VIRGINIA BRIDESMAID + 12 THINGS

y best friend Alex said 'I do' to the love of her life on June 3rd, and I was by her side as her bridesmaid. I flew out to Virginia for her big day, and I'm so happy I did. The wedding was beautiful and as you can tell from the photos, it felt like a hidden forest as the venue was covered with big beautiful trees, and the sunlight just made it all so magical. Alex has been my best friend since freshman year of high school, so it truly was such a joy to watch her grow and change through this special journey in her life. I couldn't be more happy! 

This wedding was my first experience as being a bridesmaid, and it was truly the best. From supporting your bestie, attending the bridal shower, picking out the dress, walking down the isle holding a boutique, to dancing like crazy with the wedding party is everything I love about being a bridesmaid! Here are 12 thoughts + memories of the wedding and trip from VA. 

12 THINGS 

1. My favorite thing about being a bridesmaid is being able to be involved in the whole process leading up to the wedding day. Seeing and participating behind the scenes of the event is so memorable. 

2. I caught the brides boutique! How awesome it that? I can cross that off my bucket-list haha. 

3. Virginia was so beautiful. Lynchburg is so different than Williamsburg, in the fact there are rolling hills with beautiful farm houses. Williamsburg feels like a closed in forest because of all the trees which is something I hate. But, oh my word it was so humid. 

4. I learned that Virginia's state slogan that can be found on every license plate is "Virginia is for lovers." 

5. Exploring Liberty University was so fun. It was massive, and so beautiful with all the brick buildings. 

6. Dancing to Sweet Home Alabama was my favorite. 

7. In the photos you can see that I changed my hair up a little bit with a half up do, and I loved trying something new. 

8. I loved that Alex had flower girls! I don't know why, but seeing flower girls pose for the camera with the bride kneeling down is just the iconic wedding photo! I must have flower girls at my wedding, haha. 

9. When the bride makes her grand entrance down the isle, I prefer to watch the grooms reaction instead because it's such a special moment when he see's his bride for the first time. 

10. I hope to be a bridesmaid many more times! 

11. Being able to do a sparkler exit at the end of the night was too cute. Before that day I had never used sparklers and now I'm obsessed. Would love to have this for my wedding one day. 

12. So thankful for this trip and I will remember it forever. 

SUNDAY MORNING READINGS 02

ood morning friends! This week has been a great one, as I am still recovering from my trip to Virginia for my best friends wedding. Gotta love scheduled posts, lol. The entire trip was so much fun, as I have missed Alex more than I realized! I can't wait to post about my trip, and my experience as a bridesmaid...hopefully! Until that post goes live, be sure to check out my Instagram page as I couldn't put the camera down during my visit.

In the meantime, today I am putting out another Sunday morning reading roundup list of all the latest articles on the web and print that I enjoyed so much this past week. Anything you've been loving?

The YouTube Video:
Room tours are just the best videos to watch. Aspyn Ovard is my fave YouTuber ever, and she's finally getting around to decorating her house she bought last year. So her bedroom is just darling, and you must take a look!  

The Blogger:
Barefoot Blonde is a blog I have recently rediscovered in my feed through Bloglovin'. She's the cutest gal, mom, and wife ever! I seriously love how lifestyle and easy flowing her posts can be. She documents everything with her little ones, and everyday views! This last post was a favorite because 1. it made me miss Hawaii so much, 2. I would love to live somewhere different even if it was only for six months. You'll have to read the post yourself to understand where I'm coming from, but I just love how willing her family is to shake things up in life.

One Web Love: 
Since summer is here I've been collecting new inspiration within my bathing suit board on Pinterest, and I found one I absolutely love. Here is the one I have my eye on. I love a good old black suit because it's classic, and flattering. Plus I tan so easily the dark colors just seem to make my skin glow all the more!

The Magazine: 
One magazine I have had a blast looking and reading through is the Magnolia Journal. Joanna Gaines summer issue is too cute for words. Can we just talk about the front cover? Ahh, makes me want to rent a jeep and explore some tropical jungle. Cuteness aside, the articles are all about traveling, and summer vacay. What I love is that they aren't unrealistic, just perfect and simple ideas though to create your own beautiful summer plans!

      

THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER: BUCKET LIST

SUMMER IS A STATE OF MIND 

Oh my gosh, summer is here!! I am so excited for this summer, and I'm determined to enjoy every possible day I can considering it's my last few months being home before the move to Vanguard. This summer I have a small bucket list that I thought I'd share on the blog!

The only bummer about this summer is that I'm taking three college summer classes! Blah! The only great thing, it that they happen to all be online. But really nine units? Wish me luck!

Onto my bucket list...go to the movies, start my summer reading list, drink lemonade, shop for my new dorm room, have a game night with my family, watch fireworks this 4th of July, make sure to have a nice tan, become a blonde again, print my iPhone photos, try new hairstyles, bake or cook a new recipe, create a summer playlist, and diy a summer sugar scrub.

Here's to a wonderful summer ahead!

5 REASONS I'M SO EXCITED TO START AT VUSC

his past weekend I attended Vanguard's registration and orientation day! I was able to sign up for my classes, meet with my counselors, meet incoming students, and give another tour to my parents. I finally feel like this is all becoming real, and my dream is happening! Now with my class schedule I am feeling prepared and so ready to start. I'm officially on countdown.

Thought I'd share a few photos from my day, along with five things I'm looking forward to at Vanguard come August!

1. Music camp: 
I mentioned this before once I announced my university, but I got accepted into the choir!! I'm not sure which one (co-ed or women's), but either I know I'll be content with. It's seriously a dream come true, as music has always been a passion of mine. I can't wait for music camp as it's four full days of auditioning, and practicing while meeting new friends. I read on the newsletter that a beach bonfire was included one night...can't wait.

2. Sporting Events:
The school pride at Vanguard is awesome! On social media I follow several accounts, and it gets me so pumped to be able to attend these games and events. At Vanguard we have track and field, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, cheer, and basketball! Okay, I'm off to go buy yellow everything to keep that pride alive!

3.  Living in Catalina: 
I am pretty sure my dorm will be in Catalina dorm room, as it's the place for all sophomores and transfer students like me! Catalina is the newest building on campus as it provides a walk in closet, private bathroom (with a bathtub), and air conditioning.Hoping to get a room with a view of the baseball fields!

4. Meeting New Friends: 
I could not be more excited to meet my roommates. They say college is where you meet those life long friends, so that's what I'm praying for.

5. Exploring Costa Mesa: 
Vanguard is located in Costa Mesa, Orange County. I've never lived anywhere near here, and I'm so excited to become a local. The beach, hipster cafes, and beautiful shopping malls are all within a 5-10 miles reach from my campus.