We are featured in The Knot!

A few months ago I was contacted by my event planner, Antonia Christianson Events, regarding exciting news! She told me that our wedding photos had been selected to appear in The Knot DC/MD/VA magazine. I couldn't contain myself! It turns out that our photographer, Trivium Studio, had submitted the photos to the magazine.

It was probably the custom made napkins that sealed the deal... I'm sure of it.

Soon after being selected, I was asked to fill out the longest questionnaire I have ever seen. However, it was worth it. I began to recall all the details that we poured into the big day and I was reminded of the tedious projects I subjected my friends to. (I do appreciate all of the help and I hope to repay the debt one day) but this is living proof that all of this hard work paid off!

After what felt like a century, the article was finally published. I was sent an digital preview by my event planner, Missy. How exhilarating! And I won't lie... I bragged about it on the appropriate social media channels :)

The day my advance copies of the magazine arrived at my house I did a happy dance. The magazine is now on newsstands in the DC/MD/VA areas. Pick up a copy.... and if you're like my single friends, use me as your excuse to by a wedding magazine without your boyfriend freaking out.

52 Weeks Later

What a difference a year makes?? How would I have ever known the journey we would begin once we said our vows and kissed as husband and wife.

I write to you today sitting in my Upper East Side, walk up apartment... reflecting on the past 365 days. I'm now 28 and I live a fabulous city life with my husband and our dog, Maddy.

Last year, on this day we became man and wife. We promised that we would stand by each others side, no matter what life threw at us. I can't say that the year has been all roses and daisies. It's a marriage... let's be honest... you won't get along ALL the time. But when you do, you grow to love each other even more.

After the wedding we spent an amazing summer with family and friends. We started planning our life together and looked to move into a larger apartment that upcoming fall. We were two days shy of signing a new lease when Nick got the job offer in New York. (Talk about life changing decisions) So as husband and wife, we put our big boy/girl pants on and decided to take on Manhattan!

It wasn't an easy change, but I keep reminding myself "In the end you'll be glad you did it." We still have aspirations of a family, a house and maybe a boat one day. God knows we aren't the most patient couple in the world, so sitting back and enjoying New York has been hard when all we think about is the future.

But the most important thing out of all of this is: we are VERY HAPPY. We love each other and have learned to make real world decisions together. I can honestly say that I'm more in love with Nick today than I was 365 days ago. He always amazes me. He is so driven for success in all aspects of life. I love watching him work diligently on his projects, especially Rocketclubs.com. It's his passion. The way he lights up with excitement when he talks about Rocket Clubs is amazing. I know he will go far in life and I can't wait to be right by his side as this happens.

Since living in New York, Nick has been my role model for working on the things we love the most. It motivated me so much that I officially launched my Etsy store for Sweet Peach Stationery this past February. It was a long time in the making, and I'm currently working on the website launch. This is my passion, and he sees that. He supports me and I support him. Isn't that what a marriage is all about?

It's so easy while you're engaged to put planning the wedding as a priority before your relationship. After the wedding is over many brides think "Now what?" Just remember all the energy that you put into planning and use it in your marriage. Enjoy being a newlywed, take trips together, go out with friends and have fun, move to a new city and explore together... whatever you do, make it about "us" and never "you."

Nicholas Larsen, I am proud to be your wife and I look forward to the rest of our lives together. Thank you for an amazing first year of marriage. [Raising imaginary glass of champagne] Here's to the next chapter! I love you.

All images by Trivium Studio.

A Need for Change

On Thursday we are headed to Smithfield for my 10th HS Reunion. This also coincides with my need to do the dew. [not the Moutain] My hair is in need of some TLC. It's been a while since I've last had an update and since getting my hair done in NYC could run me upwards of $300... I've decided to visit my wedding stylist in Virginia Beach while I'm visiting. I'd say it's winning a win, win.

Here is my inspiration. I'm thinking BLONDE, straight & a bob.

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My sister tells me I have an obsession with Reese [I'm not convinced]... 

so I'm throwing in another option.

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Source

I like the "put together" look Reese has going on, but Jenn's look has a hipper vibe. I'm still undecided. I suppose I'll surprise you all!

To Dream...

My little sister (in Alpha Phi), Lauren, inspired me to write a blog post... she's been posting more often now, so I suppose I should get off my bum and do the same.

Tonight I'm dreaming of my green and yellow kitchen.

Our Yellow & Green Kitchen by jaymugirly on Polyvore.com

I so desperately need to make this place feel like a home. Since we are not allowed to paint in our new place... I found these lovely wallpapers tonight while surfing Amy Butler's website. Instead of actually glueing the paper to the walls, I can tack them up–like posters.

Home Sweet Home

In the month that we've been in the city, we have managed to finish unpacking all of our stuff. But you want to know something? I realized while I was unpacking just how much stuff we really had. It never occurred to me that combined we had enough to fill at least a two bedroom home! Now before think it... we didn't bring it all here. I'm thankful for my sister and brother-in-law and their HUGE basement. It now houses about 1/4 of our things. They rock! AND while the truck was there delivering our things they were gracious enough to lend us their wooden pantry from their old house. See it below on the left. It's AWESOME storage for food and dishes.

So here is our new place. (Mostly) Unpacked and livable! (Aside from the Christmas decorations and random donation items in the corner there.) Sorry for the amateur iPhone photos.

Hope you enjoyed the 5 cent tour!! Still need to finish up some wall decorating, but in do time :)