Collards, (Bacon), White Beans and Quinoa

I could just feel the disappointment as the words came out. 

"What's for dinner?"

In hindsight, I might have approached it a little differently.   Perhaps a better sales pitch like one might sell broccoli to a kid.     But I went for it straightforward. 

"Collards.   Quinoa.   White Beans."

"Oh.   Do we have any bread?"   (Code for, "I'd like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich instead.")

"No really.   It's good.   You'll like it.   I put bacon in it."

Romantic Weekend in Asheville

John surprised me with a return trip to Asheville this past weekend, our first visit since the wedding.   All the wonderful memories came flooding back and I am thrilled that we have this special place to come back to.    It makes the decision to not be married in Italy all the more worthwhile!

A gorgeous North Carolina weekend.   Bright blue skies.   Crisp air.   (See the moon up there?)  I felt like a bear crawling out from hibernation, finally.   

Strawberry and Vanilla Cupcakes

I like pink.

(Not afraid to say it.)

I also like pretty sparkly things and dinner by candlelight.

I like long walks on the beach and romantic sunsets.

(For the record, I like Justin Beiber too.   (Yes, I know.))

So, naturally, I love Valentine's day.

A Perfect Day in Paris

For something a little different today, sharing this lovely collection of Parisian photography!

I need to go back. Soon.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Wedding Ceremony - Butterfly Garden Biltmore Estate

Our ceremony location, the Butterfly Garden at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville.    A beautiful late afternoon in October.    We were so incredibly lucky with the weather that weekend.   In my pre-wedding weather stalking, there were constant reports of snow, rain and ice storms, none of which transpired!    We did prepare by stocking up on last minute blankets for our guests which we didn't need either, but better to be prepared than not!

I asked my dad and my brother to walk me down the aisle.    Partially due to the stairs and the four inch heels, but mostly because I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.    

Finally!

Photography by Visio Photography

Our Wedding - The Getaway Car

A few more of our favorite wedding images by Visio Photography ... on our way to the the ceremony location at the Biltmore in our getaway car, the personal vehicle of Dan McIntyre in Asheville.   (Isn't it beautiful?)  

For what its worth, the car wasn't my idea, but I was so very happy that we chose it as we had so much fun driving around Asheville with Dan both before and after the wedding.   (It is too bad I can't show you the 'after' images as this part was especially fun!)   Thanks to Emily at Occasions by Emily for the recommendation and to Dan for sharing his first love with us!  

Our Asheville Wedding - Before the Ceremony

I'm very excited to (finally) start sharing some more of the professional images from our Asheville wedding and some more of the details that I've been saving up!   I've gushed in the past about our wonderful photography team at Visio Photography.  They are responsible for all of these gorgeous shots!   

This first series were taken before the ceremony. 

Serenity Eyre from Makeup at the Grove Arcade was truly a dream to work with!    HIGHLY recommend if you are looking for a Makeup artist in the Asheville area.    A beautiful person inside and out and such a calming presence.   One of many who made my day very special.  

Had to sneak in a pre-ceremony kiss or two... 

Taken right after our "First Look".    I am so in love with this shadow image.   

At the Biltmore, a few minutes before we met everyone at the ceremony site.   

Thanks again to James and Jenny at Visio for the amazing photography and for making our day so very special!    Stay tuned for more details in the coming days!