Reliving our Wedding Day: Celebrating our 1st Anniversary

Today, TC and I celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary and throughout the day I found myself looking at the clock to see what time it was and then reminiscing about what we were doing this time last year. I still can't believe that it has been 365 days since we vowed to "have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part." As we made that commitment to each other, we were surrounded by our loving and most caring families and friends. I will forever be grateful for the memories that we made and shared together on September 20, 2014. It will always be my favorite day of every year and I have YOU to thank for that, TC.

I wish that I could push the rewind button so I could slip back into my wedding dress, slide on my glittery heals and enjoy the entire day again with you, our wedding party, our family and our guests. I want to experience the feeling that I had as I was getting ready for the biggest day of my life, the feeling when they open up the doors to the church and I see you waiting at the end of the aisle for me, and the feeling that I had when we danced our very first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Chalk. Speaking of our first dance, those lyrics will always bring me to tears and I will forever cherish the moments when we drop whatever we are doing so we can dance in the middle of the kitchen to Kenny Chesney's song, "You Had Me From Hello" as Tenley and Bo watch us.

"One word, that's all you said

Something in your voice called me, turned my head

Your smile, just captured me

You were in my future as far as I could see

And I don't know how it happens, but it happens still

You asked me if I love you, if I always will

 

Well you had me from hello  

I felt love start to grow

The moment I looked into your eyes you won me

It was over from the start, you completely stole my heart..."

Celebrating 1 year with the man that has loved me unconditionally, supported me throughout our journey, comforted me during times of sadness, and celebrated my biggest joys! I know that we will always find joy in the ordinary and love in each of our adventures. I am so proud to be your wife, TC and I can't wait to see what is ahead of us in the years to come. I love you to the moon and back {and back again}!





1st Anniversary: Celebration + Traditional Gift Ideas

Oh hey, I am still alive! Life, actually to be very honest, work has kept me very {very, very} busy the past 6 weeks as I have been planning, organizing and confirming each and every detail of the events that I will be hosting and attending during our on-campus recruiting season this Fall. You may be asking what does this really mean? The short version - I work with an amazing group of the most dedicated people that are focused on attracting the top students to join our company's internship and full-time university graduate hire programs. My role within the University Relations team is the Campus Manager for the East/Central US. I contribute to our company's long term vision by identifying and building strategic partnerships with top academic institutions throughout the East and Central US. I develop and execute various programs and events aimed at promoting our company's brand and developing candidate pipelines for our intern and full-time university positions. 

Here is a quick glimpse into my world - 

Even though it can be exhausting at times and I may not want to see my suitcase for a few months after the Fall recruiting season has finished, it is also the most rewarding role that I have ever had. The next 8 weeks are going to be a whirlwind but I am thankful to wake up every morning excited about the day ahead. 

Now onto what I was really planning on sharing today. TC and I will be celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary in just six days! As I am writing this my mind drifts back to that special day where we were surrounded by our loving families and amazing friends as we committed to love, serve and take care of each other for the rest of our lives.  

It doesn't seem possible that we have been husband and wife for 365 days but I am thankful to have shared each of those days with you, TC. 

As our anniversary has quickly been approaching, I have been thinking about how I would want to incorporate the traditional gift of paper into our gifts.  I really wanted to find an item that we would treasure for the rest of our lives and that we could even show our children in the years to come. 

I narrowed down my ideas to my top three choices and will share with everyone the winner this weekend since TC likes to check-in every now and then to see what's happening on ChalkSouthernToMe. :) 

ONE. Custom Life Map by EmilyBrooksDesign

TWO. Custom Landmark Art by Laura Ann

THREE. Custom Painted Wedding Invitation Keepsake 

Want to know what the traditional and modern gift will be for your wedding anniversary this year? If the answer is yes then go ahead and bookmark this page. I hope everyone has a wonderful week!  

Current Obsessions + Links

Well hello, September! September has always been one of my favorite months because it means football season is here, fall weather is around the corner, celebrations are in store for our wedding anniversary, and pumpkin flavor food and drinks are creeping onto restaurant menus. As you can tell, I am one happy lady today so bring it on, September...I am ready for ya! 

I don't know about you but I'm ready for the Fall. Is anyone else over the heat and humidity? It's going to be hard to say goodbye to the golden glow that I've acquired over the past few months but everything about these outfits has me excited for the cooler temperatures! 

Is there anything better than treating yourself to a blowout and a glass of champagne at the end of the day? If you live in Raleigh, Parlor Blow Dry Bar is the perfect place to relax and have a little me time!

Ingredients:

8 ounces of Whole Grain Spaghetti

5 ounces of Cherry Tomatoes

3 cloves of Garlic

1 ear of Corn

1 bunch of Basil

2 tablespoons of Mascarpone Cheese

2 teaspoons of olive oil

1 Shallot

1/3 cup of grated Parmesan Cheese

1/8 teaspoon crushed Red Pepper Flats

Instructions: 

ONE. Heat a large pot of salted water to boiling on high. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Peel and thinly slice the garlic and shallot. Remove and discard the husks and silks of corn. Cut the corn kernels off the cob. Pick the basil leaves off the stems and discard the stems.

TWO. Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook the pasta for 5 to 7 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 2/3 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.

THREE. While the pasta cooks, in a large pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot and then add the garlic, shallot and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. 

FOUR. To the pan of vegetables, add the tomatoes, half the basil (roughly chop just before adding it) and as much of the crushed red pepper flakes as you'd like based on your level of spice. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until everything is well combined and the tomatoes have softened.

FIVE. To the pan of vegetables, add the cooked pasta, mascarpone cheese, Parmesan cheese and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes or until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Remove from the heat and divide the pasta between 2 dishes. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and remaining basil.  

A few more of my favorite links this week...

+I am all about being efficient and learning new tips and tricks about blogging. Biana from B Loved Boston wrote this great article. 

+Speaking of efficiency, Love And Bellinis shared a few great time-saving apps and I have already downloaded Matchbook and TeuxDeux. You will have to take a peak!

+Looking to travel abroad soon? If so, Lisa from Lisa Loves John shares her tips for planning a vacation out of the country.