#forthecake

What did I do before etsy? I mean seriously.

This is by far, one-hundred percent, absolutely the happiest cake topper ever - I can't imagine a better topper for our red velvet wedding cake.

THIS is Dillon and I.

Wedding Timeline

Here's the Brown-wedding rough-draft timeline. I saw something similar on pinterest and had to create my own. While nothing is set in stone, creating this schedule makes the six-week away celebration feel so much more real! 

How did you or someone you know document yours/their big day? Any tips for a helpless Bride?

Real Trees

Oh, my! Despite the confused temperature outside, it is the holiday season. With that said it our abode is gradually becoming more and more Christmassy as the days pass.

We have a real tree in the den, lights on the porch, and eggnog in the fridge. Life is blissful at The Diva Den.

Below are a few instas of our Christmas-filled home. Be spirit-filled with the glowing happiness!


Disclaimer: We call our home The Diva Den because 1) we are all divas, and 2) it makes us laugh.

You're the Cat's Pajamas

When it comes to buying Christmas gifts, I don't know what people did before the internet. I mean, I see the joy (by joy, I mean stress) in only finding your prized possessions at the store, but I just couldn't handle the havoc of that. 

Something that has really aided me this holiday season is Esty. I mean, it is the most diverse, fun and spunky collection of goodies around. Check out this print that's only $16.00! I am amazed at the adorableness and quirky design. I only wish I had someone to give this too.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82149618/hand-lettered-typography-art-from-the?ref=hp_tt_yt


What are you finding online this holiday season? Or are you one of the brave souls who treks to the store for every last present?

There is pleasure

If this quote doesn't make you just want to dive into the woods and enjoy it for all it's worth, I don't know what will. Especially in December when the environment is cozy and calls for cuddling, nature shows us its impeccable beauty. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/87896005/pathless-woods?ref=hp_tt_yt

For when I get married...

Happiness Captured

Well, guess what?  Dillon and I can be cute... sometimes ;)

Here are a few of our fun and festive and sometimes awkward engagement pictures, photographed by the lovely w & e photographie. Wesley and Emma are a cute, delightful and fun married couple based in Birmingham, Alabama. Enjoy!

"Marry Christmas"

As Dillon and I embark on our engagement, we are exploring the many goodies that come: engagement pictures (to post... eventually), save the dates (posted... now - YAY), and other giddy "we're finally getting married" galore. Gah, this time in our relationship is so very happy.

Except for planning the whole wedding thing, I really enjoy being engaged to marry the most fantastic man, who also happens to be my very best friend.

Attached is our "Save the Date" card. I was chatting with my mom a few weeks prior about how thrilled I am for next Christmas so Dillon and I can send out "Merry Christmas from the Brown Family" cards. (Seriously, I can't wait) and then she came up with the most brilliant idea: sending Save the Date Christmas cards!

It didn't take long for me to jump on board - seriously, I was all in instantly. And as I planned on what it would say I realized instead of saying "merry" I could substitute it for "marry!" Creative, right? And pinterest didn't even have to provide me with the idea! HUZZAH.

So, drumroll... I finally made the cards, and they make me beyond excited!

Below you'll see a picture of the card itself and a link to our spirited save-the-date notice. Oh, happy day!

I hope everyone has a safe and jolly Thanksgiving filled with a delicious sweet potato casserole and sinful-tasting baked goods!

Be blessed.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZNWjRk2ZMmznI&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET

Photograph by: wephotographie.com

The Rock

A best friend of mine ran in The Color Run with me this summer. We drove four hours to Louisville, Kentucky and stayed for the weekend with her aunt and uncle.

Immediately I felt at home. The people who welcomed us into their home were perfect. They had fun, enjoyed life, and lived in a stunning condo with the view of the city. Aunt Jane has fine taste for glass art, and Uncle John has mastered the art of cooking eggs In a cup.

Needless to say, sharing the weekend with them, and my dear friend Laura, was a taste of heaven. The reason I am now blogging about this weekend is to show you Aunt Jane's ring. Her ring is probably (I mean definitely) the most gorgeous ring I have ever seen (assuming MY ring isn't in the running, of course.) Aunt Jane inherited her jewels from Uncle John's grandmother.

Before I unveil the precious, I would like to mention a couple things. The purchaser of the ring bought these during The Great Depression. How crazy is that? I would also like to note that her husband has passed away, so she was living life and buying diamonds on her own during the worst economic crisis of American history. And lastly, I had the chance to put these on my hand. Crazy right?

Now, please cast your eyes on this 5 carat vintage ring. Life is beautiful.

It's a nice day for a white wedding

One of my very best friends was married this weekend. Every little detail was blissfully perfect. Kendra married her best friend and soulmate, Andrew. They, like Dillon and me, were high school sweethearts.

Kendrew (my new nickname for their union) gathered at a quaint outdoor venue on a beautiful fall day. They exchanged their vows, took communion and danced the night away. I have never been to a wedding so full of love and life.

Things I learned being a bridesmaid:
1.) all that matters is the couple
2.) it is not about the wedding, but the marriage
3.) the bride deserves the very best, and if it means stomping up bleachers to shut off the PA of a peewee football game next door: do it.
4.) bring dancing shoes
5.) have good posture, you never know when your photo is being taken and better to look good candid than look a slob
6.) don't assume you're strong enough not to cry, chances are you will and it won't be pretty - embrace it.

Here's the the beautiful wife, Mrs. Andrew Donahoo - what a stunning bride you were, and I am so thrilled you will be spending the rest of your life with such a catch!