Saturday, October 19, 2013

What•I•Wore: Engagement Pictures Edition

Happy Saturday!!! Today I'm just going to dive right in and let you know all the things I learned through the process of planning for and shooting engagement pictures. Like most things in life... it wasn't quite as I had pictured. I had several outfit choices picked out, thought we would have all this time to get ready before, and that we would be in no rush: false. Our visit to see my grandparents and make wedding plans was a complete blur. We spent most of our time running around like crazy people and that didn't exclude our Sunday afternoon engagement pictures. 

Sunday started with church, then going to brunch at our wedding venue and meeting with the planner, then running straight home to grab our clothes and head out the door to the hour drive to where we were having photos done. I had three outfits in the car and the dress on that I wore to church that morning. Contrary to what I thought the weather would be like, we were dealing with 90 degree temps in early October: CRAZY! Needless to say, the cute sweater, scarf, and boots I had brought with me didn't get put to use.

Once I got over the fact that I wouldn't be having traditional fall engagement pictures, things fell into place. I kept my church dress on and changed into my metallic heels to jazz it up. As you can see the pictures with this look are the ones we liked most. I was a little disappointed that a lot of our pictures ended up looking similar, but the fact that I do like these so much totally makes up for it.





Then we moved into our next look, I had a lightweight tweed jacket from Jcrew with me and my favorite Gap jeans.  I knew I wanted some photos by the water, so I opted for something more casual as we changed scenery. While I was sweating bullets, I knew that I needed to use something that would translate the photos to a different season. I didn't get too hot during that last hour, but I definitely would schedule photos a little later in the year if we could do it all over again.

What I learned through this process: schedule your photos for a time with more definite weather (fall, spring, summer, winter... not the in between months), don't get too attached to your outfit choices, have your pinterest ideas with you (don't think that winging it will get you all the photos you want), don't be up tight (it will show in pictures), opt for a neutral palette for color choices (add a pop of color here and there to match your taste, but don't go crazy!), have a conversation with your photographer leading up to the appointment to discuss your wants and needs, and lastly wear what you are comfortable in!

Overall, I am pleased with our photos. We didn't get all the looks we wanted, we didn't have perfect weather, and my hair didn't always want to cooperate. We did have fun with them though and get to know our photographer better, and that's all that matters.

Now the big decision: what to use for Save the Dates???? Any ideas? Feel free to comment below with your favorite photo to help us in making a decision.

One more tidbit of info: WEDDING PLANNING IS NOT ALL BLISS, but when you keep that in mind and keep your head in the right place.... it becomes a lot easier to manage!

Have a great weekend & thanks for reading!!!

First Look:
Belt: Target
Heels: Jcrew, similar
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelet: Target

Second Look:
Jacket: Jcrew Factory, similar
Top: Jcrew, similar
Jeans: Gap

PS- these images are property of Kelly Phillips Photography. Visit here for more photos and if you are in the Eastern Shore area in search of an amazing photographer!



Sunday, October 13, 2013

Hunting for Foxes


Vest: TJMaxx, love this one || Sweater: Old Navy || Boots: Hunter via Nordstrom || 
Pants: Jcrew || Bracelet: Target: (only available in store at this time) || 
Watch: Michael Kors || Necklace: Jcrew || Lippie: Candy Yum Yum


I have been craving these boots FOREVER!!!! I don't know why I kept pushing them aside on my list of wants... but on our trip last week we stopped at Tyson's Corner and the one thing I was not leaving without was a pair of Hunters! I went in kind of leaning toward the hunter green color or poppy red, but when I started trying on I realized that with this being my first pair I wanted to go simple. I can tell you now that I am in LOVE! I actually do want another pair already (probably going to hold off until spring), but I am so happy I went with basic black! I do recommend going with the sponge (it's like 5 dollars, why not?) if you like a shiny look. With the boots being molded rubber, they grab everything, so you really have to keep them clean.

I've been a little negligent with blogging this past week. Life really caught up with me since we were gone for several days and I decided I needed a little break. I am; however, always very consistent with OOTD shares on instagram so feel free to follow along for daily updates. 

We had an amazing time on our trip last week! I will be doing a couple posts on what we were up to while away and also a post dedicated to "What to Wear" for engagement photos. I learned a lot through that process that I wish I had known, so I'm looking forward to passing that along. 

I hope you have a fabulous day and if you are off tomorrow as well to celebrate Mr. Columbus, Cheers!

thanks for reading!





Monday, October 7, 2013

Peplum

Top: Target|| Denim:Gap || Booties: Steven by Steve Madden ||
Bag: Tory Burch, similar || Sunnies: Forever 21, Similar ||
Watch: Michael Kors || Pearls: Jcrew || Bracelet: Tory Burch, similar


 
 
I've always been a sucker for peplum since the trend started so when I found this top last week at Target, I fell in love! It is almost identical to one I saw at Jcrew over the summer and came in at half the price.  Stripes in classic colors are always hard to say no to and I just think this top is so classic. Peplum can be difficult to pull off and to me it seems like the waist is always either too long or short and hits in all the wrong places. The peplum hem on this top is understated enough that it creates just enough shape to be a statement piece, but doesn't look overdone.
 
On the flipside, I haven't always been an ankle bootie fan. I feel like they typically create a shorter line and make your legs look stumpy. When I saw these at TjMaxx, the leather was so beautiful I thought I should just try them on for kicks (who doesn't like shoe shopping just for the heck of it?). I was almost floored when I found myself actually liking them! The dip in the front creates a longer line so the leg doesn't seem to stop right at the ankle. I don't think I'll be buying many more, but I am glad to find a flattering way to wear this trend.  
 
In life news: What a week!!! Luke and I are currently in Delaware visiting my grandparents and doing some wedding planning! It's been pretty jam-packed, but we have had a blast so far. We spent Sunday after church touring our venue and having our engagement pictures done. My grandparents are from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and recently moved within the last couple years to Delaware. Since I have so much history in their hometown, I decided I wanted our engagement photos to be taken there. We spent several hours moving from spot-to-spot and I think we captured some really great photos. Seeing Luke learn how to pose in pictures was definitely entertaining. I think that is something that a lot of guys struggle with and watching him warm up to the camera was really nice to see.



I hope you had an amazing weekend! We will be traveling back to Tennessee on Tuesday and would appreciate prayers for safe travels. (It's a 10 hour drive) I will also be doing a few posts on our travels and OOTD's so keep your eyes peeled!
 
Thanks for  reading!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin

Blazer: Level 99 via Anthropologie (old) similar here || 
Button Down: Jcrew(old) similar here || Jeans: Gap Skinny, here || 
Flats: Jcrew Factory, here || Pearls: Jcrew || Watch: Michael Kors || 
Sunnies: Ava Tortie || Bag: Dooney & Bourke Vintage 



{Sunday: my favorite day of the week; the day I always spend quality time with Luke; the day I can make my Jesus time a little bit more intense; the day that I become completely humbled by the blessings in my life)

So, I'm sure I'm not the only gal obsessed with Sunday Funday. Sunday is the day I look forward to most and the day that never disappoints. This past Sunday, Luke and I went to lunch after church and then made our way to the pumpkin patch. I always look forward to doing child-like things with Luke because he really is just a big kid at heart. Anything fall related gets him in his happy place. I can remember when we first started dating the stories he would tell about this search for the great pumpkin that one of the local radio stations puts on in his little hometown. People literally get fired up and go out on a chase for a hidden pumpkin. The location it is hidden changes each year and a clue is given out over the air each day that when pieced together gives the message on where to find the pumpkin. From what I've heard, miss one clue... and you're out. This is also where Luke got his nickname: Charlie. Not just because of the great pumpkin reference, but because Charlie Brown is Luke in cartoon form. {Literally!}

We had the best time that day: petting the farm animals, finding our way through the maze, going on a hayride, and picking out our pumpkins. I really wish I could go back everyday until fall is over because I found my little piece of heaven there. Until next year though, we will have to tide ourselves over with other fall activities. 

What are your favorite fall traditions? 





Luke and I leave early Saturday morning to visit my grandparents. I couldn't be more excited. Sunday we will be having our engagement pictures made and then doing some other wedding arrangements on Monday. I am called "Little Harriette" in my family because I am so much like my Nana, so I'm sure you can gather what a great experience planning a wedding with her assistance has been and will continue to be. Luke and I have been so blessed thus far to relish in the memories and small moments that make engagement so sweet. He does a wonderful job of always keeping me grounded and I couldn't be more grateful for that solid ground. 

Have a happy Friday!!!! It's almost the weekend! 



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Leopard in Love

Jacket: Express, love this one || T-shirt: Jcrew || Skirt: Express, similar  
|| Leopard Pumps: Anne Klein, similar here  || Sunnies: Ava Tortie |
Watch: Michael Kors  || Necklace: Zara, similar || Bag: Louis Vuitton


Leather, stripes, black, and white: MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN! I wore this last Saturday when Luke and I spent the evening with his parents browsing the Titanic museum and shopping for clothes for engagement pictures. I can't really pick a favorite piece, but I guess the stand-out would be the shoes... I found these last week at a re-sale shop in my hometown... 9.99!!! STEAL, right? I have been wanting true leopard pumps for quite some time now and have had my eye on the Jcrew Collection ones... but not looking to pay $300. I found the perfect pair! Leopard is so classic so I know these bargain babies will be in my collection for a long time to come. 


So, real talk... Things have been a little crazy around here lately... Between work, recovering from a stomach bug, and trying to get out of town... I've been pretty MIA. Given the importance of the above, I think we can look the other way just this once. I am incredibly excited to be visiting my family this weekend and having our engagement pictures done. We leave Saturday and will be back Tuesday. Definitely not long enough, but I will just have to make it work for now. 



{Luke & I at the Titanic Museum}

I will be back on schedule here-go forward, so be on the look-out for new posts in the coming days. I hope the week is treating you well! 

P.S.- Go get your flu shot! 'Cause we all no "Ain't Nobody Got Time for that this year!"
P.S.S.- It's breast cancer awareness month, get your pink on and sign up for a Komen Race!



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