generosity

Well hello and happy spring! My lack of blog presence has not been due to lack of interest - but more lack of time and maybe a little lack of mental capacity. Taylor and I have been enjoying life and soaking up this incredible time of year. Many friends are getting married, having babies, and some are moving away. It feels like God is continuing to teach us that change is good.

We have also been overwhelmed by gratitude at the unexpected financial security we have recently come into. I was able to book my first full-planning wedding and the amount for the deposit alone is enough to cover credit card debt, plus some. We can even give generously more than we thought or imagined to others and to our church's upcoming missions contribution.

By no means is money everything, but it sure offers a little bit of peace to unstable situations, especially for a young married couple :)

I can't wait to catch y'all up on everything else that is going on in life!

xoxo

// Top image via Southern Charm //

love is in the details

Today I am coordinating my first ever styled photo shoot! I could not be more thrilled to partner with talented vendors at a gorgeous venue and hopefully capture a vision that has been in my mind for the past couple months. When I think about what I do and why I love it (chaos control), I remember that I'm motivated by a deep passion for detail. I am not a big picture person- I don't know where I see myself in 5 years let alone 10- but I thrive on the small pieces and moments that make life so beautiful.

I recently went through some pictures from my trip to Paris back in 2010 and while at Versailles- one of the most extravagant castles in the world- I noticed the majority of my pictures were of widows, door knobs, key holes, chandeliers and plants. Others might think I missed the big picture, but I like to think I was appreciating the majestic details that make the historical home what it is.

xoxo

Wedding Wednesday

I shared a while ago about finding a yellow dress for Jessica's wedding (less than 2 months away!) and now I am on the hunt for nude heels. I'm trilled when friends give their bridesmaids the freedom to pick out what they wear, knowing it pleases both parties.

Here are three options ranging in price from high, to medium to low:

Cole Haan knows how to make a quality shoe so I know these heels would last a lifetime. I love the darker shade of nude and thick straps. The issue would be convincing the hubs that they are worth the hefty splurge.

This sleek beauty needs no explanation. Besides being perfectly feminine, the $80 price tag can be justified by the practical color of these pumps that could literally go with anything.

I love a good wedge, and even though these might not have the height I'm looking for (at 5'3" I need all the height I can get), they could be practical enough at less than $25. I know they could be easily paired with shorts for a dressed up summer look.

My dress also requires a belt and I think this one will do just the trick:

What accessories are you sporting for the upcoming wedding season?

// Photo sources: 1. via Pinterest, 2. from Zappos, 3. from Nordstrom, 4. from Target, 5. from Target //

Five Truths

I hope everyone's week is getting along nicely! The fact that it is March 26th and the temperature has been in the 40's is slightly disturbing to me, but I am praying warm weather is right around the corner. My former co-worker and friend, Natalia, tagged me after she shared her Five Truths today, so I wanted to graciously accept the challenge.

Truth One // Money seriously stresses me out. Ever since getting married, I feel like money is discussed every other day as we rely on two incomes to make sure bills are paid on time and we don't get into an overwhelming amount of debt. Regardless, I despise talking about finances and I hate seeing my husband stressed over money so I avoid the topic like the plague. Recently, I was encouraged by two different people to take a more active role in our finances, like being more aware of what we make and where we spend. I now have a goal to actually enjoy saving and not make the hubby feel pressured to take me out to eat when money is tight.

Truth Two // I used to hate my name and my hair. Now before you unsubscribe from my blog, let me explain. Growing up surrounding by friends with pretty blonde hair and simple (i.e., easy to pronounce) names like "Emma" I was quickly envious! I think the media had something to do with it as well...but it took time to appreciate my unique identity and look (and I refuse to refer to myself as a ginger). I eventually won "Best Hair" as a senior superlative and even though people still mispronounce my name, I love knowing the fact that I have never met another Marilisa!

Truth Three // I knew my husband was "the one" after dating for less than 3 months. It helped that I had known Taylor since I was 11, but I also believe God wanted me to feel secure in finding my soul mate, even at the young age of 19. We were on a trip to Jacksonville, FL with our campus ministry and went on a run on the beach (so cliche I know!). While running on the deserted coast, it felt like we were the only people on Earth and my heart was perfectly content if that had been true. I felt free, girly, and totally in love with the man running beside me. Truth be told, he still makes me feel that way and we've been together for almost 5 years.

Truth Four // I go to the thrift store once a week. Since changing jobs I have a little more time on my hands than I used to, and I love hitting up my local Goodwill on Tuesdays (Senior Discount Day = peace and quiet). I usually sift through the clothing first with hopes of finding some name-brand tops, then venture over to shoes for anything vintage (in a size 6.5 please). I love finding unique pieces for the house too, especially vases or frames for less than $5. Today I scored a cool cookbook for one of my best friends!

Truth Five // I am not a morning person at all. I had no idea how much of a non-morning person I was until getting married. I'm talking "don't touch me," "turn off the light," "leave me alone," kind of non-morning person. Taylor jokes that I am not a Christian when I wake up...which might actually be true. I love taking my time with a cup of coffee in bed, reading my Bible or a marriage book, and slowly working my way towards getting ready for the day. This is proof I can never have a job in a coffee shop.

Like Natalia said, that wasn't too painful! And I hope you feel like you know me a little better now :)

Alexandra, Candice, Brittany, Lauren and Gayle - your turn to spill it!

xoxo

// Photo via wit + delight //