*Gemma* A Great Shower

Haha, get it? "Gemma" {my last name in T minus 38 days}A Great Shower!

I did in fact 'get myself' a couple of FABULOUS showers.

I can not put into words how incredible both showers were. Growing up in a small town of only 8,000 people, I often complained about not having a been from a big city. I was never satisfied with the amount of restaurants our small town had or the little shopping. Now that I have moved on - to larger towns & more "Northern" ways of life I've come to the realization that I miss that "small" town more than ever... not the shopping & restaurants but - the people.

The women at my church helped throw one shower & the women at my Mom's school threw the other. It meant a lot to me that after 6 years of not living in Clarksville, AR - these women were still standing behind me to encourage & celebrate with John & me as we approach the next big chapter of our lives! I'm just glad no one from back home wrote me off after I chased followed John to Virginia upon the completion of my Masters program - that was absolutly NEVER in this planner's plans! Needless to say, I'm so touched by the women who hosted these showers - they gave up their time, energy, schedules & even a classroom! I'm also thankful for everyone who attended the showers - I know sometimes they can be a hassle - I mean - in my family - we nap on Sunday afternoons!

Enough of the chit-chat - here are the rest of the photos I promised!

Sunday's Shower @ my Church

Painted by Tina Muncy- Hostess of this shower

3 of my Bridesmaids and a PARISIAN! Can you believe little Miss Laura flew in from Paris only 2 days before the shower!  I was so happy to have here there!

"Gemma Sum Sugar"... & a cute goblet full of Mom's coffee punch!

Tina Muncy also painted this one - you better believe it's going to be used at the wedding! I love our new initials!

Laura, the precious Parisian, brought the most special gifts!

Super cute decor as you walk in...

& yes, they even brought in a FOUNTAIN! Like I said, over the top!

The little bride at the entrance even had a "Paris" pin on - & we all know how much I love that city! I'm still so grateful to the Harpers for taking me to Paris as a wedding gift!

Look at that cute bride!

She even had a train on her dress!

I loved all of the decor!

My sister, mom, & me! I had a reaction to the sun so I didn't look too great because I couldn't exactly get myself ready or wash my hair... my sister helped get my teeth brushed & clothes on... but I loved this picture - Mom & Amanda always have me laughing. I'm grateful that Rena (the other hostess) caught this moment!

This is my other mother, Marilyn. I ADORE this woman more than anyone knows! I bawled when I saw her walk in! She & her husband, Jim, are two of my favorite people on the planet. She knows me better than some of my own friends!

Wedding pictures from Logan's big day! After she tossed the boquet!

This picture is SOOO them! These 3 lived together as freshmen in college & they are hysterical. Lulu is always making Logan laugh - its precious!

On our way down to the farm to see our friend (daughter) get married! Miss Tara, on the right, is Logan's mom - isn't she beautiful!?

Garter time - the wedding was on a farm at Logan's family's land - it was beautiful &  turned out perfect. It just screamed "Logan & Adam"! The women on the right of the picture - Logan's mom, baby cousin, grandmother & little sister - I feel like this picture was pulled right out of movie... cue Sweet Home Alabama.

I enjoyed spending time with these girls!

Off to Jamaica, MON!

Too cute!

Before all of the days festivities began! Wow, she's so gorgeous!

As soon as I get a chance I will be posting Memorial Day pictures - here's a sneak peak!

xx.

Arkansas Trip Part 1 {according to my iPhone}

I'm back!

For any new readers I may have out there - I currently live 13 hours from my mom & dad. This is unheard of in our family! BUT, love calls... right? This past weekend I was able to fly home for about 5 days. I had two bridal showers & one of my girlfriends from college was getting married so I had her bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner & then the WEDDING. It was crazy busy... but a blast. Since I got home Monday night I have slept 8 hours at night and even took a nap on my lunch break and after work in order to catch up! Totally worth it I must add!

I have tons of photos from my camera but I thought I would save them for a different post and just post the pics that my phone captured... those are always good, right?



At work Wednesday before I left for Charlotte to catch my flight. My office cracks jokes about how I dress so I was thrilled when our accountant came in wearing bright colors too!



I bawled at the airport because they changed my flight and I had to wait an extra hour! Fortunatly, I had packed some fabo reading material!

My best friend/MOH & Mom picked me up at the airport in LR and Maggie came home with me! She's the best! Of course we hit up the Sonic :)



I had to work from home so I was jealous to see her lounging around! I can't say much though - she just completed her second year of pharmacy school and she's only 21! My baby genius!

My Mom's is a kindergarten teacher and 2 of her teacher friends threw a bridal shower for me at the school. It was BEYOND incredible. I just couldn't believe it. I have lots of photos to come! But this was my favorite picture - it just captures the love and excitement I felt that day! Mom's best friend, Margo (one of the hostesses) brought this settee from 1845 for me to sit on! Historically these were used while a man courted a woman. Just too cool!



The theme of the shower was Tiffany's. And here we have the cake!





Only 44 days until John & me are "The Gemmas"! Yippee!



Sasha & Margo, the hostesses, brough this gift and asked me to open it first. Of course I had butterflies because I have never had anything from Tiffany's before (except a fake keychain!). There was a note inside of the box and it had the kindest words & included "the Sweetest Thing" and it brought tears. The gift was a glass Tiffany's box - I can't wait to use it as a place to store my ring while I sleep & shower!



Yep, a chandelier hanging in a 1st grade classroom. Like I said, they went above & beyond!



Our punch was even a Tiffany's blue color! So glad Maggie was there to help write gifts down!

After the shower I headed to Searcy to start the Wedding Festivities of Logan & Adam! Of course I brought a little veil for her to wear... I think she wanted to kill me for this!



Somehow all of the photos from Friday's events were deleted. This is all I have no:( Some of the bridal party with our beautiful friend & bride!



Oh, just trying to have hot collar bones!



Lulu & I made Logan run to Wal-Mart with us late Friday night. She saw a ton of people she knew and couldn't believe we were making her wear that veil!



"I do"

Ladies and gentlemen: the BRIDE! She looked GORGEOUS! Her dress was out of this world! She was our little princess!



Kelsey came to do Logan's hair - at the time I didn't know her... then we started chatting and I quickly found out she and John were friends in college! He always told me he would go to Nashville to get his hurr did and now I know why! Kelsey was too cool!



Two of us bridesmaids!

Logan's family owns a jewelry store - she gave us REAL pearls as our wedding gift! Seriously, that can't be out done - ever! I haven't taken them off since!

Mom & Dad took off work to drive me to the airport on Monday! It was not easy saying goodbye... just a few more weeks and we will all be together again! and YES, I wore the same outfit to and from Arkansas... and I'm not one bit ashamed! Those neon coral skinny jeans are the BOMB.ORG - everyone should own a pair!



Sweet Mom!



Have you heard about Glamour Me Jewels on Etsy? These bracelets are FABULOUS! I am COVETING badly!



Finally got an Emi Jay that is less obnoxious! All of mine are bright colors so I got a gold one that blends in with my jewelry! Logan's (the bride) little sister is a fashionista and she is the one who gave me the idea!

Alright - theres my Arkansas trip via my phone. I will have more pictures to come! I had a whole other shower on Sunday that was WOWZERS haha. I can't wait to share those pictures!

xx.