Sell house - check!

Today I closed on our beloved house in Greenville and handed over the keys. I say that "I" closed rather than "we" because I was technically the one who bought it a little more than 2 years ago, when we were engaged. Since A has been a busy bee lately with his new gig - recruiting future SEC standouts and what not - I had to go to closing alone, which was a little sad but I'm a big girl and I made it through :)

Saturday was actually a much harder day. That was the day I said good bye to the house and locked the door for the last time. I know I sound sad about moving, but really, I'm just nostalgic. That house was our first together. We built it while we planned our wedding. Where we came home for the first time as a married couple after our honeymoon. Where we decorated our first Christmas tree. Where we hosted our first Easter dinner. The place we brought a tiny puppy named Ellie home to. It's tough, but I know we can make every house we live in a home. 

So right now, we are no longer homeowners - weird! 

But...we also made an offer on a house in Columbia today! So maybe we won't be non-homeowners for too long?? 

Exciting times in which we live, friends! 

Celebrating 2 years of marriage!

Two years ago today, at about this precise moment, I got a new piece of jewelry while wearing a gorgeous white dress, standing in the front of our beautiful church, and exchanged promises to last a lifetime with my beloved. Then we celebrated with a huge party, with lots of dancing and food and champagne and good times alongside our closest family and friends. At the end of it all, I was a married woman and it was the best day of my life.

I love you, Alex - you make me happier and more fulfilled every day. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life than you.
xoxo
your Bride

Our wedding day: July 9, 2011

Today we're heading home from Italy where we have been celebrating an amazing TWO YEARS (what?!) of marriage! Tomorrow is our anniversary: time flies!

Here are some of our favorite wedding shots from our big day. And what a day it was! I wish I could go back a relive it!

Ceremony: First Presbyterian of Greenville
Reception: the Westin Poinsett in downtown Greenville
Outdoor photos: taken in downtown Greenville, near Falls Park

The day before "I do"

My hubby and I in Italy right now having the time of our lives on our second anniversary trip! But since I haven't ever shared my Wedding weekend photos with you, I thought this would be a good time to go down Memory Lane!

________

The day before the wedding, I had my Bridesmaids' Luncheon at the Westin Poinsett (where our reception was also held). On that day, we also had the Rehearsal out our church, First Presbyterian, and the rehearsal dinner at Larkin's, all in Greenville, SC.

My girls at the Bridesmaid Luncheon

The pretty tables my Aunts decorated at the Luncheon

My mother-in-law and Mom and I

Alex with the girls at the Rehearsal!

My pretty girls!

Alex giving golf lessons to one of our ring bearers (we gave them golf clubs for their gift!)

Some of my oldest and best friends: Lesley, Lindsey and Chad

Our engagement pictures (from 2+ years ago)

We're off in Italy celebrating our second wedding anniversary, but since I have never shared our engagement pics in one post, now is as good a time as ever!

We did 2 sessions: one in Florida on my family's ranch, and one in Greenville with our wedding photographer. We absolutely LOVED both shoots. These pictures adorn the walls of our home and probably will for a loooooooong time!

My challenge this month was an adaptation of the Essentials Only Month that I did last year, where we had a strict budget (all cash) to spend on everything for a month that was "essential" and nothing to spend on things that were not essential. This was a good challenge to do his month since we will be closing on our house July 22 and moving a week before that (still don't have house to move to yet, but that's another story). This gave us the chance to eat the food we already had in our pantry and freezer so we didn't have to move it or worse, waste it when we move.

My budget for grocery shopping this month was $75, and I'm happy to report that I only managed two trips to Publix (which is hard for me, because I LOVE Publix...) and spent about $45. I would call that a success!

Meanwhile, our fridge looks like this:

We're getting there, people!

It feels so good to use what you have a clean everything out (even if you're not moving). A fresh start is always welcome!

My bestie turned 30 this week...how is this possible??

Last weekend, I flew down to Gainesville for one night (and one night only) to celebrate my best friend Lindsey's 30th birthday (which was actually on Monday).

Birthday girl!

I have known Lindsey (and her sister, my other bestie, Lesley) since their family moved to FL from NY state in middle school. It's scary when you've known someone for 17 years - just saying that makes me feel old, ha!

Old friends are the best friends

I am not sure how the years have passed so quickly: it feels like yesterday that Lindsey got her driver's license and became mine and Lesley's ride around town. And then there were the other biggies: 18, 21, 25. I have celebrated them all with this girl. But where did our 20s go? I still have a year+ until I'm 30, but it's just insane to think that it wasn't that long ago that we were celebrating 21st birthdays...and now, BAM, the 30s are here.

Sisters: Les and Lin

All I know is I am so blessed to have her for a best friend, and that I have been able to celebrate so many birthdays with her. Cheers to 30, Lin - this is going to be your best decade yet!

Photo booth fun at the birthday party