The Eleventh Letter

Those 2 love sleeping under the table!


watching TV together...



It's been 3 weeks now and Hailey has already found a special place in our hearts- James and I are both crazy about her and are constantly laughing at the funny little things a puppy does- like falling off the couch, wagging her tail 100 MPH, getting stuck in the closet trying to get food, thinking she's big enough to jump up on the bed, chasing bugs and my favorite- learning to sit by looking at her sister and copying. Here are a few images of her as she continues to grow and learn.







Hailey's first trip to see Dr. Greene!

Today was an exciting day in the advertising world- for the Gainesville Ad Federation and for yours truly. After joining the Ad Fed when I moved up here last year, the members quickly encouraged me to become involved with committees, kick-ball tournaments, auctions, socials and the ADDY team. I have met so many great people- it was a pleasant shock when I was asked to join the executive board for next term as secretary. I was elected and installed at the June Luncheon this afternoon. James came along for support and a yummy meal. Thanks babe! Along with being one of the newly installed members, I was chosen to be the "Member Spotlight" in the June newsletter- yay! Hopefully this exposure will lead to good things...!!! :)

(click on images to read article)

I had to include a pic of my James in my bio :)

It will be one year next month that we closed on the house- time really does fly... and it only took us 11 months to have a house warming party!!! We have been itching to have a get together, and you know I am always game for playing hostess, so we decided to have a summer bar-b-q!



It was a great success! Our pink and green theme was so festive, and we had a wonderful time with all our guest. James manned the grill, cook'n up tasty burgers, hotdogs and -our fav- Mojo chicken. There was plenty of yummy food, drinks and dessert! Even all the desserts were pink and green!! Although we had a short rain shower in the very beginning that caused everyone to get cozy in the porch- the sun came out and we spent the next few hours visiting, eating, playing games and enjoying the great company. To top it all off, it was Father's Day! Amelia surprised dad and showed up right before the party- he was quite happy to have all his girls around :) We are so blessed to have such kind friends and family in our lives and love gathering them all together- what a fun bunch! Can't wait for Summer BBQ 2009!!

Mom, perfectly matching the party~

backyard fun!

Ali and Shea

Fresh baked brownies, Amelia's famous PBballs, fun-fetti cupcakes with glitter, key-lime cookies and watermelon.

In attendance were our awesome neighbors; Beth and Allen Shepard, Kent, Diane, John, Matthew and Thomas Dudeck, and Steve Moore; my sorority sisters, Lindsey, Reema and Brittany; some wonderful friends from work, Shea and Ray Payton and their daughter Ali, Melissa and John DiStefano; James' co-workers John, Dave and Kashif; John and Liza Koff (Karin and Chelsea were out of town) and of course my beautiful family- mom dad and Amelia. :) We can't forget the canine guest list of Stella, Puppy Hailey, Loxie Shepard and Bellini DiStefano! Muddy dogs always add to the fun!

If you ever have the chance to play with 3 puppies at once, I recommend you take it. There is nothing sweeter then 3 little clumsy creatures jumping in your lap, chasing each other and giving you kisses. It's a pretty neat experience I was fortunate to take part in about 2 weeks ago. Friday afternoon, June 6th, a breeder from Ft. White came by the house with 1 male and 2 female cocker puppies- she was the same breeder we got Stella from and these were her brother and sisters!!! They were so precious- hoping all over the living room, exploring the new smells and people- how were we ever going to pick one!? The one lil pup that looked almost like Stella's twin took to me immediately. I was in love. James and I couldn't deny how perfect she was. After passing Stella's test and getting HER approval it was a done deal. We now had another little 4 legged family member- along with our friends Danielle and Andy, who were visiting for the weekend, we had the best night playing with her and trying to come up with a fitting name. It wasn't until days later while driving in the car that we found her perfect name: Hailey. The white splash across her face looks like a comet so we chose to name her after the famous Hailey's comet. Now, at almost 14 weeks old, she has already learned to sit. We both look forward to watching the little critter grow up and become a best buddy to Stella. Welcome to the family Hailey!!!!

...and we're, guuuunna take some piiiiiiictures. :)

It was another W3 (Wedding Working Weekend) for yours truly. But this time instead of wearing the Wedding Planner hat- I wore the Wedding Photographer hat! Since December, I have been the assistant shooter for the fabulous and sought after artist Caroline Johnson, and her just as fabulous partner Mary Tellez. The two have years of experience and have blessed me with the opportunity to learn from such talented and charming pros. This weekend I shot with Mary, who will soon be moving back home to Little Rock, AR to begin her own business as a wedding photographer (she's going to be awesome!) I truly enjoy working with her. We began the day around 9am and it was hot! The ceremony was at the sweet little Mount Pleasant Methodist Church in Gainesville and was full of southern charm and passion. The couple, Courtney and James, loved every moment of their special day- and let their outgoing, super fun attitudes radiate to those around them. We took some shots downtown at the Hippodrome theater- and boy did they look sassy! Mary knows just how to get the crowd going to capture the perfect image. The second half of pics are some shots I stole from the blog- all the credit goes to miss Mary for the editing! Thanks for letting me join you one last time before you head home- you will be missed!

This past weekend was spent in Live Oak, FL (approx. 1 hour north of G-ville,) at the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, tending to the nuptials of the delightful Victoria and Eric Boyette. How did I get there? A few months back, I took a sub-contracting position with a Wedding and Events Planning Firm in Haile Plantation called A'vie. Basically that means I work with them on the wedding weekend to run the rehearsal, coordinate the vendors, and tend to the bridal party from the early hours getting ready until the final dance is danced at the reception.. and then some. The girls at A'vie are wonderful, the days are busy and go by fast, but most importantly I am able to spend hours and hours doing something that I love- helping make a bride and groom's dream wedding come true. Through the sweat, dirt and sore feet- I somehow still manage to tear up at every single ceremony. There is something truly magical about a couple in love... and what a better job than to help them make that love last forever. My goal is to one day soon be a planner on my own and bring my fresh energy and passion to the service of brides everywhere ;) Below are some pics of the weekend. The Swuannee park was adorable- southern and quaint, with lots of charm and history. The 4 of us from A'vie stayed in a cottage named "Country Jam", drove around in golf carts and probably had more fun at the reception than should be allowed while on the clock. The bride and groom had met, were engaged and now were married at the same location. How romantic. Best part was when they announced at the reception she was 2 months pregnant(don't worry, they had already been legally married since October)! Best of luck to the newly weds...

Vic's peacock themed bouquet
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The tiny historical chapel on site, so tiny it only held 4 half size pews!


Much to my surprise, the Grande Hall was impressive- and very clean! With the DJs up top, and bar in the back corner, the dance floor was left open for lots of shak'n and groov'n!


Right after the ceremony, Vic's sister, Jen, gives her a hug.


Julia, Catherine and myself- along with our new friends, Mike and Scott


and they lived happily ever after...