On Baptism....

Some of you may or may not know this, but even though I've been a Christian for about 14 years, I've never been baptized. This is weird, even to myself, because I grew up in a Baptist church, my dad's dad was a Baptist preacher, and I have tons of family members very involved in their churches, music ministers, preachers, etc. It's always been something on my life to-do list though.

Let me rewind....

{insert random photo of family in Sunday dress}

 I grew up going to the Baptist church where my dad's family had always gone. I remember going every Sunday to Sunday school, service, Sunday evening services, and any children's activity going on. Then, when I was in the 6th grade, I met a girl named Emily. Her dad was the preacher at First Baptist Church. We became friends and I started going to church with her. She quickly became one of my best friends, too. I became very involved in the youth group there, and it was probably around this time that I fully understood what being a Christian meant. Most people have a clear memory of the exact moment they gave their life to God. I don't. I have a horrible memory of everything. I don't remember a lot of important things. Not because they're not important, but just because my memory doesn't allow me to remember it.

So, I went to church events, youth retreats, missions trips, etc.. I felt like I had a strong connection with God. Of course, like most teenagers, I did go through a rough patch during high school. Then, I moved to another city where I was in "one of those" relationships. You know the one.... The one you think is "The One", but you're really just smoking crack and settling. He wasn't a very good leader, the kind God wants us to have in a partner. I should've known. Well, needless to say, I didn't attend church during that time, but I was still strong in my faith. 

Fast forward a few years, I move back to Cleveland. I wasn't too interested in going to a church here in town. Then, I started dating Josh, and on one of our first few dates, we went to a Hillsong United concert at Fellowship of The Woodlands. We started going to church together (he and his family already went there). He WAS the kind of husband God wanted me to have. (Subliminal message: Don't settle because you THINK you've found The One...keep searching. God will lead you to the person you're meant to be with...promise!)

He even proposed to me at the fountain at church!

Recently, we went to a church service and the topic was baptism. It was interesting because, just the week before, my mom had mentioned that I was never baptized and that I should do it. It was also something that I had been thinking about, too! So, I knew that this was the right time. This weekend just so happens to be the annual Super Summer Baptism event. Last year, they did over 1200 or something baptisms! Isn't that awesome?!

I've noticed that, as an adult, it's a little weird to get baptized after being a Christian for so long. I have to explain why I waited so long. Firstly, as a teenager, I feel that it was a little intimidating to walk in front of a whole congregation to announce your faith. I didn't like to be the center of attention, willingly, so that just never appealed to me. Now, I realize that's WHY you get baptized...to show the world that you're a follower. Also, I never felt super committed to a church. I loved growing up at First Baptist, but I knew that I wouldn't go there forever. Josh and I are still actually looking for a forever church. We feel that Fellowship is a little far of a drive. I love the idea of our kids being involved in lots of church activities, so we'd like to find something closer, but this church is where our marriage foundation was built. We've learned so much together since we started going there as a couple, so it feels right.

I have to admit that I don't feel like this act will make me feel any more of a Christian. My daily walk with God and the relationship I have with Him are what make me stronger. Yes, I do want the world to know, but the act of baptism is just something we're meant to do, an act of obedience. Something that He wants us to do. So I'm doing it tonight. I'm a little nervous. Again, I don't like the attention on me. But, I'm also very excited about finally doing this. Thank you for letting me share my story. :)

Now, tell me something about yourself so I don't feel so awkward! :)

Random Thoughts

• I am so ready for the house to be done. I'm very thankful for the whole thing, but it does add extra stress for both of us, and I'll just be glad when it's over. (Again, I'm not complaining at all...I'm just sharing honest feelings).

• I really would love to blog more. I fear the judgement and criticism from others though. That probably doesn't make for a good blogger! Ha! I guess I just have to get over it. 

•  Josh and I just went to see Needtobreathe at the House of Blues last Friday night. I love listening to them. They are awesome live, and the opening band, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, is also awesome! Here's a little snippet of the concert (I didn't want to be the annoying person snapping photos and video the entire time...aka the table in front of us. This group of women spent the ENTIRE concert taking selfies and group shots. I don't even think they were paying attention to the music!).... 

 

•  One of our New Year's Resolutions was to go see more concerts. Needtobreathe was actually the first real concert we've been to together. We saw Hillsong United on our second or third date and have attended several rodeos, but this was a REAL concert. Our next one is Mumford and Sons (YAY!!!!), and I have one more up my sleeve, but it's a secret for now. ;)

• I never know what to get my parents for any holiday. They're very simple people and don't *want* things, so my gifts usually have to be either really generic or really personalized. And, with Mother's Day next week, I still have no clue what to get my mom. Blah.

• Retail stinks. I love working with my husband, and I love working for the family business. But, I will truthfully admit that I hate retail. I've worked it before and hated it. Sometimes, you get really great customers...they don't give you any hassle and they act like real human beings. Then, most of the time, you get these angry, think-they-deserve-it-all people who want you to basically give you free things. Maybe it's just the area we live in. I DO, however, love marketing and doing events, community involvement, etc. :)

•  On most days, I feel overwhelmed. Editing, catching up on photo stuff, work, bookkeeping, personal things. I would love a day off where I can just go to Target, Starbucks, and a movie, and not have to worry about the million things on my to-do list. I'm actually off tomorrow (on a Friday!), but I still have work things to do!

• I wonder how it will be when we have kids. We both agree that I'll become a stay-at-home mom, but I imagine I'll still want to do *something*...either photography on the side or I'll keep doing just the bookkeeping. I'm excited about having kids, but I'm also okay with waiting just a little longer.

• This post was a little longer than I thought. Ha! Have a great day!

Wedding Goods :)

This might seem a little late, but here we go!

I've been wanting to write a post about the details of our wedding. Maybe someone out there cares...but if not, it'll help me remember when I'm old and have no memory. :)

Josh proposed on August 10th. I wanted a fall wedding. We didn't have much time! But, it actually worked out perfectly. I had wanted to get married in or around November. We originally thought of March, but after worrying about weather, we decided November was safer. Another thing was that we had to do it when the furniture store wasn't going to be too busy. We wanted to be able to go on our honeymoon and know that the store would be taken care of. Since I've photographed several weddings and have been a wedding nut since I was a young girl, I really had a lot of it planned in my mind already. I knew I wanted a small wedding. Josh did, too. I also knew I wanted to get married at a location that meant something to us. I mean, I love beautiful churches, but I wanted to be able to have freedom and do things as we wanted to do them, with no time frame or limit. So, long story short, we decided on November 4th at his parents' house (just two doors down from ours). It would be a late afternoon wedding, around 50 people (just close family and friends), and short and sweet! We wanted the day to be about us getting married, not about all the fanfare, but if that's your thing, do it! :) I spent a lot of time on Pinterest and Etsy just gathering ideas. I didn't want to purchase a lot of stuff that wouldn't be used again, so I only got things that I REALLY wanted and that we could still display (art, etc.).

Here are some details:

Colors: Deep Plum, Mustard Yellow, and Teal (teal chosen by Josh due to a tie Jim Halpert was wearing in an episode of The Office)

Burlap and Mason Jars

Rustic, but not too country

Simple

Invitations: www.peartreegreetings.com

Dress: David's Bridal - I originally looked online for something inexpensive but had no luck. David's Bridal was a no-brainer for me. I knew we didn't want to spend a lot on the dress. I tried on a few (Amy (Josh's sister and my MOH) and I had gone a few months before and tried some on in pre-preparation, so I already knew which were my top contenders) and decided on this one in Ivory. It was very fitting, but I figured I'd do some extra crunches before the wedding and it'd be good! (Please note: I did absolutely NO exercising before the wedding...thank God Josh loves my body the way it is!) If they had ordered one, it wouldn't have arrived in time for the wedding, so I bought the store model and had them tailor it. It was done just in time, after a couple of alteration appointments. I also purchased a different belt/sash that was a little more vintage...I loved my dress!!  

Photography by Captured Simplicity - Amy and I have become good friends since the wedding...she doesn't actually advertise weddings, but she's amazing!!! She did our engagement photos and I love her style!

"Mrs. Good" dress hanger from Bridal Bender on Etsy.

Flowers: Billie Rodgers (at time of order, College Park Flowers in The Woodlands)

Billie has done several of the weddings I've photographed and I love her work! I ordered my bridal bouquet, MOH's bouquet, and a few boutonnieres and corsages. I really just told her what I wanted and she "surprised" me. I was so in love when I saw them. I honestly didn't send her any photos for inspiration and she completely read my mind. They were perfect!! She wrapped them in twine and then a teal ribbon to go with our colors.

 

Chairs, tables, and tablecloths rented from Elegant Beginnings in Humble. 

Catering by Splendora Cafe in Splendora - We had the chicken with the mashed potato bar (my request). They did a great job and even had servers! 

 Fans (because I wanted something Asian for my mom) - some store on Harwin

Potted Mums - Vannee's Bloomin' Yard (my mom's shop)

 Mad Libs (something Josh and I used to do on our earlier dates) - Sweet Potato Shop on Etsy

 Coloring Book for the kids' table - Squishy Cute Designs on Etsy

 Photo Booth Props - Dollar Store...probably in just one trip, I created and printed the sign, purple curtains for backdrop: Ikea

 Favors - Purple mums from my mom's shop. We wrapped them in burlap and twine.

 Hairclip - borrowed. These things are pricey!! I almost bought one, then at a boudoir session (definitely recommend doing one for your fiance or hubby), the photog had this one and let me borrow it! Super sweet!! 

Accessories - I got earrings at Charming Charlie that were perfect for my dress, borrowed my mom's sapphire blue bracelet, garter from Hobby Lobby, and shoes were from DSW.

Hair by Rebekah Conley - message me for info

Makeup by Beauty by Hayli - She did the hair and makeup for the boudoir session and she is amazing!!!

Cake by Joanne - my beautiful sister-in-law! She doesn't do many cakes anymore, but she's great at what she does! She's so creative and her cakes are so yummy!! I actually sent her the inspirational photo (top) and she made it come to life! I loved how it turned out! We did a banana pudding cake (something I crave all the time now) with vanilla and chocolate cupcakes. 

 

Cake Cutter by Silver Wings Designs - Another new friend!! Carla makes beautiful, personalized pieces. I found the cake set at Kohl's and she engraved it. LOVE it!! This is one of those things that was definitely cool on our wedding day, but will be used for many years to come!

"Best Man" and "Best Dad" engraved pocketknives for Josh's dad and brother: Journey Productions on Etsy - These were a hit...a great gift for the men!

Handkerchiefs for my parents - I bought some plain ones from somewhere (maybe Kohl's or Macy's) and had a friend embroider them with these sayings (that I might have found on Etsy):

Mom,
Today I am a bride.
Tomorrow a wife.
Forever your baby.

I love you,
Victoria
11.04.2012

Dad,
Although I'm all grown up,
Dressed in lace and pearls,
Remember on my wedding day,
I'm still your little girl.

I love you,
Victoria
11.04.2012 

In closing, it was absolutely how I envisioned our wedding. I wouldn't have had it any other way. It started at 4:00 and we left around 6:30. We had a quick ceremony, ate, did cake and toasts, and left in a sea of bubbles. It was the perfect day.

Oh, also...originally it was planned to all be outside, but a couple of days before, it was forecast to rain. So, we made provisions to use Josh's parents' garage. Of course, the weather ended up being beautiful, but the garage was still the perfect spot for the reception. :)

I'm probably forgetting details, but if you have any questions, please let me know! :)

Full of Thanks.

I wish I could just list every single thing in my life for which I'm thankful, but it would take me forever to type it out and I feel like I'm in the beginning stages of carpal tunnel anyway, so I'll not do that.

Here are a few:

(these are definitely not in any significant order)

• Modern Technology - iPhone, computers, etc. 
• A/C & Heat
• My God - He is constantly reminding me of His love. I am thankful that I can pray to Him when I feel down, hurt, and defeated. He shows me beauty every single day. 

• Bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits from McDonald's
• Clean water to drink and bathe in
• Working toilets
• Good health
• My parents - They have always supported me in more ways that I can imagine. I will always be my dad's little squirt. He always makes me chuckle. My mom will always be one of my best friends...who I can call for a very last-minute trip to Walmart or the movies. She is the most caring person I know...and definitely the sweetest. 

• Josh's parents - His mom says that she has prayed for a woman for Josh since he was a little boy. Our moms are actually what prompted us to start communicating. :) His dad is an amazing example of a good father. He also did all the decorations for my bridal shower...super creative! I am so excited to give both of our parents grandkids one day. I know our kids will be loved so much!

• Sweet tea
• Forgiveness
• Pilot B2P pens - I can't work without one.
• Our companies - My photography business, I'm so amazed at how much business I had last year and again this year....it seems I could just keep growing, which I'm so thankful for! Our furniture store, I'm thankful that I married into a hard-working, business-minded, go-getter family. My mom's flower nursery, she's been at it for almost 20 years! I'm thankful that it has been their source of income and such a success for her.
• My car
• Mascara - Even though I only wear on special occasions, I should wear it every day. New fave: Maybelline Falsies
• Josh's grandma - I only knew her for a little over a year, but she became a grandma to me. I never knew any of my grandparents. My mom had me when she was 39, so they had all passed away by that time. Ma was a sweet woman and I knew she loved me as her own grandchild....she even loved Jasper, her granddog. 

• My friends - I have a few that I've known forever that I know I can call on any time (Abby!). Then, I have some that are newer that are still very dear to me. I'm also thankful for the "customers" that have turned into friends. :)

• The sunset - I point it out to Josh a lot. I always notice it's beauty.
• Photos
• Josh's memory - Mine is horrible. He remembers everything.
• Facebook
• My amazing new husband - Josh is everything I've ever dreamed of in a husband. He loves me despite every single flaw I have. He is supportive of my dreams. He tickles me all the time and drives me crazy, but he ALWAYS make me laugh, especially when I'm cranky. He is super smart and always has great ideas. He is creative and sweet and loving and adventurous. I am so happy that God put us together. I still can't believe we're married. I have an awesome sense of security and contentment. I cannot wait to bless Josh with our many, many children. :) 

 

 

 

I'm sure I've forgotten a few things. What are you most thankful for this year?

Welcome!

Hello!

I'm creating this blog as a newly-married woman. I will not promise that I will blog all the time. This is mostly so that when I get old and forgetful, I can look back at these posts and remember how lovely my life has been. :)

Hope you'll grab a hot chocolate, a comfy blanket, and stay awhile! Oh, and because posts are more fun with photos...here's one! 

Sweater from Old Navy. Weird lower cheek sunburn from Key West, honeymoon-style.