Life Adventures

Touring Our 1950’s Ranch :: The Living Room

1 · Dec 29, 2015 ·

Visiting someone’s house can give you some major insight about a person. You can realize their passions, their priorities and it’s a glimpse into how they live. Style, favorite colors, personal tastes, preferences other and hidden secrets can all be discovered, even if it’s in a subtle, subconscious way. It’s not just a house but a home.

I’ve always had this vision of sharing a home tour on this little blogging space. We bought a 1950’s ranch from a sweet little lady who had lived here for over 40 + years. She raised her babies, watched them graduate and move on to have families of her own. She was only the second owner of the house. It soon became time for her to move on to a new piece of her life as well and share what was once her home with someone else. I can still remember her pointing out how lovely the rose colored wallpaper in the kitchen was and telling how she admired her 1980’s drapes. I certainly did not have the heart to tell her that these things she cherished didn’t hold the same sentiment to me. While I would surely take care of her house, it was to become something that would now tell our story and reflect who we are.

Over the past 6 years we have poured so much time, energy and savings into the space making it our own. While from the beginning I realized how interesting it would be to see the before and afters, I’ve never come to the point where I thought it was finished. There’s always something to tweak, rearrange or redecorate. The updating and remodeling seems never ending and there’s forever been a project sitting on deck. However, seeing as our house is officially on the market and we’ve even accepted an offer, it seems like my remodeling story of 123 Ivanhoe may be finally reaching its end.

Today’s tour will begin with the living room which each December hosts a large Christmas tree with as many gaps in it as I can possibly find. Those tree farmers have yet to realize that people like me exist – those of us who want trees that looks airy and spacious, as though they had just been trimmed from the side of the highway or plucked straight out of the woods – but that’ a story for another time. When we moved in, the living room boasted worn blue carpet and white walls. There was nothing particularly special about the living space and in fact, I scarcely remembered what it looked like then until digging out these old photos.

We removed the beams between the two rooms, lifted the carpet to reveal the original hardwood floors and added our own furniture to the space.

I quickly realized how strange the lighting in my house was. For the walls, I wanted a very soft and neutral green hue which would play off of the sage of my sofa. But every paint swatch seemed to glow as soon as the color hit the wall. It was as if I was choosing a florescent colors, even though the swatch itself was a pale and muted tone. After countless trips to the hardware store, I finally settled on a color with a bit more intensity than I had originally envisioned but at least it would have enough depth and not glow.

I soon realized this green too had a neon radiance around 4:00pm each afternoon when the sun shone though the picture window just right. But I really didn’t have the energy to change it so that’s how it stayed for the first couple of years.

You may recall the story of the giant ice hole in my ceiling and if not, you can relive it all here and here. It was a blessing and a curse all at the same time and allowed us to revamp the space even more and I finally got the paint I love and brand new windows to match.

My accessories and décor are switched throughout the year, my furniture is often rearranged and the artwork and family photos ever changing on my walls. I have winter and summer throw pillows and more seasonal décor than I care to admit. But right now, it feels like home and I’m so glad Kellie was able to capture it during my favorite holiday of the year.

I’m not going to bombard you with lots of details and pictures of the space as I am hardly an interior designer. However, this is just a small glimpse of what my world looks like {when the house is clean and the toys are all put away}.

Professional photos are courtesy of Hetler Photography, the icky “befores” are my handy work and the reason that I strongly recommend hiring the pros.

A New Adventure

0 · Dec 22, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography

On November 2, a new adventure began for our family. My husband accepted a new job. It’s a great job and excellent career move. However, for the past 2 months he’s been commuting 60 miles back and forth each day. The situation is less than ideal.

The remedy is for our family to relocate, plain and simple. So the adventure is really beginning in the New Year. We finally have our house listed for sale, we have been scouring the real estate market and we are packing our bags.

I’ve held onto the dream of living in Northern Michigan for so long now, and I’m falling just shy. Our proposed destination town is Big Rapids, a mere 12 miles south of what most consider to be the cutoff line to living up north. So close. We’re almost north. At least it’s a step in the right direction.

And as far as business goes, I don’t foresee much change on that front. Only a small fraction of the brides I currently work with are local, and I really do very few wedding right in the city of Grand Rapids itself. I’ll be that much closer to my Leelanau brides and my Southwest Michigan brides will only be a stone’s throw further. The dream is to find a place with a potential floral studio, perhaps a small garden, or I’d at least like to get out of my formal dining room so maybe I could actually host a dinner party once in a while.

Right now I feel like we’re living on a prayer. We’ve had so much interest in our home, but the housing market in that area is a bit… challenging, to say the least. It’s a faith journey, trusting that we’re making the right decision and that it will all work out in the end.

Merry Christmas week – we’ve had 5 showings of our house this week, which is also less than ideal. It’s cutting into my wrapping and family holiday time so if your gift was late or not perfectly wrapped, I’m sorry – I don’t know how Martha Stewart does it all! I hope you’re all enjoying this season of laughter, joy and togetherness.

Less Work More Life

0 · Dec 10, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography

If you follow me on Instagram then you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been completing the #risingtidechallenge this week. (If you haven’t heard about the Rising Tide Society, you can read more about it here.) Today is day 4 of the challenge and it’s all about living life, backing away from work and focusing on why we’re doing things – what matters most.

I’ve been contemplating how I’m going to answer this challenge. Obviously it’s my family that I’m working so hard for. It’s so I can help support, put food on the table and assist in keeping a roof over our heads. I work from home so we don’t have to put our kids in daycare, so we can have fun family movie nights and put up a glittering Christmas tree that will be loved all day long. I work for my clients, being a part of their stories and bringing their celebrations to life. But secretly, I work for myself too. Because truth be told, I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t working towards something. I’m not the type of person to be content without a dream and a little dirt under my nails. And I work so I can keep on dreaming.

This morning, however, I had a breakdown. I was up against a naughty toddler, deadlines and the wish the take a shower. I keep getting thrown into the category of a “stay at home mom”, as if I had no obligations other than my children, and it boils my blood. I work from home, I take care of two little girls while I’m crafting backdrops, answering emails, blogging, finding caterers, processing flower orders, etc. I challenge any of you with 9:00-5:00 jobs to take your kids with you for a day or two, you might not be able to keep your jobs for long. That’s how I feel. So as such, I often find myself stretched a little thin. It doesn’t always feel like a blessing to be able to stay at home with my girls all day. At times it feels more like a trap. Some days I just feel cursed. That’s how I felt this morning.

Going back to focusing why I’m doing what I’m doing – and sometimes I just can’t channel the gratitude and response that I know I should be writing. I should have just posted a big old picture of my family on Instagram, said they’re what matter most and moved on with my day. But at the moment it just didn’t feel sincere. I’m the type that would rather stay silent then just say what everyone wants to hear.

And then Willa June smiled at me. It was more than just a smile, there was a twinkle in her little 9 month old eye. We connected in a way that was just beyond route diaper changes and feedings. It was then I realized that I couldn’t let someone else watch her and take that away from me. These are mommy moments and they’re mine.

This is for all the entrepreneurs and family-preneurs out there – it seems like others have it all together. It seems like so many others have figured out how to do and have it all. But I’m challenging you to realize that it’s a rollercoaster ride. Some days are beautiful and productive and some days I’m in yoga pants, shower-less and wishing that I had never had kids. Even though it seems like it, I know I cannot possibly be the only one who feels like the minority. I can’t gush about my kids and husband 24/7 because while I love them all dearly, sometimes they drive me absolutely to the edge.

I work so I can have a life – whatever that life may be. I work so my dreams can become bigger dreams and someday reality. I work so my family can be a part of that life and those dreams, constantly seeking the balance between the two. And maybe someday I can also be part of my baby girls’ dreams, whatever they will be.

Secrets

0 · Dec 9, 2015 ·

Photography: Weber Photography

I have a secret.

It’s a secret that might not big that big of a deal to some, but to me, it’s pretty huge. It’s consuming me and all I can think about. We’re not ready to disclose this secret to the public quite yet, but since it’s all that’s on my mind, it’s pretty hard not to give it away or accidentally let it slip in one of my posts. It’s making writing difficult and I’ve found myself avoiding this blog.

It has made me start thinking about secrets in our personal relationships. Marriage is supposed to be this open, committed bond where you share everything. You’re partners in crime and nothing is held back. So what happens when one of you has a secret?

When there’s something I don’t want to tell my spouse, I start limiting my conversations. I become quiet, distant and just avoid talking all together. It might not necessarily be a negative secret, but just the same, it can have an adverse impact on our relationship.

“The more secrets that you keep, the less opportunity you have for real intimacy” – Michelle Peterson

Although part of me thinks that I’m allowed to have some things that are cherished and sacred just to me, I can’t help but wonder how many secrets are too many? Small secrets seem fairly harmless and sometimes I feel that there are things better left unsaid. But these things remain in my heart and on my mind, should all things on my heart be voiced?

For each word left unsaid, we’re creating a wedge. A reason is being created not to trust each other.

“Love cannot build a home where lies and secrets sleep.” – unknown

Holiday Cheer

0 · Dec 3, 2015 ·

Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography

I usually love Christmas. I’m a bit obsessed. Sparkly trees, twinkling lights, snow, presents, dinner parties… yes to it all!

But the last couple of years I haven’t really “felt” it. I feel like adulthood has officially checked in and the wonder is gone. It’s December 3rd and I still have pumpkins on my porch. Floral designer fail.

I used to get excited in August when Hobby Lobby would start stocking the shelves with Christmas goodies. My tree was always up Thanksgiving weekend. And Christmas shopping usually started back in September (if not sooner).

While I can check Christmas shopping off my to-do list, the rest of it seems tragic. I look at my house in disbelief and have to hold back tears. There’s pumpkin garland in my living room.

I’m trying to channel my holiday cheer. I don’t normally participate in things like Instagram or blogging challenges – I much prefer to march to the beat of my own drums and not follow the rules. But I’m in desperate need of assistance here. So for the month, I will be jumping on board with Bloom the Workshop’s Instagram challenge. If you’ve followed my work for long, you know that I love both Ashley & Michaela and adore being a part of Bloom and adding my flowers to some of their events. I won’t be blogging every item, but perhaps you’ll find a few inspired posts. However, if you do want to see what I’m up to, do make sure to follow along on Instagram or you can take part in the challenge too #bloomigchallenge.

And in the meantime, if you need an instant dose of cheer, head on over to Bungalow & Olives, my friend Katie is the best Christmas elf and her first snow post is sure to put a smile on your face.

A Note on Gratitude

0 · Dec 1, 2015 ·

As we’re all perfectly well aware, this is the time of year that we’re all supposed to be thankful. I’ve been trying for well over a week now to put together a post on gratitude and thankgiving. I wanted to write something profound and moving. I’ve put together draft after draft and had even committed to posting one last Wednesday and then my website host went ca-poof and the kibosh was put on that plan as my blog was down for an entire day.

My mother used to blame the devil for little acts like that. She wasn’t the type to call that boy “the devil” or give Lucifer credit for mass shootings, etc. It was the little things that she used to say were acts of the devil – things like getting into an argument on Sunday morning making us late to church. He’s sneaky like that and tries to keep you from worship.

So on Wednesday after I spent hours crafting a post about being thankful to our Heavenly Father and sending a few praises His way, this happened and my blog just didn’t exist. My mother immediately came to mind. I’m not sure if it was really his handy work or if perhaps I just wasn’t supposed to publish that draft, I wasn’t completely satisfied with it anyway.

Either way, I’ve come to the conclusion that I am over thinking it. I keep feeling like gratitude should be easy to come by. I have food on my table, a roof over my head, a beautiful family and the list goes on and on. But I’ve been searching for thankfulness and contentment still.

And then I realized I don’t need to search for it, it’s just here. It’s all around me. Why am I working so hard to find a warm and fuzzy feeling? I need to just embrace the feelings that are already in my home. My life is a mess. My business is not perfect. My kids are driving me crazy at this very moment. I will always and forever find things to tweak and change and try to perfect in my life. But I need to embrace the thankfulness in the here and now and stop looking out the windows beyond my own home.

Photography: Katie Grace Photography & Videography

“If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.” – Dorothy, Wizard of Oz.

A World without Flowers

0 · Nov 18, 2015 ·

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography

Do you ever feel small? There’s this world out there that’s full of hunger, heartache, tragedy, anger and defeat. And then there’s me, siting here warm in the comfort of my own home stressing about minuet details such as flowers and home decor. Hardly a world crisis. It makes me feel little and worthless.

When I began my flower journey I struggled with the concept of fresh flowers because it isn’t something that would last. I felt like maybe I was wasting a plant’s potential by plucking it’s blooms and placing them in a vase where they would only last a few days. And then they would be forever forgotten.

A shift in perspective from an another designer made me realize that by picking that flower and bringing it inside, I can now enjoy it for numerous hours at a time, valuing the beauty it brings to my table for those few precious days. If I had left it in the field, I may have seen it for a couple minutes as I drove by every now and then – but even attached to it’s roots, it will too eventually wither and fade away. We need to appreciate beauty while it lasts.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying to add a little beauty to the world around you. I think we all need that moment of peace and refreshment. Can you imagine what the world might be like if artists stopped creating? What if Monet had never picked up a paintbrush because it was frivolous? Or think of all the great architects, what if they’d never hand carved and crafted anything and all the buildings around us were just square boxes? And what if there were no flowers?

What would it be like if we lived in a world without flowers?

When it’s More than Just Cold Feet (Part 2)

0 · Oct 29, 2015 ·

Photography: Bradley James Photography

Returning gifts, cancelling plans, pleading with vendors for a refund, thousands of dollars lost, returning your ring – cancelling your wedding is a horrid chapter of life and a very humbling moment in your story. After my last post, someone mentioned how proud I should be that I was able to make the right choice. It was hard to think of it in that light. It was much easier to feel embarrassed that I had made the wrong decision in the first place, it was easier to wonder why I had never seen what a poor match we were before. When outsiders asked how the wedding planning was going, I was ashamed to say that all planning had ceased. “We called it off.” Those words pierced me.

I felt like a lost soul. I had to re-find my single self and remember who I was without him. And that might have been one of the biggest challenges of all.

Skipping forward – how do you know this is the man your supposed to marry? That’s the question I left you with at the conclusion of Tuesday’s post. That was a question that ran through my mind for a long time. I lost a little trust in myself. I felt like my instincts were now off. I could never let something like this happen again.

All I can speak of is my own experience. But for me, there wasn’t even a shadow of a doubt that floated into my mind when the right proposal came along.

In my broken engagement, I prayed for a sign. I prayed for a closed door if this wasn’t the direction my life was supposed to go. Be careful what you pray for. A huge sign came crashing down on me and was so obvious there was not a chance I could ignore it. In my current relationship, of course I prayed for guidance but it wasn’t a scary plea. It wasn’t a prayer born out of fear, it was a prayer of wisdom and care and thankfulness.

So how did I know that I’d met the man I was supposed to marry? Everything was just different. The overall aura of the relationship was unique to any other bond I had experienced. And I might not have recognized that without my past misfortunes. There was a calmness and peace. There was a security and my self-doubt seemed to fade away. I didn’t feel like I had lost myself with him, but rather I was able to be myself. My past heartbreak gave me the confidence to move forward. I now knew what I wanted and who I wanted to be. And most importantly, I knew who I wanted to have standing beside me as I strived to be that person.

There is a happy ending on the road ahead.

“Don’t rush into love, because even in fairytales the happy ending takes place on the last page”. – author unknown

When it’s More than Just Cold Feet

0 · Oct 27, 2015 ·

Photography: Kelly Sweet Photography

This is a subject that’s been pulling on my heartstrings for awhile. However, since wedding blogs are supposed to be this blissful happy place it never seems appropriate to bring up the harsh reality that even when you said yes, you may not fulfill that journey down the aisle.

I had two brides call off their wedding this year. That’s 13% of my weddings. I don’t know if that’s an average percentage throughout the wedding industry but it is an eye opener to the fact that diamonds don’t make everything beautiful.

10 years ago I was engaged to another man. It seems like a lifetime past and I can scarcely imagine what my life would be life now had I gone through with it. Suffice to say, I wouldn’t have two beautiful daughters, I’d most likely be working some “safe” corporate job and dinner would be on the table every night at 5:30pm without a dirty dish left in the kitchen, ever. Period. And my walls would be white, but not in a textured trendy way, in the boring, non-adventurous way. They would be the bland metaphor for my life.

I’m not going to go into all the details as to why things weren’t right in my relationship. But at some point throughout the engagement time period I had this gut wrenching feeling that something was amiss. That’s a really scary feeling. I’m a very firm believer that marriage is forever and the forever in my reality was starting to feel very, very long.

I had already had 2 bridal showers. We had bought a house. Our lives were starting to merge. We were getting gifts for “us”. When you’re planning a wedding everything is go go go. You have time frames and itineraries. There are so many factors that you have to keep on top of, organize and decide that sometimes it’s really easy to lose track of all the pertinent feelings and emotions and sort those out from the tense, bridezilla moments. It’s easy to lose your grip on reality.

For me, I couldn’t pull the trigger on sending out the invitations. I stalled and stalled. There wasn’t a real reason why, I just didn’t put them in the mail. It was less than 6 weeks before my wedding and they still weren’t out. Among the list, that should have been a huge warning sign.

I can’t tell you whether or not you’ve chosen the right man. I often become very close to my brides but I still don’t see all the inner workings of the relationship. And even if you’re happy in the moment, it doesn’t mean you’ll still be happy five years from now. So what do you do? How do you know if this is the man you’re supposed to marry?

PS – This isn’t the end of the story. Sharing more on this subject later this week.

Distracted by Weeds

0 · Aug 31, 2015 ·

Photography: Hetler Photography

I entered an Instagram contest. And while I don’t have a large following, I’ve built up enough that I feel like I have to be very intentional about what I post and I’ve come to the point in business that people actually start to recognize me out in the public and may have even heard of my business. These should all be good things. It’s a sign of growth. But to me, it’s terrifying.

I’ve always been fairly reserved in nature. I don’t like people to know what’s going on with me. I don’t like people in my business. So it’s been a learning curve understanding what I’m comfortable with, what I need to challenge myself with and realizing that if I never tell anyone that I’m doing floral design or willing to travel, no one might ask me to do these things. And I want them to hire me to do these things!

Putting myself out there. That’s what I did last week upon entering this contest. I let the world know that I wanted to win something. I let my floral arrangements be judged with multiple entries from across the country. And it was scary.

At first, I felt like I wasn’t good enough. I felt like I shouldn’t even try because I didn’t want people to judge me, I didn’t want to feel like a failure and I didn’t want to have my hopes crushed. Then I got out of my head and just started creating. Some of the arrangements practically made themselves and some where a real struggle. But at the end of the day I felt good with myself. I felt like I had a real chance to be a finalist.

Friday morning hit me like a ton of bricks. All my fears came true. I’m not good enough. That’s what I heard when the five finalists where announced. And it hurt. I’m thirty years old with a business that I’ve built with my own two hands, using my God given talents and I felt inadequate. I started to cry.

I looked at myself in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. I saw a grown woman crying because someone did pick her flowers, pretty ridiculous, right? People have real problems in this world and I’m getting weepy over a bunch of blooms.

I’ve evaluated and reevaluated every single one of my creations. I critiqued and tried to decide what I could do differently. And I’m pretty happy with my creations, which is all I can ask for at the end of the day. Obviously I compared myself to the other entrants, who wouldn’t? But what these other contestants really are is weeds. They’re weeds that are distracting me from the really beautiful blossoms in my garden. While weeds are quirky and fun and they hold their own beauty, they can also strangle out the plants that have been purposely placed and planted. I want to be purposeful and not distracted by weeds. I need to stay true to myself, even if it isn’t good enough for someone else. I refuse to be distracted by these weeds.

Adventures of Kitty & BFF

0 · Aug 6, 2015 ·

Coordination is the name of the game. I have been up to my eyeballs in details lately. I have organized my little heart out. Typed lists for vendors. Written lists for baby sitters. Jammed 22 centerpieces, 8 bouquets, 4 crates, table numbers, suitcases, emergency kits and more into my tiny little Tahoe. I have coordinated 3 different baby sitters, packed bottles, blankies and formula. I have outlined wedding day timelines and Willa June’s feeding schedule. I packed an emergency kit and emergency snacks for Gretta. Cell phones, Walkie Talkies and car keys all come along for the ride (all to be misplaced an outrageous number of times throughout any given day). Dog sitters, nannies, Grandmas and husband keep life on track at home. I’ve bought more greenhouse plants, made emergency trips to the flower market and dealt with more humidity and wind related issues that I ever care to sweat about again. My mantra through it all – “Someone can plan the perfect event, but it certainly isn’t me”. Truth.

I’m always preparing for the unexpected. I warn every client that something – be it big or small – will go wrong on their wedding day. There’s always a hiccup in the plan. You’re hiring me to manage that glitch.

I’ve just about reached that half way mark throw the wedding season. And to be honest, I’m ready for a teeny break and think it’s time for a bit of comic relief. This is where my bff is always sure to deliver. Friends always know what you need, don’t they? So without further ado, let me tell you about the detail that I failed to consider and definitely did not coordinate.

It was about 11:30 pm the night before my Traverse City wedding. I, for once, found myself already in bed, preparing to get a good night’s sleep prior to tomorrow’s busy wedding day. I then received this text, “I found the Caption”. Confused, I didn’t respond right away. {Caption = the extremely offensive and not even close to being politically correct abbreviated term of endearment we use for our cat, Caption Retard}

The message was then follow up with a screen shot that read, “Ugh, I don’t know what to do. I can’t find her. Went under the deck… treats not working!”

The came my husband’s reply “Hmmm… You can try my toothbrush. It’s an electric one in the bathroom closet. Every night when I brush my teeth she comes running and tries to nuzzle it… Kinda weird, I know. But, could work?”

Let me paint this picture for you. My bff was at my house watching the girls for a brief moment before Grandma came to pick them up. Upon their departure, she helped herself to a glass of wine and made herself to home. During this time, Nelly (our cat’s real name) figured out how to open the screen door and let herself outside. When discovering this, my extremely allergic, cat hating bff searches in desperation and runs circles around our house crying out “Kitty” (because no one ever remembers her real name) with a toothbrush in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. All to no avail.

Moral of the story? Plan for everything, you never know what wedding day shenanigans might take place… and lock the screen door. The scenario still has me laughing. And Nelly is now safe, back at home.

Silence on the Social Front

0 · Jul 22, 2015 ·

It saddens me that nearly a month has passed since my last post. I love blogging. I love sharing tidbits, advice and thoughts about weddings and life in general with all my amazing readers. So when busy takes over and I cannot find a moment to clear my head, write a sentence or much less format a post that’s worth reading, I find myself a little depressed.

It all comes down to priorities. I’m still dreaming of flowers, ribbons and foraging for the most perfect accents for each and every bridal bouquet. I am scheming up designs, laying out floor plans, creating flower recipes and timelines. But being a wedding planner is a selfless profession. It takes an enormous amount of dedication to each and every couple. It’s their needs that are put first, not my own. While I try to find balance in as many places as I possibly can, I always know that my clients come first. It’s their once in a lifetime experience that’s important, not my need to share what I’m up to with the world.

To the outside world, when things become quiet on the social media front it appears that we are doing nothing, we’re not busy and have little to share. To anyone in the wedding industry, we know that this is when we’re our busiest making wedding dreams come true.

Here’s just a peak at one of those dreamy days that we were honored to be a part of. Wishing the happiest of marriages to Hallie and Eric.

Photo by Bradley James Photography, from our wedding together last weekend in Ludington.

Footprints in the Sand

0 · Jun 3, 2015 ·

Sunday I awoke to a nip in the morning air. It had the crisp, clean and fragrant smell of summer with the chilling temperatures of fall. It almost felt as though autumn was closing in upon us or perhaps I had traveled north to the place where my dreams often take me. It felt like a Northern Michigan morning.

That same morning, our pastor talked about waiting. I feel like I’m caught waiting a lot. Waiting can be good. Perhaps we shouldn’t but in such a hurry, life doesn’t have to happen instantaneously. It’s interesting to think though what might happen if we never stopped waiting and just sit in our comfort, dragging our feet. And as my mind always tends to wander, I was thinking, if Jesus is always by our side, then he’s waiting right there with to us. Like footprints in the sand next to us, carrying us, guiding us.

While these two occurrences from Sunday aren’t exactly connected, I couldn’t help but think of this image, it just seemed to sum up the day. I was thinking about chilly and cold feet. I was thinking of the misty shores of Lake Michigan and the damp sand. I was thinking of being lonely and yet having love by my side. I was thinking about how many thoughts and words can come to mind with no way to express themselves besides in one visual image. I don’t have the perfect poetic tidings or ideas to sum up this post, but it’s perplexing the emotions, sentiments and a wealth of thoughts that can be conjured up from just one picture.

This beautiful image was part of a seaside inspirations shoot Ashley Slater Photography and I put together last month. So many more moving photos to be shared soon!

Mommy of 2

0 · May 12, 2015 ·

A day late and a dollar short. That’s the story of my life right now. This is my mother’s day blog post… which in fact is even being posted 2 days late. The most frequently asked question of my personal life is all about being a mommy of 2. How is it? Is it easier/harder? Does Gretta love being a big sister? Is Willa June a good baby? Are you getting much sleep? Cue the super mom comments…

So here we go.. I’m a mommy of 2 beautiful little girls. My business is having it’s busiest year yet. I work from home and have yet to secure a summer sitter. And most days I just classify as a big huge fail. Truth be told, life is CRAZY! At any given moment you might find me holding a baby, typing an email and teaching Gretta how to unpack my new floral containers and pick up wayward stems (she might as well learn to earn her keep!). Every single day is a new adventure.

In lieu of all of this, I think it’s appropriate to reflect back a moment. Those first few days were a little simpler, the hubs stayed home from work, Willa June decided to take naps and Gretta was still a bit unsure about this new phase of life. The time will fly by quickly, it’s hard to believe that Willa June is already 2 months old. Pretty soon there will be two chatty little girls running around the house and we’ll be in the next season of life.

I would love to extend a huge thank you to Kellie of Hetler Photography for so beautifully documenting yet another special moment in our lives.

Feeding Creativity

0 · Apr 21, 2015 ·

Photo: Hetler Photography

I was up at 3:30 this morning feeding Willa June. I don’t usually have many profound thoughts in this half sleeping, middle of the night state of mind. However, last night I began thinking about food. My life has been surrounded by it lately. In the eight hours while my husband escapes to work, I feed Willa June approximately 4 times. On top of that, Gretta gets breakfast, lunch and a snack. Basically this means that I’ve prepared 7 meals before the 5:00 rolls around and I haven’t even eaten yet. But I am surrounded by food.

I was thinking how this relates to my work. Right now I’m in the preparation stages. I have passed along so many floral and design proposals, brainstormed ideas and am so excited for all of this summer’s weddings to take place. I am surrounded by ideas and inspiration. I’m really really busy working with brides who are hungry for ideas. However, all of these ideas are on paper still. They’re just in the prepartion stages and have not been brought to life. I haven’t fed my creative side, I’m just planned a menu.

Without this extra fuel, our minds and imaginations become stagnant. Our creative juices cannot flow and our tank is running on empty. Its something that people outside of this industry just can’t seem to understand – why do you waste your money on workshops or photoshoots? You’ve got a dynamite portfolio and people know what you can do. Your talent speaks for itself. The answer is, sometimes I need to take time out for myself. Sometimes, I need to eat.

New Life

0 · Mar 19, 2015 ·

I’m so thankful for the sunshine and milder weather that has finally reached us here in West Michigan. I think Polly (my cocker spaniel) is pretty thankful as well. We’re finally able to step outdoors without having to be completely bundled head to toe, and as we do every spring, we’re on a quest – searching for new life.

I’m sad to say that as of 3:30pm on March 18, I have no notable findings to report. Brown, matted grass covers the vast majority of the landscape with a few lingering snow piles scattered here and there. Puddles still fill the ditches and tree branches remain barren, with the exception of a few shriveled berries left behind by the birds.

I’m not going to hide my jealousy for our neighbors to the south. I’ve seen peeks of forsythias and daffodils beginning to fill my feeds. However, I feel that this just fuels hope. Spring will arrive as it always does, fashionably late. It will be worth the wait, and we will be thankful after a long cold winter.

In the meantime, the only new life to be spotted is here in my home. I can tell by the increase of blog hits that I have a few nosey readers who are all patiently (or not so patiently!) awaiting a glimpse of the newest addition to our family. Right now my life consists of babies, bliss and blooms. I’m happy to introduce little Willa June. She’s one week old today.

Photography: Hetler Photography

She’s Here!

0 · Mar 13, 2015 ·

7 lbs 3 oz and 19 1/2 inches long, Willa June was born at 9:27 am yesterday. Gretta thought you should know that she’s officially a big sister and I’m now Mama to 2 beautiful girls.

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Styling & Floral Design: The Day’s Design | Calligraphy: Kaitlin Parisho Designs | Chair: Cameos & Cardigans

A Winter Maternity Session

0 · Mar 6, 2015 ·

I didn’t have maternity photos taken when I was pregnant with Gretta, and I’m not sure if I completely regret that but do know that there’s a missing piece of documentation in my life. I will never have that visual memory. I’ve never thought of myself as very photogenic so I just didn’t entertain the thought too much. I applaud those women who carry pregnancy with such beauty and grace, because that’s simply not me. However with this pregnancy, I decided to go for it. So back in January, Ashley Slater and I snuck outside for a little wintery photo session to commemorate this time in my life. I really set forth to see the beauty in this moment and try to find that every season has a reason to celebrate. It’s what I preach, it’s time to act on that.

As a bonus, I surprised my husband with these for a little Valentine’s gift. These were totally worth facing the frigid temperatures and now I have some beautiful new artwork to freshen up the baby’s nursery. And if you know me at all, you know that any photo session wouldn’t be complete without some beautiful blooms and a little styling.

Photography: Ashley Slater Photography | Florals & Styling: The Day’s Design | Calligraphy: Kaitlin Parisho Designs | Chair: Cameos & Cardigans

It’s a…

0 · Feb 27, 2015 ·

Yesterday marked my 37th week of pregnancy and I’m officially full term. If you follow me across social media you might notice that I’m not very vocal about it. I did make an announcement back in November, however these things are often quickly forgotten… unless of course, you’re the pregnant one! It’s not that I’m not thankful or excited or any of those things, but I just don’t get the warm fuzzy feelings that are people generally find normal from most expectant moms. I find pregnancy and the pregnancy process a little strange and almost borderline creepy – there’s something growing inside me! I try not to think about it. The goal is to keep this space a positive, loving and optimistic one, so it doesn’t always seem appropriate to share what’s really on my mind. Like Mom always said, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

But the truth is, we’re having another little girl. She will be here in less than 2 weeks time. And we’re really excited. Gretta was moved into her new “big girl bedroom” last weekend, and Baby Girl #2 will take over the nursery space. We’re still busy at work with the home reno projects, which we’re hoping (fingers crossed really really tightly!!) will just about be wrapped up this weekend. I don’t know what people do that don’t have parents like mine. Seriously, my dad has worked his hiney off in our nightmare of a bathroom and my mom has been a laundry and baby room warrior.

Meanwhile, I’m here wrapping up some really pretty details for 2015 brides and getting ahead of the game, in hopes of taking the next month to find the new norm and balance in life. I’m not sure that any of us are truly prepared for what life has in store for us but things always seem to work out. I’ll still be checking email and staying in planning mode, just on a little slower pace. So I appreciate your patience and understanding.

There are still openings in my 2015 wedding season for both floral design and planning clients but if you’re considering working with me the spots are filling up fast! Have a great weekend friends and be sure to check back next week as I’m going to share the rest of my maternity shoot with Ashley Slater Photography, with some gorgeous calligraphy pieces from Kaitlin Parisho Designs. It’s pretty, you won’t want to miss it!

Home Improvements

0 · Feb 10, 2015 ·

Sit down, grab a cup of coffee (I’m going to get a refill) and I’ll fill you in on life happenings over here at the Ferguson household…. picture by Hetler Photography.

Back in October I began blogging about all the off-season shenanigans that were about to take place around my home. I had this blissful dream of all the things that I could get accomplished during this slower time of year, organization projects, remodeling to-dos and office updates. And I even thought it would be fun to take you along on my journey via blogging.

Oh the best laid plans…

Our initial house project was fixing the ice damage from last winter which affected both our dining room and living room. This was an insurance claim, so rather than DIYing it (like every other remodeling project that we’ve tackled so far), we hired a pro. I thought this would make things easier. I thought things would get done correctly and in a timelier manor. I thought wrong. Start dates continued to get pushed back and suddenly I was fearful that it wouldn’t be finished in time to put up a Christmas tree. I put up a tree anyway. The crew was let go and the project is yet to be finished. Let’s just say that I have more control and faith in my husband – who is handy, but certainly not a master craftsman – than I do these so called “professionals”. If you’ve been waiting to see the “big reveal”, you’re going to have to keep on waiting. Here are the original plans, in case you’d like to see those.

Project number two has begun. For 5 years we have been living with the most disgusting, outdated and grossest bathroom you’ve ever seen. It’s been embarrassing whenever guests need to use the restroom. It’s dingy, with peeling wallpaper and shredded berber carpet… who carpets a bathroom anyway? My guess is it was updated sometime during the late 80’s, but I’m not too certain. We scheduled this project before realizing that our previous ice project would not be complete, but we have to move forward anyway. We’re having a baby and I refuse to still be remodeling when she arrives. We’ll see how those plans unfold – right now we’re about 40% complete, with 3 more work weekends to go (we’ve had 2 already).

As far as the rest, well, let’s just say that life is different than it was this time last year. Things were much quieter then. This year, it’s been a hustle and bustle of bridal inquiries, meetings and prep for the upcoming season. I’m so thankful, but it has put a few of those blissful organization dreams aside. Now I’m updating office space, making room for baby and tripping over extra tiles, tools and other random objects that seem to be floating throughout my home and things are just plain challenging. But I’m really exciting for what wedding season 2015 will bring – and for the warmer weather ahead. We’re half way through February, spring is right around the corner.

And I almost forgot one really exciting piece of “new business” – there’s a new website in the works! I’ve been hard at work on this baby and love the way it’s making my flowers and designs shine… it will be up and running soon!

A Generation Shaped by Grandma

0 · Jan 30, 2015 ·

January always brings memories of my Grandma; it was her birthday today and the anniversary of her passing earlier this month. She had a huge impact and influence on my life. I loved her so much and wish all the time I could call her up, sit and have a cup to tea (or toast with peanut butter – her fav!) with her or play another game of Cribbage. She was a strong, Godly woman who shaped a piece of who I am.

But it wasn’t until her funeral when I realized how many other lives she had touched. Person after person came forward to share who my grandma a touched their lives. This made my memory of Grandma even more magical.

My grandma has become a source of encouragement for me. She was the inspiration for my daughter’s name, she impacts my day to day life and also has an effect on the business side of my life. My forget-me-knots bordering my logo are in memory of her as I think of how they used to grow wild in her yard and grandpa was not allowed to mow while they were in bloom.

I have come to realize however, that I am not alone in my admiration for my grandma. I have run across a number of others, both in the wedding industry and elsewhere, who blog or tell tales of how their grandmas inspire them. Pieces of their businesses where named by them. Life just isn’t the same with them gone.

Why do we admire Grandma so much?

She grew up in a time before cell phones, internet and computers. She made meals from scratch and gave the best hugs. Her life was simple. She lived in an era when it was still okay to carpool with strangers, houses were made from fieldstones, pictures were in black and white and women were married at the age of 18. And marriages lasted.

What made her such an amazing woman? She didn’t even know how to properly send an email?! Are just romanticizing her memory? I don’t believe so. I believe that Grandma’s unsheltered way of life taught her something. I believe that she learned to fight and work hard, not having an easy way out. I believe that she had an extra burst of stubbornness that refused to quit. She didn’t have an “easy” button or a way to escape through technology. She had to talk about her problem, think about her answers in thoughtful letters of response. She learned to properly converse with one another and how to punctuate a sentence. She knew how to be a lady, as well as how to work on the farm. She walked to her job because she wasn’t spoiled with an extra car. And at the end of the day, she was tired.

Grandma, thank you for your passion and fight. Thank you for keeping me fired up for what really matters and making my family so amazing. Our grandma’s changed our generation. As they’re slowly finding their final resting places, a portion of history and wisdom is being lost in this world. “Simple” ways of life are being forgotten and it makes me sad.

Grandpa and Grandma at our wedding, June 2010. Photography: Shannon Scott Photography {Smug Shots}

Another Year Older

0 · Jan 20, 2015 ·

Photo: Heather Cisler Photography

Yesterday was my birthday. It wasn’t an exciting day, no one sang to me or gave me cake. It was simply just another day reminding us that life moves forward whether we embrace it or not and no one can escape the aging process.

Last month I was sitting with a couple of wedding friends enjoying light-hearted conversation. The topic of pregnancy arose and I made an off-handed comment about that being an issue in the industry, since so many of us are so young. It was at this point that I was very bluntly (but lovingly) put in my place – I’m not that young.

Since it’s been brought to my attention, I’ve realizing the level of truth in this statement. I’m getting old, which I’m sure is a point that would be disputed by those 20+ years my senior. But I’ve been asked before if I’ll “outgrow” my job. I think about long-term business and personal goals and wonder where I really should be at this time in my life. I’m not the 21 year old that just graduated collage and started a business – although truth be told, I don’t think I would have had the guts to take that leap then. I’ve established a level of maturity, and while my business and brand and even life (for that manor) might evolve I don’t foresee it going anywhere. I’m right where I want to be.

So these two inspirational quotes are going to stand by me today.

“Don’t compare your beginnings to someone else’s middle.” And while I feel like I’m finally traveling into the “middle” section of my journey, I still need to be careful not to compare, which leads me to my next point:

“Comparison is the theft of all joy.” Just do your thing. Worry about your life and forget about “the industry” which you’re in. Forget about your friend’s fancy new house or promotion. Just keep pushing on and doing what makes you happy.

Hugs & Cheers for the New Year

0 · Jan 5, 2015 ·

Photography: Eliza Jean Photography

I like to start January off on a positive note. It’s a new and fresh year full of possibilities. But today my heart is heavy and optimism is eluding me as another member of my family went to their eternal home yesterday. It seems the past few Januaries have been challenging, to say the least. Perhaps it’s the Lord’s way of testing me and letting me know it can only go up from here? I don’t really know.

I’ve read numerous year end recaps across Facebook, Instagram and on other blogs. While a couple here and there might make a slight mention of trials in 2014, most of them are extremely positive and almost overly enthusiastic about how great the year was. I almost feel like no one is really real with themselves or perhaps those people just chose not to speak out.

It’s important to know that life is full of complications, sadness and heartbreak. We don’t always choose to share these personal moments of defeat, as it’s so much easier to share the sunshine and celebration than the gloom. Sometimes it’s hard to see the engagement announcements, the shiny new Christmas toys and all the positive wishes for 2015. But if you too are starting the year on a negative note, it’s okay, you’re not alone regardless of what social media might be telling you. We’ll find your time of celebration together.

Hugs and Cheers into the New Year!

Merry Christmas 2014

0 · Dec 24, 2014 ·

Presents are wrapped, the car is being packed and we’re heading down the road to spend some quality time with the fam! So Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Thanks Kellie for the beautiful Christmas photos!

Life Adventures

Footer

Instagram