Liz’s DIY Intro

Celebrating the Everyday, Liz's DIY  //  18th September 2012

Have you ever flipped through your favorite magazine (like Real Simple or Martha Stewart) or browsed through Pinterest and thought to yourself, I could totally do that!?!?  But then you just add it to your To Do list and it ends up falling off your list because everything else seems so much more important?!

Ok- maybe it is just me… lol…. But since early this year, I have had this urge to bring out my craftiness again!  It has been a long time since I have taken time to do a DIY project just for fun!  Earlier this year I read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  It was pretty fantastic (and I definitely recommend it!) The book reminded me of the importance of taking time to do things that I LOVE and make ME happy.  Whoa… yeah, that is hard for me as I am pretty much always thinking of the happiness of others before I think about myself.  As I read the book, I realized that the times in my life that I have felt beaten down or burnt out was because I was not taking care of myself.  I was not getting enough sleep and honestly I was not thinking about myself at all.  How am I supposed to lift other people up if I am not taking care of myself first?  So anyway, I had many, MANY aha moments while reading The Happiness Project.  You should definitely check it out!

Besides being with Ryan and doing the work that I love to do everyday as a photographer and entrepreneur, I decided it is time for me to get back to crafting and doing random projects that give me a sense of accomplishment!  ;)  After sharing my plan with friends, many of them expressed interest in joining me!!  What better than hanging out with friends while doing crafts?!?  It takes me right back to the Craft Center at Bucknell!  ;)  Love that!

Since crafting and DIY projects bring me so much joy, we have decided to document them and include them as a part of our blog!  After all- the blog is meant to share the stories of our lives… and this is all part of the everyday Liz and Ryan!  ;)  Hopefully some of our DIY projects will spark your own creativity, or at least give you a good laugh when we share the bloopers and projects that may not have worked!  ;)

Be sure to check back in later this afternoon for my first full DIY Project!

Love Story: Dena and Kevin’s Old Mill Wedding

Love, Stories Documented, Wedding  //  17th September 2012

She stood inside a small room, out of sight of their guests as her father stood guard nearby. Soft tears began to form as her sister quickly tried to distract her.  Laugher followed but the tears quickly returned. Time moved slowly as the last few guests scurried to their seats. With each moment, the emotions become stronger, until at last, she whispered, “does this happen to all brides,” and laughter once again filled the air.  It was a perfect moment, and with a deep breath she was ready to walk down the aisle to her future husband.

The music changed and it was her turn to enter the church. As she approached, his face lit up with joy. Finally the moment had arrived in which he could call her his wife.  His smile was infectious and just a glimpse of it quickly turned the tears on her face into a bright smile full of love.  This moment was perfect, this moment they would be husband and wife.

Congratulations Dena and Kevin! Your wedding was beautiful and your reception was AMAZING! From the perfect venue to the candy apple favors, it was truly a night to remember! We hope you are enjoying your European adventures! We can’t wait to share the rest of your photos with you when you get back!

Thanks to all of the amazing vendors that help make Dena and Kevin’s night perfect!!!

Photographer: Liz and Ryan | Ceremony Venue: Saints Philip and James Parish | Reception Venue: The Old Mill | Invitations: Made by Jessa | Hair Stylist: Brooke Berner, Joseph Anthony Salon & Spa | Makeup Artist: Imelda Pajan, Ambiance Salon & Spa | Florist: Holly Battistoni | Caterer: Conner Catering | DJ: Dave Schaffer-Schaffer Sounds | Videographer: ShoFilms | Transportation: Cescaphe Trolley | Bride and Bridesmaids Attire: The Wedding Touch

Enjoy more of Dena and Kevin’s wedding photos in their slideshow below.

AMAZING Life Manifesto: Pay it Forward

Amazing Life Manifesto, Dreaming  //  17th September 2012

The other day we were at Spoons enjoying some coffee and brunch after beautiful wedding the day before. We were chatting about the wedding when I overheard a lady at the bar ask for another mimosa and explain that she was coming off a full 2 week period of being full time momma without a break. She went on to explain that life as a single parent is not always the easiest, but she has a beautiful young daughter to go home to that makes her incredibly happy.

It was at that moment that I turned to Ryan and again thanked God for the amazing blessings in our lives.A little while later, the same lady asked for her check. The waitress replied that the young woman sitting across from her at the bar had already taken care of her bill. A look of shock and amazement immediately filled her face. She was in disbelief and immediately asked how she could reach the young lady to say thank you.We had just witnessed an amazing example of Paying It Forward. A complete stranger took the time to listen and do just a little something to make her day just a little bit better!

A simple gesture, such as paying for someone else’s meal, offering to watch a friend’s kids to give the parents a night out, or carrying a box for someone who looks like they could use some help can go such a long way. For the lady in Spoons who was on the receiving end, it restored her “faith in humanity.” One simple gesture can do so much!

This week, it is our hope that you find a way to Pay It Forward. Go out of your way to do something nice for someone. Let us know how you bring a smile to a stranger’s face this week! We can’t wait to hear.

Love Story: Jennifer and Michael’s Linganore Winery Wedding

Love, Stories Documented, Wedding  //  14th September 2012

As she received the finishing touches to her makeup, a special delivery came to the room.    It was a little gray box with a perfect green bow attached.  The card spelled out Jennifer in Michael’s best handwriting!  ;)

As laughter filled the room and the ladies chatted about “girly things,” Jennifer held onto her special gift.  She held on tight just waiting for that special moment where she could take it all in and soak in the words that Michael had written to her.

As the tears rolled down her face everyone asked with excitement what was in the box.  She held it up with a big smile on her face.  “It’s a key.”  Jennifer explained that she always says she believes there is a key out there for every single person’s heart.  And she was lucky enough to find Michael, who held her key!

Jennifer and Michael rock our worlds!  Seriously, they made me cry during our initial consultation with them as they shared their AMAZING engagement story.  ;)  They live life passionately and when they are with each other it is literally like fireworks going off!  They are meant to be and we are certainly thankful that Michael held the key to Jennifer’s heart… and that they found each other!

Jennifer and Michael… THANK YOU for being YOU!  Thank you for your love and passion and for sharing that with us!  We love you guys and are so excited for your new lives together as Mr. and Mrs.!  CONGRATS!!

Huge thanks to everyone who helped make Jennifer and Michael’s day so great! A list of all the great vendors is below:

Wedding Photographer: Liz and Ryan | Wedding Planner: Simply Created Events | Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas & CardsandPockets.com | Hair Stylist: Lesa Ferris | Florist: Local Color Flowers | Ceremony and Reception Venue:  Linganore Winecellars & Berrywine Plantations | Officiant:  Cantor Rosalie Boxt | Caterer:  Fine Cuisine Catering | Bakery:  Classic Bakery | DJ:  Dave Holmes, Event Entertainment | Transportation:  On The Town Limousines | Bridal Salon:  Mori Lee from The Bridal Boutique | Bridemaid’s Attire:  Alfred Sung by Dessy from Macy’s Bridal Salon | Wedding Bands:  Lynn Jewelers and J. Arthur Loose | Other Fun Details (cake topper, signage, etc.): Morgan Hill Designs – Bragging Bags on Etsy

Enjoy more of Jennifer and Michael’s Wedding Love Story in the slideshow below:

 

Friday Favorites: Good Reads – Food and Wine Magazine

Celebrating the Everyday, Friday Favs  //  14th September 2012

Friday Favorites: Good Reads – Food and Wine Magazine.

We LOVE reading (or at least flipping through magazines and looking at the pictures). :)  I can still remember heading to the library multiple times per week when I was in elementary school to pick out a giant pile of books to read for the Lyter Summer Reader’s Contest. 20+ years later, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day to read as much as we wish.  When we do have a free moment, the first magazine we dig out of our overflowing magazine basket is always Food and Wine.  A magazine that combines some of our favorite things in its title is definitely a good read.  One of my favorite things to do is to find a new recipe in the magazine, head to our local farmers market or Whole Foods, and then whip up an amazing meal.  Checkout this post for the latest recipe we recently tried.  If you have followed our Instagram feed for any length of time, you have probably seen a few of the creations inspired by Food and Wine Magazine.  Plus, the layout and design is AMAZING!  Food and Wine Magazine was definitely one of our inspirations for our new site and brand. Download the latest issue today and get cooking!