A Small Ceremony

Last night, my college roommate got married! She and her new husband are Islamic, so everything about the wedding was new to me. It was touching and beautiful and so wonderfully colorful. The ceremony was small, and most of the guests were family. I feel so honored that I was included.

I love weddings because they're so joyous. The parents walk around proudly after the vows are complete. Marrieds tell stories of their own weddings and nostalgically remember what it was like to be newlyweds. And the brand new couple - well they just look at each other in amazement and wonder. It's all just so sweet. Culture and religion may change the words that are spoken or the clothes that are worn, but they don't seem to change the bond the new couple feels or the happiness that surrounds them on their special day.

The receptions - there are 3 - are in a few weeks. More fun, great food, and learning are in my very near future; I can't wait!

Soon I will put some more photos from the ceremony on flickr. I also need to add some photos from her Bridal shower. I'm so behind on that!

Opening A Gift

I got a birthday package from my Aunt Lisa + Uncle Joe, and it was so beautifully packaged that I took pictures as I opened it up.

It started with newspaper packaging, which was cool because they used the wedding announcements and drew little speech bubbles above the newlyweds to make it look like all of the couples were wishing me a happy birthday! Then there was a pretty little card and a box adorned with a gorgeous paper flower!

And last, but certainly not least, a wonderful necklace from laurel denise! My Aunt Lisa has a long history of giving me awesome necklaces, and this year was no exception. This one has a glass pendant that says dream, so that's pretty much perfect for me.

Thanks Lisa + Joe, you guys rock my socks off!

Back Of A Necklace

You don't usually see the back of a necklace, but this one is stunning from every angle. My parents gave it to me this past Christmas, and it's one of my favorites. As you may know, I love oranges and reds so this beauty is perfect for me. I had it laying on the table next to me as I worked this morning, and when the sun started bouncing off of it I had to take a picture (or 64). 

My New Favorite Accessory

The Schwarz bought me this necklace for Valentine's Day (I think), but he gave it to me when I was feeling down on Saturday. It's from Dogeared's new beginnings collection, and it's perfect for this period of my life. The card that comes with the necklace explains that it's 

"a  daily reminder to embrace new experiences and opportunities... just like the lotus, rising from muddy beginnings into something beautiful and celebrated."

I find myself looking at it a few times a day, as I think about how wonderful change can be.