This year I learned that the pretty lingerie pieces hanging out in my top drawer and underneath my everyday outfits bring me a ton of joy! There's definitely something special about wearing a lacy little secret under those boyfriend jeans. Some of my favorite pieces come from Urban Outfitters and they've recently launched a dreamy collection just in time for the holidays. In this season of gifting, treat yourself (I know I will)!

See the full collection here or shop this post:

It takes a village (or in this case, a tribe) to make a wedding run smoothly. So many different talented vendors and friends stepped in to help me execute the vision I had for our day and I'm so beyond thankful for their hard work, love and amazing attention to every little detail. Because I planned and designed our celebration myself, I spent the better part of a year (we were engaged in October and married the following September) DIYing, collecting details and dreaming of our wedding. For the things I just couldn't manage myself (the list was LONG ya'll... trust me, you can't do it all by yourself no matter how hard you try), I learned to let go and let the sweetest, most crazy-gifted vendors step in.

Our wedding day started EARLY on Saturday morning. My sister Hannah and I trekked to the farmhouse at 630 after a looooong night of rehearsal dinner-ing and partying (the night was SO MUCH FUN). I won't lie, the prospect of loading 300 wine bottles and five cakes into our minivan (which lost tire pressure and left us scratching our heads at the gas station for an hour) that early in the morning was not my favorite idea. We powered through, made it to Tennessee and immediately began setting things up. Careful to leave the delicate tasks for last, we avoided a few rain showers and managed to prep a bit before vendors, bridesmaids and family members started to arrive.

I set out thinking that I'd be able to do it all: be present on our wedding day and style everything 'just so' with time to spare. Man was I wrong! I couldn't have gotten through the day without our day-of coordinator Joanna (if you're planning a wedding yourself and on the fence about hiring a professional extra set of hands... do it!) and my sweet friends Meghan and Kami. They stepped in when I was needed elsewhere, executed everything more perfectly than I could have asked for and kept me sane throughout the craziness. Selfless friends are such a rare treasure and big life events really help teach you who yours are!

We spent the last couple of hours leading up to our ceremony getting beautiful and working hard to feel centered in the midst of chaos. The Transformation could not have been more accommodating, willing to listen to my vision or more talented. They pulled together gorgeous looks for all of my beautiful friends and I was so happy with the whole experience. Those girls know how to do a strong brow and boho braids! When hair and makeup were done, the girls were able to sneak in a quick smudging ceremony and it turned out to be one of my most favorite parts of the day. It's funny how much of a blur your wedding day is and it's so cool to look at photos and see all of the things you missed. Apparently, when the girls were running around and having small melt-downs, the boys were leisurely playing horseshoes and exploring the venue with time to spare. Ha!

Ainsoworth and I decided months ago not to have a "first look" and saved seeing each other for the moment I walked toward him down the aisle. Even so, we wanted to remember the reason we were tying the knot, be calm/centered and exchange little gifts that let the other person know we were thinking of them in the weeks leading up to the big day. I opened the most heavenly wedding day scent and gifted Ainsworth a notebook I'd written snippets in since the day we got engaged and a Daniel Wellington watch to mark the passing of time in our journey together. At the very last minute my dad brought in a pair of earrings (something blue and something borrowed) my grandma wore when she was alive.

My biggest advice for the getting ready stage of your wedding day: relax, delegate and check in with yourself. Remember what the day is really about and let all of the fretting over details fall away!

See more of our wedding here.

Credits:

photography: Sleepy Fox Photography // second shooter: M.Newsom Photography // venue: Hardy Chambers Farmhouse in Pulaski, Tennessee // event design + planning: Hazel + Scout (bride) // day of coordinator: Joanna White // florals: Old Frond // wedding dress: Rue De Seine // veil + headpiece: Fox & Hare // shoes + bridesmaid dresses: Free People // flower girl dress: Tea Princess // hair + makeup: The Transformation // groom + groomsmen attire: Asos // paper goods + calligraphy: Linen & Leaf // rentals: The House Nashville // bridesmaid gifts: Petal & Lux by Janna Park

I don't know about you but I'm feeling a bit wistful and cozy this month! It's been drizzling rain for what seems like weeks and all I want to do is curl up and hibernate until the holidays roll through. Who's with me?! True to form, I'm currently drawing inspiration from dreamy images and sleeping beauties (see what I'm pinning here). While perusing the web for such things I came across this little questionnaire and thought it would be the perfect way to check in with you this November...

Perfect November weather?
I love a little grey fog with my coffee in the morning, crisp wind to rustle the leaves around lunch time and short showers in the evening that make for the perfect sleepy soundtrack.

A book that you want to read this November?
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

Favorite thanksgiving food?
I love cranberry sauce... Looking for an easy recipe? Here's one from a few years back.

Your must have November item?
A long cardigan and pointed ankle boots.

Three songs that make you think of November?
I'm working on putting together my annual Thanksgiving playlist but these three for last year's (listen to the whole thing here) are great standbys:
Old Pine - Ben Howard
Food Is Still Hot - Karen O & The Kids
The Trapeze Swinger - Iron & Wine

A photograph you took last November?
This dreamy image from our friendsgiving picnic last year...

Your favorite November outfit?
My favorite outfit this November has been made up of my must-haves: a long chunky cardigan, skinny black pants and whichever pair of booties catches my eye.

Favorite November activity?
Moving things around our space and throwing the windows open for a little fresh, crisp air has been my favorite thing to do this season.

Favorite thing to bake in November?
I haven't made my way into the kitchen much this fall but I'm excited to whip up a few pies in the coming weeks!

Favorite type of cookie?
Peanut butter kisses, definitely!

Are you excited for it to snow? Why or why not?
It snowed once last year in February and it was magical! Even though we don't get much powder in the south, I always hold out hope for a white Christmas.

Favorite warm drink?
Coffee.

Some things that you associate with November?
Leaves, gathering with friends around a filled-to-the-brim dinner table, cinnamon, fog, naps...