Today is our 3 year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how fast time passes by and if I have learned anything from the people around me it's that one day, memories are all you will have left. That's what I love about photos. It's a memory frozen in time that you can go back to over and over again. When I was planning our wedding I knew I wanted to really take the time to find a photographer who had a style I loved. We ended up hiring a photographer from D.C. Who just so happened to be in North Carolina shooting another wedding that weekend and she went above and beyond for us.  

We got married right off of the Blueridge Parkway at Craggy Gardens in North Carolina. That morning we got up really early and drove the Blueridge Parkway the whole way there. It turned our 2 hour trip into nearly a five hour drive but it was so worth it. Getting that time together was special. We wanted a small ceremony with a few of the people closest to us there so they were planning to meet us there later on in the day. 

When we finally got into Asheville, I got my makeup done and we got ready. Have I mentioned how amazing our photographer was? I was dying to take our photos at the summit which to do, we had to hike up Craggy Pinnacle Trail. It's a short trail, less than a mile there and back down, but it's all uphill and it is rocky and the dirt was wet from the rain. Add the late July heat into the mix and I was a mess. The makeup I had done was sweating off, muddy dress but you'd never be able to tell from these photos and the view was so so worth it. The elevation is 5900 feet with absolutely beautiful views of Pisgah National Forest. 

"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:12-17 We did a feet washing ceremony!! What was special for us was the pitcher and bowl we used for it belonged to my husband's family. 

The biggest reason why I wanted to take the time to sit down and write this is so I don't forget. Looking back, things passed in a blur. It was a surreal day and I mean that in the best way possible. From the moment I met Shane I knew never wanted to be without him again and I am so thankful and indebted to God for giving him to me.

That night we stayed at the Switzerland Inn and it was the cutest little place! This is the inn but we stayed in the Caprice Honeymoon Cottage.

That week we camped in Hot Springs, NC. We found a campground that offered primitive camping so we had a cozy little spot deep down in the woods beside the creek all to ourselves for a week. During our trip we hiked Max Patch Mountain. At the top you had a 360 view of the mountians of surrounding mountian summints of North Carolina and Tennesse! If you are ever in the area it's definitely worth the hike!

Another thing we did that is a must if you ever visit is going to Hot Springs Resort and Spa. We went one night to sit in the natural mineral bath and it was so cozy and romantic the way they have it set up.

  

We got a puppy!!!

 Some of you know, when we moved in July of last year, we had to find new homes for our two dogs, Shiloh and Cash. It was a sudden move and we exhausted all of our options when it came to finding any way to bring them with us. It broke my heart.

When I started searching for a home for them something that surprised me was how hateful some people can be. I even had one lady go out of her way and make a status about how I was a terrible person for giving them away. It was honestly one of the hardest things I have had to do. They were my babies!! From the day Maddy came home they loved her so much. I cried every single day that I had to even think of giving them up and I still cry sometimes. I have lost count how many times I have called my mom in tears over missing them.

Thankfully I was able to find two amazing new families for them to go to, ones that actually are sweet enough to send photos and update us on how they are doing. They are still so loved. Maddison has taken an interest in animals recently, ducks at the pond, birds, cats, he dog next door, so I thought it would be so good to finally take that step and get her a puppy. He's an Austrailian Shepherd/Blue Heeler Mix. We named him Blu. The first few days Maddy would cry when he came up to her but she has warmed up to him.  For some reason whenever she sees him eating she says "no no no" or "no boo" so I'm not sure what that is about haha but she also randomly walks up to him and gives him kisses throughout the day so I think that they will be best friends.

Here she is checking on him because he fell asleep.