Our Story In Pictures Part Two

Part One

 

Part Two

 

When we told my grandparents of our engagement my grandfather responded,

"and now you really get to know each other."

As always, he was right.

 

It is amazing how a simple question and answer changes everything.

Sure our titles changed. We went from friends, to sweethearts, to fiancée and fiancé.

But the entire lens through which we see each other changed.

It magnifies everything.

The little things that you overlooked suddenly irritate you.

The little things you overlooked suddenly have you falling head over heels all over again.

I suspect in two months that magnifying glass will be turned into a telescope worthy of NASA.

For now I am trying to live in the moment and embrace all the joys this season brings for us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love candid shots, but have a double dose of camera shy,

and have a hard time relaxing and being myself.

Luckily we found a photographer that is talented, good at helping us be at ease,

and capturing us being just us.

He also was willing to freeze outside and embrace the beauty of the blustery fall day.

If you are a fellow Hoosier, I highly recommend you check out Dustin & Corynn.

 

Linking up with Tuesday Talk. 

Our Story In Pictures Part One

With two months to go,

it is past time for me to make good on my promise to share more wedding related things. Since we became engaged I have had so much to say, so many ideas, and yet,

whenever I sat down to write it all for you I felt as if I had nothing except writer's block

and when I did have something, well, I second guessed it to death.

How do you put into words this joy that makes your heart feel as if it will burst at the seams? In a way, words do not do it justice.

They are, however, part of the limited means I have to share with you.

So this is all a round about way to say, I will have words for you

and would you be a dear and let me ease into the topic

by starting off with the picture book version?

Enjoy!
 



In which we do not remember meeting each other before, but I finally notice him...



In which we hang out with all our friends and somehow always end up next to each other...

 

In which we state we are "just friends"...

 

In which we doubt being "just friends"...

 

In which we are no longer "just friends"...

 

In which things begin to become serious...

 

In which we attend everyone else's weddings...

In which I said, "Yes!"

 



Sure Sign of Spring

The grass is getting greener, buds are showing up on trees, the daffodils are blooming,

my desire for a daily walk has tripled, and make up and fabrics are becoming lighter-

the signs are here and it can only mean one thing...

It's Clinique gift time!*

This is one sure sign of Spring that I always anticipate.

I try other products and I always come back to Clinique.

The products are high quality, apply beautifully, never disappoint,

and most importantly, do not irritate my sensitive skin and eyes.

Here are some of my favorites that I will be snagging this Spring: 

Even Better Foundation

Macy's - Von Maur

I was wearing a mineral liquid foundation and then this was recommended to me during a make up consultation for my sister's wedding a couple years ago. I am so glad I switched! The formula brightens and evens up my skin

hiding my scars, discoloration, any breakouts and sallowness from aging.

The shades also blend beautifully. Neutral (MF-N) matches my skin tone like a dream. Hooray for no foundation lines!

All About Eyes Concealer

Macy's - Von Maur

When it comes to under eye circles I am a triple threat:

 genetics, bad allergies, and a night owl by nature.

I have been so pleased with the coverage of this concealer.

Developed for under eyes, it not only covers but cares for this sensitive area.

It is also creamy enough that it provides coverage on trouble spots elsewhere

so there is no need to have two products.

I don't think anything will every make them go away completely but I have noticed a difference in the brightness under my eyes when I am without make up.

A little goes a long way. My tube has lasted me about a year. I wear Light Golden.

Dramatically Different Moisturizer

Macy's - Von Maur

I wrote about this one not too long ago, but it is worth pointing out again.

The name truly says it all.

Currently I am using the lotion formula. I hope to try the gel.

Lash Power Feathering Mascara

Macy's - Von Maur

This is my favorite mascara by far.

It isn't waterproof, but it is long lasting

and because it isn't designed to come off simply with water,

 it stands up to teary or watery eyes like mine.

I just ran out and accidentally ordered the Doubling Lash Mascara in my last order.

A comparison post may be coming your way.

Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

Macy's - Von Maur

Can I tell you a secret?

Blush is one of the hardest things for me to apply.

I have had some blush-tastrophies in my day. I

 get a little nervous when I go to apply and brighter colors always make me feel a bit done up (but they are a must for capturing special occasions).

The creamy consistency of the Chubby Stick makes blending extremely easy for me

and the end result is very natural.

I wear amp'd up apple almost daily.

Take advantage of getting a complete Spring look for free

and try one of these products out yourself.

You will have to fill me in if you do!

Any other Clinique girls out there?

What are your favorite products?

Linking up for Five Favorites

*As of the day this was posted it was gift time at Macy's and Von Maur.

**Disclaimer: Clinique, Macy's, and Von Maur have no idea who I am...

I'd be happy to change that ;)

In a New Light

The past few years I have been blessed with a unique opportunity to grow in my faith

– by explaining it to someone else.

My boyfriend is not Catholic.

The topics of what Catholics believe, what the Catholic faith means to me,

what it would mean to us as we discerned marriage and in our possible future marriage and family, have been discussed often, 

even before we went on our first official date. 

Among the doubts, intense discussions, and frustrating misunderstandings,

the moments of clarity, peace and grace shine brighter.

It may sound like I am doing all the teaching and he is doing all the learning,

but often it is the opposite.

When I explain the faith to him, I see things I have always taken for granted in a new light. When he asks a question I have never thought of before,

I have to delve deeper into what I believe.

When he repeats things we have discussed to others or holds me accountable to my values, I am humbled and desire to live my faith more authentically.

When he kneels beside me at Mass, not yet out of belief, but out of respect and love for me, my heart burns for him to know a love greater than that which he shows me.

Faith is a gift. I cannot give my boyfriend the gift of faith,

but I can, with God’s grace, answer his questions, remind him how much God loves him, support him as he walks down his journey to the Truth, pray for him and with him,

and thank God for all the times this man ‘without faith’ shows me what I believe.

- This post originally appeared anonymously at My Year of Faith on November 20, 2013

It feels like ions ago that I wrote those words.

At the time I did not know where God would lead us and until today

I have never shared this element of our relationship 

which has been so deeply on my heart.

I did not in part because it was too sensitive, 

but ultimately because it was not mine to share.

A lot has changed in a year and a half.

My faith has changed. It has grown stronger.

We have changed. We have grown closer as we move towards marriage.

Last night another thing changed.

The Easter candle broke the darkness.

My love professed his faith and gave his heart to the greatest Love.

And today our hearts are full of joy

as we bask in the new light like the rising sun of the first dawn.

Happy Easter!