All Posts By

Jess

weekend wear 05

overalls denim stripes
I know it’s almost a new weekend but I have a good excuse for just now getting my ‘weekend wear’ up; my laptop has died. I keep holding out waiting for it to turn on but sadly, I think it’s gone for good. I mean I bought it in 2007 so it’s been a darn good computer! Now I’ve got to extract everything off, most importantly my programs! Ugh, don’t even want to think about that headache right this second so onto my outfit!
overalls denim stripes
Target overalls, Free People hat, Bar III shirt, Madewell bag, Birkenstock sandals, Toms shades.
overalls denim stripes
This week’s been pretty laid back and after a packed weekend it’s definitely what we needed!

On Sunday we have three venue visits; 2 barns and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center-so excited to get the ball rolling!

SURPRISE!

party
On Saturday night Dustin and I went over to my best gal pal’s loft for what we thought was a casual supper. When we arrived they gave us drinks and told us that the meal needed a little more time in the oven and that while we were waiting we should head up to the roof to see the sun set. We were all for it and took the elevator to the top of Mattress Factory Lofts. When the doors opened we were greeted with a group of our friends yelling “SURPRISE!” from the upper level! We were SPEECHLESS. Literally. Stood there confused and shocked, haha! When things finally started to make sense we dried tears and hugged everyone and then checked out the adorable diy decor Ashleigh and Ashley had assembled including this “Happy Engagement” sign:
atlanta engaged
decor event atlanta rooftop
The girls diy decor also included old soda bottles and mason jars filled with flowers, some of which even came from Ashley’s backyard! They took old fabric and dresses and jazzed up the chairs they rented. Additionally, Ashley asked that everyone draw on the “table cloth” with encouraging words or illustrations as she’d be saving them and making into a book. I won’t get into details about some of the “anatomically correct” drawings that occurred! (payback for other drawings Dustin drew for Jonny + Ashley at their reception!)
cheers
After we hung out sipping on Ash’s infamous gin punch and a few more friends trickled in we sat down for a potluck Southern feast. There was delicious 15-hour pulled pork, mac-and-cheese, fancy potato salad and more then for dessert we noshed on Muriel’s poppy seed blueberry hand pies!

Stuffed full and proudly wearing a grin from ear to ear we watched the sun go down and then packed it up to move indoors where we played “heads up” which was hilarious since we were slightly intoxicated- and our friends are naturally silly!
friends
The whole night we felt so lucky to have great friends that would put together a special night just for us, we are truly blessed, thanks Atlanta family!

THE HUMID LIFE

14787888645_94a0342784_k
Can you believe July is basically over? Summer is already coming to an end! *tears* I suppose I can’t complain about it flying by since I’ve had one helluva time. A girlfriend texted me the other day “are you on perma vacation?” and it made me laugh because that’s what it’s seemed like! But truthfully we’ve been really thrifty about our travels and it hasn’t broken the bank or set us back. One of these days we’ll do a bigger trip out of the country but for now it’s family vacation homes and keeping in the US. Here are some photos Dustin snapped as we were sweating and getting eaten by mosquitoes in Edisto, SC two weekends ago. I’m wearing a new Madewell dress that I scored for under $40!
14764894226_35324adf91_k14601373857_e17b71fc8f_k14807731463_609e617416_k14601183480_74eb24ab21_k14601246338_a5a62edaff_k14601182990_92356df1b5_k
Outfit details: Dress & Bag // Madewell, Shoes // Target, Shades // TOMS

CHARLESTON, SC

This past weekend Dustin and I went on a inpromptu trip with my brother and his wife down to Edisto, SC. We got in late Friday night and went to the beach all day Saturday — playing in the waves, throwing frisbees and super bouncy ocean toys and sipping island drinks. On Sunday we did a quick run through of Charleston as Dustin and I hadn’t been there before–I know, I know..HOW have we not been there?! Unsure because it’s absolutely adorable! We walked along The Battery and Rainbow Row taking in the sights. I quickly took notice to the amazing windows and the mini gardens hanging outside of them. The shutters were also super neat–even found one with crescent moons! Before it was too late and we were no longer passing along said windows, I snapped some of my favorites:

14531031779_22fef259df_z14694681206_f5c732062c_z14715289644_48d402ddce_z14715290894_a9a1a9ba5f_z14715287244_99a68382af_z14715284404_5df8ae4a32_z

As I’m typing this Dustin is waiting in the car for me as we are leaving for yet another trip! This one has been planned for some time now. We are heading to FL to meet up with my parents and then driving down to Key Largo for a week of deep sea fishing! Have a good rest of the week!

Next up: I’ll be sharing more photos from Charleston!

BEGINNING STAGES

As I’m sure you can imagine I’m somewhat overwhelmed (but really really excited!) with the beginning stages of wedding planning. I am thankful that we’ve decided to shoot for next Autumn so there’s time to figure things out.  I have quickly learned that the first and most important task is finding a venue and that it’s something to jump on right away. That being said I’ve already scheduled one visit at a barn on a plantation outside the city with several other locations in mind!  Another priority on my list is nailing down a general color scheme and theme because I want the save-the-dates and invites to follow to correspond with the colors we select.

Getting organized and started I got help from Ashleigh, who got married last October. She provided me with her Google docs and vendor list just as a reference. Dustin is excited about being involved and gives his two cents on ideas and brainstorms with me which is really nice. Can’t imagine battling to get an opinion! Also I have a personal wedding planner, my mom! She doesn’t live in Georgia but when go on vacation next week we’ll definitely knock off some of the to-dos. So far things are going good! Ask me in a few months and I hope to be thinking the same! Another thing I bet you could guess is that I’m going Pinterest crazy with wedding stuff! No shame..it’s a huge help having a digital mood board! Here are some of my favorite images and the overall vibe I’m thinking —

nativebearStamp set by local talent, Leela of Native Bear. Would love to support local and part DIY our invitations!

dressThis dress is actually from BHLDN and is sadly sold out. I’ve had it on my Pinterest board for a while and then spotted it worn in a real wedding via Our Labor of Love.

campReally like the use of lanterns and ferns to give a camp feel. Also would like to have some green garland around the altar area, not necessarily the tent that is shown here but the draping garland is nice.

confettiThese printed bags that contain coffetti to throw after the vows are a great idea! The photos would turn out really cool too!

supperDustin and I have already decided that we want long, rectangular tables vs. circle.

BEYNot sure what car yet but we do know we want to drive away in something vintage!
Click for Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

There you have it, the very beginning stages of the Smith-Winchester wedding planning!

Follow along my Pinterest board www.pinterest.com/ladyflashback/omg-im-engaged/