Love

Dog Inspired Home Decor

| The Bee Life

I’ll be the first to admit it, I am a dog lover – and I am mildly obsessed with our little puggle, Moz!  We’ve invested in a few custom portraits of her,  have attended Paint Your Pet classes and frame some super cute photos of her. And although I feel like our house is quickly becoming consumed with mini gallery walls, I can’t help but want to create a Moz gallery wall. And, it’s okay if you’re whispering ‘crazy dog lady’ or rolling your eyes at me, as you read this!

Needing some inspiration like me? Here are some super cute ways to incorporate DOGS into your home in a chic, playful, sophisticated and not so crazy way.  From a nursery, entrance, living space or even your bathroom, I hope you’re inspired like I was to see how these can pull off a high-end look while still satisfying that inner-love for dogs.

Illustrations are a great way to incorporate your pooch, as the simplicity brings that certain level of sophistication. Incorporating canvas’ with multiple pieces and parts also helps create more of a statement without all the gallery wall work and planning.  Whether it’s created in a DIY paint class or an option you sourced online – there are plenty of options to purchase/create your custom pup portrait.

Another fun way to pull in your love of dogs is with some bold wallpaper that could be used in a mud room.  Wanting to keep it simple? Get an entry rug that will welcome guests and instantly set the mood that furry friends await. Photography is another way to pull in those sweet pups, with a gallery wall of three large prints – I mean, how cute are those puppy photos for a nursery? or using a common thread of familiar frames or black and white photos helps tie everything together for a cohesive look in the space.

If you’re considering adding in your furry friends to your home decor, it’s also important to consider what spaces might be appropriate for this with the way your house functions.  A few starting points to consider might be your master bedroom or theming a guest room themed with dogs (there are so cute dog bedsheets you can score; like these ones from Cynthia Rowley). A guest bathroom or mudroom might be a good space to bring in your love of dogs.  Start small or in a dedicated space and make sure you bring through your love of dogs in a sophisticated and stylish way!

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Shop the Looks & Image Sources: Gallery wall with furry bench | Frenchie Canvas | Vintage Dogs Illustrated Wallpaper | Three Puppies in a Nursery | I hope you like dogs rug |Golden Gallery

Tips for Swoon Worthy Engagement Pics

| The Bee Life

Planning your engagement photos?  With the Pinterest & Instagram the exposure and pressure to have pin-worthy engagement photos is kind of a thing.  There are sooo many stunning photos out there it’s a bit intimidating! So how do you make yours special? Well, I have a few tips to help make sure these photos are swoon worthy, personalized and show stoppers.

Wardrobe.  If you really want something show stopping, yet simple – steal the show with a jaw dropping look. Whether it’s a gorgeous skirt, bright color in front of a stark back drop, or a casual look on a fall day – don’t skimp on the wardrobe! Also ladies, don’t forget about your significant other and making sure they step up to the plate and match your look.  Just remember, wear what you’re comfortable in, and true to you both as a couple!

Location.  Beach? Forest? City-scape?  Your favorite diner? With the help of your photographer scope out your spots, and see what might work – but have a couple ideas in mind.  Working to get multiple locations in one day? Make sure they’re close, and again chat with your photographer too see what might be possible. Don’t forget that some of the simplest locations will result in the most stunning pictures.

Time of Day.  We wanted some beach photos, and our photographer recommended sunrise photos instead of sunset.  Although we had to get up super early, the sky was perfect, no one was around and we were able to capture some gorgeous shots.  Evening photos could get tough and might need lighting to be involved, which could be a bit more costly, and some locations might not allow photography, so be sure to ask ahead of time if you photographer doesn’t!

Photographer. Finding the right photographer that has a portfolio inline with your vibe is important! But don’t forget about working within your budget – since you still have to save up for the big day! Although, this is a good test run to see how you’ll work with them on your actual wedding day.  Some photographers might also offer a package for engagement & wedding day, so be sure to ask!

For B and I, it was a little awkward at first, posing, kissing, and trying to look longingly at each other.  But once we got warmed up, we started to get the hang of it and have a little more fun.  Also have fun with props (balloons, your pup, fresh flowers) and don’t over think it – but also talk with your photographer and be sure to share your vision and even a few examples from your Pinterest board to show some different angles or inspiration!

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Missed Out? Or planning your wedding? Check these out:  Our Engagement Photos | Tips for Creating your Wedding Registry | How to Plan your Honeymoon | Our Wedding Sneak Peak

 

Image Sources: Black & White Close-up | Blue Tulle Skirt | White Dress Kiss | Forest  | Hands & City

#EmnBWed – The Ceremony

| The Bee Life

I hope you’re not sick of my wedding pictures yet?!  If you’ve missed out on these beauties, check out our first sneak peak, the girls getting ready, my handsome groom and our stunning venue. And now, I leave you with the main event – the actual ceremony and the last of wedding photo posts for a bit!

We had a traditional, full service mass for our wedding vows, something that was important to the both of us.  We also put a lot of thought into the readings we chose, and who we asked to be involved in the ceremony. Most of it was a blur but we had a few good laughs with the sweet homily from our priest and then a little moment during our vows that will always be sweet memory.  My main goal was not to cry walking down the aisle, because I’m a Kim K. cryer, but I kept it together and only got a little teary eyed.
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Since it was a tsunami of rain our entire wedding day, our exit from the church had to be adjusted – I had hand cut and made over a hundred ribbon wands and they weren’t going to waste! So we had a quick brainstorm while we were held up in the bridal suite to hand them out to guests ahead of time and asked everyone to wave them as we walked down the aisle – it worked out pretty great, and the best part was B had no idea so he was completely surprised!

What I love the most about these photos is they share the true emotions of happiness and love that we all felt that day, it was an unbelievable feeling that won’t be able to be duplicated.

Planning your big day? Here are some helpful posts; Wedding Registry Guide | Choosing a Florist | Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon | How to Create Your Sweetheart Table 

Photography by: Timothy Logan Photography 

Weekend Recap – Simple Fun

| The Bee Life

Sometimes the best weekends are the simplest weekends and consist of great friends and family and that was exactly our weekend!  With a road trip home to visit the fam we were automatically in for a good one.

Friday night we kicked off the weekend with a long overdue visit to see my forever bestie Kates and her hubs Travis.  We kept it simple with local pizza, salad and chicken wings… oh and bubbles, of course.  There was plenty of catching up to do with lots of belly laughs, it was a much needed visit. We also got to meet their newest addition to the family, their 6-month old puppy, Oscar, he’s a ball of energy and so darn cute.
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Saturday we helped my parents out with some things around the house – my dad has been recovering from ACL surgery so he hasn’t been able to do everything he is used to doing!  We then went out for a later lunch and enjoyed the beautiful day along one of the finger lakes – the scenery and company was great but the food and beverages (sadly) were mediocre, but it was still nice to try someplace new while soaking up the sunshine.  From there we just enjoyed each other’s company catching up at the house and having a cookout!  Sunday of course consisted of a Father’s Day brunch, bloody’s and a few other things around the house with the rents before we hit the road.

These weekends always seem to fly by, and there never seems like enough time to catch up with everyone but it’s also that much more special for us to soak it all in and enjoy our time with everyone!

Weekend Recap – Rock & Mom

| The Bee Life

This past weekend was a fun one! With an impromptu visit from my parents, we quickly had plans for a busy weekend ahead of us.

Our activities were perfect for a cold and rainy weekend, as we headed to a grand estate sale (more to come in an upcoming post) and from there visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  Although B and I have been to the Rock Hall a handful of times, it was the first for the group we went with, the collection of memorabilia items is incredible and covers a full range of musical influencers with something truly for everyone.  Not to mention the building is a super fun space to visit in and of itself.
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We dined along the river at Collision Bend Brewery, voted best Brewpub in America, and enjoyed everything from their incredible brussel sprouts, sauerkraut balls, their Collision Bend popcorn, buffalo tofu, and burger.  The table ordered a handful of their different beers that received rave reviews from everyone. Although the food and drinks are always on point, one of my favorite parts of Collision Bend are the views and atmosphere, it’s really a complete package.

Sunday we went to church and then had a delicious brunch at my aunts house to celebrate Mother’s Day. With another impressive spread, we were eating well with good company and ready to take a nap!  With a jammed packed weekend full of fun, delicious food and great company we were exhausted by the time everyone left, but had a great time.

I got it from my momma.

| The Bee Life

I mean, it’s so true. And while I love most of the things I got from my momma… there are certainly some other things as I get older that I don’t love getting from my momma, but there is not a thing I can do about that, besides laugh and shake my head.
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But beyond that, the one thing I love the most that I got from my momma is a best friend.  Looking back, especially to high school although we were close there was definitely a portion of time that seemed like constant arguments and disagreements.  And now, she still drives me a bit crazy but I understand it comes from a place of love … and that she just can’t help herself!  But she is still the person I call almost every day on my way home from work, who I text with my latest rants, random questions just about anything, and we have a great time together.
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Now that it’s official and my FMIL is now my MIL – I look forward to becoming closer with her.  We have always had a good relationship, similar interests and style not to mention good laughs. And, she raised the man of my dreams, my best friend and my life partner – how cool is that? I am so lucky to have another caring, genuine, boss woman in my life that I can officially call family.
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As the years go on, this day’s meaning changes a bit – as I start to have more mother’s in my life, from my aunts who’ve been my mom’s away from home since I moved, to my friends who are becoming mom’s, my fellow dog mom’s, adopted grandparents and now gaining another official mom this past winter.

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

 

Image Source: Timothy Logan Photography

Seven.

| The Bee Life

This is going to be my last year ‘celebrating’ this date. Well… not even, because I told B we don’t have to celebrate it anymore, ha! But Cinco De Mayo marks seven years with B, a lucky seven years.  And although we have a new awesome anniversary every November to celebrate our marriage – this day will always be sentimental to me! It was a day that forever changed my life, the day I knew B was the one – that’s pretty major right?
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I’ve shared our first date story and I talked about how we’ve grown together especially through our wedding prep… so what else is it about my guy, B and us? A lot of it is everything we have in common, our similar hobbies and interests, but also that we help balance each other out.  I’m a bit more open and honest, B is much more reserved and kind.

Here are seven things, you may not know about us:

  1. Throughout the year we write memories on little pieces of paper, throw them into a jar and then read them to each other on January 1st of the new year!  I then tape them into a note book so we have each year “handwritten” according to us!
  2. We attend church weekly, usually on Saturday’s at 4pm with all the old people
  3. We have a daily banter which consists of me talking as Moz to B – it could be a comedy skit, although maybe it’s only funny to us… *grins*
  4. We both cook and clean the house – our rule is whoever makes dinner, the other one does the dishes (we don’t have a dishwasher!)
  5. B and I both have a crazy sweet tooth, surprisingly sometimes his can be worse than mine!
  6. Our saying was you had me at “Yeah, Me too” – because when we first talked we would follow-up by saying, “Yeah, Me too.” We had a custom cake topper made with this phrase too for our special day!
  7. I finally got B to join me in my bootcamp classes (he actually really likes them!)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again only because each year the ways change slightly but we still continue to be blessed by each others support, laughter, honesty, teamwork and love.

Love you, B! ❤

 

 

 

 

P.S. I’m not naked in that picture – I had a strapless dress!

#EmnBWed – The Guys

| The Bee Life

When we were coordinating with our wedding photographers, I was a bit anti the “getting ready pictures,” mainly because I think a lot of them are overdone and just for the sake of the photographers portfolio, and me as the bride it may be great in the moment but in 20-years looking back am I going to be swooning over the artsy getting ready photos?

Well… maybe.

But I may be biased because my hubs is so handsome and these behind the scenes pictures captured precious moments of him laughing with his brother and parents, sweet moments with his niece (who shall not be named/pictured) and then just his overall happiness on our wedding day.  So because the guys don’t always get a ton of wedding love, here are a few of my favorite photos of the guys getting ready the morning of the big day!
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Xo

 

 

 

Image Source: Timothy Logan Photography

Weekend Recap – April Showers

| The Bee Life

This past weekend was definitely the definition of ‘April Showers’ … the rain honestly reminded me of our wedding day, just nonstop and a complete soaking! But despite the rain, we had a pretty great weekend.

Saturday started with the new norm, waking up, a quick cup of coffee and then heading out to bootcamp, with B in tow.  He’s strong into his second month so it’s been fun having a workout buddy especially on Saturday’s!  We reluctantly pulled out from the white wicker for the front porch – but I figured maybe it’ll help the weather figure it out! We had a low key night in after church and watched the start of the NBA playoffs.
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We packed all our fun into Sunday! The morning started off with a celebration for our dear friend, E at her baby shower! It was ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ theme and I was lucky enough to be asked to help with some of the decor. I made a wooden sign with the theme’s slogan and then some fillers for the floral centerpieces – the whole room turned out great and was so E.  The food, sweets and company were all a perfect combination to celebrate the mom-to-be! We can’t wait to meet Baby T!

From the shower I made a quick stop at home, then B and I were headed downtown to go to the Cavs first playoff game! We had scored some awesome seats during the ticket pre-sale (before the game schedule was even set), although, the game was a bit rough as a fan. We saw a few clearings of hope, but never gained the lead.  Being our first playoffs game the crowd was electric and the energy throughout the game, even during the hard parts, was incredible.  Apparently, we just had to get some of our bad playing out of the way!

How did you spend your weekend?!