Mallard Ball Eve = the equivalent of Christmas Eve

Well almost.

This weekend (excuse me, the next few weekends) are going to be a blast. Between Mallard Ball, the ECU/UNC game, wedding and bridesmaid dress shopping, Gatlinburg, and NASHVILLE, I can hardly contain myself.

Sophomore year, I'm really lovin' you. Need I say more?

Here's a photo of MBall last year...of course I was sporting the neon orange vest and the short haircut. Not so cute. This year, I'm stepping up my game.

And now on to wedding ideas, Cam here's my current pinterest loves:

The Lazy Days of Summer

This long weekend in Maryland was a wonderful respite, a nice break before everything picks up again. Despite the mosquito bites and the humidity, I loved spending time with my grandfather and my family, sipping sweet tea out of mason jars and relaxing on the porch. We ate dinner at the Cambridge airport, at this cute little country restaurant that had this to-die-for coconut cake. My cousin's wedding was beautiful, she looked absolutely stunning and I loved how she incorporated her blended family in the ceremony. Right down to the beachy, casual theme and the cupcake table I was in heaven. Mmmhm. Heading back home today, we stopped in Fredericksburg, Virginia for lunch. And let me tell you, that town has picaresque Southern charm. Downtown window shopping and eating on the side of the street with our dog was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I didn't want it to end.

So it's back to reality. Between working two jobs and taking a summer school course, I'm a busy little bee this week. Summer is still just getting started, and I really want this one to be worthwhile. Letsss go, Jules. You betcha I'll be the girl tanning poolside with a textbook, if I ever find myself with an afternoon free that is.

And one more thing, I can't believe that one of my good friends is jet setting for Africa, the other is in Sweden, and my brother leaves for Japan for three months on Tuesday. Travel prayers are flying high!

Going to the Chapel

Twine wrapped peonies, aren't you just in love?

This weekend I'm headed to Maryland for my cousin's wedding. Since it's in a small town, I can go ahead and predict that it will be a big to-do. It'll be near the waterfront, and I've been looking forward to this trip for almost a month. I'm so happy for my cousin, she's gone through a lot and she deserves her happy ending. All I've got to do is pack and slip my new turquoise dress and heels in the suitcase and we'll be on the road.

Going to Maryland, especially for a wedding, is bittersweet. This will be the third time I've stayed at my grandparents' house without my grandmother. I know how much she loved big events like this, where she could dress up in her fancy attire. After this bit of time has passed since she passed away though, the loss is becoming real. I miss her. She was such a thoughtful, warm person, and I wish I could say that she'll be sitting on the front row at my wedding one day. But on a more optimistic note, I know that she is experiencing an eternal happiness worth more than any day on earth, even a wedding day, can offer. She might not be celebrating with us this weekend, but she's celebrating with her heavenly family.

royal perfection

I can't help but blog about the Royal Wedding. If you're one of those people who is sick of tired of hearing about it, watching it on the news, and seeing William and Kate's dubbed icon on google, read no further.

I was supposed to get up at 5, but due to my late night cramming for this morning's exam, woke up at 6 (surprisingly on the dot) just in time for Kate to walk down the aisle. She was breathtaking. And the dress fit the occasion perfectly, gorgeous lace with the perfect length train. I wonder what was going through her mind as she walked that long way down Westminster and saw all those people staring straight at her. I can't even imagine what it was like. Goodness gracious she was fulfilling every little girl's dream of being a princess! And can I even begin to talk about Pippa, and Harry, and the Queen, and all the guests adorned with their fashionable hats? Everything was this wonderful Cinderella world that I used to dream about. Dead serious. Sorry I'm such a hopeless romantic.

I'm not going to ramble too much longer since I have three more exams to study for, but I think its incredible how this whole event is bringing people together. How lovely would it have been to be in London this week, today, this weekend? I'm so jealous of all the people there. Actually, just in the past week or so, I've been researching study abroad programs for next spring. London's on the list in terms of the journalism route, but I'll keep you updated. Exciting, exciting!

Also, all this wedding talk has got me thinking more about my own wedding. Here's my running list of ideas:

Hydrangeas. Lace gown. Monogrammed cake. 1 Corinthians 13. Vineyard. Country Club. Lanterns. Late afternoon. Wine bottles. Bow ties. Outdoor reception.

But let's be realistic, I need the right guy first.

Take Heart

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

Ecclesiastes 3:11a.

Added to the favorites list.

More details of this weekend will follow in an upcoming blog post...

and I cannot wait to share what Christ has been teaching me.

(Photos: 1. Future wedding dress? 2. Excerpt from Hillsong's Take Heart)

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Wedding attire: Royal blue bow dress from Belk (and yes I was reprimanded for it being close to Duke blue), monogram sterling silver earrings, green stone necklace (Europe gift from TTW), platinum Jack Rogers, Betsy Johnson silver clutch (from junior year prom), & Vineyard Vines coral cardigan.

Okay let me just go ahead and put this out there: I am ob-freaking-sessed with weddings. I'm starting to think wedding planning might be in my future if nothing else works out. No photography for me though, too much pressure. But to plan everything else, ah how amazing would that be! In my opinion, the essence of weddings is the look on the groom's face as his bride walks down the aisle. It's the tender faces of the grandmothers. It's the serenity and seriousness of the vows. It's the laughter and joy of loved ones. It's the intimate elegance of the daddy-daughter dance. It's the moment of cutting of the intricately frosted cake, hand-in-hand. Do I need to say more? Tonight was a spectacular evening, filled with a tranquil church setting, beach music tunes, shag dancing, teal satin dresses, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres. Hah and my dad even got in the ADPI picture at the reception (he was the ADPI busboy back in the day).

Anywho, here's a few things on my agenda this weekend...

• Hunt for John Mayer tickets.
• Hit up Ornamentea.
• Work work work.
• Shop for more dorm necessities before the August rush.
• Maybe actually bake something for my coworkers from scratch, instead of running to the Fresh Market...

(Oh by the way, TGIF!)

Confession of the day: I have an uncanny addiction to this song. It's so nice to listen to on a late summer's night, with thunder rolling in the background. And it reminds me not to take my life for granted!

Songs Featured On Grey's Anatomy: Another Door Closes [artist: Jont]