Creating Our Own Traditions

"Just me and you just us TWO"- Carrie

I'm happy to say we took Spring Engagement Photos.  I questioned myself so many times am I being extra taking two sets of photos. I've seen some couples take photos closer to their wedding date but our wedding isn't until next year. 521 Days to be exact! During this journey,  I'm learning that you create your own story and traditions. I wanted to have Casual Spring and  Glam Fall photos because when we eventually move in together I want to have photos of us around the house. We also could use these photos on the table at the reception as well. I think there are so many options for engagement photos.


After doing a ton of researching on what to wear and what not to wear for engagement photos we came to this look.  It took a lot of convincing Timothy into this color but he gave in. You should've seen the tops he chooses for this shoot. Also, I want to thank Lane Bryant for this dress, because I was stalking for the longest. It was perfect for our Spring shoot.

Like I stated before, this journey has taught me to create our own traditions and story. I want Timothy and me to look back on these photos and cherish them.  I want this to be Timothy and Ireana's love story, no one else's.

Photography: Jennifer Collins Photography 

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Sunday Brunch OOTD | Amazon Links

After my friend Nikki and I planned out brunch date I needed to figure out what I was going to wear. My office looks a mess simply because I went through almost everything trying to find something to put on. Reminding myself that I need to wear different outfits and stop wearing the same thing over and over.  Which I ended up styling this look here for brunch.

This look is under $50 dollars probably not even that. I found the kimono and sunglasses last week while shopping at Citi Trends. Yes, Citi Trends still has some cute and trendy pieces.  I just said to myself that I needed more kimonos and found this one for $5.99.  I mean you can't beat that deal, also my sunglasses were $2.99. After stalking Amazon for the same sunglasses for $8.99 I found these ones for a lesser value. Don't get me wrong I love Amazon but I couldn't pass up this deal.  My jeans are from CATO, I purchased them last year for $11.99 and my simple tank top is from Wal-Mart. The weather was perfect so I wasn't too hot in this look because this heat has been so disrespectful lately.

Remember you don't have to break the bank to be stylish!  Shop your closet once and while because you'll be amazed by what you can find.

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What To Wear To A Summer Wedding

I know you're probably wondering why I said Summer Wedding dresses instead of Spring/ Summer Wedding. It's still technically Spring but I feel like the weather skipped Spring and jumped straight to Summer.  I never attended a Summer Wedding but if I did I would want to wear something colorful, comfortable and chic.  It's still technically Spring but I feel like the weather skipped Spring and jumped straight to Summer.


No pants for me but a flowy dress would be perfect. Growing up in the South I’ve grown to love wearing dresses more in the Summer because you can throw it on and go. You don’t have to worry about finding a top or bottom.  Just find the perfect accessories and head out the door. Remember my motto you don’t have to break the bank to be stylish. But if you want to splurge, choose a piece that can be styled more than one style. 

If the wedding happens to be outside you can stay cool with this cute and chic fan HERE!

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My Top 5 Wedding Planning Tools

It’s no secret that I’m getting married next year! I’m so excited to start a new journey with my fiancé’.  If you're just joining the party check out Our Love Story Here. But before we say I DO, we have a wedding to plan. If you know me then you know I love to plan. From planning trips, dinner, my day, etc.  So far planning this wedding so far has been sort of easy. I've set my boundaries and haven't gotten too caught up in the hype.  During this process of planning, I utilize different tools to help me stay organized. 

Wedding Planner

 This is the first thing I think you should purchase after you say "YASS"  when the question is popped.  A wedding planner helps keep all of your visions and ideas in one place. I carry this around with me to show family members and friends my ideas for the wedding.  This planner is too pretty and I honestly didn't want to write in it just yet. So the only that I have in my planner now is:

• Wedding Dress Inspo
• Our Love Story 
• Wedding Decor Inspo 
• Pictures of me and Timothy

Once I have secured everything, I will be able to fill in my wedding planner for keepsake and I can look back on it after the big day.

Journal

I'm big on writing my ideas down and getting them out of my head. It helps me think better.  In this journal, I have jotted down how I want the ceremony to go, the menu for the reception, numbers for vendors ideas, music for the ceremony, etc.  

Magazines

Perfect for looking through wedding magazines can help you get an idea of how you want your wedding. You take pieces from each wedding you see and put it together as your own. Looking through magazines can also help you find vendors that you've never heard of locally and nationwide. I've been able to find so much inspiration from looking through magazines and adding them to my vision board.

Sticky Notes

I love using sticky notes on any occasion from work to wedding planning. Using sticky notes keeps me organized when I'm creating different to do list for the wedding planning.  Sticky notes can also come in handy when creating a seating chart for the reception. 

Pinterest

I love using Pinterest because it's like a virtual wedding vision board. I can take my vision and find on  Pinterest.  I've created so many pin boards based around the wedding. There are also many tools featured on Pinterest that can help you stay organized and not get overwhelmed when it comes to wedding planning. 

This month has been a full force for wedding festivities.  Be sure to stay tuned for wedding updates at the end of this month. You can also get some wedding inspo on Wednesdays on my Insta-story. 

                                                   

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Until Next Time,

Lane Bryant Dress Try- On Haul +IGTV Link

I decided to stop by Lane Bryant for a try-on haul. With Mother’s Day just a few days away I thought it would be perfect to share a few dresses that would be perfect for Mother’s Day. I even found a few dresses I knew my Mom would love the most. I’ll be honey I even found a dress that I loved but I’ll have to come back to get it because I was on a mission to find something for my mom. 

To check out my try-on session video, Click Here!