Until then, I’m on the final stretch of my jewelry documentation. Here are a few more beautiful family pieces. The far left silver pin with pearls was my grandmother Mary’s. The next two earrings in the top row were Jonelle’s, my grandmother’s niece. For the bottom row, the lovely gold pin with white accents is from The Kiblers – a couple I know through my Dad and his affiliation with the Grand Masonic Lodge of Illinois. And finally, the beautiful vintage watch face was also my grandmother’s. (It was Amanda’s suggestion to find an old watch and mail it in with everything.) I’ve set it to 4pm, the time of the wedding.

Just a small handful of pieces left to share. Coming tomorrow! (The week is only going to get better. My parents get here tomorrow…then Thursday the bridesmaids arrive…SO excited!)

Still a few more details we’re wrapping up. I’ll have more information tomorrow!

Four days until I’m a Mrs!

Well folks. We’re nearing the end of my brooch documentation here. After this post of beautiful jewelry for my vintage brooch bouquet, there’s only one more to go! AND we’re nearing the end of our engagement. Our wedding is only 17 days away now! So hard to believe. I thought it would never get here, now look how quickly time has flown!

Today’s brooches are from my lovely bridesmaid Rebecca N. She traveled from here to Chicago looking for the perfect brooches.

I’ve known Rebecca since we were hard-working public relations students at Belmont. We had several classes together and spent quite a bit of time studying and trying to figure out what we wanted to be when we grew up.

I’ve always admired Rebecca’s pursuit of life and living it to the fullest. She’s not one to “settle” for anything. I think that’s something we can all learn from.

For those of you who don’t know Rebecca, she has one of the kindest, biggest, giving hearts. She travels all around the world exploring, sharing with and caring for anyone she meets  along her path. Her heart aches for those in need and she continually finds ways to serve people.

Here’s a photo of Miss Rebecca and I after enjoying lunch at Jimmy John’s…one of my favorite sandwich joints:

Rebecca, I’m so thankful you’re in my life. Thank you for your spontaneity, your incredible fashion sense, your beautiful smile and your big heart. Philip and I absolutely adore you and we’re so privileged to have you as a part of our big day.

How beautiful are these?! These lovely brooches came from my dear friend and bridesmaid Megan K. She traveled to several antique stores to find the perfect pieces to suit her taste. So sweet. If you know me, you know I love sparkle…and boy do these puppies sparkle.

I’ve known Megan for what seems like forever. I don’t remember what year we met. I’m guessing it was 6th or 7th grade.

See…in 4th grade, I joined our elementary school’s beginner band – choosing to learn and play, of all instruments, the trombone. For several years, that darn thing was bigger than I was. AND it wasn’t exactly the most popular instrument among the female population, so I spent most of band practices hanging out with the guys.

Thankfully in 6th grade our school district decided it would be a good decision to allow us to start practicing with the junior high band. So several mornings out of the school week I would be dropped off at the junior high school for early bird band, then shipped back to the elementary school with the rest of the 6th graders after practice. Megan was a kind 7th grader to whom I took a liking quickly. Not to mention, she was one more female in the trombone section, which I really appreciated! (Many of my other female friends played easy-to-carry, more “girly” instruments like the flute or the clarinet. I was definitely an odd bird amongst my friends, so I was very grateful another girl was giving the trombone a whirl too!)

Megan and I were inseparable all throughout school – both of us playing our trombones until the end of our senior years of high school. She graduated a year before me, so I had to endure my final year without her. (Thankfully her younger sister was in band, so it was kinda like I still had her around. Just not in the trombone section. )

I remember on September 11, how we were at marching band practice at the football field and then went home for lunch to watch the news footage of the tragedy. I remember football games and how much we LOVED playing “Louie, Louie”. I remember late night talks about guys, life and God.

Megan, I have so many heartwarming, incredible memories that involve you. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your enduring love, hope and optimism in a world that can seem so dark  at times.  It’s a thrill to be on the journey of marriage with you. Philip and I look forward to spending many, many more times with you and Brandon. I love you, my fellow B.I.C. (It’s an inside joke that’s lasted between us for YEARS. And if we told you what it means, you probably wouldn’t think it was that funny. Ya just had to be there.)

Here we are. The B.I.C.’s! (And Megan, I LOOOVE how you’re actually holding an antique trombone in this picture! Perfect!)

Here we are on Megan and Brandon’s wedding day.
Such a beautiful bride.

Thanks for the amazing woman you are Megan! We can’t wait to celebrate our big day with you. I love you! XOXO

My long-time pal Arla W. gave me this jewelry for my brooch bouquet. Aren’t they great?! That bracelet is killer!

I’ve known Arla since I was a wee little one. Our mothers grew up together and we also grew up together.  We went to the same small town church in Southern Illinois and would confide in each other all kinds of things – particularly involving boys.

As we’ve gotten older over the years, we’ve created new lives in different places and don’t get to catch up nearly as often as we’d like, but we’ve always remained friends.

Arla, I’m grateful to call you a friend and I hope we get some catch up time soon! Our friendship has been long-lasting and I look forward to many more opportunities to share in each other’s life experiences.

Thank you for sharing these beautiful pieces of jewelry with me. They’re absolutely perfect.

More brooches coming soon! AND I’ve been to two weddings in the past two weeks. I’ll be sharing some photos from those too! Happy Friday everyone!

Now I’m playing catch up on documenting all of the pieces I’ve received. Thanks to all my wonderful friends and family, I sent more than 80 pieces to Amanda! Holy smokes! (I was in such a rush to pack them and get them in the mail I never got a final count.) So here are a few more! More to come!

I am an only child. Philip is 1 of 4 children. Thankfully his family is AMAZING. I may not have any direct siblings, but I tell you…the Dials have already made me feel like I’m kin. He has twin sisters and they’ve both supplied a bagful of beautiful pieces for my bouquet. The lovelies in the above photo are from his sister Peggy. I just love all the pearl accents. And the little rosettes are so dainty and adorable. Thank you SO much Peggy!

The silver, sparkly rose in the above photo was given to me by my co-worker’s wife. Her name is Shannon. If you’ve ever met her, you know Shannon is a jewel and she just exudes class. Although we’ve known each other for a short time, I feel like we’ve been friends for much longer. Shannon, thank you for this beautiful pin. It’s so elegant and graceful. Just like you. I look forward to more times together in the future.

I’m calling the next piece the “heart of the ocean”. Doesn’t it look JUST like the necklace Rose wore in Titanic?! ALSO stunning and classy. This piece was given to me by my friend Natosha aka Little Spoon. She’s also a Nashville blogging bride. (Her blog is Big Spoon, Little Spoon. Check it out!) I had the pleasure of meeting Natosha during the Unabridged Bride workshop. I had been following along with her blog way before the workshop, so when I found out SHE was Little Spoon, I felt like I was meeting a celebrity! Seriously. I deeply admire her blogging talents, creativity and especially the fact that her fiance, aka Big Spoon, pops in and writes for the blog occasionally. Natosha, thank you for being a part of this experience and for being a friend. I’m so glad our paths have crossed and I’m VERY excited about the journey ahead for both of us.

Happy Wednesday everyone. And keep your fingers crossed that my sanity is maintained for the next 30 days. Thank you all for your inspiring ideas and support.

Just look at these gorgeous pieces from my beautiful bridesmaid Melissa. Wow. Every single one of these is classy,  stunning and unique in it’s own way. (Look at the bee! On the right! LOVE it!)

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Melissa D. for the past 4 years. (Is that right?! Time flies.) Melissa and I met during my first year as a media liaison for CMA music fest here in Nashville. I don’t remember what our first conversation was about or specifically how our friendship started. All I know is she seemed like a darn cool lady, there was an instant connection between us and I was hooked.

Here we are a few years ago all sticky and sweaty (and probably smelly!) during the Dierks Bentley concert downtown on Demonbreun. (I have no clue why I always do that weird sideways head angle during photos…*mental note* Don’t do that on June 12.)

Melissa, you’ve been my go-to-gal through so many life events. You’re always available any time I need to talk, vent, celebrate, etc. You’ve mentored me personally and professionally numerous times. I admire your work ethic and your gigantic, kind heart. Thank you for blessing my life in so many ways. I’m extremely grateful for your friendship and stoked you’ll be standing up with me on our big day.

Thank you for gifting me with these incredible brooches. They. are. PERFECT. Andilovethem…and you!

More to come tomorrow…31 days, 10 hours until June 12. The countdown IS ON. YIKES!

My vintage brooch bouquet would not be complete without a few pieces from my parents.

My mom gave me this lovely pearl earring and pin set. I LOVE how simply glamorous they are. She is one classy lady.

The other three pieces are from my father who is a Shriner through the Masonic Lodge. The Masonic fez pin (center) was actually my grandfather’s. (My dad’s dad.) He was also a Mason. Unfortunately he passed before my time, but I’ve been told many stories about how incredible of a man he was. I’m excited to have this keepsake as a part of my bouquet. The other two Masonic pins commemorate two different Potentates of the Illinois Masonic Lodge – Richard Swaney and Steve Kibler. Want to learn more about freemasonry? Click here.

The pins in this top picture are from fellow Belmont alumna Miss Rachel G. The moment I met Rachel I was hooked. She has one of those electric personalities to which you can’t help but be attracted. We were inseparable at Belmont. When we weren’t in one of our PR classes, we would typically be found studying at Bongo Java or enjoying sushi at Taste of Tokyo. After walking through the graduation line together, we both found ourselves on new life adventures. Although our paths took different directions, we’ve remained good friends. I’m so thankful that, although time passes without regular visits, we pick up right where we left off. When we do get time together, it’s almost as if no time passed at all. Thank you SO much Rachel for these beautiful pins and for your unwavering friendship.

Next up we have a set of sparkly hairpins from Mrs. Marion I. It’s through my PR career that I know Marion because I am employed by her husband! Marion is one of those ladies who can do it all. Blogging, event planning, kettlebell training, eating raw, giving back to the community. Not only is this woman legitimately incredible, she has a refreshingly vibrant personality to match! Marion, I’m grateful for the time we’ve spent discussing PR/marketing ideas over coffee. Your zest for life and for helping others are rare attributes. I’m so blessed to know you and also to work for a stand-up person like Hunter. Thanks for not only being a positive influence in my life, but also for positively affecting the lives of many others in and around the community as well.

More pieces are coming soon! Stay tuned!

Little did I know the outpour  of love, kindness and generosity I would experience when I started telling people about my vintage brooch bouquet. Pieces are STILL coming in, folks!

I’m going to have OODLES of lovely jewelry to choose from! Check out these unique pins from the Falks, some family friends from home in Southern Illinois. The butterfly is so colorful and that flower is absolutely rockin’ it! It just glistens when held in the light. SO beautiful!