Jessica's Bridal Bouquet

A few weeks back, I made a bridal bouquet for one of my favorite people, Jessica. This girl is an absolute gem, and SO gorgeous, as you can see. She wanted something light with a natural, organic feel. I used a combination of ivory garden roses, coral spray roses, anemone, jasmine, hypericum berries and corkscrew willow. Tied off with white silk ribbon and vintage scalloped lace, this is my favorite bouquet I've ever done!

To top it all off, all this floral and bridal beauty was photographed by one of my favorite local photographers, Ciara Richardson! I am IN LOVE with every one of the photos. You can see more here. 

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Dusky Styled Shoot:: Beauty

Remember when I posted about my first styled shoot over a month ago?? Well things have finally settled down enough that I have been able to go through the rest. And it took forever, because I am in love with basically every single image! But if I posted them all here, you would probably hate me.

We were lucky to find the most stunning people as our models, and their energy and natural chemistry made the shoot feel so authentic. Our main couple just tied the knot for reals, so it was amazing to feel their excitement as they posed as bride and groom!

I could keep going on and on about how much I loved working with these amazing people and how exhilarating the whole creative process was, but again, I need to close my mouth and let the photos speak for themselves. Feel free to let me know what you think in the comments below!

Another huuuuuuge thank you to all of our talented vendors and models. You made this experience truly magical.

Venue: Station 22 Cafe in Provo, Utah
Photography: Brooke SchultzEvent Styling and Florals: Amber DicksonDress: Avenia BridalHair and Makeup: Signature BridesInvitation Suite and Paper Goods: October InkCake and Mini Crostata Pies: PadicakesModels: Jessie Fackrell, Michael Andraszczyk, Danielle Huffin, Rhyan Atrice, Hayley Madsen, Justin Hedin

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Graduated

Well, I officially graduated this last week! Technically, I've been done with school since December, but there are no graduation ceremonies in December, so I had to wait til now. Although it was a little strange returning to campus and hearing speakers tell us about "entering this bright new world" that I've been living in for the last several months, I really enjoyed it. I always said I wasn't going to walk. I was just going to throw a big party instead. But I really am happy I chose to participate in all the formalities of graduation. It was so good to reunite with many good friends, and finally be able to say a real goodbye to this place where I spent the last 4 years of my life. 

Thursday was Commencement. I donned my cap and gown to make the processional, along with the other graduates, across the bridge above to the Marriott Center. And trust me, those gowns don't breathe, so it was a sweaty processional since the weather was gorgeous. Luckily, I had these lovely ladies with me to help me endure and keep me excited!

There is President Samuelson, in the navy robe to the left of the center pole.

And finally, we took our seats among the 6,001 in our graduating class! (The girl in front of me had a lei made out of $5 bills! Amazing.)

We were congratulated by some great speakers, including Elder L. Tom Perry. Very inspiring.

Seth and I were somehow able to find each other after about 15 minutes on the phone together haha. He happened to snap this picture when I was looking over, so you can actually see me in the masses!

Afterword, I met up with Seth and my mom who cam to support me.

These girls are amazing. They definitely helped me through my journey at BYU.

Unfortunately, wearing a plastic sack is not very flattering on a pregnant body. You can see the belly sticking out, but it just kind of poofs out extra everywhere else. I seriously felt like a tent.

See what I mean?!

The next day, we were back at BYU at 7 a.m. for Convocation. (It was so early, I forgot my camera. So iPhone photos will have to do.) We sat with our fellow-Comms majors under the bright lights on the beautiful DeJong Concert Hall stage, again, sweating, and waiting our turn to walk across the stage and receive our substitute diploma from the dean. 

Beautiful Ashley. She made me this yarn lei, but in Hawaii, pregnant women aren't allowed to wear a closed lei. Who knew?

My New York girls. It's had to believe exactly a year ago, we were starting to explore that crazy city. We need to make a return trip!

I love this picture of Ashley and Rebecca playing with baby boy.

My family and support team.

This photo reminds me of a time exactly two years ago... 

Cute! 

I want to send a special thank you to my sweetheart who waiting two extra years for me to finish my degree. Not only did you put up with my meltdowns and times I wanted to give up, you encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try so many new things, accept an internship in New York City, and see everything through to the end. Even though I knew you would have preferred me to have any free time with you in the evenings, and I would have too, I'm glad you helped me stick it out. So now we can fully turn to this new and even scarier chapter of our lives! I'm ready.

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