Where Does Time Go?

Happy Monday friends.  I just realized that I didn't post at all last week...unintentionally.  Where does time go?  The good news about me not posting is that I have been a busy little bee at work.  My current position is transitioning- I am shedding a few of my current responsibilities and adding more valuable projects under the direction of Finance and the CFO!  I couldn't be more excited to embark on this new journey that will surely look great on my resume.

I have also been spending some quality time with the hubby.  Here are just a few of the mini dates we have been on in the past two weeks:

Riverdogs Game

My company sponsors a sky box at the Riverdogs Stadium.  Each division has the opportunity to take advantage of these amazing seats, the food, and game once a year.  Two Saturdays ago, we had our chance and the experience was nothing less than fantastic.  The hot dogs and hamburgers were on point, the breeze was perfect, and it was all around a great night for baseball!

Car Shopping

It's official...I have car fever and I am in love with the New Ford Explorers.  I test drove one a few weeks ago, and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.  Bradley and I both agree that this will be a great car for when we start having kids.  I'm sure in a few weeks, there will be a post on my new car...hopefully!

Movies

We finally took the time to go see the box office hit, Ted.  This movie was hilarious- crass, but hilarious! Mark Wahlberg was the perfect actor to play alongside Seth MacFarlane as a teddy bear.  Definitely an adult must see!

What have you guys been up to?  I'm headed over to check out your new posts as well!

Easter Weekend Fun

This was our second Easter as a married couple, and the second holiday that we have spent at home by ourselves without the rest of our family.  Since we are going to the Upstate next weekend for a wedding, we figured it would be best to stay home for Easter.  Although I missed my family dearly, I must say it was nice to relax and enjoy the weekend on our time!

{Friday}  We spent the evening at a friend's home for a 40th birthday party!  I asked all of you on Thursday for your favorite banana pudding recipe to take as a special treat.  I decided to make Paula Deen's version of Not Yo Mama's Banana Pudding.  Paula deserves a full breakdown of this recipe on my blog because it was delicious.  Not one bit came back home with us.

Ingredients
1 12-ounce container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 cups milk
1 5-ounce box instant French vanilla pudding
6-8 bananas, sliced
2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

Directions
Line the bottom of a 13x9x2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

{Saturday}  This day was quite relaxing.  I got up, ran a few errands, and had lunch with a friend.  Bradley put a boston butt in the crockpot and created some delicious BBQ for us to have this week.  Between napping, watching baseball, and eating, I say it was a pretty successful day!

{Sunday}  Easter Sunday.  Bradley and I decided to try out a new church.  The church we normally attend is about 45 minutes from the house.  The new church we visited is only about 10 minutes away.  It was a breath of fresh air and we thoroughly enjoyed it.  When we got home, I already had a feast prepared for the two of us.  We enjoyed a smoked ham, sour cream and chives mashed potatoes, green beans, and crescent rolls.  It was perfect for just the two of us!  

How was your Easter weekend?!

Our Big Day: The Details

Okay, okay, so I lied.  I said I was rounding up our wedding recaps on Wednesday, but I decided to participate in the last Ultimate Wedding Week Link Up and share the details that made our day so special.  

We were married on March 19th- the same day as my grandparents.

Our ceremony was held in the church I grew up in- McCormick First Baptist Church.

My hair was done by my sister and my cousin/bestie applied my make up.

The Dress: Maggie Sottero Avril in Alabaster 

(sadly it's no longer on her website)
Provided by Elegant Bridals in Augusta, GA.

Shoes- Nina Electra in Ivory Luster Satin

My stepmother made my cathedral length veil.

The flowers in the church, bouquets, and boutonnieres were 

arranged by Flowers by Frankie- a distant family member.

Programs were created and printed by a friend- Billingsley Designs

We lit candles in honor of our loved ones who had gone before us and were watching from Heaven!

This awesome card box was handmade by my cousin/bestie!

The centerpieces at the reception were created by my talented aunt.

The amazing food was prepared by a family friend.

Wedding cake was made by another family friend.  We froze the top layer to have for our one year anniversary, and despite popular belief, it tasted just as good as the night of our wedding!

All photography from engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and 

full wedding day coverage was by the fabulous Abby Funderburk.

As I've said before, Bradley and I both wanted our day to be intimate and meaningful.  

All of the details and planning for our wedding were provided by family and friends, 

and it meant so much to us to be surrounded by love.

Thank you for sticking with me as I documented to date, the best day of my life!

Our Big Day: The Honeymoon

I am rounding up our wedding recaps today with a post about our honeymoon.  Bradley didn't make many decisions about the wedding itself, but the honeymoon was all his!  He consulted with me on the location, but booked our trip through a travel agency and had it all planned out.  We were so excited to get away after over a year of planning the wedding.  It was nice to be able to relax with my husband in an all inclusive resort for a whole week!

Newlyweds on the way Adventura Spa Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico!

 The fantastic room

First night at dinner

One of our favorite spots!

For a whole week we ate like a king and queen,

drank way too much,

made new friends,

 relaxed in the sun,

found beauty in rain storms,

enjoyed the crystal clear ocean,

and even played in the sand!

Memories of a lifetime!

 And I even got spoiled rotten! My new hubby surprised me with a pearl necklace. 

Our honeymoon was the perfect way to end our dream wedding experience!

Our Big Day: The Reception

When planning our wedding, Bradley and I both agreed that we wanted a fun party atmosphere for our reception with our favorite foods included.  Our wishes were granted- the reception was everything we wanted and more.  All of our hard work and planning finally paid off! {Warning: picture overload}

I want to start with a few details of the reception first before showing you all the fun we had.

My canvas portrait on display

Our picture signing book for all those who missed it at the ceremony.

The amazing display my cousin made for cards from our guests!

Koozies were our favors.

The food was so good and prepared by a local family friend trying to break into the catering market.  We had many different options for our guests to choose from!

Beer and wine were both served.

And now for all the fun!  The pictures tell all!

After the wedding party introductions, we had our first dance.

"Baby I Love Your Way" Peter Frampton

I surprised my mom with a Mother/Daughter dance to "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion.

Bradley and his mom danced to "In My Life"- The Beatles

Toasts by the Best Man and Maid of Honor

Cutting of the cake

 This tradition did come true...these two got engaged a few months later and are now happily married!

We did not want this awesome party to end, but had to get on the road to 

Atlanta to catch our early flight the next morning for our honeymoon.  

To this day, our friends and family still tell us how much fun they had, how amazing the food was, and how they talk about that night regularly! Mission accomplished.

Participating in The Ultimate Wedding Week Link Up!  Link yours up here!