Manda is getting married!

This blonde bombshell is getting married tomorrow!!

Both Amanda and her hubs-to-be Jared were two of my very first friends in college at Georgia Southern. We've spent a lot of time together throughout the years, and I am so excited to be a part of their very big day. Amanda and her family have spent the last few months putting tons of personal details into the wedding which will be held on her family's property. Her amazingly talented older sister even designed and created the invitation suite, and will be doing all of the flowers!

Best wishes for the soon to be Mrs.; I hope you love being married as much as I do! Can't wait to experience this beautiful {although scorching!} weekend with one of my very best friends.

Pretty & Pink Party

This past Saturday, my bridesmaids hosted a bridal shower for me in Statesboro. The best part? It was held at the Phi Mu house! It was so meaningful to have such a special event held at a place full of memories and meaning in my life. Plus, it's beautiful and pink inside and out which only added to the fun!



My maid and matron of honor prepped all the food and decor, which included a naked cake, my favorite lemon squares and deviled eggs, and other goodies.

Kirstie, my Maid of Honor, made a lot of the decorations using her sister's vinyl cutter, including this "Future Mrs. McAfee" pin that I wore! She spray painted cute frames from the dollar store to display a few of my favorite love quotes and important dates throughout the room. She also used the vinyl to make the countdown to "I Do" frame, to monogram the acrylic recipe box, and customize the "Bride" tea cup with the shower date.

The picture above in the gold frame is actually the first picture Christopher and I ever took together! It was the night of Phi Mu formal, and we took pictures in the cotton field across the street from my neighborhood. 

Publix petit fours are my mother's and my favorite treat! My Matron of Honor, Niki, picked up a tray decorated with pink flowers for the afternoon's spread. It was the perfect touch! 

Outfit Details: Dress | Earrings | Bracelet | Pumps

My mother and mother-in-law; both sweet enough to make the trip to Statesboro for the shower! So glad to have both of these women in my life. 

My lovely bridesmaid hostesses...I think we have a pretty strong Lilly following between us...

I apparently don't know how to cut a cake. Glad I have 40 or so days to figure it out! Kirstie planned one bridal shower game for me after we enjoyed our snacks. She had asked Christopher a variety of questions and gotten his answers, and then asked me to answer the same questions. For every answer I got wrong, I had to put a piece of bubble gum in my mouth. I got a bunch wrong, and ended up with a mouth full of strawberry gum--so much so, that I could barely breathe! Needless to say, I am not very good with questionnaires at showers!

Christopher and I were given so many beautiful gifts Saturday, and we're so blessed. But I am mostly so thankful for the time everyone has taken out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me and spend time together. It's made this whole experience so meaningful. 

Busy weeks are ahead: Easter this weekend, bachelorette bash the next, and our final shower the weekend after that. I can't believe how fast things have gone! Oh, and Happy Spring!

P.S. If you have any yummy "newlywed recipes" to share, please leave them in the comments below so I can add them to my fancy monogram recipe box! 

Phi Mu Forever

I joined Phi Mu Fraternity in the fall of 2010. I went through recruitment the week before starting my freshman year at Georgia Southern University and never looked back. Participating in recruitment wasn't even really a thought for me, it was something I knew I would do. My mother had been in a local sorority in college which eventually became the first Panhellenic chapter on Kennesaw State University's campus...a Phi Mu chapter, too. I knew that the organization provided her a home, a place to belong, and I grew up seeing her relationship with true, lifelong friends. There was no doubt that I wanted that, too.

Phi Mu brought me not only lifelong friends, sisters, and bridesmaids, but opportunities in the workforce and socially as an adult. I am an active member in our local alum chapter, and serve as the Financial Advisor to the Georgia Southern Phi Mu chapter, Kappa Mu, as well as the treasurer for the Kappa Mu House Corporation. When they say that Phi Mu is forever, it's totally true.

This Tuesday, the local chapter hosted a Founders' Day ceremony and dinner and invited the alumni chapter. It's one of my favorite events each year because I love seeing all the girls in their pink, and it's a good excuse for me to wear it too...not that I ever need an excuse!

The alumni chapter is made up of a great group of ladies from all walks of life. I love hearing their stories about how Phi Mu used to be, here and at the other schools they attended. It's like having my own grown up pledge class!

And of course, it's a convenient way to schedule the weekly dinner{s} with the bestie, too...