Oh my stars y’all!!!  2013 has finally come to a close. I don’t know where to begin!!  It has been one Heck of a year! If you would’ve asked me what 2013 had in store last year on New Years Eve I would have told you, “I have no idea.”  Literally! I was scared to death!

In December of 2012 I made the decision to pursue my dreams–  I knew that whatever I wanted to happen or dreamed of happening wasn’t going to happen without bathing my dreams and goals in prayer. So, after lots of prayer and multiple conversations with my parents, I quit my full time job at Kim Box Photography,  took a leap of faith and jumped in to Evan & Co. full time. Looking back on that decision I wouldn’t  have changed a thing. I’m so blessed that the Lord has allowed me to do something I’m passionate about and love so much! I can’t put into words how thankful I am for all the experiences, clients and opportunities that were put in front of me in 2013. It really has been the best year of my life.

The quote from Walt Disney is ALL ME. Just ask my family and friends. It’s the perfect representation of 2013.

Ok, you’ve been warned… this post is full of iPhone Pictures (the best camera is always the one you carry with you) and lots of pretty pictures from professionals. Don’t mind the mix!

I started 2013 out right– a ski trip with some of my closest friends. We loaded up the van and headed to West Virginia. I’m not a cold weather fun, but everything is better when you’re with friends, right? 

As if one ski trip wasn’t enough, I hopped on a plane and headed to Colorado for 2 weeks after I arrived back from WV. I LOVE it there. Good food and lots of laughs.

Late January Aubrie, Kim and I  held the 2nd Annual Souther Bridal Faire. It was Bigger and Better than the previous year. We had over 500 folks come through the doors and over 200 Brides. Never did we think it would be what it is today. Aubrie and I took the stage to welcome the guest and open the show. I LOVE this shot, “I forget to take my gum out”.

I set up my first EVER bridal show booth. I think it turned out pretty good. Aren’t those calligraphy place cards FANTASTIC?? Poppy Pedals help take my booth to the next level. Of course everything was Yellow! It’s my FAVORITE color! Photos By: Nikki P

This might have been my BIGGEST moment of 2013– I picked up the keys to my 2,220 square ft office. I felt like a grownup.

Thankfully I was in my new office just in time to prep for Paul and Stephanie’s wedding. Her bouquet is (I think) my most FAVORITE I’ve created yet. I just LOVE all the bright colors– they pop so well. Photos By: Josh Moates | Kim Box Photography 

Next up is weekend I’ll NEVER forget. We had 3 weddings. Yes, I said 3!! I thought Sharon (my assistant) was going to kill me We’ve never worked harder. To this day I don’t know why I agreed to it, but I did and We rocked it out!

First on that weekend’s agenda, Ashley and Meghan’s beautiful Friday nuptials. Isn’t she stunning. Her and her family were beyond precious. Such sweet, sweet people and I couldn’t have been more excited to be a part of their day! Photo By: Josh Moates | Kim Box Photography

My cousin Tyler said I do to his beautiful Bride Penni that weekend too. I LOVED her color combo.So beautiful– lovely shades of purple and pinks. Photo By: Brooke Glassford | Colorbox Photography 

Lastly we rounded out our busy weekend with a stunning wedding in Selma, Alabama for Peyton and Andy. I just LOVE her. Her wedding was inspired by an antique Wedgwood Box. I’ll be sharing her photos on the blog very soon! Their 1 year anniversary is approaching. Photo by Josh Moates | Kim Box Photography

One of my most FAVORITE things as a planner and event designer is getting to show the Bride and Groom their reception space before all of the guest arrive. I just love this photo. It’s framed sitting on my book case at the office.

I styled 2 shoots for the Wedding Edition of RSVP Magazine. 1st up, a feature on honeymoon attire. The call time for this shoot was killer but the private Jet, Prada Sunglasses and Louboutin shoes totally made up for it!

Also in that same issue of RSVP Magazine my friend Rae and I pulled together this FABULOUS Nautical inspired shoot for a special feature. Isn’t that  J.Crew gown perfection? Gets me every time! Photos By: Aubrie Lemon 

I attended a charity event with the Bill and Giuliana Rancic. I gave her some hair care tips. 😉 I look back at these photos and think, what was I wearing?

Kimberly and Davis said I-Do in April and her bouquet might be close 2nd for “Favorite bouquet” I’ve created. Isn’t it beautiful? I LOVE that color combo, shades of red, burnt oranges and ivory. Photos By: Faith Burkett | Kim Box Photography 

We had kind of a lull during the month of May but picked right back up in June with Katie and Joe’s beautiful wedding at The Oaks Plantation. I die every time I Look at these images. They are stunning. That butter-y sunlight couldn’t be more gorgeous! Photo By: Josh Moates | Kim Box Photography

June was the a busy month. We knocked out a few weddings and hopped on a plane to Austria. MOST.BEAUTIFUL.PLACE.EVER. I wrote a full post about our trip here. Check it out! 

August started with a trip to Orlando for National Fine Arts Festival. While there I had the opportunity to meet one of my Favorite Authors, Mark Batterson. If you haven’t read any of his books do yourself a favor and go pick a few up. I posted a recent review on The Circle Maker here and also his newest book, All In here. While in Orlando, I was honored to receive a national award of merit for photograph I shot while in Guatemala. We even took a field trip to Universal Studios and Island of Adventures. I think I rode the Hulk like 10 times. LOVE that ride. 

My sweet friend over at Hannah Akers Photography enlisted my help to throw a Bridal Shower for her friend Kayleigh. The details were PERFECT. I am obsessed with that floral cake topper and those strawberry baskets we used for the table arrangements. Photo By: Hannah Akers Photography

August was a busy, busy month for us. We rounded out the month with 2 weddings. First up, Marcus and Jasmine. I don’t think I could have met anyone sweeter. I wish I had a recording of the phone call between her mother and I after the wedding– So Sweet. It was a pure joy to be a part of their wedding. I can’t wait to update our site with some of their gorgeous photos. Photos By: K. Bryant Images  

No only did we get to be a part of Kayleigh’s Bridal Shower, We were a part of the wedding too. She was as sweet as they come. Despite the rain and No Chicken Fingers, her day was PERFECT! Photos By: Hannah Akers Photography 

September was full speed ahead with 4 HUGE Weddings. My good friend Nick said I-Do to his beautiful bride Elizabeth on a Hot (Like 100 degrees hot) September Saturday afternoon. I just recently posted about their wedding here. Photos By: Josh Moates | Kim Box Photography

Hevan and Jarrod were up next. It poured and poured rain on the weekend of their Big Day, but I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding and go with the flow bride. She still texts me randomly and tells me how perfect everything was and that she misses her flowers. Photos By: Kim Box | Kim Box Photography

Lastly, Alexandra and Ron’s beautiful wedding at Anderson Gail Farms. I LOVED this focal arrangement the most. Why? Because we had something else in mind, but our container broke on the way up, so we had to improvise. It came out 10x better than what I imaged. Photo By: Blue Moon Studios 

October, a month I had been waiting for. We’ve been planning #thechapelmarket for so long and it was finally here. You can read my full post about The Chapel Market here.

My graphic designer Amanda finally walked down the aisle. You can see a FULL post from her and Tj’s Big Day here. Photo By: Nick Drollette Michael and Elyse’s wedding was picture perfect. Jonathan Kohn captured it beautifully. I don’t want to give away to much, there’s a post coming on Thursday! Get Ready! It’s a stunner! 😉 April and Corey’s November wedding was totally them 100%. I can’t wait to show off all of the reception photos. The Bride is an avid reader and we incorporated TONS of old vintage books into her table centerpieces. It turned out just lovely and I would be silly if I didn’t mention that bouquet. So happy with the way it turned out too. Aren’t those roses beautiful? Photos By: Shae Owens Photography 

My family and I took a quick trip to Gatlinburg, TN  for Thanksgiving. So much fun just to get away from the hustle and bustle of work. Despite the faint cell phone service and tiny bed, I made it! Aren’t those iPhone pictures the best? 😉  I think the BIGGEST honor of 2013 was when I received a phone call about decorating the Governor’s Mansion. I still can’t believe it happened. I posted the entire run down here. Not only was I asked to decorate the Mansion, I also decorated the State Capital. So FUN!! Such a HUGE honor! It’s been 2 years since I met this sweet family and 2013 was the year we kicked our friendship into high gear! So FUN!!  They asked me to snap their picture for their Christmas Cards and of course I couldn’t say no. I wrote an entire post dedicated to #thegodwingang here. They were also kind enough to let me into their home and decorate it for the holidays. So happy they LOVED it. If you missed the complete run down on our holiday mantle post, be sure to check it out here Photo By: Nick Drollette   So excited to be a part of Chris and Michelle’s big day! She wanted everything pretty neutral and romantic. I LOVE how her bouquet turned out. It fit with everything so well. Photo by: Nick Drollette 

Finally we ended the year with Patrick and Kim. Their Saturday evening December wedding was just lovely. No amount of rain could stop us! I am dying over her Christmas-y bouquet. Oh and let’s talk about her dress… that woven pattern is perfection. She rocked it! Photos by: Brian Moats 

We had to get one last Christmas Craft in before the holiday break, so Layla invited me over for an afternoon of crafting. We had a blast! It’s always a treat when I’m with her. She wrote about it over on her blog. Check it out! If you haven’t heard of her, She’s FABULOUS! Subscribe to her blog, NOW!  I finally got around to mailing my Christmas Cards. After I dropped them off at the post office I went officially went on “vacation”. My family and I had a wonderful Christmas. It’s been a tradition for years… We go to the Movies on Christmas afternoon. This year we saw Saving Mr. Banks. It was STELLAR. Emma Thompson was a pure genius. Oh and the best part about Christmas… I even got a few things off of my Wishlist— My Mom did good! Oh and Lindsey too. Her and Baby J gifted me the book I wanted.

We ended 2013 with one last celebration…I couldn’t imagine spending New Years Eve with anyone else. We’ve been doing it for years, why stop now? My sister even came down to surprise Hannah. It wouldn’t have been the same without her.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! You guys have made this year what it has been. My heart is so happy and full and wouldn’t wanted 2013 to be any other way. We’re ready to tackle 2014. It’s going to be a wild ride! HOLD ON! 😉