Girl Boss Feature: Catrina Earls Photography

Hello, Beautiful!

I’m so glad you’ve stopped by because I’ve got a very special blog post for you tonight featuring Catrina Earls of Catrina Earls Photography!


Catrina shot our first anniversary session, and let me just say firsthand, her work is incredible. From her eye to her editing, I’m absolutely in shock and awe at the beautiful moments she captured for us. I’m going to cherish these photos and everything they mean to me for the rest of our lives. They will hang on the walls of our future first home as the most powerful reminders of everything we’ve been through and accomplished in this first year together.


Just as sweet was the process of getting to work Catrina, who has the kindest soul. Her husband – who I can tell believes in her fiercely and supports her even more – was with her waiting on top of Craggy Pinnacle. Thomas and I made it to a point in the trail with a bit of a curve and a clearing and some gigantic boulders, and there was the cutest couple in puffy dark coats staring off into the fog. I knew it was them, and not just because of the cute Aztec print camera backpack Catrina carries! (I need one so I can be like her, please.)


Anyway, I knew because she immediately turned around with a playful smile and called out, “Wait, you mean didn’t hike all the way up here IN the dress?!” I knew we were going to have some fun with Catrina in charge, and that bright, playful spirit is exactly what your soul needs when you’re standing on top of a mountain in the middle of the Blue Ridge Parkway.


I don’t know about you, but how I feel in a photo shoot completely depends on how the photographer makes me feel. I know that sounds so lazy or weak, but I don’t mean it that way at all. It’s the same as with a workout class: if your fitness instructor doesn’t set the tone with those first few breaths, what’s the point? When a photographer has the level of experience that Catrina has as one of the leading photographers in Charlotte and beyond, then it leads to an easy and kind confidence that helps all the poses flow that much more naturally.


Catrina made us both feel happy and focused on each other, giggling without thinking about it, naturally, instead of feeling like the legitimately awkward kids we all know we both are. Catrina’s cues were fun and easy to follow, and chatting with her in between different spots on the trail was just as fun and easy. She’s one of those people you’re truly thankful to have met within moments of meeting them, because she’s that genuine.


To help YOU get to know more about Catrina, keep reading for some REAL TALK Q&A down below!
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Wedding Planning: 3 Major Tips to Help You Get Started

Hello, Beautiful!

Where my Feyoncé babes at?! I’m screaming CONGRATULATIONS to all the newly engaged brides-to-be out there in Wedding Land! He (or she!) liked it, and now there’s a stunning, one-of-a-kind ring on it. But, what now?

Honey, relaxI know it can be both exciting and overwhelming to be engaged, but let’s focus on the exciting part first! This is your time, a time I hope you’ll look back on as one of the most fun – and most special – whirlwinds of your entire life! Soak up every last bit of that engagement bliss with your fiancé (for engaged gents!) or fianceé (for engaged ladies!) before you decide to let the stress of wedding planning start to creep on in.

Once you and your sweetie feel like you’ve had enough time to enjoy the moment, it can be a tad overwhelming trying to figure out just exactly how to start planning your forever. Big things you know you’ll need will start coming to mind – like the dress, the flowers, and all that food.

But then, the little things you didn’t necessarily think of at first will start to bring the panic . . . whether your venue provides enough chairs, what the state alcohol laws require of you to serve liquor at the reception, and who the heck is going to collect all the ish you brought into the venue – and your pressies! – late at night when it’s all said and done . . . . .

In the words of Anna Nalick’s song, “Breeeeeeathe. Juuuuust breathe.” I’m here to help you take a major step back, because I’ve got some really good news. There are actually a few things you can do / start thinking about now that will end up taking a LOT of stress off of you and your honey throughout your wedding planning journey. These tips and tricks will help you get an organized start with your wedding plans and will end up saving you a lot of stressful moments down the road!

If you’re newly engaged, then grab your glass of Prosecco or Champs and let’s get you on your way to the BEST day of your LIFE! Cheers, Doll!
Continue reading “Wedding Planning: 3 Major Tips to Help You Get Started”

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Fall Wedding Guest Style with PinkBlush

 

Hello, Beautiful!

It’s finally Fall (officially in TWO days! eeek!) and that means one of my favorite things is here: Fall weddings! 

And, if you were thinking “pumpkins,” then . . . YASS. That is definitely my other favorite Fall thing.

Let’s swing 😉 right in to the most gorgeous Fall fashion by PinkBlush, shall we?

Fall Wedding Style: PinkBlush Boutique

If you’ve seen my Insta, then you know we took a long weekend trip to Nashville last week to catch up with our college friends and attend our college roommate’s gorgeous Fall wedding! It was such an incredible trip, and Nashville was a whirlwind of fun as always.

We went to the Farmer’s Markets in both Clarksville and Nashville, ate at our favorite Clarksville restaurant and a new Nashville burger joint we’d never heard of, drank champagne, did a lot of catching up, and watched our sweet fraternity brother and sorority sister get married. It was almost too good, and we miss being there already.

A glimpse inside our lunch at Burger Republic, where the Tennessee Burger is a must according to the hubby.

How gorgeous is this mural in the Gulch area of Nashville? There was a line to take a picture here, ya’ll! I’d say we waited about 10 minutes, maybe a little less. Worth it. Nashville has so many cool pieces of art like this. I loved it!


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Kendra Scott’s Fall 2017 Launch Party: Behind the Scenes

 

Hello, Beautiful!

 

Let’s talk about the epic Fall 2017 jewelry line Kendra Scott debuted today, August 9th, shall we?

 

 

A Trip Through Tuscany with Kendra Scott

The thing I love most about Kendra’s Fall 2017 collection is the inspiration behind it. I adore anything that has a meaningful story behind it – a reason or purpose that makes it that much more special – and Kendra has done just that with her new collection. Inspired by the scenery Kendra shared with her family during their 2016 trip through Italy, the imagery and culture sparked the theme for this newest collection of gems.

 

Continue reading “Kendra Scott’s Fall 2017 Launch Party: Behind the Scenes”

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Life as Newlyweds: What We’re Up To

 

Hello, Beautiful!

 

I’ve got a major life update for ya’ll – and a little bit of ‘splainin’ to do – so let’s dive in, shall we?

 

Ok . . . Confession: Not to be Captain Obvious, but I haven’t been blogging regularly lately . . . something you may have noticed in the past few weeks.

I threw a Memorial Day No-Bake Pie recipe your way back in late May and a yummy Hard Lemonade recipe in mid-June, but other than the Kendra Scott Shopping Party + Giveaway I held on Instagram, it’s been pretty quiet over here on Weddings & Wanderlust . . . . .

 

The Rain (or Monsoon, Really)

 

To be perfectly honest with you all, 2017 has challenged me and my husband – physically, mentally, and emotionally – much more than we ever thought possible. We rang in Thomas’s law school graduation – and the New Year – to the completely unexpected news of our law school utterly failing us in every way possible. Thomas had to handle bar study on his own instead of fully utilizing the $3,000.00 course and “bar coach” we had paid for, all while worrying about his resume, job prospects, and reputation.

 

 

I guess dealing with that catastrophe wasn’t quite enough on his plate, because by late fall/early winter, I had started experiencing sharp lower back pain. By January 2017 I was in and out of every general practitioner, specialist, and surgeon’s office possible, weighing all of my options. By early February 2017, I had lost the ability to walk, couldn’t feel the right side of my body, and was set to undergo outpatient spine surgery to remove the 1/3 of my disc that had . . . oh, ya know, just slipped right the heck out of my spinal column and disrupted my right nerve. Good times.

 

Continue reading “Life as Newlyweds: What We’re Up To”

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Five Faves on Friday!

 

Hello, Beautiful!

 

Let’s talk about the best day of the week, shall we?

We made it to the weekend, ya’ll! It’s Finally Friday and the smile on my face couldn’t be any bigger! I live for the weekends because it means time with my little family – my hubby, Thomas, and our three big puppers – but I am especially excited for this weekend, because I’m sharing with you my FIVE FAVES to achieve the perfect wedding day glam!

 

Keep reading to find out the makeup products used to achieve this look!

 

Can you believe the lipstick and foundations used for this look are from the DRUGSTORE?

 

Two weeks ago today (has it already been that long?!) my best friend, Randi-Carole, married her soulmate, Josh Williams. I lost count of all the happy tears that fell on May 6th, but I will never forgot the feeling of love and happiness that surrounded them on that gorgeous May day.

RC + Josh tied the knot in Clarksville, Tennessee, where I met them in college! Thomas and I were so excited to be visiting our college town and we of course planned to wanderlust on over to nearby Nashville to be the foodies we are. My heart is still soaring over the fact that I got to road trip with my hubby, and I can’t wait to do it again next weekend as we head to Alex + Richard’s Memorial Day Weekend Wedding in Kentucky!

 

Bridesmaid glam for Randi-Carole’s wedding day! Take me back to this moment, PLEASE!

 

Beloved Besties of Mine: Please never stop getting married! It’s like a constant love fest + college reunion over here for me and Thomas, and we’re not trying to ever let that kind of party end.

In honor of the best day of the week and all of the amazingness that comes along with it . . .

Allow me to introduce a BRAND NEW Weddings & Wanderlust Blog series:

“Five Faves on Friday!”

 

These Five Faves on Friday posts are all about me sharing my absolute favorites of the moment with you! I’m always obsessing over something new, whether it’s beauty products, recipes, clothing trends, books, hot spots, workouts, or anything else under the sun.

My goal for this new series will ALWAYS be making sure you’re 100% in-the-know about what’s new, trendy, and a total MUST-HAVE for any 20-something beauty like you!

It’s Friday, I’m excited, I feel relaxed, and I’m ready . . . ready to PARTAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

 

 

And also ready to dive right on in to my FIRST FIVE FAVES ON FRIDAY!

Let’s go!

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Kendra Scott: The Perfect Wedding Day Jewelry

 

Hello, Beautiful!

 

I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day! There’s nothing like holidays that call for spending time with the family – they’re just plain good for the soul. Thomas and I were lucky enough to be able to dash home through the beautiful mountains to East Tennessee where my mama lives on Saturday night for a fun-filled day spent celebrating her on Mother’s Day. Our pups got to run around on her land, swim in the pool, and just be mountain dogs, which I love to watch while sipping coffee (or white wine, depending on the time of day).

And we got to celebrate the one and only Linda – the funniest, kindest, strongest mama in the world – with a nice brunch at her favorite restaurant, The Peerless Steakhouse of Johnson City, TN.

All in all, it was too short, but very sweet.

 

Love you more than life, Mommy. I hope you had the BEST Mother’s Day yet.

 

We left with our hearts full of warmth and a U-Haul full of my dad’s beautiful desks – one from his dental office and the other from his home library – for us to keep and cherish now. Moms, I tell ya! They’re always giving, giving, giving, even on Mother’s Day, and that’s just one of the many reasons why they’re so amazing.

Now T and I have an excuse to redo our home office this coming weekend, and I can’t wait to share the transformation process with you guys!

 

But right now, let’s talk about the perfect wedding day jewelry for any bride-to-be, shall we?

 

Two words, ladies:

 

Kendra. Scott.

 

Wedding Photography by Karen and Russ Fig of Photo Tech Photos in Kingsport, TN.

 

I first learned about Kendra Scott when I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina for law school a few years ago. My favorite shopping spot in the then-new city quickly became The SouthPark Mall, a beautiful Simon Group mall – AKA about as nice as you can get when it comes to malls!

One day while I was strolling through SouthPark, I noticed a giant bright yellow “Coming Soon” space that looked fun and feminine, so I walked over for a closer look. The space promised to be a jewelry collection by “Kendra Scott,” and the fine print directed passerby to check the company and collection out online.

 

Kendra Scott store in the SouthPark Mall.

 

A new Instagram account to check out? Potential eye candy obsessions if I check it out + actually fall in love with the feed? (You know the ones – the instant obsessions –  @shopbando is a multi-color daydream with everything I need in life, from photos of fries to fun quotes about fries; @gypsylovinlight by Helene Janneson Bense is ultimate life goals that I’d just like to live inside forever; etc.) Well, don’t have to tell me twice.

 

@gypsylovinlight
@shopbando

 

As soon as I found @KendraScott on Instagram, I knew it had the potential to be a lifelong love affair. The shapes – from the statement earrings to the statement necklaces – were not just lovely and eye-catching, they were timeless classics. They were both colorful and vibrant – true statement pieces that can go with so many ensembles – while also being romantic and flirty, something I can wear for brunch with the girls or a date night with my hubby.

I remember thinking after that first online stalk sesh that this was the jewelry line I had been waiting for: it was simple and chic – AKA all things prep – and it was timelessly styled, something that I’d never outgrow or get tired of.

 

@kendrascott

Continue reading “Kendra Scott: The Perfect Wedding Day Jewelry”

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DIY: Bubbly Bar Beauty that Won’t Break the Bank

 

Hello, Beautiful!

Let’s talk about one of my favorite things in the world, shall we? . . .

Popping champagne!

 

Cheers!

 

I recently had the honor of co-hostessing one of my best friend’s bridal showers at the end of March, and the day was truly such a dream. Randi-Carole, the bride-to-be, looked absolutely stunning – seriously, radiant and the smiles and laughter of her friends and family that filled her gorgeous home that day are moments I’ll cherish forever.

 

Randi-Carole (left) was pure bridal goddess status at her shower – just glowing with love and happiness!

 

Fun fact: On my wedding day, while I was getting ready with my bridal party – sipping X-mosas (my version of a spiked mimosa – comment if you’re interested in a recipe tutorial!), Randi-Carole and I were talking about how much we both love champagne. We were “flirting” back and forth with each other like only best girl friends can do, telling each other how beautiful she looked.

I told Randi-Carole that if she loves champagne so much then she’s “my little Champagne Barbie.” She instantly loved the nickname and asked me to make it official in my phone. I changed her contact name right then and there, and she’s been Champagne Barbie to me ever since a few hours before I walked down the aisle that day.

 

When one of your bridal shower gifts from your mom is a bottle of champs with flakes of gold and a strobe light bottom. #ChampagneBarbie

 

I love that RC’s drink of choice is champs, because it’s mine, too. It’s such a perfectly light and bubbly addition to any celebratory occasion, and is one of the few types of alcohol that is easy on me when it comes to next-day pain. There is seriously nothing like that first sip of tiny bubbles somehow warming my throat and tummy despite the crisp coolness of the champs itself . . . especially after a long day.

Or in the morning.

Or at a bridal shower.

Or at literally any event where I can reasonably make any connection to drinking champagne. (This post is not sponsored by “champagne,” LOL!)

Adding a bubbly bar to a celebratory event like a bridal shower is the perfect way to create a fun and interactive beverage space for your guests to enjoy. Plus, by adding orange juice and fresh fruit garnishes to the champagne to create a mimosa, you will ensure your guests don’t unexpectedly over-drink, while still getting to enjoy spiked beverages throughout the event! I’m a worrier when it comes to my guests – I grew up with a mom who is seriously “The Hostess with the Mostest!” – and want them to have the best possible experience . . . especially including them getting home to their loved ones safely at the end of the day!

 

Rustic chic glittery gold bubbly bar beauty!

 

Today I’m talking beautiful bubbly bars for any event that won’t break the bank! Keep on reading for an easy how-to on how Keeley and I made this bubbly bar magic happen!

Continue reading “DIY: Bubbly Bar Beauty that Won’t Break the Bank”

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DIY Decorative Letters for Around $10

 

Hello, Beautiful!

 

This weekend I had the honor of co-hosting a bridal shower for one of my best friends (who also happens to be one of my bridesmaids and my ADPi little sis), Randi-Carole! She is going to make THE most beautiful bride in just 37 days (eek!) when she marries her soulmate, Josh.

RC was so sweet to offer to throw me a bridal shower BEFORE I was even engaged (like, the second I texted her that Thomas was acting funny, hehe), and I couldn’t wait to do the same for her! RC & I met in college in 2009 in Clarksville, TN, so it made sense for the showers we threw for each other to take place there. We each had our own hometown showers where we grew up, but we wanted to make sure we got to celebrate the moment with the ladies who’d been there for us throughout our college years and beyond . . . Lord knows we “kissed some frogs” back in the day, but I digress!

 

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Hello, Beautiful!

 

Hello, Beautiful, and welcome to the Weddings & Wanderlust blog! My name is Elle, and I’m so glad you’re here!

 

Weddings

Whether you’re a recently engaged bride-to-be (if so, CONGRATS, WIFEY!!!), a bridesmaid going on the ultimate planning journey with your bestie, or a Southern girl like me who’s completely obsessed with romance and in love with all things “weddings,” I hope this blog brings you inspiration, ideas, advice, & most importantly: leaves you with something meaningful and useful by making your life brighter (and, hopefully, easier!).

Wanderlust

Honestly, I love the word “wanderlust,” which means “a strong desire to travel.” What 20-something human being doesn’t have wanderlust? My heart aches for travel experiences like hiking, exploring new places, trying new foods, seeing new cultures and understanding different ways of living . . . sayings such as Lewis Carroll’s, “Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime of adventures….” resonate with me and remind me that what’s important in life is feeding your soul through new experiences. I hope this blog can spark creativity (I loooove crafting everything from canvases to cocktails, but more to come on that later), advice (including everything from recipes to travel), and most importantly: speaks to whatever illuminates your happiness by lighting up your daily life.

“You’re only given a little spark of madness. You musn’t lose it.” – Robin Williams

Continue reading “Hello, Beautiful!”

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