Neutrals & Nuptials

Romper (orig from Morton James) // Heels Similar // Clutch Similar // Shades // Ring

We're going to very quickly chat about this adorable FRINGE ROMPER (orig from Morton James) prior to getting a little sentimental today.  So if you're here for the fashion, you may wanna jump ship after this paragraph.  Y'all know I, and every other gal, love a good romper.  This Neutral Fringe is so dang perfect for the summer...I've worn her a handful of times and intend to bust 'er out again while I'm here in Florida--she's just that good!  Ok, EMO alert.....y'all know I don't get terribly personal on s + s all that often, but with our wedding quickly approaching, I simply can't help myself.....

I was driving home from Target earlier this week and, without any warning or trigger, just started crying.  In fact, I have no doubts I'll shed a tear or twenty while typing this post.  I also have no doubts I'm feeling this surge of crazy emotions this week because I'm marrying John in just a few days.  But it's so much more than that.  He's so much more than that.  Damnit, here come the tears......

I think back to the past 3 years of my life and cannot...truly cannot believe that it has lead me to this.  To John.  It's been a challenging road.  A road with many life altering events.  Events that forever changed me and my girls.  A road I wasn't so sure was going to ever smooth out.  One that I certainly didn't think would lead me to a man that I just couldn't adore more if I tried.  A man that couldn't adore my children more if he tried.  A man that I feel beyond blessed walked into our lives.  He was always the light at the end of our bumpy, dark tunnel--I just didn't know it at the time.  And it's simply insane to me because three years ago while I was going through my divorce, the darkest time in my life no doubt, I would have never in a million years thought this day was possible for me.

I remember this past Father's Day, we were camping and the four of us were chatting about the girl's father.  I asked them how they were doing and if they were missing their Dad because we always talk very openly about him.  And often for that matter.  And then Chase said something that simply melted me and John to our cores.  She said, "John, if I had to choose someone other than my real dad to be my dad, it would always be you."  And if that isn't a testament to how damn special John is, then hells bells, I don't know what is.  He has our three hearts something fierce.

There's a part of me writing this because I know John will peek at the blog while he's working and it makes me happy to tell him just how wonderful he is and what he means to me and the bunnies.  But there's another part of me that's writing this because of you all.  You see, you all have been around for all the good, bad, and ugly and been cheering me and the bunnies on all along the way.  I've received the messages, sweet sentiments, kind words, condolences, all of it, and I love y'all for it.  You know I've told you this blog was a HUGE source of therapy the year of my divorce and when the girl's father passed and it continues to be.  The engagement and support from you all is something I will forever be grateful for.  So thank you.  Yet again.  But almost more than John and y'all, I wanted to share this because I'm certain there's a reader or two that is in a dark place.  Or maybe, hopefully, coming around the bend and starting to see the bright side.  And let me tell you---it's there.  The light at the end of the tunnel is waiting for you.  I promise.  It may not come when you want it to.  It may take a little longer than you hoped and prayed for, but it is waiting.  Please know this.  Please know that the difficult times you WILL one day be thankful for.  They will strengthen you.  They will build your faith.  They will bring beautiful people into your lives.  They will be blessings.  Sounds crazy, gang, but believe me it is true--I'm living proof.

Thank you for sticking around for my ramble (read:  therapy) sesh.  It was good for my soul to type this little journal entry out.  I just feel so happy.  So thankful.  So damn thankful.  I wish y'all a wonderful week.  Truly.  Will do my darnedest to keep y'all in the wedding loop, but know that if I go MIA, we'll have a wedding roundup once I get pics from my photog...who's amazing by the way!  Going to sound off now gang because the bunnies and I have to go paint some pineapples---stay tuned!!  Big big hugs from FLA--y'all are the best.  Hot Damn---I get to marry my best friend!!!

photos courtesy of Meagan Gilbert