a proposal surprise

Yesterday was one of the most special days! My best friends threw me the most beautiful bridal shower in the whole entire world and I can't wait to share the photos with you later this week. I was already feeling kind of emotional opening my last gift from my bridesmaids and then Matthew surprised me by walking in with a gift of his own! I opened up this green polka dot box and there inside was a book. My first thought was "aww a guest book!" since we had been talking about how we still needed one. Then I took another look and saw the picture on the cover, originally thinking it was just a generic photo they put in as a placeholder. But then I was thinking, "hm those look like my shoes, and wait a minute that looks like Matthew!" And then I put it all together and started bawling! Oh my gosh, I am such an emotional person to begin with and this put me over the edge. Matthew hired a photographer to take photos of the proposal back in September and he totally surprised me! I had no idea whatsoever and to now have these images that capture such a life-changing event means so much to me. I'm seriously tearing up just thinking about it! ahh if I'm Wendy Waterworks now, what will I be like on the big day?! {a mess, I'm sure}

I love this guy so much and I can't wait to marry him in less than a month! What an incredible surprise!

xox

happy valentine's day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I've always loved this holiday, whether I was single or in a relationship. It's a day where you can celebrate love, whether it's for your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, best friend, dog or cat. I wanted to share some things I'm loving on this day of love:

the heart my mom has put up every year for as long as I can remember

 my pretty bow headband from In Honor of Design

 pink OPI nails {color: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun}

last year he was my Boyfriend Valentine, this year my Fiance Valentine, next year Husband Valentine!

why hello truffles! Wanna get in my belly?

tea and homemade shortbread

 

Miss Ginger Bear, who is actually looking for a Valentine. I know it's last minute, but the squirrel she was dating ran away. Ginger enjoys long walks, fresh bisquits, and tummy rubs. If you know anyone interested in a furry Valentine let me know :)

Happy Valentine's Day wonderful people!

xox

a film by joel serrato

Here is the incredible Super 8 film that Joel Serrato shot. I can't get over how beautiful the lighting looks and I love the songs Joel chose. It's so sweet and magical! Joel really captured the day so well. Looking back on this, I feel like I'm there. Film is such a great source of memories. I'm glad Matthew and I will always have this to look back on and remember this special experience!

Cinematography by Joel Serrato Films
Photography by Jose Villa
Styling/Flowers by Joy Thigpen and Emily Newman
Hair/Makeup by Mar for TEAM Hair and Makeup

Look below to see more pictures from our shoot with Jose Villa!

equestrian shoot with jose villa

I am so excited to finally tell you all about our shoot with Jose Villa in July. Remember when Matthew and I went to Santa Barbara? Well that was just a stop on our way to shooting with Jose and his awesome team. We went to this ranch in Solvang and got to run around the play with a sweet {but stubborn} horse. I am thrilled to now be able to share these beautiful pictures with all of you! Matthew and I were so lucky to have this opportunity and it was such a fun experience.

Jose is an incredible photographer and all the pictures are just phenomenal. He and his awesome team made us look fantastic! If you don't already know about Jose and his work check out his site and blog. You will be blown away!

The flowers and styling were done by Joy Thigpen and Emily Newman of Once Wed. They both had such a great vision and executed it perfectly!

You can see more images on OnceWed.
Photography by Jose Villa
Styling/Flowers by Joy Thigpen and Emily Newman
Hair/Makeup by Mar for TEAM Hair and Makeup

I'll have more to share with you all this week including an incredible Super 8 film by Joel Serrato Films.
I hope you all had a great weekend!
xox

look book: álainn bella

After watching the season finale of The Bachelorette last night, and getting back from a weekend away, I can't help but think how lucky I am to have someone as special as Matthew. I'm so glad that there are no games, cameras, lies, or drama. I'm so happy to be in the place we are, in love. It's an amazing state that I don't ever want to take for granted, or lose. This is all unrelated to my outfit but it's just what's on my mind. I hope all of you have a special person in your life and if you don't right now, trust me you will and it will all work out how it's supposed to!

shirt Urban Outfitters, skirt courtesy of álainn • bella, shoes Michael Kors, ring Forever 21

This beautiful skirt I'm wearing is from Megan at álainn • bella. She has this really great online store with so many cute, budget friendly items! This black and white striped skirt I'm wearing is so comfy and is great casual or dressed up. I'm going to do another post where you can see the heavy zipper in the back and the partial waistband on the top. I love how it has that tough look but can still be a little girly with this pink top!

Megan is offering an exclusive discount to readers for 15% off anything on the site {except sale items}.

Enter "mlovesm" at checkout to get this discount!!

xox