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pregnancy

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.

Winter Maternity Photos | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

It's a Girl | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Photos | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Black & White Maternity Photos | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Tree Floral Garland | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day' s Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Bouquet | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater PHotogaphy

Winter Maternity Session | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

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

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From the Heart of a Planner, Life Adventures Ashley Slater Photography, Cameos and Cardigans, flowers by The Day's Design, Gretta James, Kaitlin Parisho Designs, maternity photos, maternity shoot, pregnancy, the day's design, winter flowers

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.

It's a Girl | The Day's Design | Ashley Slater Photography

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!

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From the Heart of a Planner Ashley Slater Photography, business updates, flowers by The Day's Design, home improvements, it's a girl, maternity leave, pregnancy, the day's design

Home Improvements

0 · Feb 10, 2015 ·

Remodeling | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

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.

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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!

From the Heart of a Planner, Life Adventures a leaky update, bathroom remodel, construction, DIY, fix up the fergusons, ice damage, office updates, pregnancy, remodeling, the day's design, wedding season 2015

Sharing Thanks

0 · Nov 26, 2014 ·

It’s Gretta’s birthday today (can you believe she’s 2 already!? Flashback to her 1st birthday here) and I’m busy making cake, wrapping a quick present and packing to head out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday but in the midst of it all I’m going to totally be cheesy and cliché here and share a few of the things I have to be thankful for.

Gretta James turns 2 | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

No doubt this has been a year of trials and struggles, I feel like a broken record as I’ve said that about the last few years in general. There’s been loss and heartache, ups and downs and challenges for sure.  I cannot deny that life is full of struggle.  I am hardly the eternal optimist.

Never the less, I am thankful for this space where I can share little tidbits and advice, tips on wedding and life planning, creating beautiful blooms and parts of my heart.  I am thankful for you who continue to read the random thoughts that I choose to blog about.  I’m thankful that you don’t criticize and critique me too much.

I’m so thankful for all the couples who have hired me to be a part of their 2014 celebration.  I finished my last wedding of the season this past weekend (yes, I know I said that at the end of October but I snuck one more in there – more on that later!). I’m ready for a time of rest and refresh until next year which will undoubtedly be my busiest yet, it’s looking seriously fabulous and I can’t wait to celebrate with my 2015 couples!

Ferguson  Family | Christmas Photos | The Day's Design

And I’m thankful for my family.  They’re crazy, and often annoying and pushy and intrusive and completely loving, supportive and the greatest people ever.  The definition of family is constantly changing for me as people seem to come and go out of my life.  There’s the pain of loss but on the other end, we also celebrate the joy of new life.

This joy will be celebrated again in 2015.  We’re excited to announce that our family of three will soon be four, with our newest addition set to arrive mid-March.  And we’re thankful for that.

Pregnancy Announcement | The Day's Design | Hetler Photography

So may you all be blessed and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Lastly, I cannot forget all the vendors who have supported my creative talents and ventures, including the incredibly talented Kellie, of Hetler Photography, who took the above photos and who has had constant faith in my abilities.  Thank you!!

From the Heart of a Planner family photos, flower crown, grand rapids wedding planner, hetler photography, pregnancy, thankful, Thanksgiving, the day's design

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