What should I read?

There are a million reasons why I can’t wait for our honeymoon, but one of them is definitely the much-needed break.  I’m looking forward to a little time to sit back, relax, and read something fun (because super fun frivolous reading and the word vacation are one in the same).

I’m excited to start making a list of what books I might want to take along… and because I have a sneaking suspicion that you all are sitting on some fantastic recommendations, I thought I’d start with you.

So tell me, what book will I be crazy if I miss?

P.S. Bookshelf Porn

Hello Fall Foods

Fall is one of the only seasons that enjoys an undeniable connection to a particular set of foods.  In fact, it might be the only… unless we count certain holidays on their own, in which case winter might also stake a little claim.

When the air gets crisp and cold I immediately begin to crave pumpkin, apple, and all things spiced… and long to ring in the new season with some of the best goodies around.

These are just a few that I’ve been dying to make…

1 // Brown Butter Spice Cake

2 // Pumpkin Spice Donuts with Cinnamon Butter Glaze

3 // Two Minute Carrot Cake à La Mode

4 // Nutty Hazelnut and Almond Pear Crumble with Elderflower Cream

5 // Pear and Cinnamon Frangipagne Tartlets

6 // Pumpkin Pie Bars

Our Registry

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

We’ve tried hard to make it clear that the best gift our friends and family can give us is just to be there for us on our day (since just that will require almost all of them to travel, and we know that’s a lot) but we decided to set up a registry for anyone who might insist.

We’ve been adding to the collection over time, working slowly and throwing in a few things we need and a few that we’d just love to have.  When it turned out a lot of our dishes were cracking, we added some pretty new bowls.  When we ran out of candles, we realized it couldn’t hurt to add a few to the list.  It’s been a really easy way to tackle the big project that a wedding registry can become… and it’s worked out really well for us.  There are so many things to think about it the last few months of wedding planning that I’m thanking my stars we were able to get this one out of the way early and a little at a time.

Welcome to the Weekend!

Today we had a long talk with our officiant, and I couldn’t help but think how surreal it all is.  We’ve been planning for this day for nearly a year and a half, but it’s always felt so far away… almost like the moment would never come.  But now we’re down to the final details, and not just the little ones… we’re talking about the marriage itself, and the reasons we want to be married at all… our background, our beliefs… everything that brought us to this place, and every little thing that makes us want to travel on.

And it’s kind of amazing… all of this is almost real.  I’m sorry to spill my sappiness all over you tonight but… you guys.  I really can’t wait.

Here are a few things I’m loving this week…

Gorgeous fall hair (anyone know the original source of this awesome shot?).

These beautiful DIY save the dates.

Myra Callan of Twigs & Honey is making wedding gowns. (OMG)

You’re welcome.

Why women should stop trying to be perfect — thoughts?

Margaret Atwood’s 10 rules of writing.

I might be particularly partial because it was shot on the coast of Oregon, but this gorgeous little engagement shoot.

I really need to make me some granola.

Living and working with intention and supporting others who do the same.

{Real Weddings} Lauren & Chance

A small, beautiful church, a happy couple, and their closest family and friends… as far as I’m concerned, the gorgeous simplicity of this Nashville wedding is as good as it gets.

Photographer: Alicia Looney Photography / Venue: West End Church of Christ

Roasted Delicata Squash and Hazelnut Salad

So I mentioned that we’ve finally gotten on the health food track, right?

Well, relatively speaking. We cut out grains and most refined sugar and for once we’re really managing to stick to it… of course we can still have wine, dark chocolate, and cheese. I’m not gonna say we’re mostly living on cheese, but…

Okay occasionally we are eating some really healthy things, and discovering some new ones we never even knew existed (or maybe i just didn’t know you could eat them… they look so pretty in those harvest displays…) like delicata squash.

Details, Details

One month to go, and we’re down to the details… but let me tell you, there are details to be had!

From menus to table lists to just plain mailing stuff to the west coast (extra work for the destination bride) I’m pretty sure our weekends from here on out are done.*

There are the details on the surface, and the details underneath… and right now my head is reeling trying to keep up with them all.

But really, in the end, aren’t the details half the fun?

And how about this for some (moderately disturbed) motivation?  A little old, but really, if I could be the most organized person on earth I would die happy.**

*Okay actually we made pretty good use of this particular weekend (sorry for the terrible shot of the back of the camera… I mentioned we’ve been busy right?).

**I’d like to dedicate this post to Pinterest and the terribly dated but absolutely fantastic discoveries I make on you nearly every day… clearly we’ve been spending a little too much time together.

Photo: Backstage at Rodarte Fall 2012 Ready to Wear via The Doppelganger

Friday Link Love

Wow am I glad to see this super busy crazy week go.  I’m sure the next will be just the same (and on and on until the election…) but I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home with the guy I love.  Who knows, I might even drag him to a movie.

It’s kind of nice not to have any plans.

Here are a few things I’m loving this week…

Okay, you can show up in my mailbox anytime now please.

What an amazing way to renew your vows.

Congratulations to James and her family on a new baby boy! (Named Sailor, is that the cutest?)

These shots make me long for an adventure.

This awesome bottle opener and resealer.

Do you change up your pillows in the fall?

With a little heavy cream?  I die…

… also now I want this.

Navy nails.

A Little Inspiration: Autumn

1/2/3/4/5/6

Okay, call me cliché but I really do love the fall.  It’s sweater season (in theory… in reality it’s been 80 all week, but go with me here) the apples are at their best, the leaves are turning and the holidays are about to begin.

Fall is a time for savoring rich flavors, rich experiences, and gorgeous rich colors like the ones above.

Happy Surprises

1 // Learning that one of my very best friends (who has had a crazy amazing busy year and I am so so proud of her — so I totally understood when she said she wouldn’t be able to make it) just bought a ticket to come to our wedding.

2 // Coming home to fresh seared scallops and cider with rum.

3 // … not to mention a clean house and an empty basket of laundry.  That guy, he knows just what to do to tug at my heart.

4 // A sweet gift for Austin from his soon-to-be step-gramma.

5 // Realizing that after months (maybe years) of work with no change at all, I’m running just a little bit faster.

It’s been a stressful couple of weeks, with tons of work and the wedding right around the corner, but in the end… it’s always the good stuff that comes out on top.

Photo: Cassidy Carson via Snippet & Ink