DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex | Boone, North Carolina Photographer

Emma’s dreamed of getting married at her childhood home her entire life. The memories she holds of the homestead where she grew up are magical and it was her wish to share the beauty of this secluded sanctuary with her friends and family from near and far.

This down-to-earth couple also had a desire to get married in an intimate, alfresco setting because they both have an extremely close relationship with nature as environmental scientists. They were looking to incorporate that deep appreciation and connection to the outdoors into their ceremony and wedding photos.

The delicate, handmade crown Emma is wearing was decorated with aromatic rosemary. Isn't it lovely?! She didn't seem to think it was too weird when I asked to take a whiff of her head! I could have sniffed her scalp endlessly! hahaha

Emma & Alex's first look took place in the surrounding woods where she spent many summer days having barefoot adventures in the forest. 

Emma and Alex were married on the back deck of her parents’ home surrounded by sunshine and people who love them. Since the couple now lives in Colorado, they don’t get to see many of the people that they hold close to their hearts very often. 

At the end of their heartfelt ceremony, folks gleefully blew bubbles to celebrate the newlyweds as they walked around basking in the effervescent love. 

Having the reception at the family home would have caused too much stress on the property so they took the second half of the wedding festivities to the Apple Barn in Valle Crucis. It’s also a special place because Emma grew up going to contra dances there with her parents. 

The bride had a team of family and friends to help make the whole thing come together. There were a ton of awesome DIY decorations that the bride and mother made collectively. The various signs they had scattered throughout were thoughtful, and, of course, you can’t go wrong with fabric-topped mason jars for a rustic touch!

Seed to Plate Catering was there feeding everyone yummy farm-to-table food using locally sourced organic ingredients. The chicken was incredibly juicy and so flavorful! I also loved the garlic-lemon asparagus! Mmmmmmmm! They did a wonderful job catering this event. Working with Seed to Plate was a special treat, indeed! 

The main concern for Emma and Alex was to have fun and enjoy themselves in the most laid-back environment possible. From what I experienced, everyone seemed to be having a grand ol’ time fooling around while also facilitating when needed. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with such a friendly and festive bunch! 

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Emma & Alex! You're officially HITCHED! YAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two lovebirds the most epic adventures that life has to offer and I truly hope that your union will endure the test of time! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your down-home DIY backyard wedding, it was a blast! 

Family & Friends: to be notified when all of Emma & Alex's wedding photos are ready to be viewed, please sign up here » http://bit.ly/emma-alex-wedding 

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)

5 Simple Ways Moms Can Practice Self-Love Everyday | Guest Post by Andi of Beets & Okra | Redefining Self-Love Series

Before I was a mom, self love was easier. That doesn’t mean I was always good at it, in fact, I had a pretty bad habit of putting myself down and finding ALL of my flaws. Not very loving, huh? Things have changed tremendously for me since I became a mom. I may even go as far as to say that I am better at loving myself now than I ever was before. Why? Time is precious and I want to make sure to fit it in because I know practicing self-love is crucial.

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I learned that my life was no longer my private business. Anyone and everyone thought it appropriate to comment on everything from my size to my food choices. Before I had good sense about it, I felt a little beat down by all those external expectations. At that moment, I promised that I would love and nurture me! How do I do it? I strive to practice these five principles. 

Here are 5 Ways Moms Can Practice Self-Love Everyday.

1. Be confident that YOU know best.

Doubting that parenting decision? Don’t. I might not always feel confident in my parenting decisions but acting confident seems to make life a little easier. For me, this is a ‘fake it ’til I make it’ principle. We all know that every person on this planet has advice on how to raise kids. Thank you lady in the grocery store line for telling me my baby is clearly cold. I really appreciate it! NOT. Just because someone has different ideas does not mean that you are doing anything wrong. My baby happens to be hot natured and he doesn't need to wear socks every time we leave the house. Thank you very much!

Moms have an incredible instinct when it comes to their kids and should feel confident about that.

When that nice lady pipes up with her advice, just smile and nod, knowing that you have made the right decision for you and your family. Mama knows best!



2. Love and accept you for YOU.

“I should have or could have or should be or could be.” NOPE, don’t do it. Stop the judgment and criticism. Loving yourself means loving ALL of you, especially the imperfectly perfect parts! Stop judging every decision you make or every flaw that you see and start living. We are our harshest critics but it isn't productive and we end up just feeling guilty and worthless.

Let go of all the criticism and expectations, just enjoy being a mom.

Trust me, you aren't alone. Just last week, we had company and I noticed that some of my panties were on the couch in a pile of clean clothes. Oh well. Hello world, I wear panties and I haven’t had time to put them away. Sorry, you will have to deal. 

Related Article: "Make some time for you & attend an art class. I have taken several online and gone to some in person, and now teach art classes so I can share the benefits w/ others." [...] 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love With Art | L I N K » http://bit.ly/1fPqzTA

3. Let go for YOU.

Wouldn't it be nice if things were just how you wanted them? Let’s face it, that’s probably not gonna happen all the time so you might as well accept those things you can’t change and move on! In our house, we have a baby that has severe re-flux. I don’t mean he spits up some. I mean, all day every day on any and all surfaces, dogs, toys, mom, dad, bed sheets, and clothes are covered in half digested breast milk and pureed foods. We can’t change it, trust me, we have tried. I completely changed my diet, I have fed the boy probiotics since week one, I have rubbed him head to toe in every concoction known to man. Nothing works! The doctor says he will grow out of it. We accept it as it is and move on. Maybe you have to accept that your toddler wants to dress herself in a princess costume EVERY DAY for school or that all of your house plants died because you forgot they needed water to thrive. It’s okay!

Let it go and accept that this is the way things are for now.

Image courtesy of Beets & Okra

In time, your life will probably come back to a more “normal,” less chaotic place, but I bet you a zillion dollars that you will miss the days full of slobbery kisses, half digested food on every surface, and sticky hands touching everything. I know I will!

4. Know when YOU need to to say no.

I know you want to be super mom but if you’re feeling exhausted, like you have been run ragged. Look at what can be changed. Maybe all you need to learn is how to say NO!

You don’t have to do it all. Here is your permission to do what you can and no more.

For me, this meant leaving my job. I realize a lot of moms don’t have this option but it was the only way that I could have the time and energy to spend on my family. Maybe for you this means skipping out on an out-of-town event or locking yourself in your house for an entire weekend so you can stay in your PJs without brushing your hair or your teeth. It’s fine! SLOW DOWN and feel confident that by not over-committing, you are doing a great service to yourself and your family.



5. Find time for the things YOU love!

Let go of the guilt and breathe, hand the kids over to your husband, and lock the bathroom door. Fill up the tub with warm water, crank up some music, and R E L A X. It’s okay. He can handle it, I swear, and he may even appreciate you more when you emerge from your “you time.”

You can only care for your family if you are feeling well yourself. Think about what you need to be whole and well.

For me, it’s a hot bath with the aroma of lavender filling the air, a massage, wholesome food, and finding time to create things. Whatever it is… DO IT. Don’t put it off. You deserve an hour to yourself every now and then so indulge!

Just Remember: Moms, you are doing a great job! Keep it up. We need you, we love you, and we support you! Make sure you return the favor to yourself. You are perfect just as you are!

How do you plan to practice self-love today and beyond?! 

We’d love to hear your takeaways and observations in the comments!

Beets and Okra is a blog created by a DIY crazed mom who loves to be creative. I am Andi and I live in western North Carolina with my husband, baby boy, and two silly dogs. I love to spend my time cooking, mixing up beauty ‘concoctions’, designing party decor, cards, and invitations. I have a bizarre obsession with coconut oil and essential oils. My blog is for those of us who just like to give things a whirl and let that creative side open up! If you are looking for creative outlets or ways to pamper yourself, head over to beetsandokra.com for all things DIY.

To be notified when new Redefining Self-Love posts are available, sign-up for updates from Wayfaring Wanderer HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected! Interested in writing a guest post for the Redefining Self-Love Series? Shoot me an email with your ideas on ways to practice self-love at wayfaringwanderer[at]gmail[dot]com!

{ RELATED LINKS }

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)

» Food As Love: 5 Ways to Love Yourself w/ Food (Guest Post)

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love with Art (Guest Post)

An Entrepreneur's Spring + Summer Reading List | Book Recommendations | Boone, NC Photographer

Check any side-table around my home and you’ll find no less than three abandoned books stacked next to a pile of papers and do-dad’s also littering the surface. It’s not uncommon for me to start feverishly devouring a new book only to leave it halfway finished as the bestseller becomes a bulky dust collector. It’s been this way for a while, too. I can’t even remember the last book I read in its entirety!

 Is this a problem that you encounter, too, or do you go through books quickly?!

I’ve decided—as I have on many occasions—that I will set aside time every day this spring and summer so that I can finish and start some of the titles I’m excited to unravel more fully. A few of these I have already delved into, but two of them are completely new to me. My goal is to finish at least one book in a month, although I’m hoping to read two at a time so there’s a chance that I could consume them sooner and move on to the other stacks patiently waiting for some action!

Below are the 5 Books On My Spring + Summer Reading List.

The descriptions I have shared are all from Amazon.com since I have yet to read these from beginning to end. Until I can review them myself, here goes...

1. Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky

"Ideas are easy. Implementation is hard. This book helps you with the hard part."
-Guy Kawasaki, author of Enchantment

“According to productivity expert Scott Belsky, no one is born with the ability to drive creative projects to completion. Execution is a skill that must be developed by building your organizational habits and harnessing the support of your colleagues.

As the founder and CEO of Behance, a company on a mission to empower and organize the creative world, Belsky has studied the habits of especially productive individuals and teams across industries. Now he has compiled the principles and techniques they share, and presents a systematic approach to creative organization and productivity.

While many of us focus on generating and searching for great ideas, Belsky shows why it's better to develop the capacity to make ideas happen—a capacity that endures over time.” - via amazon.com

2. The Artist’s Way by Juila Cameron

“The Artist’s Way is the seminal book on the subject of creativity. An international bestseller, millions of readers have found it to be an invaluable guide to living the artist’s life. Still as vital today—or perhaps even more so—than it was when it was first published one decade ago, it is a powerfully provocative and inspiring work. In a new introduction to the book, Julia Cameron reflects upon the impact of The Artist’s Way and describes the work she has done during the last decade and the new insights into the creative process that she has gained. Updated and expanded, this anniversary edition reframes The Artist’s Way for a new century.” - via amazon.com

3. The Nourished Kitchen by Jennifer McGruther

“In The Nourished Kitchen, Jennifer McGruther guides you through her traditional foods kitchen and offers more than 160 recipes inspired by the seasons, land, and waters around her. On a hot summer day, Cucumber Salad with Dill and Kefir is a cooling side dish, and on a chilly fall evening, Barley in Broth with Bacon and Kale offers comfort and warmth. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Maple-Roasted Pears, and quench your thirst with naturally fermented Vanilla Mint Soda.

The Nourished Kitchen not only teaches how to prepare wholesome, nourishing foods, but also encourages a mindful approach cooking and a celebration of old-world culinary traditions that have sustained healthy people for millennia. It also celebrates locally grown foods. By choosing ingredients from nearby sources, you create a stronger connection to your food, and have a better understanding what you’re eating and how it was produced. Whether you’re already a practitioner of the traditional foods lifestyle or simply trying to incorporate more natural, highly nutritious foods into your routine, you will find plenty to savor in The Nourished Kitchen.” - via amazon.com

4. E-Squared by Pam Grout

“Don’t face reality. Create reality!”

- Pam Grout, author of E-Squared

“E-Squared could best be described as a lab manual with simple experiments to prove once and for all that reality is malleable, that consciousness trumps matter, and that you shape your life with your mind. Rather than take it on faith, you are invited to conduct nine 48-hour experiments to prove there really is a positive, loving, totally hip force in the universe. Yes, you read that right. It says prove.

The experiments, each of which can be conducted with absolutely no money and very little time expenditure, demonstrate that spiritual principles are as dependable as gravity, as consistent as Newton’s laws of motion. For years, you’ve been hoping and praying that spiritual principles are true. Now, you can know.” - via amazon.com

5. WTF to OMG by Jennifer Sparks

“WTF to OMG: The Frazzled Female's Guide to Creating a Life You Love is designed to get you personally connected to understanding WHY mindsets can make or break your spirit and how to use them to overhaul your life and your life's purpose. Liberally sprinkled with hilarious and moving real-life stories that demonstrate the power of a mindset shift, WTF to OMG is the perfect guide for getting unstuck, discovering your life purpose, and creating a life you love. WTF to OMG offers strategies you can apply quickly to become fully aware of what you need to do to create your dream life. Jennifer’s approach is gentle but her message is clear: “Your job is to dream big, accept responsibility, and get moving!” - via amazon.com

What are you planning to read this spring & summer?! Have any of these book recommendations landed on your reading list?

If so, I’d love to hear your takeaways and observations in the comments!

Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for somewhat weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com

{ Featured LINKS }

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)

» Food As Love: 5 Ways to Love Yourself w/ Food (Guest Post)

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love with Art (Guest Post)

5 Ways to Practice Self-Love with Art | Guest Post by Katie of KR Creative | Redefining Self-Love Series

I have had a love for art all of my life, especially in high school. My high school art teacher suggested graphic design to me as a career option and it was a perfect fit! I took a few years off after high school and then I did finally go to college for graphic design… just like I had planned. Studies of fine art go hand in hand with graphic design, so I got the opportunity to learn some different mediums in college as well. It wasn’t until Christmas about 4-5 years ago that I received the best gift ever. My husband bought me an easel, paints, brushes, and canvases. He wanted to see me get back into creating with paint. From then on, fine art has also played a major role in my life.

Yes, it’s true, art is a way of practicing self-love. It has been a major stress-reliever for me in the past several years since that Christmas day. I started painting, learning different techniques such as oil painting, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, and my favorite… mixed media art. I can’t get enough! There are online classes and workshops, video tutorials, books, and an online world of creative people to connect with on Instagram and other social media sites. I have connected and shared art with many people that way. I even teach art classes at my own little shop now. Dream. Come. True.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” 

- Pablo Picasso

Here are "5 Ways To Practice Self-Love With Art" just like I do!

1. Art Journaling - This is a wonderful way to take some time for yourself and get out what’s inside your head or write down some encouraging words or quotes for yourself. A lot of people use a moleskine journal or 110 lb cardstock and 80 lb mixed media paper to create in because of the thickness of the paper which will withstand the layering of paints, inks, collage, etc. Create a background first (so relaxing), and then collage with papers, magazine cutouts, or just doodle on the pages. Write positive messages to yourself, inspiring quotes, or journal.

2. Attend an Art Class - Make some time for you & attend an art class. I have taken several online art classes and gone to some in person. I now teach art classes so I can share the benefits of creating art with others. Even teaching art classes is a way of practicing self-love for me. Sharing art with others & seeing how excited they are about it makes me feel great. Find my class schedule here www.krcreativedesigns.com/eventschedule

3. Making & Trading ATCs  - I discovered what an ATC (artist trading cards) was a few years ago and have been creating mini masterpieces ever since. An ATC is a small artist trading card size 2" x 3" and can be created by using any medium you choose. For me is was a much needed break to take the time from my busy schedule of taking care of my family, working a full-time job, and running a growing business of my own. This tiny piece of art takes little time, but is a huge stress reliever. The little messages that I include are positive messages for myself & others. It gets even better... you can share your art by giving it away to someone special or trading with someone. I found many swap buddies on Instagram. Search #ATC or #artisttradingcard and you will find so many people who might want to swap mini art with you.

4. Solo Art Project - Relax and spend some time doing something just for fun. It's okay if you don't have a large chunk of time, too. I sometimes start a project by first working on the background one night and finishing it up another night. My favorite is mixed media art. You can find inspiration on Instagram or Pinterest. I have many Pinterest boards I use for inspiration as well as some of my own art and design projects. Follow me on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/kradke/ if you would like some creative inspiration for yourself.

Related Article: "I can't tell you how big of a hypocrite I feel like writing about self-love. I'm only a few posts into it and I already want to abandon this project altogether because I don't know what the hell I'm doing! That's the fear talking." [...] 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love Part 2 | L I N K » http://bit.ly/1fznoPS

5. Read Art Books - I have found some amazing books on Amazon. I have found them to be very inspirational and a great resource for learning different techniques. I have acquired a pretty large collection over the years, but my favorite is "Taking Flight: Inspiration & Techniques To Give Your Creative Spirit Wings" by Kelly Rae Roberts.

How do you stay creative and practice self-love with art?! We'd love to hear from you in the comments! 

Katie Radke of KR Creative is a graphic designer and website designer located in Nebraska City, Nebraska who works with clients worldwide. For the past 11 years Katie has created graphics and websites that give business owners a competitive edge and the confidence to move their business forward. Find KR Creative on Facebook www.facebook.com/krcreativedesigns or visit her website www.krcreativedesigns.com.

To be notified when new Redefining Self-Love posts are available, sign-up for updates from Wayfaring Wanderer HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected! Interested in writing a guest post for the Redefining Self-Love Series? Shoot me an email with your ideas on ways to practice self-love at wayfaringwanderer[at]gmail[dot]com!

{ RELATED LINKS }

» 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 1) & 5 Ways To Practice Self-Love (Part 2)

» Food As Love: 5 Ways to Love Yourself w/ Food (Guest Post)

» Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions