Becoming the Garzas: Ceremony and Mr & Mrs!

Sharing the last of our wedding photos today (part 1 // part 2) with some ceremony, a few reception and some bride and groom shots! 

For our ceremony, E and a friend built the beautiful arbor that we stood in front of. My wonderful aunt draped it with real blooms. I went pretty light on the decor, but wanted flowers EVERYWHERE. We even had flowers in mason jars on top of logs in different places around the venue. 

E and I didn't know what to do for a unity ceremony. We thought about lighting a candle or doing colored sand, but neither really felt true to us. In the end, we had a friend make us a box. We wrote letters to each other the night before the ceremony. During the ceremony, we had our officiant snap our picture with an Instax camera. We then placed the instant photo and our letters to one another in the box and nailed it shut right then and there (which was kind of comical because I am not very handy with the hammer as we quickly found out). The idea is that sometime down the road (we are thinking maybe our 10 year anniversary or if we need a pick me up), we will open the box and read the letters we wrote to one another. 

My Teacher Proof Nsale Picks & a Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway!

Growing up, the start of school meant a lot of things, but most importantly, back to school shopping. I was a total freak about this time of year. I looked forward to it ALL year long, and started listing the things I needed to buy in June, just as school got out for the summer. I saved all summer long, adding to the budget my parents allocated to me and as the days got closer, I got increasingly more excited. I remember laying in bed the night before, like a kid on Christmas Eve, giddy and unable to sleep. Please tell me I am not the only fashionista out there who remembers feeling this way at 8 years old?!?

As a teacher, I am happy to say that I still indulge in a little back to school shopping. Teacher's have to look fresh on the first day too!! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale was the perfect opportunity to stock up on new fall pieces. I picked up a few goodies that will be easy to mix and match into my wardrobe this fall and winter!

I love dresses because they are so easy to wear! I picked up multiple options because they are so easy to layer with leggings and sweaters in the frigid winter months! I bought a few different pairs of shoes, including some waterproof boots that are cute AND practical. Last but not least, a good school tote is a must. I lug a lot of papers and my work computer from home to school and need a sturdy, roomy bag that is also cute so I can take it from work to date night!

There aren't many days left to shop the Nordstrom Sale! Time is running out! Don't forget to also enter the Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway for $1320! Just enter the widget below the collage! Good luck!

This collage is shoppable! Just click the product to shop! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

3 Simple Link-Up ‘Rules’

1. Follow your hosts on Bloglovin’: The Red Closet Diary & Twenties Girl Style

2. Link back to our site from your post!

An InLinkz Link-up

Becoming the Garza's: First Look & Bridal Party

Sharing our second batch of wedding photos today (see getting ready photos here)...the first look and some of our bridal party! 

We got married in our home town at the beautiful venue, Hampton Hideaway. Tucked away in the mountains, it had the orchard trees and open space that I always craved, along with my reception must...a rustic barn. I was never one to plan out my wedding, but I did have two MUSTS...a barn for reception and a flower crown. 

Our wedding took place on possibly the hottest summer day of the year, with temps reaching over 100 degrees. It was hot and muggy and my sister did an amazing job of capturing these images despite us complaining about the heat. It was unbelievably hot! However, as I held E's hand around the side of the barn, getting ready to see him for the first time as his bride, the heat melted away and all I saw was him. It was a truly magical moment! I definitely recommend doing a first look if you have the chance!