Besties, Blooms and Bubbly | Showering Marin

My family and friends threw Marin and I TWO stunning showers last Fall. They were both filled with women who have brought so much wisdom, fulfillment, and joy to my life over the past thirty years. From the love and support to the heartfelt and helpful gifts, I'm overjoyed to watch the ways these women will leave their own special mark on my girl.

The past few months of preparing for and adjusting to motherhood have been a whirlwind of emotion, but I'm FINALLY finding the time and routine in our lives to share all of the good that's been happenin' around here! Here are a few snapshots taken by Kayla of Wildhive Photography from one of Marin’s beautiful throw-downs with some of my most favorite ladies before she arrived.

From a fresh flower bar to the most mouth-watering spread, every detail was just so; and as I looked around, I just soaked in the love + support Marin and I were surrounded by.

All of the bites were made by my sweet friends who hosted the shower and the cake was from The Cocoa Bean.

Because a Smiling Girl is the Prettiest Kind

I called her out of the blue in April of 2012, during the Africa deployment to show my support, as she knew no one. Little did I know when I made that phone call, that this little lady would become such a beautiful part of this season of my life. My sweet soul sister, Stacy, came to visit this past week for Mardi Gras and I could not have been more excited to see her. She's from Lincoln, Nebraska--and if you've never visited Lincoln, I must say, it's rather lovely. You might remember her from this session I did of her and her boys during my last visit to see her.

We managed to fit in a little photo shoot while she was here, in which I channeled my inner boho and flower child. If you know me at all, you know it wasn't that hard to channel those. (:

 Preston is pretty fabulous at being my sidekick while shooting. Of course, he's always with me at weddings, but it's rare that he gets to tag along for a planned session. Since he was with us, he took it upon himself to get some natural emotion out of Stacy.

AND since Preston was there, I was able to hop in for a few with my sweet friend. Because, girl power...duh. (:

And since it's rare that I'm all dolled up AND Preston is present AND the camera is out, I got him to snap a few of me in my new favorite tunic from Imagine Boutique. If you live in the Hammond/Ponchatoula area and haven't been by, their new arrivals for Spring had me smitten. And if you're not from the area, I do believe they will be launching a website soon. (:

The tunic is especially nice, given our weather lately just can't seem to make up it's mind between Winter and Spring...

AND just a reminder in case somehow you missed it, please please PLEASE don't forget about the epic giveaway I have going on right now! Don't be scared to nominate people guys. It's a beautiful thing. I want to hear the inspiring stories of those who inspire you. GO, GO, GO!

Happy, Happy Thursday my friends!