Today’s tidbit: “We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don’t have something better.”― C. JoyBell C.
I could not agree more! When you get so secure and familiar with something, you lose the desire to branch out and explore. On the other hand, when so many changes happen unexpectedly all at once it can be very overwhelming and emotional. With all change comes something new… and something better!

In my July recap post I said if I had to sum up July in a few words it would be transition, freeing and moving. As I sit here reflecting on August, those same words come to mind along with celebrating, exploring and excited. I started these recap posts in June because this summer was FULL of unexpected changes and as a result it really pushed me to change and grow as well. I wanted a place to reflect and put into writing everything that was going on—good, bad and everything in-between.

August: Allie’s bridal shower invitation suite was designed, printed and mailed + Allie’s bachelorette weekend | trip to NC + Allie & Brian’s wedding invitation suite was finalized and mailed + Planned Allie’s bridal shower + Turned 25 + Said goodbye to childhood home in VA | Moved into new home in MD + Finalized trip to South Africa for September + Photo shoot booked for October

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

So, what happened in August? Traveling, designing, moving and lots for my twin sister, Allie as her wedding is fast approaching!

August: Allie’s bridal shower invitation suite was designed, printed and mailed + Allie’s bachelorette weekend | trip to NC + Allie & Brian’s wedding invitation suite was finalized and mailed + Planned Allie’s bridal shower + Turned 25 + Said goodbye to childhood home in VA | Moved into new home in MD + Finalized trip to South Africa for September + Photo shoot booked for October

1. I enjoyed coming up with a theme and designing Allie’s bridal shower suite, which were mailed out the beginning of August. Her shower was this past weekend actually, September 7th! Look for a full blog post with both the bridal shower and wedding invitation suites in October.
2. I mentioned planning Allie’s bachelorette weekend to this beautiful beach resort in NC in my July recap post. It was the perfect weekend full of drinks and lounging by the pool and beach. We had the best weather and shared many good laughs. Read full blog posts here: Part 1 and Part 2.
3. I also mentioned that I had been worked with Allie and Brian on designing their wedding invitation suite in my July recap post. We received all the final printed pieces, lined envelopes, belly bands etc. the beginning of August and were busy assembling, embossing and stamping them right after the bachelorette weekend. They turned out beautifully and I am so glad I was able to do this for them.
4. With Allie’s wedding in October, there has been a lot of planning and finalizing going on. Once the bachelorette party was done and the wedding invitations were mailed out I worked on planning the bridal shower. We did it in Roanoke, VA at Brian’s parents house (this past Saturday). Both my mom and Brian’s mom were able to get involved, which I think is really special. It’s been fun planning and was a wonderful weekend celebrating. Look for a full blog post on the bridal shower in October.
5. Allie and I turned 25! I can hardly believe it. Read full blog post
6. After a long time coming, and lots of work cleaning and packing, I said a final goodbye to my childhood home in VA. We also moved to our beautiful brand new home in MD. Read full blog post
7. My mom and I have been working on a big trip for the 2 of us. Originally we were planning it for November but she got an amazing travel agent deal so in a few days we will be heading to one of my dream places to explore: SOUTH AFRICA. More info coming this week.
8. I have a photo shoot booked for October, the weekend before Allie’s wedding, with an adorable family with twin girls. I am looking forward to meeting and working with them.

Bridal shower invitation suite

Allie’s bachelorette weekend | trip to NC

Allie & Brian’s wedding invitation suite

25th Birthday!

Said goodbye to childhood home in VA | Moved into new home in MD

… and that was August! It has certainly been a busy, crazy & eventful summer but I am thankful things are starting to fall into place. Cheers to summer! I’m looking forward to what fall brings 🙂