves up the best chicken salad on egg bread in the south! nom. nom.

9.

Gas lanterns. A dash of New Orleans mixed with rustic warmness (equals) perfection. 

10.

Franklin, TN. My hometown. Filled with antebellum homes, a beautiful downtown, great bakeries and pubs, scenic outskirts, and musicians to boot. 

Thank you Dania for this inspiring idea! I recon when it really comes down to it, it's not my phone-laptop-or ipod that makes me most happy. It's the smaller things in life we tend to look over. The lunches with good friends, road trips, rainy days, and the contentment of a tidy room.

Take a little time today and write down your '5 Things,' or '10 Things' in my case. It'll make ya smile, I promise!

Little Hint or Total Surprise?

This weekend, I put on a cutesy new top, slipped on my cowboy boots and hopped into Jeff's truck. We met up with our friends, John and Jill for yummy margaritas, chips and queso, and the best enchiladas I've had in a hot minute!

Our conversations consisted of our Easter break, a group trip to Memphis, and upcoming business ventures. In the mix of it all, Jill asked my opinion on ring shopping. As many of you know, Jeff and I have been together for quite a while and I occassionally get asked, "When are y'all getting engaged?" to which I respond, "If you find out, don't tell me!"

I like surprises...No, no...I love surprises. That feeling you get when your heart jumps, and you laugh and cry uncontrollably. I. Love. That. Feeling. I may not love the awkward faces I make when showing my emotion but it's all worth it to me!

But, I know all belles are different. The element of surprise can make some anxious and uneasy. If you read the last page first in a book, you might be one of these people. And a lot of us girls would rather have a little input in the outcome of a surprise like an engagement. As far as a ring, you know what you like and you want it!

Here's the deal. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer to ring shopping. If y'all are both on the same page, do what'ya want! But as for me, all my beau needs to know is my ring size! (Which is a 5 1/2 if anyone wants to pass that tid-bit along)

And if all else fails, casually leave your 'Dream Ring' Pinterest board up on your computer when he stops by. Gotta get smart with it, belles!

Now, help a sister out. I want to know your opinion on all this hoop-la! Do ya want to go shopping with your beau for the rock or let him do the honors?

 Let me know what you prefer! Comment below and let your opinion be heard!

Have a wonderful week, loves! Be happy, smile often, love everyone!
xox