Monday, August 25, 2014
Monday, January 27, 2014
Location, Location, Location
We finally have a location for the wedding, and what a relief it is!
I am blessed to have found this dainty little church with a fabulous outside pavilion for my reception. It is now so easy to dream of the lace and pearls to adorn the chandeliers, the teacups and fabric napkins to sit in the stained glass windows, and the tulle bows on the wooden pews. Ill have some lattice standing behind the pastor on the alter with some of the blush, cream, and lace ribbons from the photo shoot. Darling. Outside, will be full of tables centered with my teacups, teapots, or cigar boxes and lace holding a few flowers. Delicious food will be filling the air with a warm welcome as guests arrive. Im in the process of deciding on some fun outdoor wedding activities...
Oh I am so excited!!
My list of things to make:
My bouquet
6 Bridesmaids bouquets
Brady's Boutonniere
6 Groomsmen Bouts
2 Mother's Corsages
1 Father's Bout
3 Grandmother's Corsages
2 Grandfather's Bouts
My Wedding Dress
I am blessed to have found this dainty little church with a fabulous outside pavilion for my reception. It is now so easy to dream of the lace and pearls to adorn the chandeliers, the teacups and fabric napkins to sit in the stained glass windows, and the tulle bows on the wooden pews. Ill have some lattice standing behind the pastor on the alter with some of the blush, cream, and lace ribbons from the photo shoot. Darling. Outside, will be full of tables centered with my teacups, teapots, or cigar boxes and lace holding a few flowers. Delicious food will be filling the air with a warm welcome as guests arrive. Im in the process of deciding on some fun outdoor wedding activities...
Oh I am so excited!!
My list of things to make:
My bouquet
6 Bridesmaids bouquets
Brady's Boutonniere
6 Groomsmen Bouts
2 Mother's Corsages
1 Father's Bout
3 Grandmother's Corsages
2 Grandfather's Bouts
My Wedding Dress
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Alive and 25
Well its my birthday today. I wish I had something profound to say since I a quarter of a centurion. But I do not think that I do. I know that the last year of my life has been a whirlwind....
On my 24th birthday, I ran 4 miles which was a new personal best in both distance and speed. I was trying to prepare for a 10k that I wasnt sure I could finish, but that weekend...I did. It was awesome.
That running therapy turned into training as I signed up for a half marathon and pledged to raise $2100 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; which I also did, by the Grace of God. He is using the funds to help find cures for sweet people who are suffering from diseases that they didnt ask for... And I ran 13+ miles for them since they cant and the Lord has blessed me with health so far in my short life.
I got to spend some good time with my dear friends, the Walker family, as I nannied for them at new years conference. That was definitely ordained. The Lord began the next phase of healing my heart that He began last fall. It was tough, but it was so good. I came home from Nashville feeling more free than ever before.
I spent the next few months caring only about Lord's many thoughts of me rather than being consumed by others' thoughts of me. Such freedom that I didn't know I wasn't so free before, from this bondage of 'the approval of man'. I was even enjoying singing in front of people...well the kids. I was free!
(To under stand what a big deal this is for me, you have to know the back story: I used sing ALL the time as a kid...until my friends started singing in front of the church. This TERRIFIED me- I just knew that brother David was going to ask me to sing and how could I tell him no?? I literally would hide in the bathroom to avoid being asked to read the scripture in front of folks (this is amusing because I am a Public Communications graduate haha!). Then my darling, musically inclined, daddy bought me a karaoke machine for my 10th birthday. That pretty much muted me. My only place of solitude to sing was mowing the acres of grass at our home- that became my favorite chore. Plus, you get to jumpstart your tan...thank you Native American heritage!! So there you go, singing in front of anyone is way scary and HUGE for me.) But there I was, enjoying leading worship...
And then Brady and I led worship together at Covenant Youth Discipleship.
Now, I thought he was special, but he was younger than me...so no go Sav. Then we started hanging out more, and he is incredible. Then he asked me out and told me he wanted to pursue me. I mean, I would be lying if I didn't think I was so going to marry him on that first date to St. Paul and the Broken Bones at Workplay on March 29 during this conversation:
Oh we went to a few concerts, had a first kiss, went to some weddings, and by May we were talking about marriage. I spent my first summer in Flotown with this guy and we fell in love.
I'm talking...cant eat, cant sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff!!
I took summer classes and interned at Bradford...worked way too many hours and got sick with mono and then kidney stones. He really showed me how much he loves me.
And then I won this photo shoot/date night...
School started again and I took fewer classes- much more manageable. My new supervisor is fabulous and we have become great friends. I wish I was full time in the office because I love our team. But Im not so I have been applying for jobs here and there.
When the day of our photo shoot came around...gosh I still cant believe that he proposed to me that crisp October day. It was perfect.
Last week was his birthday, so we have been celebrating for days :)
Today I even had to convince myself that it is in fact my birthday. So here we sit, sharing a bowl of ice cream, watching When Harry Met Sally, planning to watch The Office, and enjoying each other. What a great birthday.
My last birthday as Savannah Smith :)
On my 24th birthday, I ran 4 miles which was a new personal best in both distance and speed. I was trying to prepare for a 10k that I wasnt sure I could finish, but that weekend...I did. It was awesome.
That running therapy turned into training as I signed up for a half marathon and pledged to raise $2100 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; which I also did, by the Grace of God. He is using the funds to help find cures for sweet people who are suffering from diseases that they didnt ask for... And I ran 13+ miles for them since they cant and the Lord has blessed me with health so far in my short life.
I got to spend some good time with my dear friends, the Walker family, as I nannied for them at new years conference. That was definitely ordained. The Lord began the next phase of healing my heart that He began last fall. It was tough, but it was so good. I came home from Nashville feeling more free than ever before.
I spent the next few months caring only about Lord's many thoughts of me rather than being consumed by others' thoughts of me. Such freedom that I didn't know I wasn't so free before, from this bondage of 'the approval of man'. I was even enjoying singing in front of people...well the kids. I was free!
(To under stand what a big deal this is for me, you have to know the back story: I used sing ALL the time as a kid...until my friends started singing in front of the church. This TERRIFIED me- I just knew that brother David was going to ask me to sing and how could I tell him no?? I literally would hide in the bathroom to avoid being asked to read the scripture in front of folks (this is amusing because I am a Public Communications graduate haha!). Then my darling, musically inclined, daddy bought me a karaoke machine for my 10th birthday. That pretty much muted me. My only place of solitude to sing was mowing the acres of grass at our home- that became my favorite chore. Plus, you get to jumpstart your tan...thank you Native American heritage!! So there you go, singing in front of anyone is way scary and HUGE for me.) But there I was, enjoying leading worship...
And then Brady and I led worship together at Covenant Youth Discipleship.
Now, I thought he was special, but he was younger than me...so no go Sav. Then we started hanging out more, and he is incredible. Then he asked me out and told me he wanted to pursue me. I mean, I would be lying if I didn't think I was so going to marry him on that first date to St. Paul and the Broken Bones at Workplay on March 29 during this conversation:
Brady: So you seem to be open to a relationship.
Me: Yes. I think so.
B: So what are you looking for out of a relationship?
Me: Well...um... Direction? Leadership from the Lord...
pause
Me: (thinking) Gosh he has been asking a lot of good questions tonight. I probably need to to that...
Me: What about you?
Me: Seriously...thats your good quest-
B: Im looking for a wife.
Me: Oh!
This guy. This is the guy.
Oh we went to a few concerts, had a first kiss, went to some weddings, and by May we were talking about marriage. I spent my first summer in Flotown with this guy and we fell in love.
I'm talking...cant eat, cant sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff!!
I took summer classes and interned at Bradford...worked way too many hours and got sick with mono and then kidney stones. He really showed me how much he loves me.
And then I won this photo shoot/date night...
School started again and I took fewer classes- much more manageable. My new supervisor is fabulous and we have become great friends. I wish I was full time in the office because I love our team. But Im not so I have been applying for jobs here and there.
When the day of our photo shoot came around...gosh I still cant believe that he proposed to me that crisp October day. It was perfect.
Last week was his birthday, so we have been celebrating for days :)
Today I even had to convince myself that it is in fact my birthday. So here we sit, sharing a bowl of ice cream, watching When Harry Met Sally, planning to watch The Office, and enjoying each other. What a great birthday.
My last birthday as Savannah Smith :)
Friday, November 1, 2013
He is mine and I am his...officially :)
I never ever ever thought that the photo shoot that I was planning was actually my own surprise proposal shoot!
Back in July, I won this cool photo shoot and I was over the moon with the idea of a free shoot with my love complete with a make up team and catered dinner with dessert. Wow.
So during the month of August, Jessica and I began planning. Emails, emails, emails of ideas and details. She says, "Oh I have scoured your fabo, and since I can see that you love tea cups, how about we have an outside tea party shoot?" Oh, Im thinking that is perfect! I suggest that we also incorporate his love of premium cigars by having a fancy, classy cigar box or two on the tea table. Of course she LOVES it! SO then she is like, "Lets re-create your first date by going to the antique store." Brilliant. Oh and hang teacups form ribbons from a trees! I could not be more happier about the way our brains work together.
Little did I know that Brady had already met Jessica for lunch and the real first planning session...BEFORE SHE ANNOUNCED ME AS THE WINNER. Not only that, but nearly every idea that she shot my way, was actually his idea. What a gem.
So, here we are planning away- Jess and I that is. She sends me the cater's menu: Filet Mignon, Creamed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Garlic Bread, and a unique sweet/salty salad with basil vinaigrette. DELISH. From this moment on, Brady only voiced an excitement for the food. In fact, he frequently 'forgot' the date of the shoot, minor details, and fussed with me about what to wear. Such a trickster since he suggested the ideas for shoot locations AND wardrobes to Jess, who sent them to me.
I had asked a dear, darling friend from church to use her beautiful, riverside home to get ready, the first shoot in her garden/dock, and to cook dinner later. She was so delightful to plan with and be around because she is so loving and thoughtful. I am so glad that we included her and her sweet husband on this (more special than I knew yet) special day.
So much running around, I do not know how he kept this huge secret. Wait, yes I do...he told little pockets of people...people who were super important to me and he decided could keep it too.
I had collected tea cups from yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops; ordered a vintage looking dress from china via ebay; and packed up all of our accessories, including: scarf, shoes, tights, black vest, red red lipstick, black crochet gloves, even handmade crochet earrings- Im real proud of those.
Brady and I had been having conversations about marriage and the next step for us...he mentioned his timeline and his budget for the ring- not all information that I wanted to know as I did not want to know when the proposal would come. "The best prize is a surprise"...well the best prize is actually Brady.
The 28th....finally arrived!
We spent the morning in M & M textiles looking for more fabric for the shoot- last minute details of course. Everything else was packed in tubs and ready to go. We come back, he cooks breakfast while I tear the fabric into ribbons. And then...oh no we have 30 minutes to shower, load the car, and get to the Yelvertons! So...Im nagging and whining- Im not perfect ok! He asks me if he can drop me of and run to Florence real quick...um no? I need you! He had some bogus excuse that he really wanted to clean my ring one more time. Such a gem. And then my directions were crap and everyone got lost, so they were calling me as I am running late and nagging. A great way to start the day :/
As soon as we arrive, I hug Dianne and they send me with the make up team to get ready- this includes my sister and Christine from The Transformation. They give Brady the heavy stuff to move around aka get him alone and let him shake out his nerves, that I had no idea he had!
A little lipstick on his mouth...oops ;)
You can check out Jessica's blog where she posts the story in her beautifully written words and her dazzling photos. Her business is charming and Im delighted to have worked with her so much so far...and hopefully in the future :)
If you know what's good for you, book her now!!
Back in July, I won this cool photo shoot and I was over the moon with the idea of a free shoot with my love complete with a make up team and catered dinner with dessert. Wow.
So during the month of August, Jessica and I began planning. Emails, emails, emails of ideas and details. She says, "Oh I have scoured your fabo, and since I can see that you love tea cups, how about we have an outside tea party shoot?" Oh, Im thinking that is perfect! I suggest that we also incorporate his love of premium cigars by having a fancy, classy cigar box or two on the tea table. Of course she LOVES it! SO then she is like, "Lets re-create your first date by going to the antique store." Brilliant. Oh and hang teacups form ribbons from a trees! I could not be more happier about the way our brains work together.
Little did I know that Brady had already met Jessica for lunch and the real first planning session...BEFORE SHE ANNOUNCED ME AS THE WINNER. Not only that, but nearly every idea that she shot my way, was actually his idea. What a gem.
So, here we are planning away- Jess and I that is. She sends me the cater's menu: Filet Mignon, Creamed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus, Garlic Bread, and a unique sweet/salty salad with basil vinaigrette. DELISH. From this moment on, Brady only voiced an excitement for the food. In fact, he frequently 'forgot' the date of the shoot, minor details, and fussed with me about what to wear. Such a trickster since he suggested the ideas for shoot locations AND wardrobes to Jess, who sent them to me.
I had asked a dear, darling friend from church to use her beautiful, riverside home to get ready, the first shoot in her garden/dock, and to cook dinner later. She was so delightful to plan with and be around because she is so loving and thoughtful. I am so glad that we included her and her sweet husband on this (more special than I knew yet) special day.
So much running around, I do not know how he kept this huge secret. Wait, yes I do...he told little pockets of people...people who were super important to me and he decided could keep it too.
I had collected tea cups from yard sales, thrift stores, and antique shops; ordered a vintage looking dress from china via ebay; and packed up all of our accessories, including: scarf, shoes, tights, black vest, red red lipstick, black crochet gloves, even handmade crochet earrings- Im real proud of those.
Brady and I had been having conversations about marriage and the next step for us...he mentioned his timeline and his budget for the ring- not all information that I wanted to know as I did not want to know when the proposal would come. "The best prize is a surprise"...well the best prize is actually Brady.
The 28th....finally arrived!
We spent the morning in M & M textiles looking for more fabric for the shoot- last minute details of course. Everything else was packed in tubs and ready to go. We come back, he cooks breakfast while I tear the fabric into ribbons. And then...oh no we have 30 minutes to shower, load the car, and get to the Yelvertons! So...Im nagging and whining- Im not perfect ok! He asks me if he can drop me of and run to Florence real quick...um no? I need you! He had some bogus excuse that he really wanted to clean my ring one more time. Such a gem. And then my directions were crap and everyone got lost, so they were calling me as I am running late and nagging. A great way to start the day :/
As soon as we arrive, I hug Dianne and they send me with the make up team to get ready- this includes my sister and Christine from The Transformation. They give Brady the heavy stuff to move around aka get him alone and let him shake out his nerves, that I had no idea he had!
We are all dressed for the first part of the shoot- the casual teaparty on the dock. (Later, the plan is to dress fancy vintage and go to the antique shop.) Here we are, just being together :)
Then she tells us that it is time for some individual shots. She give him his absolutely favorite cigar to pose with and tells me to "stand over there."
Now, its Savannah's turn. She gives me a spoon to hold and tells me to pose with...tells me not to move, "The shot is perfect!" I am eating everything up like a baby. I can see etching on the spoon in my hand, and since I had asked a friend to make a necklace with the words 'Love is Brewing' engraved, I thought, 'oh how precious, they made me a spoon or something!' I NEVER expected what it really said.
"Now turn the spoon over, Savannah!"
I am now thinking: "What? Do they know what this says? This cant be a joke." Then, I see that the handle says, 'Savannah,' and I realize that this is intentional...
"Now turn around, Savannah!!
Can you believe that there he was right on his knee!!??
With this in his hand!!?
Here we are. I am astonished. And honestly..slightly afraid to cry because Christine told me not too. But of course she was in on it and prepared my perfect make up to be emotion proof as she asked me all kinds of questions about Brady and when I thought we would be engaged...to which I said 'sometime before Christimas...maybe' but I NEVER thought, oh in a couple of hours...
So we laughed, we cried... I squealed and screamed! My best friend Chelsea came (surprise since she was working, but I had invited her on the off chance she could come. Well she did, she new today was bigger than I realized. And she brought a sweet gift: a frame of her, her husband, Brady and I from their wedding when we caught the bouquet AND the garter! She also brought us an 'L'.)
Here are some more shots of us with that RING on my hand, and of course in our vintage attire. We made it to the Antique shop in the nick of time for some photos-that havent been released yet. Lol.
A little lipstick on his mouth...oops ;)
You can check out Jessica's blog where she posts the story in her beautifully written words and her dazzling photos. Her business is charming and Im delighted to have worked with her so much so far...and hopefully in the future :)
If you know what's good for you, book her now!!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Love is Brewing
So we have been in pre engagement counseling for a month now and things have been going so well!
I am thankful for the wisdom of our pastor and elders at our church to help us discern the meanings of relationships as defined in Genesis.
We have told our stories, gone through temperaments, discussed communication and conflict, researched, and dug into family patterns of the past. The ability and willingness to be open about where we are has been a gift for sure.
God created all things and said that they were good. When He created Adam, He said it was very good. And yet, the first thing in the garden that was not good, was for Adam to be alone. So after Adam named all the animals and realized that none were capable of being his helpmate, God used Adam's own flesh (the only thing that God created not using dirt) to create Eve. When Adam saw her, he said 'Wow. Where have you been!? You are the greatest thing I have ever seen. You will be my perfect helper.' (paraphrased...haha). He responded in sheer awe at her arrival and appearance. God created Adam in His own image of masculinity and He created Eve in His own image of femininity. It takes both male and female working together to serve the Lord for His image to be most accurately reflected. Wow. This just gives new meaning and appreciation for me about His relationship and marriage design. I'm so humbled.
God placed Adam as the head of the work and household on the Garden. He had the responsibility to name the animals, work the land, and name Eve. But he didn't own up to that. Adam's sin curse has marked men with the plague of passivity, as he stood right beside Eve when she first disobeyed. He didn't protect her. So she stopped trusting him. Eve's sin curse has plagued women with the need for control over their own lives, works, and relationships. Eve desired control over her own life as she when she didn't want what God had promised, but what the serpent had suggested. It is now hard for her to submit to the leadership of man that God has placed for him as the leader in the Garden because he failed to protect her and lead her when she sinned.
Relationships are marked with brokenness...but also with the promise of redemption. Since the marriage relationship is designed to be the closest relationship on earth, it will inevitably be confrontational and honest with each person. Marriage is designed to be a vehicle for sanctification.
I am not convinced that marriage is easy, but I am definitely convinced that it is worth it. When two people come together and their worlds collide, bumps will happen. I want to experience everything that marriage has to offer with Brady.
Pray for us as we pray about moving forward...whenever that will be.
I am thankful for the wisdom of our pastor and elders at our church to help us discern the meanings of relationships as defined in Genesis.
We have told our stories, gone through temperaments, discussed communication and conflict, researched, and dug into family patterns of the past. The ability and willingness to be open about where we are has been a gift for sure.
God created all things and said that they were good. When He created Adam, He said it was very good. And yet, the first thing in the garden that was not good, was for Adam to be alone. So after Adam named all the animals and realized that none were capable of being his helpmate, God used Adam's own flesh (the only thing that God created not using dirt) to create Eve. When Adam saw her, he said 'Wow. Where have you been!? You are the greatest thing I have ever seen. You will be my perfect helper.' (paraphrased...haha). He responded in sheer awe at her arrival and appearance. God created Adam in His own image of masculinity and He created Eve in His own image of femininity. It takes both male and female working together to serve the Lord for His image to be most accurately reflected. Wow. This just gives new meaning and appreciation for me about His relationship and marriage design. I'm so humbled.
God placed Adam as the head of the work and household on the Garden. He had the responsibility to name the animals, work the land, and name Eve. But he didn't own up to that. Adam's sin curse has marked men with the plague of passivity, as he stood right beside Eve when she first disobeyed. He didn't protect her. So she stopped trusting him. Eve's sin curse has plagued women with the need for control over their own lives, works, and relationships. Eve desired control over her own life as she when she didn't want what God had promised, but what the serpent had suggested. It is now hard for her to submit to the leadership of man that God has placed for him as the leader in the Garden because he failed to protect her and lead her when she sinned.
Relationships are marked with brokenness...but also with the promise of redemption. Since the marriage relationship is designed to be the closest relationship on earth, it will inevitably be confrontational and honest with each person. Marriage is designed to be a vehicle for sanctification.
I am not convinced that marriage is easy, but I am definitely convinced that it is worth it. When two people come together and their worlds collide, bumps will happen. I want to experience everything that marriage has to offer with Brady.
Pray for us as we pray about moving forward...whenever that will be.
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