So with being in the middle of wedding season and glued to a TO-DO list that seems a million tasks long, I decided I needed something to chill me out a bit.

I had received a gift card from one of my fabulous brides to a PAVO Salon in East Memphis.
I was planning on (finally) get my hair done, but with life at its current state, I chose a massage instead.

OH. MY. SWEET. MOTHER. OF. EVERYTHING. THAT. IS. HEAVENLY.

I’m just gonna say this… if you have never had a real massage with atmosphere and everything, you need to get one. ASAP.

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Why am I writing this?

Oh, I don’t know. It could be…
-the migraines I had are gone
-the back pain I have been dealing with for so long is gone
-my eye and knee stopped twitching (after weeks of driving me crazy)
-I slept like a rock (I’ve been sleeping like crap lately)
-my mood is much calmer and I’m able to see clearer
-I feel rejuvenated

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I’m not one of those people that is hooked on the latest trend of how to cure this and fix that, but let me tell you…

Our bodies aren’t meant to be bundled up in knots like a dog’s chew rope. My body was wearing me out because it was so tangled.
My experience with Ashley at PAVO was incredible. I would encourage anyone (especially BRIDES) to take an hour for yourself and go see Ashley.
To be able to shut out the world for a solid hour, relax, and just breathe was the best thing ever. Wow.

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www.pavosalonspa.com

(I was not paid or asked to write this, I just wanted to share an incredible experience for anyone who is struggling with pain, stress, or balance in their life.)

After my post about the creative rings, I thought I’d share about the engagement ring I have. I get a lot of questions about it, and I love to be able to share about it!

It’s called Mokume Gane. - It’s the fusion of two or more metals and it originates from Japanese culture.

At the time of my engagement, there were only 2 designers in the US that made Mokume Gane. The designer we used was Andrew Nyce.

I was particularly drawn to Andrew Nyce’s work because he had really great settings for the jewels and was a super nice guy (pun intended). He seemed to be doing some really cool stuff with an object that hasn’t been reinvented in centuries.

While most people don’t have a custom ring made, it’s a neat option to have! So guys and girls alike, take note! Look outside the jewelry store!

*All images from Andrew Nyce Designs

Wedding rings haven’t been things to change much for as long as there’s been weddings.

While most of these wouldn’t really work for an engagement or wedding ring, it’s nice to know that there are some really cool, innovative rings being made for the unique person!

Recently, I was asked to share the story of why I became a photographer, my journey to where I am now, and what I have learned along the way.

Below is a little story with some pictures, that I may later regret showing you, but this is Part 1 of the the 3-part series of my story…

When I was 8, if you would have asked me what I thought I would be when I was older, I would have said a teacher.

When I was 15, after going to Cambodia, I decided I was going to teach overseas.

When I was 18, I was doing music full-time while in college.

Then at 20, I fulfilled the dream of teaching overseas by living and teaching in Thailand, using music as an integral teaching tool.

At 21, I went back to Thailand because of my deep love of the people and culture and decided to take along my new camera at the time, a Nikon D80.

After years of struggling with what I felt I needed to do with my life, I came to two conclusions: I love people. I love the arts. Both are unpredictable, constantly changing and full of life and stories.

I am a sentimental person. So, I have always loved photos. Just ask my family. They’ll show you the enormous picture collage wall, that to this day, is still proudly displayed in a hand-painted frame, completely filling an entire wall in my former bedroom at my parents’ house.

But I never would have thought I’d be a photographer. That leads into My Journey…

(to be continued)

Recently, I’ve been thinking about the little details that make a big impact later in the pictures. The #1 thing I thought of was the hanger that your wedding dress hangs on. You spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on the dress of your dreams, only for it to be proudly displayed on a cheap plastic hanger.

So, here are a few hangers I found on Etsy that I think are really beautiful and super cool!

When you’re planning the details of your wedding, take some time to stop and think about the smallest details. There are some really talented creators/artists on Etsy that can help transform every teeny detail to reflect you.

Check these artists out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThoughtfullyDesigned

http://www.etsy.com/shop/futuremrsredford

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HangeLooseHangers

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HOLIWOOD

I ALWAYS recommend taking engagement photos! Why wouldn’t you want to?!
I would HIGHLY recommend having your wedding photographer photograph your engagement session as well.

There are several advantages to having your engagement and wedding photos taken by the same photographer:

1.     Your photographer sees you in a more comfortable setting apart from the wedding day and sees what aspects about your relationship and physique to highlight. The photographer sees the potential in you two and with a relaxed atmosphere, they can create beautiful and fun images for you to share and remember.

2.     You learn how your photographer works. There are certain tips and lingo your photographer may use to help you along with the shoot. Going through it all before the wedding makes the wedding day 100% more comfortable for you and the photographer. You want to arrive saying “Oh, yea, I got this!” NOT, “Oh, man, I don’t know what this is going to be like!” The fewer surprises, the better.

3.     Don’t underestimate the power of your energy  and attitude on the wedding day. Your bridal party and family take cues from you. If you are nervous and unsure about the photographer, it will pass down to each person. But if you’re comfortable and excited, everyone else will follow in your footsteps, in result, making the entire day more enjoyable for all.  

4.     As I mentioned before, the engagement session gives you great insight to the photographer and how they work. You see how they think on their toes and deal with changes in schedule or planning. Most importantly, you experience their overall attitude. The experience can confirm that you have made the right or wrong decision in choosing a photographer. Afterall, the entire wedding celebration is an investment in rejoicing and remembering your new life together. You want to know you made the best choices.

5.     Something I have noticed over the years is, the certain way a couple looks at each other and interacts in the months of engagement. That exciting connection is rarely matched after marriage. You’re both giddy and full of joy about beginning your life together. It is so fun and precious to be able to reflect on those photos and remember the things that brought you together.

Overall, choosing to have an engagement session will always build trust between you and your photographer. The photographer is the one person you’ll have the longest relationship with in your wedding process. They’ll be with you every step of the day and more. Wouldn’t you want to know them and their approach so you are most confident and comfortable on the most important day of your life?