Second Anniversary Gifts: Cotton

I can't believe that in just under a month, Mike and I will be married for two years!  It's been a crazy year and so rewarding.  We bought our Charleston home, traveled to new places, and lost a total of 65 pounds together.  Obviously, it's time to start thinking about shopping for gifts!  Last year, we stuck to the traditional paper and gifted each other tickets to a Philadelphia Eagles game in Atlanta - the opening Monday Night game against the Falcons.  This year, the traditional gift is "cotton."

Living in the South, cotton is everywhere, so it's the perfect gift inspiration!  I've rounded up 10 gift ideas for him and her that your spouse would love (or at least I'd love) to receive:

1 ||| I love these cotton wreaths from local South Carolina artists.  I first saw them around Christmas in gift shops but love the way they look throughout the year outside our neighbors' homes.

2 ||| I am obsessed with Cat Studio products.  They make beautiful pillows, glasses, and tea towels with amazingly intricate designs representing cities, states, national parks, and colleges.  This Charleston pillow has been on my wish list forever!

3 ||| If you're like us and are decorating, a fancy accent chair that you might not normally buy could be a great gift!

4 ||| With our anniversary in September coinciding with the start of football season, an NFL or college-themed gift like this Eagles shirt would be perfect.  Pack it with some tickets to a game, and your significant other will be one happy camper!

5 ||| Matching aprons for y'all who enjoy spending time together in the kitchen.

6 ||| How adorable is this hammock?!  And it has tassels!

7 ||| Two years in, maybe those sheets from your wedding registry could be replaced?  I love the pattern of these Egyptian cotton ones!

8 ||| Monogram this LL Bean tote, pack it with a picnic, and enjoy an afternoon together!

9 ||| Speaking of monograms, I love the font on these turkish towels.  They come in six different colors, too.

10 ||| Last, but not least, my favorite: a cotton candy maker!  Yes, I know I stretched this one a bit, but if your significant other has a sweet tooth, this would be such a fun gift!

If you're looking for more gift ideas, you can see my full list of first anniversary "paper" gifts here.  

Linking up with Macy and Nikki for Wedding Wednesday!

The Cake (Again)

Helloooo blogging world!  First of all, I am so sorry for my accidental extended absence!  Mike and I were in the Northeast for two weeks for an array of things: Cooperstown Induction, Billy Joel at Madison Square Garden, my sister-in-law's wedding(!!!!), so much family time, and a short trip to Boston to pick up our anniversary cake!  Our amazing wedding cake baker offers free anniversary cakes that mirror the top tier of your wedding cake if you send them a professional photo of the whole cake from the wedding.  Pretty sweet deal, right?!  Well, now living 1,000 miles from that baker, it took us a while to redeem our certificate, but we finally did last week!

Here's my original wedding cake post, if you're curious!  We chose three different types of cake for our real wedding cake: lemon and buttercream, chocolate and chocolate mousse, and vanilla with strawberry mousse.  Then, with the top tier, we told the bakers to surprise us.  They knew what we liked from the tasting and what typically freezes well - the store manager immediately knew what she wanted to do.  Well, 15 months later, when we were on a weekend trip to New England (we froze the top tier in Mike's dad's freezer), we thawed it and enjoyed it.  We were a little confused when we unwrapped it and saw a blue and red dot, "did we not wrap it well enough??" "is that mold?" NOPE - it was funfetti!  How great of a surprise is that?!

September 2014 above and October 2015 below

For our anniversary cake, we chose the crowd favorite: lemon cake with buttercream frosting and raspberry preserves!

And in case you were wondering, this cake was just as good as we remembered, and it will forever be the standard for all future lemon cakes!

I cannot wait to share all about what we've been up to in the coming days as well as more about my sister-in-law and new brother-in-law's wedding, but in the meantime, here's a photo of their beautiful cake!

Linking up with Macy and Nikki for Wedding Wednesday! 

What I Wore + Wedding Wednesday

Last Wednesday, I shared my outfit inspiration for the Boston wedding Mike and I attended last weekend.  One of our Connecticut roommates got married, and we had such a blast.  It was so great to see everyone, the bride was stunning, and the groom was totally beaming with pride.

I tried my best to find the exact dress I wore because I just love the back, but this was the closest I could find.  I have to admit, I want this one, too - who doesn't like a little extra sparkle?!

earrings ||| cuff ||| necklace (All 3 were from my most recent Rocksbox - use code megdtaylorxoxo to get a free month of their designer jewelry service.)

Because it obviously couldn't be the beautiful 60 degree weather it had been the previous week in Massachusetts, I paired my dress with a kelly green and turquoise shawl.  I'd link to you it, but I imagine I bought it years ago off a street vendor in New York City - haha!

The ceremony took place at a beautiful little Lutheran church, just south of Boston, and the reception was down the road at The Tirrell Room.

How beautiful was the view and sunset outside The Tirrell Room?

Our whole group of friends were seated together, and right next to the dance floor.  We're pretty sure they did that on purpose, because after the cake was cut and the first dances were done, you know we were the first ones up there.  I wish I had saved my snapchat photo of the cake.  It was delicious: coconut frosting with a raspberry layer in the middle.

Thanks so much to Lindsey, Andrew, and their families for having us this weekend!  We were so happy to be able to celebrate this amazing day with all of you!

Linking up with Macy and Nikki for Wedding Wednesday!

Turquoise & Black: Early Spring Wedding Wear

A couple of weeks ago when I returned and rated my second Rocksbox (use code megdtaylorxoxo for a free month!), I asked for a set of jewelry pieces to wear to an upcoming wedding.  I told my stylist that I had no idea what to wear, so I hoped she would give me some shopping inspiration.  Well, Elena did a fantastic job and paired together a few turquoise pieces for me.  Then, after seeing Kerri's post last week, I knew exactly what I'd wear - black!  The pop of color will be the ideal fit, and now I just need to choose the perfect black dress.  I put together a few ideas below, and I'd love to hear your favorite!

necklace ||| earrings ||| cuff (exact - out of stock and similar) ||| wedges

Linking up with Macy and Nikki for Wedding Wednesday!

Anniversary Reflections: Year One

Happy first anniversary to my amazing husband, Mike!  It's crazy to think it's already been a year since we said "I do."  This time last year, we were both getting ready and taking photos as the most amazing day of our lives began.  

Since that day, we've had our ups and downs.  Well, almost all ups and one down.  Only ten days after we got married, I came home to a big hug from Mike and words I'll never forget, "You know that part in the vows, 'for rich or for poor, in sickness and in health'? Well, I didn't think we'd be experiencing them this soon, but I got laid off."  The way he has handled the past year since the layoff with positivity, ambition, strength, and sincerity has further showed me what an incredible man he is.  He now works for himself in a job he loves, and I could not be happier for him.  

Now for the many "ups:" honeymoon to the Bahamas, New York City, Disney World, Cooperstown, and trips back to New England to see our family.  Even more than that, it was the everyday things: we made our apartment a home, discovered a new love of tennis and kickball, played lots of golf, made amazing new friends, and spent so much time together.  

While we celebrated our "paper" anniversary in a big way last weekend in Atlanta, Mike suggested dinner last night, and of course, I couldn't object!  We went out to Kiawah for drinks and appetizers at The Ocean Course's Ryder Cup Room, then drove over to The Sanctuary for dinner at Jasmine Porch.  Everything was SO GOOD.  In true "us" fashion, we stopped at CVS on the way home to get cards since neither of us had purchased one yet.  He also got in a little bit of trouble for buying me a pair of beautiful Tacori rose amethyst stud earrings to match the bracelet he bought me for our wedding.  Okay, I didn't stay mad for too long... husband did good.  He really is excellent at surprises.  

Thank you for an amazing year one of marriage, Mike; I can't wait to see what the next one has in store for us!  
Thanks so much to Gillian from Coastal Bride for our anniversary photos and a fun afternoon!
Linking up with Macy and Nikki on Wednesday for Wedding Wednesday. 

First Anniversary Gift: Paper (For $100 and Under)

Mike's and my first anniversary is coming up later this month (seriously, time is FLYING)!  I really like the idea of the "traditional" gifts (maybe it's because I can at least narrow ideas down a little - haha), so I started brainstorming and came up with ten gifts for him or her that are all under $100. To be honest, most are actually under $50, so they're all great deals!

newsprint phone case // monogrammed stationery // desk calendar // notebook

wall print // world map

coffee table book // personalized playing cards // business card holder // tickets

And don't worry, I didn't give away my gift for Mike.  We both decided to make our anniversary gifts to each other two trips to see the Eagles play this fall: Monday Night Football opener in Atlanta and in October at the Carolina Panthers - SO EXCITED!

Today I'm linking up with my favorite ladies, Macy and Nikki, for Wedding Wednesday!

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• What did you get your husband or wife for your first anniversary?
• Did you go the traditional route (paper), modern route (clocks), or neither?

Wedding Wednesday: Thank You

Well, today is my last day co-hosting Wedding Wednesday!  I just want to say thank you to every single one of you.  To those readers who followed along and commented on these posts week after week, and to those fellow brides who shared your own wedding preparations and recaps, I am so appreciative to have shared this wonderful journey with all of you over the last two years, since he popped the question.

I've shared everything from bloopers to Etsy favorites, our venues to how-tos, and personal moments to more love than any person deserves in a lifetime.  It's been such a fun journey to live through this blog, and I am so happy to be married to my love!

For my last Wedding Wednesday, here are a few final favorites from our wedding day...

Alright, it's officially time to sign off!  Out with the old and in with the new!  You can link up here this week, but don't forget next week to head over to Macy or Nikki's blog for Wedding Wednesday.  I can't wait to keep following along with Wedding Wednesday to see all of your wedding planning and recaps!

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#MegandMikeTaylor: Vendor Index

Today is my second to last Wedding Wednesday post.  Seriously, how did that happen and how have we been married for over 10 months already?? I do have an exciting announcement to share: beginning on August 12th, Nikki from Make.Up.HER will be taking my place and co-hosting Wedding Wednesday with Macy.  Macy and I really enjoyed how one of us was sharing the planning process while the other was sharing wedding recaps.  As Macy transitions into her recaps, I am so excited to see Nikki's whole preparation process!  I hope you will continue to follow along with them, and you know I will be back for anniversaries and to share other weddings.  Today, I will be sharing a full list of our vendors so I can give credit where credit is due AND so if you happen to be in New England, you can take advantage of some of these amazing people.

Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Chapel, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA Reception Venue and Catering: Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Stow, MA Photographer: Carrie Draghi Photography, Glastonbury, CT Videographer: Kevin Lee Studios, Somers, CT Hair and Makeup Artists: Blushing Brides, Hudson, MA Florist: Frugal Flower, Hudson, MA Cake Baker: The Icing on the Cake, Newton, MA DJ and Lighting: C-Zone Entertainment, Natick, MA Limos: Executive Limos, Springfield, MA Hotel: Embassy Suites, Marlborough, MA Rings: His- Tacori Sculpted Crescent; Hers- Tacori Ribbon (engagement) & Tacori Sculpted Crescent (wedding band)  My Dress: Courtney by Maggie Sottero Dress and Veil Shop: East-West Bridal, Manchester, CT My Jewelry: Necklace and Earrings- Sea Magic Cultured Pearls; Tacori Bangle in pink amethyst; borrowed and personal bracelets My Shoes: Nina Evelixa in Grape My Nails: Mamas and Divas Nail Lounge, Westborough, MA Mike's Tux: Calvin Klein from Men's Wearhouse with tie and vest in Regency Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal Long Strapless Chiffon in Oasis Flower Girl Dress: David's Bridal Tea-Length Organza in White with Satin Sash in Oasis Mother of the Bride Dress: Jade Couture K158011 in Grape Groomsmen Tuxes: Same as groom but with Oasis pieces Bridesmaid Gifts: Robes, Hangers, and Jewelry Groomsmen Gifts: Socks, Lighters, and Cuff links All Paper Goods: Invitations, Ceremony Programs, Place Cards, Dinner Menus - Meadow by Minted with calligraphy by me Cocktail Hour Accents: Monogrammed napkins, striped straws, and personalized Kisses from The Knot Shop; Personalized Golf Tees from Par Golf; Candy dishes from Dollar Tree Toasting Flutes: Silver Parisian Romance Glass Set Cake-Cutting Set: Silver Parisian Romance Cake Set Favors: Stemless Wine Glasses filled with personalized M&Ms (purple, teal, and platinum) Kids' Favors: Personalized coloring books from Simply Sherlock with Golf Wedding Crayons Thank You Cards: template from Shutterfly and prop from Wedding Banner Love

Now, it's your turn - share your own engagement/ wedding/ honeymoon/ anniversary post with me and Macy below.  Please link back to one of our pages so that others can find us and join in the Wedding Wednesday fun!

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Wedding Wednesday: The After Party

Well, the dancing was done and we were married, but it was only 7:30 the party was far from over!  We chose to have a noon wedding for a lot of reasons: I'm not good at waiting around for things, the groomsmen didn't have enough time to get drunk before the ceremony (only half kidding), I love natural light and think daytime weddings have the best photos, and almost everyone was coming from 1-2 hours away, so it meant that they could make it a day trip (if they wanted) and not be forced to pay for a hotel room or leave early.  Well, that might have been my plan, but we were thrilled to see that not many people did that.  This brings me to our after party!

Since the wedding took place an hour and a half from Mike's and my hometown (think of it like a triangle), we decided to stay in a hotel the night before to get ready there as well as the night after the wedding before we left for our mini-moon the next day.  For me, there were two really important things in finding that hotel: 1. It needed to be big enough so that we could block tons of rooms and everyone attending could stay at the same place (I hate weddings where people are all spread out!), and 2. There needed to be a big bar area for the after party.  Well, Embassy Suites had both of those, and over 30 rooms were booked by our guests.  By the time we got back from the reception, it was about 8:00, but obviously no one was ready to call it a night yet.  We basically took over the hotel bar with 50-60 of our guests and got to spend quality time with so many of the people who had traveled to be at our wedding.  It was fantastic!  

Here's our "we did it" photo and our beautiful cake topper all packed up to freeze for our first anniversary... can't wait to see what flavor it is!

The hotel staff left us champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries - my favorite!

All of my college friends!

I think it was after that Holy Cross photo above, but at some point, my phone disappeared and (because everyone I possibly knew was there) I never realized it.  The following chaos ensued...

The next morning, I got my phone back and we hosted a small brunch in one of the conference rooms at the hotel.  The hotel staff had even stored a bunch of our flowers for us and decorated the room with them - how nice is that?  We loved getting to see everyone one last time and say goodbye and thank you to everyone.  So, moral of the story: have an early wedding.

Now, it's your turn - share your own engagement/ wedding/ honeymoon/ anniversary post with me and Macy below.  Please link back to one of our pages so that others can find us and join in the Wedding Wednesday fun!

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