Christmas came early!

So I apologize in advance and forgive you all if you choose to scroll right past this post, BUT it is OUR family blog and since Kenny and I are Cowboys fans, we MUST celebrate ; ) Not only did the Cowboys bring home a HUUUUUUUGE win tonight, they clinched the division (and successfully knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs – an added bonus!). Let’s just say for a team that wasn’t predicted to have a winning season, it’s turned out to be a fabulous one! Now I just need everyone else to get off their website so I can order my NFC EAST DIVISION CHAMPIONS shirt! Love you all ; )

BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVERRRRRR!

Annual Santa pictures

Every year, I take the puppies to see Santa at Concord Pets (formerly Cutter’s Mill). They always tell Santa how good they’ve been (they aren’t lying either!) and Santa always delivers on Christmas day! Last year, Belvedere was small enough to sit on Santa’s lap but he has outgrown that stage quickly.

{2014}

Here is last year’s picture for your viewing pleasure!

{2013}

So this just happened…

I had just finished decorating the tree, put the candy canes on and stood up after putting the tree skirt around the base to literally watch the tree fall right in front of my eyes. I know Belvedere looks incredibly guilty in this picture and had I not watched it happen, he probably would've been blamed but I can attest that the dogs had NOTHING to do with the tree falling. He just came to see what happened ; )

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I think I did both!

But the tree is back up and redecorated.

Seeing each other

Kenny and I decided we wanted to see each other before our ceremony for several reasons (ok, I decided…he could probably care less!). First and foremost, since our ceremony and reception were at the same location, there was no “extra” time between for lots of pictures in between. Quite frankly, we allowed plenty of time before the ceremony for pictures and STILL ran out of time (mainly because it was soooo HOT and we had to keep taking air breaks). Anyway, I knew walking down the aisle was going to be emotional enough (and it was!), I didn’t want the added pressure of us seeing each other for the first time.

In the hustle and bustle of “setting up the shot” and it being so hot, I lost sight of how I wanted our First Look to happen and it completely didn’t go the way I imagined…it was sort of anti-climatic to be honest with you. BUT, it’s okay because we had our moment later on in the privacy of the bridal suite (more on that later)…so while it wasn’t caught on film, it is forever etched in my memory ; )

I originally planned for it to be just Kenny and I when we first saw each other as I know Kenny gets overwhelmed with too many eyes on him (I was totally right!)…and we totally did it backwards…in reality, I should have approached him because it seemed like it took him FOREVER to finally come around the corner and at that point, everyone was just watching for his reaction. NOT the best plan, but alas…it still made for some good laughs!

Okay, is that it?? Haha.

Up next…ceremony!!

Getting Ready

Our day began bright and early with Starbucks, all my best girls, and a message from the cutest godson in the world!

 

Two girls {sisters} I went to high school with arrived bright & early for hair and make up. We  all took turns and just hung out. Not a single nerve was in existence (unless you’re counting Mom!). I was just enjoying the relaxation, quiet, and pampering before the whirlwind began…because once it started, it didn’t stop!

Before I knew it, it was time to slip on my dress and officially become a bride! From that moment forward, time slipped away and I will be forever grateful to have pictures and our wedding video to always look back on. From the second I slipped into my dress, I simply could not stop smiling. My dream of being his bride had finally come true!

Suddenly, it was time to go meet my groom…

Wedding Gallery

For those of you interested in seeing EVERY SINGLE picture taken at the wedding or possibly ordering any prints, please visit our photographer's website. On the bottom will be a link to Client Proofing. Password is VanBarriger. Enjoy!

And for the rest of you...I will be putting up recaps in the coming days! First up...getting ready!!

Fresh Start

It's been over two years since I shared anything on this little 'ol blog of mine, but its about time that changes! SOOO much has happened in our lives and I'm truly disappointed I didn't keep up with documenting it. Exciting things are always happening in life and I'm going to make sure I always have a way for us to look back on it.

I'll be sharing wedding recaps, house renovations, and just daily life happenings here so sit back, relax, and enjoy our journey ; )