Simply Stunning October Wedding

I've had the pleasure of working with this sweet couple over the past six months. They're having a formal affair in late October at Old Natchez and it's going to be perfect! This is the first time I've worked with Jen & Chris Creed, after hearing such great reviews, and I'm happy to report they've lived up to their fantastic reputation. If their engagement shoot is any indication, these wedding pictures are sure to be stunning!

Erika & Lydon | Nashville Engagement Session from Jen & Chris Creed on Vimeo.

Royal Wedding & Another Exciting Announcement

Like many other crazies, I woke up early this morning to catch a live peek at the Royal Wedding! I've looked forward to this wedding since Prince William first stepped out in public with the lovely Kate Middleton. She's so classy and timeless- I'm always intrigued to see what she'll wear to events. I love her approachable demeanor and hey genuine likability. All in all, I'm thrilled for the future of these two lovebirds.

More on the Royal Wedding later..but for now I have another exciting wedding announcement. I've officially become a part of the Simply Stunning team! Weddings have been a passion of mine since an early age and I'm glad to finally have made the jump. This has been a long time coming, and I'm beyond excited to share this news with you. Please visit the Simply Stunning blog for more on this fabulous new adventure. 

Wedding Recaps: First Look

Mr. SE and I decided it was important for us to see each other before the ceremony. All wives tales aside, we believed it would make us more at ease, less anxious, and give us clarity for the ceremony. It did all of that and more. Le sigh- looking through all of these pictures gives me butterflies every time...

I'll never forget walking out into the courtyard towards my future husband. While my bridesmaids clamored up against the door (and my planner shooed them away), I tip toed my way towards my future husband. As I reached out to tap his shoulder, our photographers instructed him to turn around. The look on his face will forever be burned into my mind. I've never seen such happiness, joy, and love on my husband's face-- it was the beginning of the most magical hours of my life.

Choosing to see each other before the ceremony was the right option for us for a variety of reasons. Like I already stated, it definitely brought a sense of calm to our ceremony, and it also worked out logistically. We were able to take pictures with each other and our bridal party too. Here's some of my favorites.

That was a super picture-heavy post! What do you think about seeing your fiance before the ceremony? Love it or leave it? Sound off!

All images are from the incomparable Gray Photography

The Calm Bride

So friends, six days to go. Surprisingly I'm feeling very calm and relaxed. I'd like to chalk it up to all my planning on the front end. Regardless, I'm one happy bride and it's smooth sailing from here on out.

My amazing, fantastic, wonderful planner has made my life a dream these last couple weeks. Honestly, do yourself a favor and get a planner. Did you hear me? GET A PLANNER! And if you are looking for one (in Nashville), I strongly recommend Kristin Kaplan from Simply Stunning. We had a meeting in mid-July and went over some last minute things, and I've felt like a weight was lifted since then....aside from the 5 pounders I've been using on my arms.

Speaking of which- I've started jogging every day and lifting weights for my arms. I've definitely noticed a difference in the way I feel and each day the hills get easier. It's also been a great way to get rid of wedding stress.

Another great way? Massage. My favorite salon just up and shut its doors several weeks ago, without informing outstanding appointments (hello- massage and nails for the wedding). They even charged my friend for a gift card on the morning of the day they closed. Jerks. So I'm normally a nice person, but it kind of made me mad so here's the salon. Essential Therapy. They closed their doors and didn't notify anyone and charged cards knowing that they were closing. And apparently they opened a new salon about a week earlier and didn't tell any of their existing employees. You can read more about that if you search on the Tenneseean.

Although I was upset about Essential Therapy closing, I snatched a Groupon for Mr. SE and I and we stumbled on a great salon downtown. It's called Corroboree, and has a great Australian influence. Its in a old house and each of the bedrooms is a treatment room. We did a 1hr hot stone couples massage, followed by a body scrub (vegan- made of rice). I loved it so much that I went back yesterday to have another hot stone massage by myself.

Here's some pictures for your viewing pleasure:
ps- They also do cooking lessons, and they'll leave out little goodies while you're waiting in the relaxation room. Eat. their. lemon. bars. I've eaten a whole plate every time I go!