My Wedding | #FriedToBe
Read our story, view photos and videos from the day-of and take a look at my vendor list!
It was a magical day and I am so excited to share it with you!
Pt. 1 — Our Story
John & Jenna
Once upon a time the bride and groom started dating on September 22, 2013 after meeting at their apartment complex two weeks prior on September 6. It was a regular night at the pool, 9 p.m., each with their own group when some mutual acquaintances came to talk to the girls. John walked over to join and really didn't talk at all after introducing himself — Jenna had made him speechless I guess. After politely declining invitations to Texas A&M's Midnight Yell and teaching the guys how to dance, still in the pool at this point, the girls decided to meet the guys at Hurricane Harry's for some good ol' country western dancing. With Stoney LaRue performing in the background, this is where the two really fell for each other, but that's not the end of the story. Jenna drove the whole group back and participated in a race down Texas Avenue, windows down and everything. John was the only one who thought this was cool and you could say the rest is history.
The proposal happened on July 13, 2016 on top of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (pictured above). After Jenna rode the resort roller coster, John finally convinced her to ride the chair-lift to the top of the mountain to "explore." On the ride up John blamed his nervousness on dangling so high off the ground — Jenna bought it and remained oblivious. When they got to the top, they took some photos for much longer than John was hoping for then started walking down a dirt path to a "flat spot" that John liked. This is where he started getting sappy and also where Jenna was still oblivious. He recited a poem he wrote and got down on his knee and Jenna was STILL oblivious. He pulled out the ring box and Jenna thought "is he pranking me? That box looks like the Aggie Ring box." Spoiler, it was not the Aggie Ring box and it also had the most perfect diamond ring inside. John asked "will you marry me?" to which Jenna replied "No... no way! Seriously? Are you joking?" Eventually she said yes and now the two will live happily ever after.
THE END
Pt. 2 — The Day Of
Honestly I feel like I don't even need to write anything due to our amazing wedding photos and videos! The day was perfect even with a few hiccups. View snapshots throughout the day below and take a look at my vendor list at the bottom of this post!
Click here to view photo blog post by Century Tree Productions
Click here to view full documentary film (50 minutes) by Reverent Wedding Films
Wedding Ceremony
Second Baptist, Cypress Campus
29900 HWY 290, Cypress, TX 77433
Wedding Reception
Giddings Stone Mansion
2203 Century Cir, Brenham, TX 77833
Pt. 3 — Vendor List
Church — Second Baptist Church, Cypress Campus, Cypress, TX
Reception Venue — Giddings Stone Mansion, Brenham, TX
Photographer — Century Tree Productions
D.J. — Century Tree Productions
Videographer — Reverent Media
Barbecue— Papa's Catering
Cake — Fabulous Fare Bakery
Pie, Lavender Lemonade & Plates — Royers Roundtop Cafe
Rentals — Details Party Rental
Flowers— Moosefeathers Florist
Make-up and Hair— Myself, Maid of Honor & Bridesmaids
Wedding Dress — Ventura Bridal Fashions
Bridesmaids Dresses— Azazie, Kailyn Dress, Dark Green
Flower Girl Dress— JJ's House, Ivory
Tux's— Men's Warehouse
Sparklers— Sparklers Online, 36"
Invitations — Designed by me
Shoes — Bought a few years prior at Hemline Boutique, but are Kristin Cavallari Chinese Laundry Pewter Glitter heels (it's actually silver glitter at the front with an ombre fade to gold glitter at the back!)
How To Create a Brand
7 steps on what you need to think about when creating a brand.
1. Know the purpose of your brand.
Is the brand for a company, a product, a campaign? What is the purpose you want to convey – is it to provide a service, fill a need or to raise awareness? If you understand the purpose you can start brainstorming a concept.
2. Create an Identity.
Imagine your audience – how do you want them to see you? What do you want them to think or feel when they see or hear about your brand? Try to think of your brand as a child developing its own personality. What characteristics do you want your brand to have? There should be something that sets you apart, which is the key to making an interesting brand.
3. Speak your brand’s language.
Come up with the name of your company, product or campaign and think of a catch phrase or slogan that defines who it is. Think about how people should feel when reading about your brand – do you want them to laugh at your unique sense of humor, feel sympathetic towards your cause, know that you are trustworthy and responsible? Whatever it is, branding is all about “talking the talk” to accurately communicate your “walk.”
4. Now you need a logo. (My favorite and arguably most important part.)
You should know if you are creating a new logo or revamping an old one. If there is an existing logo, know what needs to be changed and why.
To create a logo, you need to know what type of logo you want. Do you want a mark that can stand alone, a logotype that includes the name or both? Think about how it will be used in the real world – if it will be embroidered on a polo maybe don’t include a lot of intricate detail. You can start the design process once you know the kind of logo that will fit your needs.
For the design, discuss the kind of feeling or persona the logo should convey – this goes back to your language. Is the brand structured and modern, laidback and handmade, or classic and traditional? Do you want any kind of history or symbolism incorporated into the logo? Answer these questions and start brainstorming on paper! Pick a few solid ideas and take those thoughts on the computer. While designing the logo, you or your designer will need to experiment with different fonts that fit your vision for the brand. Try your initial ideas, but also try new ideas and combine ideas. Continue to brainstorm with others as you come up with various concepts until you’ve narrowed it down to some final options. Get the opinions of people who haven’t been involved in the design process. Make sure the logo conveys what you want it to say and then choose the logo that will best represent your brand.
5. Introduce the world of color.
Now that you know who you are, what you stand for and what you look like it’s time to give your brand some pizazz – this is the step that really brings the brand to life. Again, who is this brand and what does it say? Choose colors that appeal to your audience. If it is eye catching and fun, choose brighter colors. If it’s sleek and sophisticated choose neutral tones like white and grey. How about earthy and natural? Choose calmer colors and earth tones. Every color says something different and evokes different feelings, which goes back to how you want to people to feel. Calm and safe? Blue. Eye Catching and exciting? Red (this also makes people hungrier – who knew?). Bright and Happy? Yellow – however, don’t paint a baby nursery yellow. The color yellow is harder to process in your brain. When your little one is surrounded by it all the time, they can get agitated and this causes them to cry more. That may not apply to your brand, but there is a ton of research on colors and having a reason for each color you choose makes for a stronger brand.
6. Tie up loose ends.
You’re pretty much done by this point; all you need to do is make some final decisions. Finalize your fonts and make sure you have no more than three. There may be fonts included in your logo already, but remember to have an easy to read font to use in your documents. You may also need something for headlines or title pages – this could be the same font in a different thickness.
Now that your brand is complete, get other team member’s opinions. If there are any suggestions or critiques, now is the time to speak out and make changes if necessary. Once all changes are made, put it all in a brand guide and stick to it! If you’ve been successful at growing your brand, people should be able to look at a poster or advertisement without your name or logo and still know that it’s you.
7. Rebrand.
In 5-10 years your brand might start to feel outdated. If so, repeat this process.
Opinion: In Defense of Valentine's Day
Nowadays, you see anti-Valentine’s parties, people that believe Valentine’s Day is overrated and too mushy or individuals that only love it when they’re in a relationship. For me, it’s different.
There are two types of people on Feb. 14 — those who think Valentine’s Day is an overrated pit of commercialism and those who consider it a treasured holiday. So let me make it clear. I love Valentine’s Day.
Nowadays, you see anti-Valentine’s parties, people that believe Valentine’s Day is overrated and too mushy or individuals that only love it when they’re in a relationship. For me, it’s different.
Now that I’m 19, it’s considered weird to look at the back of card boxes and laugh at the one that says, “Here comes the smolder.” But, as far as I see it, the only downside to Valentine’s Day is that Rapunzel Valentines didn’t hit the shelves until 2011.
Good thing being weird doesn’t bother me.
Let me take you on a journey back to Valentine’s Day in elementary school, where my love for the holiday began.
Your teacher probably gave you homework to decorate a box, bag or other Valentine-holding device. For me, the annual process was more than just an assignment. I remember decorating my shoebox with wrapping paper, sticker hearts and some drawings from my little artistic hand.
Shopping for your perfect Valentine’s cards is the next step. You get to choose from cute distorted animals, your favorite animated characters and funny puns, all of which come with matching stickers, tattoos or possibly some lollipop hearts.
The icing on the pink cupcake with heart sprinkles was always that moment when you walked into the classroom after recess and saw how the “class moms” decorated the room for the Valentine’s party. Between the brightly-colored plastic decorations and the table of sweets the teachers would soon regret offering, it was the best day of school that semester where I got to walk around, cookie in hand, giving Valentines to my fellow students.
It’s unfortunate that some people think it’s just a day to remind them of how forever alone they are.
Contrary to popular belief, I don’t love Valentine’s Day just because I currently have a boyfriend. Ever since elementary school, I have been a fan. I love getting to be creative, I love chocolate, I love puns and I am a hopeless romantic. I blame Disney movies and books for that one.
While I have been lucky enough to celebrate this holiday twice with a Valentine, this holiday rooted in my childhood isn’t just about a “significant other.” My parents always make my brother and me a little Valentine’s gift basket. Even now that I’m in college I still look forward to the small present.
To me Valentine’s Day isn’t the one day in the year you show your love. It’s a fun holiday that gives you an excuse to do something special for someone you care about.
Also, having access to an endless amount of chocolate is pretty great too
Duck Dynasty: Controversial Christians?
In short, my opinion on this Phil Robertson vs. A&E controversy is that a lot of people, both “Christians” and “non-Christians” alike, have gotten overly defensive trying to stand up for “their side” of the issue. You can stop reading here if you want, but I’m guessing you’re here because you want to know my thoughts so let me break it down.
In short, my opinion on this Phil Robertson vs. A&E controversy is that a lot of people, both “Christians” and “non-Christians” alike, have gotten overly defensive trying to stand up for “their side” of the issue. You can stop reading here if you want, but I’m guessing you’re here because you want to know my thoughts so let me break it down.
First off, if you haven’t read the GQ article and the extent of your knowledge on this subject is a few Facebook statuses, please do not form an opinion until you’ve researched it a little. I decided to read the GQ article and a few blog posts. I realize that I’m still not totally knowledgeable on the subject, but just hear me out. One Phil Robertson quote stood out to me from the original article.
“We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”
For some reason I haven’t seen this quote shared very much. Is it because it was just overlooked? Maybe it’s because people are so quick to judge that they want to ignore the fact that Phil is not trying to judge them. Maybe I’m completely wrong, but again, these are just my thoughts.
Some of the more popular [and more controversial] quotes I will admit are worded a little crudely.
“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”
Honestly that comment grosses me out a little. I don’t want to read anything like that because it makes me uncomfortable. It is very easy to take this quote out of context and think of it as “hate” or, on the other side, take a stand to support Phil because he believes exactly what you believe. This is him stating his opinion on what he believes to be truth. That’s it. I’m not supporting what he said because he can’t speak for individuals that practice this, I can’t either because I don’t understand it. However, I am not against this comment either, (SPOILER ALERT I’m about to share my personal beliefs) I do believe that homosexuality is a sin. From a biological standpoint it is obvious that men and women are meant to be together. That’s how we reproduce so there’s that. Also the Bible states many times that relationships were designed to be between a man and a women. While there aren’t a whole lot of passages that actually address relationships between two men or two women, Leviticus 18 is all about unlawful sexual relations and verse 22 addresses this issue. In this passage God is speaking to Moses and he says “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” You don’t have to agree with me, but I believe that the word of God is truth. I have a lot of friends who associate themselves with the term “gay,” “bisexual” or whatever term is politically correct these days. Do I believe their lifestyle is sinful? Yes, but guess what! Everyone sins! So do I believe that everyone is sinful? Yes I do. Personally I am really lazy, ever heard the phrase “idleness is the devil’s workshop?” How you sin is up to you, but theres no escaping it. Humans are sinful creatures.
I read a blog post by a friend on this same issue. He decided to talk about mercy and I thought it was very well thought out. He brought up the bible story of the woman caught in adultery. She was sentenced to death by stoning, but in John 8:7 Jesus says to the men standing before her, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” After each man had walked away Jesus asked, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Don’t be so quick to judge those who are different than you. Spreading hate can only end up in isolation. (Personal belief spoiler alert) Studies show that about 95% of the U.S. population partakes in sexual relations before marriage. I believe that is sinful based on God’s word. Imagine if I decided to be hatful and not associate with 95% of the population. I like my alone time, but not that much.
I hope you don’t read this and automatically put me on Phil’s “side.” While I agree he speaks lot of truth, he doesn’t necessarily say it in a way that is considerate towards everyone. I don’t agree with A&E either because they do not have the right to punish someone for their opinion just because it’s not popular. I hope my fellow Christians realize that while “its about time someone speaks some truth,” Phil Robertson isn’t the only one who can do it. And to anyone “hating” on him because you don’t agree, or if you’re “hating” on those individuals because you’re on “Phil’s side,” don’t be hypocritical. If you hate someone because of their supposed “hatefulness” towards you or your beliefs then how are you any better? Just some food for thought, how would A&E and the rest of the media react if a gay person said they didn’t agree with the heterosexual lifestyle? Phil paraphrased 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 in the GQ article so here is the actual passage.
"Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers — none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."
I’m not the best writer, I’m sure there are tons of mistakes throughout this post. I don’t know everything, Google helped me out a lot while writing this. I don’t want to pretend like I have it all figured out because that is definitely not true. I just wanted to speak my mind on this particular topic because I think it’s an important issue in today’s society and I wanted to share some of what I believe in. If you have a problem with anything I said please tell me, but know that I’m not trying to create conflict in any way. Thank you for reading.