Swimming in January

This is kind of becoming an obsession =)

I never really understood how people could spend so long just flipping through books and magazines before their weddings. I couldn't understand what on earth they were looking for, or what made one picture so dramatically different than another. Now I'm beginning to understand.

James's first cousin, once removed, Xan, and her husband Pat own the beach house we visited in Florida last weekend. They are truly awesome people who have been nothing short of a God-send in making the wedding of our dreams possible. While we were down there, Xan and I got to talk about wedding planning. She's planned several beach weddings and had TONS of helpful advice. In addition to all of the advice, she shared a plethora of delightful wedding books and magazines with us covering a broad range of topics from flowers to cakes, DIY decor to photo stories of extravagant weddings. Since Friday night I've been pouring over these jems, spending just about every free minute immersed in their pages. So many questions and ideas are swirling around in my head! It's times like these that I especially wish I was gifted in the visual arts. I've always been a little envious of those who can take what's in their heads and pour that onto a page or a photograph. But now more than ever. With so many ideas jumbling up my brain I wish I could just put them somewhere, clear out some space in my head and organize my ideas. For now it's all a swirly hodpodge of twinkle lights, anemones, sand, spanish moss, hydrangeas, mason jars, waves, s'mores, lanterns, hand-painted signs, and blue thistle - just a fuzzy, jumbled mess.

Today was largely unremarkable, a day of wedding dreams and work. I usually don't work Mondays since my school schedule is MWF, but this Monday I'm on break, the last Monday I'll be on break for several months. So today I worked. And since tonight is James's night to hang out with his best friend, I've spent the evening buried in books, blogging, and introspection, all while distracted by TV. One notable thing did happen today. In telling my dear friend Hannah about the reception venue, I got the most clear picture in my head I've had so far of what our reception will look like. It was a strikingly emotional two seconds for me, so much so that I teared up a little bit. It was...kind of awesome.

So for now I think I'll spend the rest of my evening swimming in my dreams, ideas, and plans.