From Distance to Togetherness!!

Y'all-- check out my favorite Midwesterner, Stephanie!! Thanks, girl!!

Hello! I'm Stephanie from the Midwest Prep. I'm so pleased to be guest blogging on Charlotte's blog, she is so so darling. As she is enjoying her life as a newlywed, you're stuck with me for today. ;)

First of all, can we just discuss that Charlotte is MARRIED?!??! [Well she will be when this posts ;)] I know she's had quite the stressful past few months with moving back out East (even though I'm still a little bitter she left the midwest before I could meet her!!) and planning her wedding so she deserves all the happiness in the world. 

Anyways, I figured I mine as well talk about love while Mrs. Law is out celebrating her marriage on her honeymoon. As some of you may know, my boyfriend and I have been long distance for six years now. I'll save you the whole back story and just fast forward to where we are at right now. WE'RE MOVING IN TOGETHER. Exciting I know?! Let alone, we're moving to a whole new city.

So some of you out there may be long distance lovers, new love interests, recent newlyweds, or even married + happy for years. I need advice from all of you. Seeing as Matthew and I have never really lived together, please share your tips with me. What do I need to know about moving in with a man?

Here's what I'm going to expect to change or occur..

1. Privacy - A lot of things that were once mine, will be ours. I hate to admit but I'm kind of a selfish person. I'm interested to see how I'll be with sharing my things and just my space with Matthew.

2. Sacrifice + Compromise- This is pretty cut and dry but it applies to a lot of things. We both have our own way of living and we do particular things a certain way. We will have to learn to give and take. Or just the small sacrifice of giving up my Sunday night shows so he can watch football. It's the little things. ;) But I'm ready for it.

3. Growing - I expect Matthew and I will both grow as individuals and as a couple. We've never lived in the city for more than a summer so I think our relationship is in for a few (good) changes. Plus it's about time Matthew puts a ring on my finger.. I mean it's been six years. JUST KIDDING.. kind of. ;)

4. Disagreements - Every couple has them. You'd be lying if you said you didn't. Matthew and I have had some pretty awful fights in our day although we haven't had a serious fight in at least a year. We've become so good at being long distance though. It'll be weird living in such close quarters with him. I don't want to say I'm expecting us to disagree but I know we won't agree on everything. The important thing is to never go to bed mad at one another. :)

5. Memories - Last (and most important) is that I think Matthew and I will make so many great memories. We will have so much more time together to just relax and be a couple. Plus we will have a whole new city to explore so that will be fun in itself. :)

So feel free to share advice, tips, or even your story with me! I'd love to hear about it. :)

Thanks again Charlotte for letting me invading your blog and don't forget to follow my blog, twitter + instagram. 

Wedding Reminiscing

Hi everyone! I'm Whitney and I blog over at The Observant Turtle. I started following Charlotte's blog after I realized that she's also from SC and I couldn't resist. Since then, she become one of my best blogging friends. I know she will be a beautiful bride!

I wanted to share with you all my reception from my own wedding! Even though the day was a total blur, I love looking at the pictures to help me remember all of the special details.

The venue for our reception was the Indigo Hall in Spartanburg, SC. I cannot say enough good things about this place! My husband, Nick, and I both really wanted a venue where everyone could see each other, the food, and the dance floor, all while having the option to enjoy themselves outside. I fell in love with the exposed rafters in the ceiling, the brick walls, and the large staircase (where the photo was shot).

This is another one of my favorite shots from the wedding. I love the colorful dresses in the background (thanks ladies! haha) and the look that Nick and I both have on our faces. One thing that I did NOT want to happen was to have the super sappy and depressing dances at my wedding. I made sure to pick songs that would not bring me and the rest of the crowd to tears for a good fifteen minutes. Nick and I danced to Little Big Town's "To Know Love." Nick actually chose it!

Did I mention how much I loved the wooden floors?! The rustic yet classy feel to the place was perfect. Let me mention, make sure you can dance in your dress! I will expand on that a little later. My dad and I danced to "My Girl."

I am so proud of the way our centerpieces turned out! Everything here was either purchased or made by me or my mom. I bought the square vases, candle holders, and tealights at IKEA for very cheap and the table number holders from Hobby Lobby. (We spent quite a lot of time and money at Hobby Lobby-- most of the time their wedding stuff is 50% off!!) The table numbers were actually printed off of Martha Stewart's website and there are a few variations. My mom made the flower arrangements with flowers and moss purchased from Garden Ridge. I think she did a great job!

For our guest favors, we decided to do a candy bar. We had mints, gumballs, skittles, sixlets, and an assorted mix of candy. Everyone loved it and kept updating their Facebook pages talking about the candy, haha! I made all of the labels myself and the vases were either ones we already had or purchased from IKEA. 

Here I am with my beautiful bridesmaids (the maid of honor was missing! She went to buy car paint!). Nick and I got the idea from our awesome DJ that the first real "dancing" song should be started by the wedding party. By the time the song had ended, the floor was packed and everyone was dancing! It's a great way to break the ice and not put the pressure on someone to be the first one dancing.

We did have a wedding cake for the ceremonial cutting, and a few pieces for eating, but we also had a cheesecake bar! This was such a smash hit with everyone. We had plain cheesecake and toppings to add. It wasn't that much more and everyone seemed to enjoy it much more than simple cake!

 We loved the way that bubbles looked in photos, so we chose that as our exit. (We wanted sparklers but many venues don't like that because of the fire hazard). We had so much fun with this, especially because it was a "fake" exit. We did it simply for pictures in the light and so that older guests wouldn't feel obliged staying the whole time. Once we got back inside, the party was at a whole other level and we danced the night away!

This was our final picture and you can see the joy on our faces! We had such an amazing time at the wedding and it would just not have been the same without our friends and family there. 

Congrats to Charlotte and Tyler on their big day!

And thank you Whitney for filling in for me today!! Love your wedding recap!!

Brianna's Newlywed Tips

Hi Everyone! 

My name is Brianna and I blog over at Adventures of the Southern Wife!

I am so excited that Charlotte asked me to guest blog for her while she is off getting married. It is such an exciting time and I can't wait for her to get back and show us all her recaps!

Since she is off getting married I figured I would talk about some things I learned as a newlywed. I have been married for 2 years this May and it has flown by! I can't believe I won't be a newlywed anymore!

1. Communication-

 Talk about the big issues. Anytime you are hesitant about something talk about it. This person has already married you, they love you and they want to know how you feel. I constantly tell Andrew, You make me feel ___ when you say __. This can prevent most arguments because most arguments start because one person says something and the other hears something else. We are human, its in our nature to hear things the way we want.

2. Don't talk about each other

This is probably the hardest one. Everyone needs their venting time but this man isn't your boyfriend or some guy you just met. He is your husband. You have to respect him and airing all your dirty laundry to your girlfriends just doesn't cut it at this stage in your relationship. I find that in this situation talking to a family member will help you set your head straight before your talk to your husband.

3. Keep dating

It is so easy to get caught up with the ins and outs of daily life that you know you need some quality one on one time with your husband but its so easy to just go out to eat and call it a date. There are so many other things out there besides going to dinner. You eat dinner every night so spice those dates up. Check out a local winery, the zoo, museums, bowling, putt putt! The options are endless. You can even find some that cost you next to nothing!!

4. Be each others biggest cheerleader

Be each others biggest fan. I tell Andrew how proud of him I am every day because I mean how good does it make you feel when someone says you are doing an awesome job! Whether its for something amazing he has done in his research, becoming another step closer to finishing his PhD, taking another step to grow in his faith, or just doing the dishes. I always say thank you and let him know he is appreciated.

5. Apologize

Apologize, Apologize, Apologize. Everyone argues, no one is perfect. However whether you are right, wrong, or can't settle the argument you still apologize. It's hard to apologize if you believe your not wrong but the key is to understand you may not agree 100% on everything and thats okay. Apologize for arguing because it always results in feeling hurt on both ends and then agree to disagree.

In the end marriage is amazing! I love being with my best friend everyday but with living with another person there are always things to learn. Ask me in two more years and I am sure I can double my list!

Thank you SO much Brianna!!! These are soooo true and I cannot thank you enough for guest blogging for me!!!!

Bridesmaid Dresses

Below is a replica of what my bridesmaids wore last weekend in our wedding! Can't wait to show you the real pictures!

shoes // necklace // dress

Wedding Wear Courtesy of Ryann!

A special thank you to sweet Ryann for guest posting while we are honeymooning!!!! Love you tons Ryann!!! xoxo

Hi y'all! This is ryann over at {unspeakable joy}!

I am thrilled to be a part of Laws in the Lowcountry while Charlotte is honeymooning with her HUSBAND! Ahhh! Some of you may know this, but Charlotte is not only my best "blog friend," but a very dear IRL friend! We grew close during our collegiate years (when I was a sophomore and she was a senior) through ZTA. We're so similar that it's scary-- as a senior I held the same leadership position as Char did, and now I live in the apartment she lived in her last year at Wofford! We joke that I'm Charlotte's "mini-me," but it really is true! Here are a few pics for a blast to the past:

Think Pink dinner 

Greek Awards Dinner

Wofford Homecoming

All this to say, I am overjoyed for Charlotte and Tyler, especially since I have seen their relationship grow. As you're reading this, I've been to Charlotte and Tyler's wedding and had a ball (I'm sure of it!). Anyone who is already a reader of {unspeakable joy} knows that I'm engaged, so wedding is always on the brain for me! Charlotte's wedding is the only one I'm going to before my big day so I had to find the perfect outfit-- if only these beauties really could have make their way into my closet:

There's nothing like simplicity in this gorgeous cobalt number with a little sparkle on the ears and a pop of color on the lips!

I may be getting ahead of myself, but I just can't get over this summery, gorgeous pinky/coral dress! And those J Crew wedges and statement necklace... I die. 

And of course, you can always go with the classic LBD. Can you tell I love this style of dress? Throw in my favorite color, Tiffany blue (The color of my bridesmaid's dresses!), and a string of pearls and you'll have a look so timeless even Audrey will be jealous. 

What do you think of these wedding looks? Any you would wear yourself?

Thanks for having me, Charlotte-- I know you're having the time of your life! To the sweet readers of Laws in the Lowcountry- stop by to my little corner of the blogosphere and say hi to me at {unspeakable joy}! I'd love to have you. 

-rk 

Jamaica Bound!

One more bridal as we jet off as Mr. and Mrs. to Jamaica!

xoxox

Today is Wedding Day

I cannot believe the day is finally here.

Today is the day I'm dreamed of my entire life.

The day I become Tyler's wife.

I am so blessed.

Hope you enjoy my bridal sneak peak! 

I had a great photographer and great location.

Be back in a few weeks as MRS. LAW!

Spring Stripes

Hi everyone! My name is Katie and I blog over at In the Pink. I was so excited when Charlotte asked me to do a guest post - I've had such a great time getting to know her!

I was at the mall the other day and I kept noticing one thing - stripes! They seem to be everywhere this spring. I am a huge fan of navy and white stripes, but I love all the color combinations that are out now.

via

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Are you sporting stripes this spring? Thank you to Charlotte for letting me stop by! 

xx,

KGD

Thanks for filling in for me, Kathryn! Y'all go check out her precious blog!

Blog Twin Guest Post!

Thank you Shannon for guest posting while I am getting ready for the wedding in a few days! Y'all she is a hoot---- enjoy!!!

 Hey y'all! I'm Shannon and I blog (most of the time) over at Guard Your Heart. I say most of the time becuase I have, unfortunately, fallen victim of a serious mush-brain syndrome over the last several months.

I assume this serious syndrome is no stranger to Miss Charlotte (or wait a second MRS. CHARLOTTE!!!!) as I am afraid it may directly correlated with having a diamond ring on your left hand.

You see, I too, am engaged, and it will not be long until I am also a married MRS. like our girl Char! With the wedding approaching quickly (April 6th!) I have really become a very slack blogger. My sincerest apologies to those who actually read Guard Your Heart, but I could not be more excited about guest posting on Laws in the Lowcountry while Charlotte enjoys this special special time!

When Char asked if I would guest post, I was super excited, but I was uncertain as to what exactly my subject matter should be. Seeing as she is such a terrific blogger, I wanted to make sure I was up to par fo you all, her lovely readers. At first, I was like "Um, duh, Shannon. You will blog about your wedding." but then... I was like "Um, no, Shannon. Your wedding is not that exciting and people are probably tired of hearing you blab about it." But honestly, the fact is that I am tired of hearing myself blab about it! So.. onto the next idea...

I thought I would share with you all why I happen to think Charlotte even asked me to do this guest post in the first place: because we are FREAKISHLY (is that even a word?!?) alike!!

Over the last few months of becoming blogging besties, we have discovered quite a few striking similiarites, and I thought it may interesting/entertaining to some of you if I shared the list. So, whether or not this is actually interesting/entertaing to you at all, here goes nothing....

The ridiculous list of those things which make Shannon and Charlotte confused about their identities:

1. Brown hair, brown eyes.

2. Good ole Southern girls. Both from the great and beautiful state of South Carolina.

3. We were both members of Zeta Tau Alpha, although at different schools, we are the same age, and were active members at the same exact time.

4. We were both Vice President of our respective ZTA Chapters at the same exact time. Hence, we sort of know each other in "real life" from trainings, conferences etc.

5.We were both engaged within the same year and married with two weeks of one another.

6. Not only are we freakishly alike, but, as fate would have it, our fiances are freakishly alike.

7. Tyler and Coleman are both hunting freaks.

8. The boats that sit in our respective front yards may be identical (due the the camoflauge they are covered in).

9. The four of us all love dogs, and both couples are parents to black labs. Although C and I also have a 95 lb. 9-year-old chocolate daughter too :)

10. We both swoon over a good deal, and spend more than one is a suitable amount of time shopping. Especially in the J.Crew outlet.

 11. Similar to the J.Crew obsession, you all will soon enough see that our wedding gowns are very similar in design. If I know one thing froom my days in the bridal business, a girls gown says A LOT about her.

  12. We both adore our friends and family and would do anything to keep a smile on their faces.

  13. We share a serious love for all things of the Carolina Coast. Ty and Char have obviously moved back to the Lowcountry and are loving being near the water just like Coleman and I do.

  14. Being the sweet southern girls that we are, we love our monograms! That being said, please be advised that all wedding gifts should be personalized with the brides new initials. None of this sharing a monogram with the hubs business, please.

  15. As you can see in Char's bachelorret recaps (btw, my bach was also in Savannah, duh.) the girl loves to dance. And yes, so do I. Funny thing is Coleman hates it...Charlotte is this true of Tyler? Wouldn't surprise me if it were!  YES!! SOOO true!

  16. We both think chocolte should be a food group. In all honestly, I had some semi-sweet morsels for breakfast the other day. Opps?

  17. She was editor of her high school yearbook and I was editor of my high school newspaper. We are cool. We know.

  18. Neither of us can stand poor grammar. THERE is a different between THEIR home and THEY'RE home. (Que the fact that we were both editors.)

  19. We were both camp counselors during our high school summers.

   AND

  20. We are both SO happy to finally be calling the men of our dreams our husbands.

 

To be quite honest, I know there are more than these 20. Seriously, it is a problem that we are the same person, but we have come to terms with it, and we hope that you will find our quirky similarities amusing. Until next time friends, here is to hoping that Char is enjoying this time away. Speaking for all of us, we cannot wait to hear all about the big day!!

 

xo,

Shans

In My Bible

I am going to be 100% honest and admit that I haven't opened up my Bible in a long time. I'm ashamed and embarrassed, but not too proud to admit. I've read scripture online or read my devotional, but I haven't pulled out my most important book.

We had pre-marital counseling last Sunday afternoon, so I of course grabbed my Bible to meet with our pastor (the pastor from my parents church, not the one who is marrying us... very confusing). After our session, I started thumbing through my Bible, realizing I had all of these "things" in my Bible. Since I was young, my mom kept all sorts of notes and verses and special things in her Bible and I copied her idea.

I thought it would be neat to open up about some of the things found in my "God's Game Plan: FCA" Bible that has much wear and tear, and will probably be retired when we get married.

Note from my MOH Rebecca from 2004.

Game from Camp Greystone 2009 where we went around the room and wrote nice things about one another.

Elementary --> Intermediate Sunday School certificate.

Ten Commandments... just case they are forgotten ;-)

Devotional given by my uncle on Mother's Day 2003 called "Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from my Mom." This is my favorite thing.

An old devotional on fear.

Card and note from Tyler on our first Valentine's Day.

Sweet note from Ty.

My piano/voice teacher's favorite verses. She passed away last year. She was so talented and taught me so much about life.

A pretty version of the fruits of the spirit.

Note from Rebecca from youth group days.

Bookmark from my high school teacher/mentor.

Note from my friend Emily while I was a counselor at Greystone.

Above bookmark.

Friendship bracelet from one of my campers.

My friend Wesley's sister Kelly's memorial bulletin.

Another note from a counselor at Greystone when I was struggling at camp.

Counselor devotional.

One of my favorites.

So there you have it. Some of the things found in my Bible. I am promising myself and making you keep me accountable for opening it up much, much, much more often than I have recently. Getting married and having a husband (this word is still so weird to me!!!!!) is going to truly challenge me and make me study the Word.

What is in your Bible?