THE NIGHT OF...

I finally downloaded my pictures from the "birgagement" weekend and I wanted to share them with you. I know you all are dying to see and hear the story! ;)

Since neither Brandon or I had to work Thursday, July 1st, we headed down to the beach that a.m. We encountered several "bumps" on the way down - a sinkhole on 65 South that appeared overnight delaying us an hour or so from leaving Birmingham and constant rain on the way down. Brandon said that luckily he has loyal employees to cover the sinkhole issue, otherwise we would have had to stay in Birmingham to resolve the issue - yikes! 

So, we got down to the beach around 5:30ish, unloaded our stuff, and decided to go out to eat while we waited on our friends to get down. Brandon kept hinting about a sunset cruise before dinner so I went along with it - I didn't know if he was just anxious to see Black Gold, or if he really had something up his sleeve!

We got to the boat and the weather was perfect! The rain had stopped and the clouds started to clear out revealing a beautiful sunset of blues, purples, pinks, and orange. We putted out to Crab Island, took our time enjoying the beach, and eventually Brandon turned me towards him (I was in the captain's chair) and started in on the speech. It was sweet and perfect and I couldn't ask for anything more! 

Here are some pictures from the night of...

Once we got back to the dock, the sunset was even more beautiful! I couldn't stop taking pictures!

[click on pictures to enlarge]

I don't believe any of these pictures do the ring justice, but it is gorgeous! I sent Brandon a few pictures of twisted, cable bands and he took it from there. I just requested yellow gold and solitaire and he couldn't have done a better job! 

Here are some more pictures from the exciting, celebratory weekend:

[re-do!]

[My BFF/MOH and I celebrating]

[Brandon's Mom, sister, and me on the balcony overlooking the harbor]

We had such a great time celebrating with friends and family all weekend and I can't wait for all the festivities to begin! I have an inspiration board to share tomorrow so stay on the lookout. But, don't be saddened, I will still continue to post house inspiration and updates on Melrose!

SHADES OF GRAY, CREAMS, AND WHITE...with a hint of sage

This color palette has been on my mind a lot the past few days ... raise your hand if you can guess why ...

Enjoy these inspiring beauties!

[dress, design, decor]

Oh the contrast! [absolutely beautiful things]

LOVE those burlap curtains! Instead of drop cloth? [cafe cartolina]

[unknown]

[delight by design]

[unknown]

[unknown]

[whiteport]

Perfection ... [desire to inspire]

[unknown]

[unknown]

Those mirrors are like heaven. [haven and home]

High "chair rail"? Great color choice, and all those books? Wow...[unknown]

If you raised your hand and answered 'wedding theme' then you are correct! Give me a few days to post pictures of the engagement and inspiration board, but I promise they are coming! And more house projects!

EXCITING NEWS

Well, I have been at the beach since last Thursday so I haven't been able to post anything cool, but I do have exciting news...

I am getting married!

Can you believe it? I am so excited and cannot wait! I will share the full story later after I load my pictures on my computer, but in the meantime -- this is what I saw when first arriving at work this morning:

The signs say "HAPPY BIRGAGEMENT" -- birthday + engagement! So hilarious and perfect, an unforgettable 25th birthday! I was super excited about the wedding magazines too because I hadn't bought any yet! Don't worry, an inspiration board and ideas will be coming! 

Thanks Laurel-Dawn, Sarah Robins, and Janie!

B&A, 1/2 WAY (again): the dining room

The dining room still lacks a lot of decorating, but we have the basics so I wanted to share the progress. We finally have somewhere to eat dinner. Our previous dining table tv trays were becoming a hassle and we started quoting The Bachelorette and Drop Dead Diva too much. Needless to say, we are really enjoying a true dining table.

I have all ready expressed my love and desire for a farmhouse table so that purchase should not be a big surprise to you. I bought the table through an antique store in Auburn and they use reclaimed wood (from old antique pieces) to reproduce new furniture. I saw a few pictures of the table and I was super excited. Here is the original table:

My friend Laurel-Dawn and I checked, and double checked, and even made a mock up of the table size with chairs at work, so I knew the size would be perfect for the dining room. And it was. I just assumed it would look worn, old, show character, have exposed layers of paint, etc. but it didn't. I was a little disappointed, but I was determined to make it look like the ones in my inspiration post. 

So, one day I sat down to coat it with layers of paint and sand away each one when I happened to look under the table. To my dismay I found the reclaimed wood! Here is what I found:

As you can see, I decided to un-screw all the boards and flip them over so the reclaimed wood would be the top. This really made my day. It wasn't that much work - the hardest and most painstaking part was all the sanding! I tried sanding the legs (too much white) but I think I need a hand sander for that! I applied a few coats of tung oil afterwards and here is the final table:

I love it and couldn't be happier! It took a little work, but it was well worth it in the end. I love how each board is different and exhibits its own characteristics. Remember my mismatch chair post? They finally all came together. Here is what we have so far in the dining room:

Not a whole lot! I love my great grandmother's buffet and can't wait to fill it with fun serving pieces. I especially like the dark color - I think it goes right along with my "industrial" theme. What do you think? I hope to put my straw hat inspiration to use above the buffet. More to come as we progress!

PRETTY THINGS

I believe every girl needs their own vanity. A place to pamper themselves while they get ready and display all their pretty jewels. Whether it sits against a wall in the master bedroom, or creates a pretty environment in the guest bedroom, or doubles as a nightstand, they will always be put to good use. 

For my future vanity, so far I have collected a mirrored jewelry box from Target and a silhouette painting I did of an Aubrey Hepburn type girl. I want a big mirror to sit on top of the dresser and lean against the wall. First, I need a dresser, but until then here are some of my favorite inspiration images.

Re-create this display with teacups and bowls from Anthropologie? [live creating yourself via 6th street design school]

I want that acrylic stool! [peacock feathers]

LOVE both of the following mirrors. Big and bold with a few accompanying items. 

[photographer atlanta bartlett]

[unknown]

[lonny mag]

[this is glamorous]