Florida Nutshell

The last few weeks have been so full. I finally feel like I can sit down to summarize what's been going on now that we've seen all of our family and celebrated new nephews, birthdays and a wedding.

We just finished visiting Florida and are stopped in Memphis on our way back to the Chicago-area. It was great to have two full weeks of summer-like days with my family in Florida. We sweated it out at my sisters' volleyball games and my dad made hamburgers on the grill. I was able to take Kurt for his first Gulf of Mexico experience at St. George Island and it doesn't get much better than big fluffy clouds, just the right amount of sunshine and an empty beach. We built barricades against the waves, tried to dig up crabs and ate at BJ's - one of three restaurants on the island. We waited for the sunset while I showed him around the historic Apalachicola, a place that to me will always speak of seafood festivals and parades.

My dear friend Kaitlyn got married in Destin this past weekend and it was the best way to end our time in Florida. It was such a fun wedding to be part of, not to mention one of the most beautiful I've ever attended. Everything about it was "so Kaitlyn": thoughtful, creative and yet classic and put-together. The best part though was witnessing their love and seeing it translate in every detail. These are photos my sister Lindsey, who was also a bridesmaid, captured. They perfectly capture the joyeous atmosphere and loveliness of the wedding:

This photo by Sarah Ashley Peters

A photo of us from my camera.

Now for finding jobs and a place to call home. :-P

Michaela Rae

Wedding Reflections | We're in this Together!

I used to fantasize about the moment I'd walk down the aisle and see my sweet fiancé waiting to become my husband. I'd wonder about his face, whether he'd be smiling or crying. To be totally honest though, I can't remember what face my soon-to-be husband was making (that's what photographers are for!). What I do remember, is something I cherish beyond the words I can provide here. I remember being overwhelmed with the realization that I was loved. Not only by the man waiting for me, but by everyone gathered to witness our marriage. Never in my life had all the people I cared most about been in one place, for me. As soon as I saw their smiling faces everything began to go blurry amid tears. I was expecting Kurt's love, I wasn't expecting so much love from everyone else. Until you've walked the aisle, it's hard to comprehend how special and rare that feeling is.

As I'm sure the majority of engaged couples do, Kurt and I talked about eloping...a lot. And I think the idea became more and more appealing as the wedding drew closer. When you're dropping money like it's nobody's business and feeling the pressure to make different people happy all at once (yourself being the toughest to please), I think it's natural. It's true that in the end what really counts is saying your vows, but I also realized having family and friends witness those vows is extremely important too.

Having friends and family there set the stage for the rest of our marriage; it was a public declaration saying, "Hey, you guys are in this with us!" We desperately need community and the accountability that comes with it, and that doesn't end with marriage. Kurt and my marriage isn't perfect, and it never will be. We'll always need encouragement, confrontation and maybe some day the reminder that you witnessed our decision and are ready to hold us to it. We'd be crazy to try doing this on our own.

Sometimes we feel alone, especially being across the Atlantic and all, but whenever I think back on our big day I'm reminded that I could call any number of people and they'd be there to help. I'm so thankful that our marriage started with that incredible reminder that we are loved and supported.

You can probably expect more posts this month about marriage and our first year, just bear with me! ;)

Michaela Rae

Photos by Woodland Fields Photography

Anna's Sweet South Carolina Rehearsal

I'm excited to share something sweet with you all today. Fellow blogger Anna from Lucky 13 is recently married and allowing me to show you photos from her beautiful Charleston wedding rehearsal. I love everything about her rehearsal, from the mason jar mugs and colorful straws to the big outdoor tent and twinkle lights. But mostly I love the smiles on her and her fiance's face. I know it must have been such a special night with friends and family. All of the photo credit goes to Marni Rothschidl.

Beautiful, right? I would've been tempted to say my vows right then and there. I can only imagine how lovely their wedding day was. Anna tells me the dainty dress she wore was her mother's wedding dress nearly 30 years ago (trust me, I asked because I want one!). And her mother-in-law put together all of the pretty centerpieces and other decorations. Do head over to Anna's blog to say hello and to also see more photos.

But before you go, don't forget to enter my giveaway for The Hiding Place, here.

Michaela Rae

Wedding Excitement & Inspiration

For six rare days we enjoyed sun and warmth and I allowed it to sink deep into my bones. Spring's always been my favorite season and it's finally arrived in London. 

I feel every year Spring brings more to celebrate and enjoy. This time last year I'd nailed down all the big details for my May wedding and was beginning to enjoy the calm of the little details, the ones you don't really need but that make the day more special (if that's possible) or go more smoothly. I was gathering childhood photos, fixing mason jars to hang on ceremony chairs and finding comfy cream lace flats to wear. The things that are especially fun to plan and still allow you time to relax and reflect. 

Now I'm beginning to prep for my dear friend Kaitlyn's wedding. She sent me a package last week with a card asking me to be her bridesmaid, paint swatches to help me feel her wedding, a tin of lip salve and a handheld mirror. It was the sweetest thing! And it definitely helped me envision her dream wedding. I know it's going to be so soft, romantic and intentional. Just like she and Harbor are.

All week I've been popping into shops and browsing online for the perfect dress. I have plenty of time but I'm just so excited. I ordered this one from ASOS and I'm really hoping it works.

Kaitlyn and us bridesmaids have been sharing inspiration through Pinterest, these are some of my favorite photos.

I can't find where these flat are from, but aren't they amazing? via

via

via

Aren't weddings sweet? I love everything about them. I had my moments of wanting to scrap it all and elope when planning my own; but truth is, having your most dear family and friends present to witness and hold you accountable to your commitment and then to celebrate with, is worth it all. I'm so excited to be that for my dear friend. 

Michaela Rae

Photos from My Favorite Day this Year

I want to share a few of my favorite photos from our big day. I haven't seen all of them yet, so I'm sure I'll have more. :-) I love flipping through these and remembering just how much of a blast the entire day was. I was nervous leading up to the ceremony, but as soon as I was down that aisle standing next to Kurt it all melted away. My heart was at perfect peace. I felt so loved knowing that this man was giving himself to me for the rest of his life and that our families and closest friends were there as witnesses and in celebration with us. And the reception was definitely one big celebration!

More of our wedding by Woodland Field Photography. 

By Kaitlyn

By Kaitlyn

By Kaitlyn

By Kaitlyn

By Kaitlyn

Michaela Rae

P.S. You can read our love story here.

Shoes, Chicago, Easter

Kurt and I fly red-eye to Chicago tonight, but instead of having laundry, packing or homework on my mind, I have shoes!

I'm on a mission to find wedding shoes. Some people spend hundreds of dollars on shoes they'll only wear for five hours, that's certainly not my goal. I want cute shoes that I'll wear for the wedding and after whenever I want. There are really only three things I'm looking for, 1) comfortability, 2) flats or very low heel, 3) yellow or blue in color.

Last week I ordered some yellow flats off Amazon for $30. I liked them but they were too large & today I'm shipping them back. I think I might try some Dessy flats next. I like these a lot:

Here are some other cute ones I've seen online but haven't been able to find in stores:

Do you know of any websites that sell affordable colorful flats?

I'll be checking in from Chicagoland. Happy Easter! :-)

Michaela Rae

Slow Down and Trust

Life has been absolute chaos the last few weeks. With the wedding only 48 days away and Kurt and I still trying to figure out what in the world we're doing afterward, it's beginning to become overwhelming.

This past weekend I was finally able to unwind and refocus. Sunday I spent the day with Kurt and he helped me clear my head. He's such an encouragement; I really am blessed by him. After talking for awhile, we decided to do yard work at his house. He cut the grass and did all the "manly stuff" and I got to plant flowers! I'd forgotten how much I enjoy gardening. Spending time in the sun, hands all grimy, planting my favorite flowers (ranunculus)...it was pure bliss.

Sunday reminded me that time spent with your best friend, doing something you love and reflecting on what God has already done for you (not what you need/want him to do) is so much more important and beneficial than worrying.

Slow down and trust, Michaela.

Shower Invites

I'm on the hunt for cute/unique cards to use as shower invites. I really love some of the things I've seen on MaeMae Paparie's blog & Snow & Graham's website. I'd be up for making them myself but I'm at a complete loss for time these days (hence no recent blogging).

Any suggestions for fun little paper announcements? I'd love to have some websites shot my way. I'm a sucker for anything with maps, cherry blossoms or ranunculus on it.

Photos via MaeMae Paperie

Appliqué Headbands

Since September I've kept my eyes open for the perfect hair accessories for my wedding. After finding a very simple and elegant veil on Ebay, I've been on the search for some type of embellishment for my hair for the reception. I think I've found my next project!

I found some DIY tutorials for lace appliqué headbands and I can't wait to try making one. They're exactly the look I'm going for. I like that they lay flat on your head, making it not too extreme of an accessory. It keeps with the simple yet elegant style I love. I also really like lace.

For Feature Wednesday, I want to show you an applique headband that Sara from Craft Snobs made. On her blog she explains exactly how easy, and inexpensive ($5!), it was to make. I especially love the gold and white colors. Thanks Sara!

Here are a few other pretty applique headbands. The bottom two I found on Etsy. Can you believe some of them are selling for over $100?! One of my favorite things about crafting is that you can make things for so much less than what you can buy them for.

 

Michaela Rae

Engagement Photos

We arrived back from Florida earlier this afternoon. Flights from Miami to LAX always feel endless, but I'm back and already in the swing of things. I'm in my Comparative Religions class now. So...tired...but it was worth it. Lindsey and Jared's wedding was beautiful. All was chaos leading up to it but in the end, it went not only smoothly but peacefully. They will lead a wonderful life and I am so excited for them! My friend and old roommate, Kaitlyn, made a blog post with photos from the weekend. They're so great. :-)

Kurt and I got our engagement pictures back from Joshua David Watson. Here are a few of my favorites. I especially like the first one, Kurt and I are holding one of the burlap signs I made and mentioned in an earlier post. I think it turned out really well.

Michaela Rae