My Yoga Inspired Bridal Shower and Christmas Time!

Hi all!

There is so much to share in this post because so much has happened since I had last written. I apologize for being MIA for a few weeks but my workload really piled up and we were traveling for the holidays to see family, friends and finish everything up for the wedding!

I have officially been on vacation for over 10 days now and I have to say that I am thoroughly enjoying it! I have been able to work out, see friends and I actually sat down and read an entire book in one day because I had the time! Imagine that!

I recently joined a book club and the first month we read Enders Game (my choice) and I loved it! This month we were reading Water for Elephants. I read the entire thing in one day and couldn't put it down! Once I finished it I watched the movie, both were amazing! Have any of you seen the film or read the book? True to form, I think the book was better.

Now, I have moved onto a book for pleasure that I downloaded on my Kindle, its the newest Ellen DeGeneres autobiography called "Seriously, I'm Kidding." I am about half way through and it just seems like her hilarious ramblings and I am very excited to finish it laughing the whole way!

 



My soon to be hubby (less than 100 days now!) and I traveled to Pennsylvania to celebrate the holidays with my family in Warren. Luckily, the weather Gods smiled on us and we had no trouble getting there. Even with this little rascal in the backseat. We attempted a nice family photo at my dads- the dog didn't get the memo.

 

 

While I was in my hometown, I also had a lovely bridal shower brunch that my aunt threw for me complete with delicious quiches, mimosas and my wonderful family. It was truly a great time and I received amazing gifts to help us improve our kitchen once we are married. I couldn't wait to get home and try them out!

I even got to finally see Baby Joey!

 

The 2nd bridal shower, yes that's right folks - we fit two bridal showers in over vacation, was in Pittsburgh for my college friends. My best friend and Maid of Honor April created the most creative and beautiful bridal shower I could have imagined. She contacted my favorite yoga studio and instructor from my time in Pittsburgh and scheduled a private class for everyone in their new studio!

 

 

The class was amazing filled with love, relaxation and restoration moves. Perfect for the mix of people we had because some had done yoga before and some hadn't.

 

Here are some of my favorite pictures!

 

 

Afterwards we had wine and healthy snacks - everyone told me it was the most "Mackenzie" shower they could have imagined so I guess we hit the mark!

 

Before we left Pittsburgh I had my hair and makeup trial and let me tell you, I am in love with the salon I chose. I chose blind based on Yelp, Weddingwire and TheKnot reviews and they did not disappoint. I went to Pretty in Pittsburgh at 8am and found out that they actually opened the studio early for me to come in. How nice! and then they absolutely killed it with the hair and makeup. Here is a little sneak preview of the wedding day.

 

 

 

When we got back to Charlotte we unpacked and cleaned up and I started thoroughly enjoying being back to my own kitchen, food and exercise routine. Its always harder to stay on track on the road so I am glad to start back up again. I started the year off with a great 4 mile run around our neighborhood! I am trying at all costs to stay away from the gym - I hate it the month of January because all the people with New Years Resolutions crowd all the machines and it becomes impossible.

 

Anyone else experience that at their gym?

 

Well the next few months, I am really kicking it into high gear to tone up for the dress! It is under 100 days now until our nuptials and I couldn't be more excited!





5 Months and 36 days

Hello all!

First, let me start by recapping my weekend because it was ridiculously fun. Dwayne and I go to Greensboro every year around this time to celebrate Homecoming at this Alma Mater, Elon. It is always a ton of fun to get together with all of his old friends and teachers. This year was no exception. There was food, drinks, friends and music.

and there was even a photo booth, so of course, because Dwayne and I are basically 5 year olds, we had to do it.

The best part about the weekend, in my opinion, was that it was almost as if we had just gotten engaged again. We were seeing people that we haven't seen in a year, who hadn't seen us since we were engaged and so we got a lot of congratulations and hugs. It was great! I almost forgot how great it was to be newly engaged. Everyone is so happy for you. You get the occasional marriage nay-sayer but that's usually someone who has tried and failed a few times, so I don't pay much attention.

In all the wedding talk, I realized that the time is really ticking down to the big day. Tomorrow will mark the 5 month mark. We are less than half a year away and honestly, that blows my mind. It all seems to have gone so fast!

Even more awesomely, is that I have 36 days left until my bridal portraits with the amazingly talented Rachel Tokarski.

I seriously cannot wait for the holidays because in this two week period, we will have our menu tasting, hair and makeup trial, bridal portraits, bridal shower and so much more to complete our wedding planning.

I can't wait!!