SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
I used to NEVER SMILE in photos…like, never ever, ever never.
People bugged me about it all the time, and I would always reply ‘Smiling ain’t my thing…’
The truth is, I didn’t like my smile. I didn’t like the way my cheeks would puff up. I didn’t like the way my eyes would crinkle. And I didn’t like my teeth. Over the years, I have slowly learned to love my smile. (and I’m pretty sure loving to smile is a pre-requisite for getting married, ha)
This morning I read Proverbs 31 and this verse burst forth from the page…
"…she always faces tomorrow with a smile."
This incredible woman was marked with many, many traits, but one of my favourites is..her joy.
I want to be like that woman. I want to be marked by joy, marked by positivity, marked by smiling. And I’m not talking, cheesy, fake smiling…but real, authentic smiling, deep rooted in joy. Joy that says, “I know who I am and I know who created me and I know that whatever tomorrow brings, it will not rob me of this joy!”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
I don’t want to be known for not smiling in photos. I don’t want to be known for grumbling & complaining. I want my joy to be vibrant and strong. I want others to be inspired by the joy within me…
So go ahead and face tomorrow with joy. Put that smile on…it’s the prettiest thing you can wear ;)
xoxo,
s.s.♥.
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Source: eatsleepdraw.com via Laura on Pinterest
Yesterday was April 24th, which means…4 months until I get to marry the love of my life!!!!!!
xo,
s.s.♥.
COACHELLA DREAMING
Coachella 2 starts today…well camping opened up yesterday. Ah, it feels like just yesterday when we (Rachel, Thea, Courtney & I) were in the long car line up to get in. We were slightly scared but not terrified of the numerous party cars surrounding us. But once we got to our car site, all was grand. We quickly became known as the sober girls who play boardgames. (Which I’m totally ok with.)
Anyways…if I were going this year, I’d bring these gems
all items from topshop (which, btw, The Bay, downtown Vancouver sells!!)
Last weekend I caught a couple of the coachella shows online…do it up! youtube.com/coachella
I only got to see M83, Bon Iver, Florence & a bit of Snoop & Dre. But there are heaps more!
This weekend for me is crrrraaay. But amazing!
Tomorrow morning I’m speaking at a Women’s Breakfast at another Church in town, then heading off to Van to see COLDPLAY!!!!!!!!!! Then I’m excited to frolick around downtown Van with my love on Sunday…yay weekend!
stay gold,
s.s.♥.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
So a couple weeks ago, me & the man of my dreams basically pranced around in a field & kissed all day while our incredibly talented friend, Stephanie Christo (I’ll be posting her fb photography page soon!) took some photos of us.
We’re beyond stoked on how our engagement photos turned out! (If you haven’t heard our engagement story, you can read about it here!)
daaaaaaamn
love this one
here we are ready to fly away…
Awweee, aren’t we so presh? ;)
In the shoot we were able to pay tribute to two of our deceased grandfathers. The chest that we are sitting on in the field belonged to my Italian grandfather. He actually used it when he immigrated from Italy to Canada in the 70’s! And the mandolin that James’ is playing belonged to his grandfather.
James: WESC chinos, Vintage blazer, Vintage shoes
Laura: H&M dress, Jacob leggings, BCBG Hat, & Vintage boots
DEAR DIARY #016
Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I think it’s safe to say..SPRING HAS ARRIVED! Booooyah!
I got to drive around with the top down of my Cabrio..sad to be selling this little guy (need a car anyone? buy mine! ha)
A year ago I was at Coachella music festival…insane how quickly time goes by! James & I caught a couple of the shows on youtube.com/coachella. Even though last year I was at Coachella, I’d have to say that this past weekend was even better than last weekend…!
Because this past Saturday we had out ENGAGEMENT PARTAY!!! It was seriously so much fun. First of all thank you soooooo much to Margaret & John who hosted us! We got to hang, chat, laugh & eat with a bunch of friends & family. It was seriously lovely. We even roasted marshmallows in the backyard….delish!
In other news…this past week I booked off time off work for the..HONEYMOON!!!! eeeeeee! so insanely excited for this…!
and in even other news…on Saturday we’re going to COLDPLAY!!!!!!!!
And also thank you to my dear friend Molly who gave me a stunning bouquet! (It’s sitting on my desk at work)
Life is amazing.
xoxo,
s.s.♥.