although there was some things i did right in 2012, there were some things i did wrong. i worked too much. i slept too little. actually i saw my friends too little, exercised too little, and spent too little quality time with chris. almost to a fault, i am so proud of all i accomplished in 2012, but i am focusing on balance for 2013. balance, peace, and love are my words for 2013.

here’s our christmas card for this year:

there were definitely a lot of new things that happened in 2012, and although I am ready for some calm, i have a feeling the adventures will keep coming. which is actually how i like it. i think if on some level chris and i didn’t love the crazy adventures, they wouldn’t keep happening and manifesting itself. this year we found ourselves traveling, as always, to these amazing places:

charleston, sc x2
savannah, ga
hilton head, sc
harry potter world in orlando
nassau, bahamas
kansas
mississippi
utah
arkansas
alabama
colorado
nevada
yosemite park
john muir park
sonoma valley
san fransicso (several times)
santa cruz
half moon bay
perto rico
oakland, ca for a saints game
cocoa beach, fl

we:
went wine tasting
hiking in redwood forests in and in rain forests
snorkeling
night kayaking
zip lining through rain forests
toured historical landmarks
ate too much
shopped too much
were kids again for a day in Harry Potter World
cheered for our fav teams
froze while surfing
drove from once coast to the other
said goodbye to old friends
made new ones
went paleo
went off paleo
bought our first real adult couch
learned not to fight about finances
ate more organically
gave up pop
gave up the microwave

and i took up yoga and pilates for the first time in my life about 10 weeks ago. and i love it! i am planning on staying dedicated to this practice for many weeks & years yet to come.

and here’s the back of our christmas card:

Lately I’ve been on a physical and emotional and spiritual….journey… to make some needed changes in my life. I just needed to re-prioritize and decide where to be focusing my company, my career, and my life in general. Moving to a new coast seemed a great time to do that; actually to be honest I dont think I would ever choose to take time to for something like this, I’m more of a work-a-holic/planner/busybusybusy/Doer that likes to take on more than I can handle, but life left me no choice. So I’ve been doing some soul searching to find questions like what brings me joy? peace? what makes me feel good & fullfilled? how do i find stillness and be present in the moment? how do i feel gratitude instead of consumed with all the things i want? how do accept the things in my life that i perceive as bad but cannot change and have no control over? How do just go with the flow instead of feeling stressed all the time?

These quotes from writers express more eloquently than I could what I have been trying to embrace through diving deep into yoga, hiking, pilates, mediation, and prayer. And you know what the best part of? After 8 weeks of learning to LET GO of my expectations and urge to control what I think my life should look like, the most AMAZING things/opportunities have surfaced and are starting to come together. Thank you God. Thank you Universe.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” ~ Lao Tzu

From The Daily Groove by Scott Noelle:

The Path of Least Resistance ::
Take a moment today to observe the motion of water drops descending on a window, windshield, shower wall, or sink.

Each drop follows its own “path of least resistance” toward Ground, which is rarely a straight line. It flows around obstacles in the easiest possible way. When the obstacle is another drop, the easiest way might be to merge with it.

Sometimes the easiest path is that which has been established by previous drops. Sometimes it’s easier to stay put until another drop comes along.

In every case, there is no *trying*, no *effort*. There is only ease and surrender. That’s Nature’s Way. Evidence of this is everywhere — in the growth patterns of wild plants, the movement of animals, and the behavior of children.

Today, set the intention to flow like water through your day and with your children. Notice that when you feel stressed, you’re resisting in some way.

And when you feel good, you’re going with the Flow.

And this idea/quote from mary beth larue:

“what is your vision of the future if there were no limitations, no judgments, no setbacks.
…what am i doing daily that informs that and pushes me forward?

go out there and tell someone what you want. what you see for yourself in the future. and take a good look at how you are spending your time today, and see if it has any resemblance to that dream. and if not, change it.”

This shoot was inspired by my time spent in Paris, France studying the painting techniques of the masters such as the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. He was part of a famous group of painters from the Dutch Golden Era who often painted still lives, however his famous “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is one of my all time favorite works. This iconic painting lent itself well to wedding ideas such as lush still life arrangements with fruit and overflowing tulips from Holland, using the famous Delf Blue color, pearl earrings and boleros, and unique hair accessories such as the girl in the painting wore. We hoped to capture the moodiness of the paintings in this shoot as well as the refined elegance and classic compositions. This shoot was featured in Wedding Nouveau Magazine.

Photography by Chelsea Mitchell. Creative Direction + Styling by Adorned Event Design. Hair and MakeUp by Claudia Mejerle Rogers. Accesories by Fine & Fleurie & Jennifer Behr & BHLDN. Gowns by Claire Pettibone, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, & Angel Sanchez. Pearl and Blue Boleros by BHLDN. Cake by B. Sweet Cake Boutique. Shot at Vinewood Venue. Antique Rentals from Four Inch Fold. BBJ linens & Chargers. Stationary by Pitbulls & Posies.

See the original feature here.
From Odalys Mendez Photography… Jennifer and Ryan wanted to create a feeling of tradition and comfort for their guests. The wedding took place at an old estate nestled among lush gardens South of Atlanta, Georgia. The Bride and her mother brought several antiques to this dreamy site that have been in their family for many generations, including the Bride’s late grandmother’s rocking chairs and quilts. When entering the ceremony site, guests were greeted by benches adorned with vintage pieces and candlelight scattered throughout the venue. The bride and groom’s sweetheart table was decorated with family antiques as well, set with heirloom china and embellished with whimsical florals and hand-crocheted garlands.

The brides gown, by Pronovias, was a romantic column of lace that tied into the feel of the day. She kept her hair and jewelry simple and carried a brooch bouquet she made herself, and featured her grandmother’s brooches. All the flowers arrangements we unique, and resembled hand-picked blooms set in a collection of antique vases and serving pieces. The menu was a selection of the Bride and Groom’s favorite comfort foods, such as pork tenderloin and macaroni and cheese. Guests danced the night away under the stars.

Wedding Photography: Odalys Mendez Photography / Venue: Meadowlark Gardens in Griffin, Georgia / Floral Design: Adorned Event Design / Catering: The Party Girl Events / Wedding Cake: Blanchard’s Bakery / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Hair + Makeup: Katy Hooper

“Simple yet breathtaking, understated yet infused with elegance – this wedding from Odalys Mendez Photography is just everything. Or at least my everything. It’s garden party glam with a big ol’ side of southern charm, and I honestly can’t think of a better combo. With bridesmaids in blush and boots, a tablescape worthy of some serious swooning and a couple so happy you just want to reach through the screen and squeeze them – this gallery just might be your everything today too.”

From Odalys Mendez Photography… Jennifer and Ryan wanted to create a feeling of tradition and comfort for their guests. The wedding took place at an old estate nestled among lush gardens South of Atlanta, Georgia. The Bride and her mother brought several antiques to this dreamy site that have been in their family for many generations, including the Bride’s late grandmother’s rocking chairs and quilts. When entering the ceremony site, guests were greeted by benches adorned with vintage pieces and candlelight scattered throughout the venue. The bride and groom’s sweetheart table was decorated with family antiques as well, set with heirloom china and embellished with whimsical florals and hand-crocheted garlands.

The brides gown, by Pronovias, was a romantic column of lace that tied into the feel of the day. She kept her hair and jewelry simple and carried a brooch bouquet she made herself, and featured her grandmother’s brooches. All the flowers arrangements we unique, and resembled hand-picked blooms set in a collection of antique vases and serving pieces. The menu was a selection of the Bride and Groom’s favorite comfort foods, such as pork tenderloin and macaroni and cheese. Guests danced the night away under the stars.

Wedding Photography: Odalys Mendez Photography / Venue: Meadowlark Gardens in Griffin, Georgia / Floral Design: Adorned Event Design / Catering: The Party Girl Events / Wedding Cake: Blanchard’s Bakery / Wedding Dress: Pronovias / Hair + Makeup: Katy Hooper

View the original feature here: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2012/11/30/georgia-garden-wedding-from-odalys-mendez-photography/

{CREDITS: Photo by Chelsea Mitchell Photography; Creative Direction, Styling & Floral Arrangement by Adorned Event Design; Gowns by Claire Pettibone (Wheat Field: “Fleur De Jour”, Buffalo Field: “Grace”, Limestone wall and Horn Chair: “Abbey”); Accessories by Free People, Gladiator Sandals by Jeffrey Campbell, Suede Necklace by Marisa Haskell; Wheat Crown by Adorned Event Design; Authentic Boots & 1800′s Props by Barton Country Historical Society; Location & Buffalo Props from Maxwell Wildlife Preserve in Kansas; Hair & Make Up by Evann Stueder; Model – Andriel Prewitt}

Inspired by Native American roots and the history of the Old West history, today’s styled shoot is nothing short of gorgeous, stunning and painfully romantic on so many levels. We have been on the edge of our seats to share this with you and were so honored to debut the collaborative genius of photographer Chelsea Mitchell and Stylist/designer Lauren Weems of Adorned Event design, who both hail from the great prairie state.

For our holiday issue (in which this shoot is featured), the theme for the issue was a Nouveau spin on “OZ”, touching all things Dorothy, holidays and what it means to be at home. How wonderful then, to have a homebound shoot set in Kansas to tie in both the Oz theme and what we love to brag about most here on Nouveau: culture.

“It started out because we wanted to do something with beautiful Claire Pettibone Gowns and Free People accesories,” Lauren said. ”but it ended up being a love song to our home state of Kansas. We found ourselves shooting on nature preserves with real buffalo, elk antlers, arrowheads, golden wheat fields, and at histoical museums with real pioneer homes and props like boots & buffalo hides from the 1800′s.

“The photographer [Chelsea Mitchell] and I have often asked ourselves what a wedding would have looked like in the time of Wyatt Earp, and the days of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Women.” Lauren says. ”For lack of a better term, we went back to our ‘grass roots’ and drew inspiration heavily from that era. We were very lucky to have Claire [Pettibone] ship three wonderful gowns to us, two from her Windsor Rose China Collection and the third from the Beau Monde Collection.”

We can’t wait to share with you more details including DIY tips, cakes and the tablescape eye candy that went with this shoot. In the meantime, feast your eyes on some truly authentic design details to really set the mood.

Not one to take herself too seriously, Lauren was able to balance out the nostalgia by tapping into that seductive spirit that’s often evoked when envisioning the wild west. She used affordable accessories ranging from a gold circlet head piece to hand-crochet sandals (both from Free People) to turn up the volume on Boho pride.

{CREDITS: Photo by Chelsea Mitchell Photography; Creative Direction, Styling & Floral Arrangement by Adorned Event Design; Gowns by Claire Pettibone (Wheat Field: “Fleur De Jour”, Buffalo Field: “Grace”, Limestone wall and Horn Chair: “Abbey”); Accessories by Free People, Gladiator Sandals by Jeffrey Campbell, Suede Necklace by Marisa Haskell; Wheat Crown by Adorned Event Design; Authentic Boots & 1800′s Props by Barton Country Historical Society; Location & Buffalo Props from Maxwell Wildlife Preserve in Kansas; Hair & Make Up by Evann Stueder; Model – Andriel Prewitt}

We have only been living in California for 5 weeks and already we have had so many adventures. When not busy finding a house, decorating, unpacking, gardening, and all that other stuff involved when you move across the country – we are “vagabonding” up and down California. The weekends have an all new meaning and potential – something to really look forward to now with all there is do within an hour or two drive of us. Each weekend is a mini- dream vacation, and we come back feeling refreshed and invigorated and sore from so much exercise. Its a new way of life for us. So far we have done santa cruz beach and boardwalk, half moon bay, san fran, and muir woods. I could devote an entire blog to each adventure – but we just have too much adventuring to do to take the time to blog each one!

Chris at the beach in Half Moon Bay.

The beach is so cold here compared to the Gulf Bay in Florida! We always need jackets and coffee. This day we even saw a humpback whale come really close to the beach in Half Moon Bay. It breached several times so we were able to get a good look and actually take some photos.

My first time to San Francisco! After growing up OBSESSED with the hippie movement in the 60′s and everything to near the corner of Hate and Ashbury- it was amazing to finally go see it in person! We only went for the day and have so much to go back and see, but we have plenty of time to keep going back when its just 45 min away.

Sunset on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Fran was so romantic…..we could see it setting over the sea lions, sailboats, the bay, alcatraz, the of course the famous GG bridge.

We also went hiking in Miur Woods – which was inredible. My iphoneagraphy did not do it justice. I could have brought my real camera and photographed in there for days. These giant redwoods give you such a feeling of the passage of time, and the smell of virgin old growth california forest was intoxicating.

I think I prefer this ceiling to that of the Sistine Chapel.

Our new couch! Now to find the perfect rug and coffee table…..

I am really enjoying taking some time to “feather our nest” just right out here….I can’t wait to post more pics of the end result. I feel like when I happy with my environment – how it looks and feels – I feel more at peace and inspired to work better.