Xoxo, I. Joelle

11/21/2019

Wedding Updates #TheGreatWalkerAffair

Well, what do you know the one year mark has come for our wedding date. I can't believe on this date next year I'll be walking down the aisle with my dad to meet Timothy at the altar. We'll be surrounded by people who we love and love us dearly. I'll be honest I scaled back on wedding planning because I thought I was going too fast. But at that time I created a timeline for the wedding planning so I can stay on top of it.

Looking at the timeline that I created, this month up until February I should create a draft for the guest list, finding photographers, videographers and our officiant. Luckily we have our photographer and videographer in place. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we'll be drafting our guest list. We decided to scale back on the number of guests because we want it to be somewhat intimate. Also to save money and not go over our budget. We're still looking to finalize our officiant but our venue does have a wide-range of officiants that are known to marry couples at the venue. We also need to take our Glam Engagement photos which will go on our save the dates and used decorations at the wedding.

If you read my post back July you saw that I changed my mind about my dress that I said yes to back in May. This means I have to add that back on my list of things to do but it's all good because I think I found one again. I just have to set up an appointment with my mom and best friend. If want to see why I changed mind and other previous updates, Click Here!

On Sunday we took some fun photos with photographer Rachel. She was doing a model call for a couple to take fun photos so I jumped on it so quickly. I want to have plenty of photos to show our family, kids, and grandkids. I can't wait to see those once they get edited. I also tried on a few wedding dresses at a local boutique for an upcoming trunk show and I fell in love with this one dress. I think that place maybe it for me to look for my dress!

Wedding Inspo

Glam Engagement Photos

Wedding Dress Inspo:

Wedding Cake Inspo

Table Decor Inspo

Wedding Day Hair Inspo ( I'm really considering wearing my natural hair)

*All photos courtesy of Pinterest

I'm hoping to share more updates on the blog as we get even closer! If it doesn't reach the blog then you can follow me on IG:

To-Do List for The Next Three Months:

1. Draft Guest List
2. Choose an Officiant
3. Finalize Photographer and Videographer
4. Continue to Add money to Dress savings
5. Help Timothy create gifts to propose to his Groomsmen

Want to see Previous Updates? CLICK HERE

Until Next Time,

Life Lessons At Starbucks

Two weeks ago, Starbucks released its Holiday Drinks and I was soo excited. I woke up early so I could stop by to pick up a drink and a reusable cup before work. My plan was to purchase an iced coffee and 2019 re-usable because that’s what I did last year. But my plan was changed quickly.

Once I got to the register to order a drink I let the cashier know what I wanted but he looked at me very strangely. He stated that I couldn’t purchase a reusable cup. I was a little taken back, so I mentioned to him that I purchased one last year. He then said yes I know but our manager made it clear to us that we’re not allowed to sell them, only give them away with the purchase of a holiday drink. Whew child, I was so upset, because my plan was thrown off. I was so upset, so I ordered my iced coffee and left.

Once I got in the car I said to myself, "Ireana how could you have handled that differently." Then a light bulb went off, I could’ve gotten a drink that I got last year, Caramel Brulee’. But I was so mad that I didn’t even think it through all the way. I started thinking about a lot of situations that happened over the past few months.

Many things have changed from my job, relationships, blogging, etc. I’ve been so used to saying “ Oh I’ve always done it this way or it happened last year” that mentality has had me stuck and not adjusting to what’s going on. This year has taught me that I need to adjust to change and not go against it. That even if I don’t like the change, it’s all a part of the growing process. NO, it doesn't feel good at all, but the pain is apart of growing and healing. I also have to remind myself that I am human and my feelings are valid. But not to get to so worked up over it because change is for the better.

As for this look, I took this dress from the Spring and gave it a Fall/ Winter twist. Which why I buy statement pieces similar to this dress because I can style them in many different seasons. I only had a chance to wear it once a time in the Spring so I was excited to bring this out for a fun shoot.

Until Next Time,

Friday Finds

Last night on my IG- Stories I shared my Friday Finds. I was supposed to share this blog post yesterday but my week has been hectic. The weather is getting colder and I had to starting thinking about pieces to keep me warm for the next two seasons.

1. Old Navy Coat

2. Ava & Viv Elbow Sleeve Turtleneck

3. Long-Sleeved Scoop Neck Tee

4. Lane Bryant Wide Width Fuzzy Slippers

5.Old Navy Text-Friendly Sweater-Knit Gloves for Women

A Click Different Experience at Joesphine Wine Bar

Last week on Wednesday, I went out on a school night with my friend Telisha. We headed to Josephine Wine Bar in Charleston, SC for a Wine Tasting Event. Clink Different: Experience The Wines of Europe. I've been wanting to go wine tasting for some time now and I got my chance.

When finally arrived after circling the block for parking, it was pretty packed. We checked in and got our wine glasses for the night. We sipped on many different wines which so super fun for me. The only wine I would stick to would be Rose' and Moscato. I don't know much about the other wine flavors but I gave them a try that night.

We sipped on Pinot Noir, Rose', Bordeaux, Red Wine, and Reisling. Before that night, I didn't understand the hype behind drink older wine. But I got a chance to try a wine that is 6 years old and it was so smooth. There were also some bites to eat but I only tried one. It was Pimento cheese, fig jam, ham on toast. Weird combo but all of those flavors came together. I wanted to try the cheese from the cheese dish but I still have a hard time eating cheese that isn't melted or on a sandwich ( crazy right).

Cheers to trying to new things and getting out of my comfort zone! I can't wait to share with you guys the next adventure.

Until next time,

Styling A Blazer 5 Ways

After searching for the Black Blazer, I finally hit the jackpot when I visited Lane Bryant. They were having a great sale so I go this blazer for half the price. I wanted to share with you how I would style this blazer. I love the material that this blazer has and it's versatility.

1. Sassy and Chic
Blazer, Bodysuit and Pleated Skirt