5 Things...

Well'p y'all...It's time for this Tennessee native's first hurricane. Yep, Isaac has forced me indoors for the past two days and I'm getting antsy from utter boredom.

I know a lot of my readers are in the path of this grumpy guy so I thought I'd tell you the 5 things that's making my time worthwhile.

(one.)

Looks like I got the new Southern Living magazine just in time! This issue features the best college football tailgating spots and yummy food to go along with it. So good.

(two.)

My new favorite chap-stick is this Maybelline Baby Lips. They come in about 5 different colors but these are the two I picked at Target... hot pink and cherry red. They look awesome on my smackers! 

(three.) 

I've been practicing my 'mod-calligraphy' during extended time on the couch. I'm using a fine point sharpie and bolding all the down strokes. The swirls and flags are extra touches to add a little pizzazz! 

(four.)

I couldn't resist grabbing The Hunger Games before the storm began Tuesday. Consequently, I've been rocking the side braid since. Team Katniss. 

(five.)

Nothing gets you through a gloomy day like good ole' mac-n-cheese. I'll be nursing on this batch until it's all gone. Nom. Nom.

(one to grow on.)

I've been doing some online shopping for some Scentsy gifts. If you're totally behind the times...these are the best smelling things next to Yankee Candles! They even have a 'Bride that is Beautiful' scent. Check out my sweet aunt's page by clickin' on the pic!  

What are y'all doing to stay dry? Any good reads or recipes? Online shopping? Holler at us with your 5 things! 

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!

Enchanted

It was early November, 75 degrees, and not a cloud in sight. The chairs were placed perfectly and the chandeliers were hanging from the oaks as if an extension of the moss covered limbs. As the candles were lit, and the petals floated down the aisle, it all began to sink in. Lauren and Stephen were getting married. In a matter of moments, she would walk arm-in-arm with her father, and I would be fighting back the the great flood that was my tears.

She was beautiful. It was beautiful. Hints of green, cobalt blue, and Southern Proper magnolia ties excited any love-loving guest and the reception wasn't one to disappoint. Walking through the great wooden doors of Chesterton Square, attendees were greeted with a colorful candy bar, an amazing groom's cake, heart-melting hydrangea centerpieces, and the best New Orleans dishes begging for your immediate consumption (of which I obliged).

The night ended with lots of dancing, lots of laughs, lots of cake, and a few cocktails (you pick the white lie on that list). Lauren and Stephen were showered with hundreds of white petals as they hopped in a Rolls Royce and departed to the beginning of their new life. Now enough of my mushy recollection...it's time for you to experience this wedding yourself. Go ahead, scroll on.

(Psst...Click on any photo for instant zoom and slideshow) 

Something blue. 

Game day prep! 

 

Hunter Wellies? Yes, please. 

Bridesmaids in monogrammed button-ups. Simply adorable. 

Mother of the bride, Mrs. Cindy Poche.

Sister-love.

All the deets.

Delta Gam.

First look.

Ah... the Rolls. 

Cake pull! 

Wedding Planner/Florist: Bobbi Rice
Photographer: Robby Klein
Bride's Hair and Make-up: Paris Parker Aveda Salon
Bridal Party Hair/Make-up: Emily Maurer
Cake: Cocoa Bean Bakery 
Rolls Royce: Avenue Limousine in New Orleans
Men's Ties: Southern Proper
Bride's Outfit: Bridal Boutique of Baton Rouge, Manolo Blahnik, Hunter Wellington

Rings: Aucoin Hart