Just a sweet reminder from one of my favorite blogs, Design Love Fest.
xoxo,
Alisha
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Saturday, February 22, 2014
The Proposal
And this just became a wedding blog...Ok, not officially, but it's about to get a whole lot more matrimonial up in here.
What? That's right... I know I haven't written a single post since early September, (embarrassing...) so if by some slight chance that there is a reader out there who has not previously discovered the news via social media...allow me to catch you up...
What? That's right... I know I haven't written a single post since early September, (embarrassing...) so if by some slight chance that there is a reader out there who has not previously discovered the news via social media...allow me to catch you up...
I AM ENGAGED, YA'LL! AND I CAN'T QUITE GET OFF OF CLOUD NINE.
It's been a few months - actually um... about 21 weeks - since that highly anticipated question was finally asked and a diamond ring was placed on my finger, and I am just now able to fully comprehend it. I have sat down and stared at the black keys on my laptop countless times since then trying to relive every detail of the engagement only to end up with a few confusing, jumbled sentences written by an extremely shocked and star-crossed bride to be.
Anyway, since it is a quiet Saturday morning at home and I am on my second cup of pumpkin spice coffee... I'm going to go ahead and give it yet another shot. So here it is, for all of you who have maybe only heard snippets of the story, or just want to read it from a just slightly less-jumbled and shrieking perspective, see below... Caution... it's kind of a long story. :)
September 23, 2013 was just like any other Monday except even worse... I remember I went to work in wet pants and a wet sweater because I had to pull them out of the dryer early in order to be on time, being crazy stressed all day at work because my schedule was totally packed PLUS I was fighting with a zit that just would not quit... but it was still a good day because I was looking forward to Bryon and I's (Me and Bryon's?, Our? Whatever...) anniversary date that evening. We were celebrating eight years since the day that he asked 14 year old me out on the soccer field and our story began. I knew that Bryon had a nice picnic date planned for that evening, and that he had found the 'perfect spot' to watch the sunset so I couldn't wait! Plus, the weather was gorgeous that day. As I told friends and family members of our plans for that evening, I got a couple of the "Is he going to do it?? Is he going to propose??" questions and answered them with an abrupt "No! Please. Don't get my hopes up, that is NOT going to happen." And I seriously had no doubt in my mind that I would be incorrect. (Let the record show it was my sister Jessica, and my co-worker Candice that totally called it.) Moving on... :)
So at the end of the day Bryon picked me up from my office after picking up some Joe's Inn takeout for us to eat on our picnic. Baked spaghetti, salads, bread... (and oh my GAHHHH they have the best bread...) and we spent our drive into the city in my Jetta just like we always would on a perfectly sunny 70 degree September day - with the windows down and the sunroof open and the music loud. In hindsight, I definitely didn't notice anything weird about Bryon in the car on the way there. If we had been talking and not singing along to the music playing I may have noticed... he was probably pretty grateful for the noise.
We arrived at our destination which was down in the Rocketts Landing area, and Bryon explained that he really wanted to take me to the Boathouse but he didn't have enough money, so he found this free picnic spot right next to it instead... and it was perfect! It was on a hill in front of the river with a clear view of the Richmond skyline, and the sun would set right in front of us...
So at the end of the day Bryon picked me up from my office after picking up some Joe's Inn takeout for us to eat on our picnic. Baked spaghetti, salads, bread... (and oh my GAHHHH they have the best bread...) and we spent our drive into the city in my Jetta just like we always would on a perfectly sunny 70 degree September day - with the windows down and the sunroof open and the music loud. In hindsight, I definitely didn't notice anything weird about Bryon in the car on the way there. If we had been talking and not singing along to the music playing I may have noticed... he was probably pretty grateful for the noise.
We arrived at our destination which was down in the Rocketts Landing area, and Bryon explained that he really wanted to take me to the Boathouse but he didn't have enough money, so he found this free picnic spot right next to it instead... and it was perfect! It was on a hill in front of the river with a clear view of the Richmond skyline, and the sun would set right in front of us...
We sat and talked for a few minutes, and ate our food. And that's when things started to get weird. First of all, Bryon wouldn't touch his spaghetti. And if you know him at all, you know the man can throw down some Italian. So I immediately wondered asked him what his problem was. Also, he kept looking back to where we parked since it was at an apartment building he was completely fixated on the possibility that my car would get towed. So between acting nervous about that and not eating, it was weird. And me, being myself, joked with him "Why are you acting so nervous, what are you gonna do? Propose?" ... (haha.. ) to which he responded, "Oh, that's cute!" and I went on eating and thinking nothing of it. After we finished eating I gave him a card I had made and written a long letter to him inside about our relationship and how thankful I am for him in my life... etc... to which he responded "thanks, babe." And then I asked him if he had anything for me and he said "No, not really..." The man knows how to irk me.
Bryon, still extremely paranoid about the parking situation, finally saw a security guard walking near our car so he ran back to ask him if it was ok to park there. Which left me alone and annoyed in direct sunlight, so, naturally I snapped a selfie...
Bryon, still extremely paranoid about the parking situation, finally saw a security guard walking near our car so he ran back to ask him if it was ok to park there. Which left me alone and annoyed in direct sunlight, so, naturally I snapped a selfie...
When he came back around the corner he asked me to stand up for a second... "No, I'm fine right here." Of course I was being difficult... "Babe, please just stand up and give me a hug?" he said. "Can't you hug me sitting down? I'm comfortable." (Hahah I crack myself up). Finally he said "Alisha! Stand up!" And since he broke out the first name, it seemed serious, so I did.
Bryon put his arms around me and we just stood there for a moment. He pulled back a little and looked into my eyes. "Babe, I just want you to know how much you mean to me, I love you, I am so thankful for you. Thank you for putting up with me through everything, and never giving up on me, no matter what. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
As I write these words down for the first time 21 weeks later... I am crying. But at this moment, I still didn't know what was about to happen. We say these things to each other all the time, it was just like any other, right?
Then it happened. He got down on one knee.
It wasn't to tie his shoe.
He pulled out a ring that sparkled in the sunlight. And it was REAL.
I can't even describe to you the complete and udder shock and surprise and rush of emotions I felt as tears just started pouring out and all I could do was yell "HOLY...???! WHAT???! ARE YOU SEEEEERIOUS???!" I couldn't make my words work... I was a mess. He went to put the ring on my right hand which was completely adorable. "It's the other hand, babe." "Oh, right..."
He said, "So... is that a yes?!" and I yelled "YES!" before tackling him to the ground because I'm completely ridiculous and forgot about the extremely steep hill we were on. I also forgot to mention that there were people watching from above on their apartment balconies. The whole moment was pretty hilarious, actually. And wonderful, and beautiful, and perfect.
Afterwards we just kind of sat in amazement and happiness, watching the sun set on a perfect day that had been so highly anticipated. A day that I had longed for, prayed for. Taking some photos in order to capture this moment as best we could. Those moments afterward felt so right and so calm. So much peace. We were both stunned at what had just finally come to be after so many years of planning and waiting. Some of you would say "Finally." And that's what I thought at first. But the timing was perfect. It was God's timing. Not ours. And his timing is perfect.
I think the most blessed and loved that Bryon and I have both ever felt in our entire lives came in the moments after this. We sat for a little while, and then took a walk by the docks, figuring out who to tell the news to first. I asked him who knew this was happening. He rattled off the names of my parents, a pretty large handful of friends who were pretty dang great at keeping secrets, some people at Bryon's work that day that had accidentally seen him pull the ring out of his pocket earlier.
Bryon had met with my parents the week before and officially asked them for their blessing, and they gave it. I cannot tell you how important that was to me. To know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were 100% behind us on this meant the world to me. I am so blessed by that. I can't imagine taking this step without their support.
I decided to call my dad first, since he knew it was happening. My eyes had been dry for about 30 minutes until then... bawled like a baby on that phone call, and so did he. Then I face-timed my sister, who had no idea this was coming, and she started to cry. Then I called my best friend, Christina, who knew this was happening and was already on her way back to Richmond from William & Mary just for one night so she could come celebrate with me.
It started getting darker and so we went back to the car, we decided to go ahead and share our news with the world. It's ridiculous how much fun we had with this... We each went ahead and announced our engagement on instagram, twitter, and facebook and immediately were flooded with texts, calls, comments - so much love and support from everyone we have known over the past 8 years. It all meant so much to us. It was so wonderful to get everyone's support like that! We didn't even realize that we sat in the car for over an hour just reading and talking and responding to everyone.
Eventually we made our way back home where my parents, and Jessica and Christina were waiting to celebrate with us. We almost forgot that Bryon had left his car at my office so we went back to get it and then had to drive separately for 30 minutes! Which at first was a little upsetting - but I spent that 30 minutes praising God and worshipping him in my car for what had just happened. I am so grateful, so blessed, so in love. SO ENGAGED.
I had wanted this for so long. And here we are. I am going to marry the one whom my soul loves. My best friend, my fiancé. The one that God has been preparing me for, and the one who he's been preparing for me. There were times I thought this would never happen. But I prayed, and prayed. I waited. Like I said earlier, this was His perfect timing. There is nothing better.
And on September 28, 2014. We're getting married. :)
Bryon put his arms around me and we just stood there for a moment. He pulled back a little and looked into my eyes. "Babe, I just want you to know how much you mean to me, I love you, I am so thankful for you. Thank you for putting up with me through everything, and never giving up on me, no matter what. You're the best thing that ever happened to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
As I write these words down for the first time 21 weeks later... I am crying. But at this moment, I still didn't know what was about to happen. We say these things to each other all the time, it was just like any other, right?
Then it happened. He got down on one knee.
It wasn't to tie his shoe.
He pulled out a ring that sparkled in the sunlight. And it was REAL.
"Alisha Renee Broman, will you marry me?"
I can't even describe to you the complete and udder shock and surprise and rush of emotions I felt as tears just started pouring out and all I could do was yell "HOLY...???! WHAT???! ARE YOU SEEEEERIOUS???!" I couldn't make my words work... I was a mess. He went to put the ring on my right hand which was completely adorable. "It's the other hand, babe." "Oh, right..."
He said, "So... is that a yes?!" and I yelled "YES!" before tackling him to the ground because I'm completely ridiculous and forgot about the extremely steep hill we were on. I also forgot to mention that there were people watching from above on their apartment balconies. The whole moment was pretty hilarious, actually. And wonderful, and beautiful, and perfect.
I think the most blessed and loved that Bryon and I have both ever felt in our entire lives came in the moments after this. We sat for a little while, and then took a walk by the docks, figuring out who to tell the news to first. I asked him who knew this was happening. He rattled off the names of my parents, a pretty large handful of friends who were pretty dang great at keeping secrets, some people at Bryon's work that day that had accidentally seen him pull the ring out of his pocket earlier.
Bryon had met with my parents the week before and officially asked them for their blessing, and they gave it. I cannot tell you how important that was to me. To know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were 100% behind us on this meant the world to me. I am so blessed by that. I can't imagine taking this step without their support.
I decided to call my dad first, since he knew it was happening. My eyes had been dry for about 30 minutes until then... bawled like a baby on that phone call, and so did he. Then I face-timed my sister, who had no idea this was coming, and she started to cry. Then I called my best friend, Christina, who knew this was happening and was already on her way back to Richmond from William & Mary just for one night so she could come celebrate with me.
It started getting darker and so we went back to the car, we decided to go ahead and share our news with the world. It's ridiculous how much fun we had with this... We each went ahead and announced our engagement on instagram, twitter, and facebook and immediately were flooded with texts, calls, comments - so much love and support from everyone we have known over the past 8 years. It all meant so much to us. It was so wonderful to get everyone's support like that! We didn't even realize that we sat in the car for over an hour just reading and talking and responding to everyone.
Eventually we made our way back home where my parents, and Jessica and Christina were waiting to celebrate with us. We almost forgot that Bryon had left his car at my office so we went back to get it and then had to drive separately for 30 minutes! Which at first was a little upsetting - but I spent that 30 minutes praising God and worshipping him in my car for what had just happened. I am so grateful, so blessed, so in love. SO ENGAGED.
I had wanted this for so long. And here we are. I am going to marry the one whom my soul loves. My best friend, my fiancé. The one that God has been preparing me for, and the one who he's been preparing for me. There were times I thought this would never happen. But I prayed, and prayed. I waited. Like I said earlier, this was His perfect timing. There is nothing better.
And on September 28, 2014. We're getting married. :)
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Beauty Bits : Lip & Fragrance
Happy Wednesday, all! I figured I would share some (just a few, now) of my favorite products of the moment. Two categories: Lip and Fragrance. These little 'finishing touches' make a world of difference. Though I have always looked at lipstick as a luxury for special occasions, I have always been the kind of gal who never leaves the house without wearing perfume. Yes, even at the gym.
Lips:
These Party Proof Lipsticks by Model Co are quickly changing the way I do lipstick! I find myself wearing one of these shades almost every day, and they are so versatile! For a night out I like the bright, pink, 'poppy' shade. But for daytime, I dab on a little bit of the mauve-like 'kitty' color on top of some balm for a softer look.
I always go back to my C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve, especially in the winter when my lips get especially dry. Extra tip: I also use this salve on my elbows and it softens and moisturizes them better than any lotion I have found!
As far as glosses, I am simple. I like whatever smells nice and isn't sticky. My Benefit gloss and Plumping Lip Infatuation are two of the best!
Clockwise from bottom left: C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve // Model Co Party Proof lipstick set in 'classic' // Party Proof lipstick in 'kitty' // Benefit lip gloss in 'Sugarbomb' // LipFusion Infatuation in 'La Lip Jolie'
Fragrance:
Maybe when I'm older, I will decide on a signature scent to adapt to, but until then, there are just too many lovely scents to choose from! As long as it is in my signature to smell amazing, that's good enough for me! I like these sweet scents on their own, but I also love that they mix well with others. I have always worn at least two scents at a time, just to be unique, and difficult... :)
Right now Prada Candy is my absolute favorite fragrance, but I am also recently addicted to Bath & Body Works' new Amber Blush. Glad I don't have to pick just one!
What are your favorite lip products and perfumes?!
xoxo,
Alisha
Friday, August 30, 2013
The List : Wardrobe Cravings
Happy Friday, Ya'll!
I am so excited for this three day weekend and while I'll be trying to resist, there is a chance I will be doing a little shopping to add to my fall wardrobe... :)
Here are some items that are absolutely on my want NEED list for fall!
(Sources : Clockwise from top left)
1. Bare Minerals "Ready" in Top Shelf - This is my absolute favorite eye shadow, and I wear it year round, but in the fall and winter I love to play up the darker shade. As a plus, it totally makes blue and green eyes pop!
2. I have been craving a big, drapey, geometrical/tribal print sweater like this one in the middle photo, (I also love how it's paired with a graphic tee and funky jewelry!) I am still on the lookout for the perfect one so let me know if you find it first!
3. Essie's "Carry On" - I love wearing dark colors on my nails, and this is one of my go-to shades for fall. The deep berry/burgundy acts as a neutral in my fall wardrobe and really ties everything together.
4. Stella & Dot "Madison Tech Bag" - I placed my order for this gorgeous tote earlier this week and I am anxiously waiting for it to appear on my front porch! Something tells me I will carry this little lovely all season long.
5. Steve Madden "Creation" Boots - Probably the next purchase I make will be these tall black boots, or something like them. I used to be more of a brown leather type of gal but recently I've gone over to the dark side a little bit and I need these boots to match all of my black! ;)
6. H&M Sweater - Big, slouchy, cozy sweaters are pretty much what I live in for the colder months. The best ones are those long enough to wear with leggings. I'll most likely be stocking up on these soon!
7. Stella & Dot "Kahlo" Necklace - This necklace is killing me with it's gorgeousness. At some point I know I will break down and make the purchase. The mixed-metall-y-ness of it all is calling my name. I love wearing pretty statements with my slouchy sweaters in the fall. The juxtaposition of textures... so wonderful!
What is on your fall 'must have' list?!
xoxo,
Alisha
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Color Inspiration : Cool Mint & Blush
Back when I was blogging over at The Bride's Cafe, I did a lot of inspiration boards with different color palettes. This one, Cool Mint & Blush, is one of my favorites! Thought I'd share it with you on this rainy Thursday! Enjoy!
xoxo,
Alisha
*Head over to the original post on The Bride's Cafe for photo sources and other info*
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Recipe Roundup
I was working on a much more chic and pretty blog post... but literally all I can think about today is FOOD! Maybe it's the idea of cooler weather on the horizon but I have been in such a cooking/baking mood recently! I decided to share with you some of the recipes I am itching to try in the next few weeks. I will post on here how it goes once I try them! :) Happy Humpday!
*Disclaimer... Reading of this post may cause you to gain a few pounds... also, I'm a HUGE fan of unhealthy ways to eat fruits and vegetables, you'll notice.
1. These Cheesy "Garlic Bread" Tomatoes! Recipe via Savoring the Thyme - These look so amazing for a chilly evening. I lovvve tomatoes, and really, this is a healthier alternative to garlic bread. Although, pretty sure I could eat 10 slices.
*Disclaimer... Reading of this post may cause you to gain a few pounds... also, I'm a HUGE fan of unhealthy ways to eat fruits and vegetables, you'll notice.
1. These Cheesy "Garlic Bread" Tomatoes! Recipe via Savoring the Thyme - These look so amazing for a chilly evening. I lovvve tomatoes, and really, this is a healthier alternative to garlic bread. Although, pretty sure I could eat 10 slices.
2. Baked "Fried" Pickles with Cilantro Garlic Ranch! Recipes via The Vanilla Tulip - Ya'll, I am in such a fried pickle obsession phase... Favorite food of all time. Can't wait to make my own!
 |
| My Love for fried pickles cannot be quenched... I can't wait to try these! |
3. Chicken Gyros! Recipe via Tide & Thyme - These look amazing and I love the idea of making them at home with chicken instead of traditional lamb... seems much more attainable for someone like me who is very 'not greek'. :)
 |
| Always a sucker for any Greek food, I need these in my life. |
4. Orange Poppy Seed Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting! Recipe via Megann's Kitchen
...Stop it... so yummy.
5. Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars! Recipe via Cupcakes OMG! - Yeah, I have a problem.
 |
| Yeeeeahhh... might have to go ahead and make these. |
xoxo,
Alisha
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
5 Really Good Reasons to Embrace Fall!
It is not quite September yet, but I am settling in to my favorite season early this year! Here are a few reasons why I have Fall fever, and you should too! :)
1. Beauty. I live in Richmond, Virginia and we pride ourselves on being centrally located between the beach and the mountains. This is the time of year you need to drive up to Charlottesville and see the best of the best of Virginia fall. Carter Mountain is a must for apple picking... hot apple cider... apple cider donuts... breathtaking scenery... I can hardly wait!
2. Leather... AND Scarves and Sweaters and Boots, OH MY! I LOVE fall fashion. Especially early fall when you can wear a few layers and look ultra-chic but don't quite need to bundle up just yet... but I am especially excited to break out my leather jackets again! Woop! Lots of black. Lots of studs. A little bit Fonz. (PS. It's totally ok to mix brown & black now, so don't miss out on that!)
3. Hot cocoa. Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Salted Caramel Mochas. Even though the August heat is still upon us, I've gone ahead and traded in my iced hazelnut coffee for comfy, cozy, curl-up-in-front-of-the-fire-with-a-good-book type drinks. Ahhh. *Attention Starbucks junkies, Pumpkin Spice comes back next week! Yippee!
4. NEW GIRL comes back! AND all the other good shows! But this one is my mostest... bestest favoritist...ist. :) I'm a major advocate of Nick & Jess. But I have also been missing my weekly dose of Schmidt & Winston, I mean, who's with me?!
5. FINALLY. Closing Day is October 24th! (57 days away, ya'll! Hello home stretch!) It's been such an exciting experience watching our new home be built! We are so excited, we all keep driving by it every day to see the progress. The pic below is from Sunday, Mom and Dad eye-ing their new home, they weren't even posing, they're just cute. :)
1. Beauty. I live in Richmond, Virginia and we pride ourselves on being centrally located between the beach and the mountains. This is the time of year you need to drive up to Charlottesville and see the best of the best of Virginia fall. Carter Mountain is a must for apple picking... hot apple cider... apple cider donuts... breathtaking scenery... I can hardly wait!
2. Leather... AND Scarves and Sweaters and Boots, OH MY! I LOVE fall fashion. Especially early fall when you can wear a few layers and look ultra-chic but don't quite need to bundle up just yet... but I am especially excited to break out my leather jackets again! Woop! Lots of black. Lots of studs. A little bit Fonz. (PS. It's totally ok to mix brown & black now, so don't miss out on that!)
3. Hot cocoa. Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Salted Caramel Mochas. Even though the August heat is still upon us, I've gone ahead and traded in my iced hazelnut coffee for comfy, cozy, curl-up-in-front-of-the-fire-with-a-good-book type drinks. Ahhh. *Attention Starbucks junkies, Pumpkin Spice comes back next week! Yippee!
4. NEW GIRL comes back! AND all the other good shows! But this one is my mostest... bestest favoritist...ist. :) I'm a major advocate of Nick & Jess. But I have also been missing my weekly dose of Schmidt & Winston, I mean, who's with me?!
5. FINALLY. Closing Day is October 24th! (57 days away, ya'll! Hello home stretch!) It's been such an exciting experience watching our new home be built! We are so excited, we all keep driving by it every day to see the progress. The pic below is from Sunday, Mom and Dad eye-ing their new home, they weren't even posing, they're just cute. :)
I wanna know, what's your favorite season? And what do you look forward to most about it?!
xoxo,
Alisha
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