When I started thinking about how I would ask my bridesmaids, my friend Emily of The Social Office  reminded me about an awesome boutique paperie called The Dotted Line. A step into The Dotted Line is a step into a pastel dream world. They specialize in custom invitations and stationery, vintage inspired gifts and unique home decor. The Owner, Troy, exudes creativity and is passionate about creating the perfect items for her customers.

Oh, New Orleans. There’s so much joy to be found here. There is also an unexpected serenity to be discovered when you look past the bright lights of Bourbon Street. This becomes especially evident while walking along the Bayou St. John or in the cool shade between the live oaks. The fusion of new and old, the vibrant music scene and unique culinary experiences all contribute to the city’s rich culture and lively spirit.

Today I get to share an incredible story about a beautiful little girl named Melody. A few weeks back, my mom and I saw a heartbreaking video on The Big 98 of a 4-year-old girl crying because she doesn’t have any hair. The girl’s mom attempted to console her by telling her how beautiful and perfect she is, but she was not convinced.

One of our favorite things about Cameron’s house is its proximity to 12 South. If you’ve ever been to Nashville, you’re probably familiar with this area from the “I Believe In Nashville” sign. While it is a fun place to check out while you’re visiting, the 12 South area has much more to offer. It has become the one-stop place to live, socialize, eat, drink, and shop. Stylish boutiques, contemporary restaurants, charming coffee shops and beautifully renovated homes are all within walking distance.

The first week of July, we went on the most incredible vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was unlike any other vacation I’ve ever experienced! We stayed on a yacht called the C-Cra-C (pronounced Secrecy) near the Sea of Cortez. Our days consisted of laying out, drinking daiquiris, fishing, snorkeling, jet skiing, with sea lion and mantarays, exploring the city and eating authentic Mexican cuisine made daily on the boat. Tough life right??

After traveling so much, we’ve barely had time to even think of the wedding. This weekend was our first real wedding planning experience and I have to say it was quite the success! My parents, Cameron’s parents, my Mimi and my two best friends Cookie and Holland joined us on our venue hunt. They all made it such a fun, stress free experience for me and Cam.

After the venue hunt was over, I had some sneaky plans of my own! It’s not very often that I have my two best friends together because Holland lives in Jupiter, Florida. I got Holland and Cookie out of the house to go get our nails done and do some shopping. While we were gone, my mom and Mimi set up the cutest party!

We decided to look at wedding dresses on Saturday. Wedding dress shopping is something that has given me anxiety for weeks now! I am about 5’ nothing and can be really picky about the way things fit me. In fact, I have been known to go through five different dress options for any given event. 

I studied abroad in Florence the summer before my junior year of college. So arriving back in Florence felt like being home again! I have so much love for that city and had the best time sharing all the things I love about it with Cameron. He took me on this trip for my graduation present and I felt like the luckiest girl in the world the entire time. 

I’ve always known Cameron was incredibly romantic, but he KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK with his proposal. I mean it honestly could not have been any more perfect. A little bit of back-story… Cameron and I have been dating on and off since my sophomore year of high school. When I studied abroad in Florence with two of my best friends after my sophomore year of college, I buried a note for Cameron in a park down the street from where we lived.

As if Cam’s proposal wasn’t incredible enough… We spent our first day as an engaged couple in a treehouse in the Tuscan hills. Our whole trip was amazing, but our time at the treehouse was nothing short of MAGICAL. It was the perfect way to escape from the busy city and celebrate.