Our First Wedding Anniversary
On December 29th, my husband and I will be celebrating our first wedding Anniversary. We had a large church wedding with over 180 people. Of course, some things went wrong, and there was some wedding stress, but once a saw my husband during our first look, everything melted away.
Getting Ready…
My bridesmaids and I started the day early for hair and makeup in our matching button downs. When the photographer arrived, she took some beautiful detail shots and captured us together popping champaign. My favorite part of getting ready was when my dog Lupo arrived with his handler.
First Look…
Patrick and I had our first look with the Baltimore Inner Harbor as our backdrop. Once I saw Patrick, every bit of stressed melted away and I was excited to get photos with our dog as a family. We also got most of our wedding party shots. The weather was unseasonably warm and the sky and water made every photo look dreamy.
Ceremony…
We got married at the church I grew up attending. I always wanted to get married there when it was decorated for Christmas. Our family friends sang, and my Man of Honor played the Wedding March from The Sound of Music when I walked down the aisle. The entire ceremony I felt humbled by all the people that were there to support us.
Reception…
We held our reception at Haven Street Ballroom in Baltimore. We needed a venue that would fit our guest count (we invited a little over 200 people) but also fit into our budget. Haven Street allowed you to use any caterer and bring your own alcohol. A lot of venues make you use a specific caterer which due to the lack of competition can be expensive. Our main goal was that everyone was on the dance floor, and no one left hungry.
To make sure everyone was out on the dance floor we took dance lessons and did a fun choreographed dance. We started out dancing to “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman and then started dancing to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon (we went to a Walk the Moon concert for our first date). Halfway through we invited everyone to join us on the dance floor. From that point on the dance floor was packed the entire night.
To make sure everyone had plenty to eat, we did food stations so the food was served hot and everyone had a lot of options. We also had donuts served throughout the evening and served snowballs and pizza at our after party.
Favorite Moments…
Our Wedding was so much fun. I love how our guests continue to tell me how much fun they had. Patrick and I were on cloud nine after everything was over. Some of my favorite moments included seeing our dog Lupo, getting a royal wedding inspired picture with the kids in our wedding, group photos, and being in our own world on the dance floor.
Meet My Dogs
I have two dogs who I love more than anything, Lupo and Remy. Lupo is a 3 year old rescue chocolate lab and Remy is a 6 month old mini goldendoodle. Both come with their own personalities and at times challenges. However, I wouldn’t trade either of them for anything.
Lupo…
Lupo is a COVID puppy. Our 6-year-old beagle had recently passed away and we just couldn’t take the silence anymore. So, we went to an event for our local animal shelter, The Humane Rescue Alliance. Lupo was the first dog we saw, and our hearts were stolen. He was a 4-month-old at the time. Since them he has grown to an 80lb couch hog who we can’t get enough of.
The decision to get a second dog…
After we got married last December, we decided we wanted to get a second dog. It is something we always wanted so we went for it. We decided not to rescue again because Lupo struggles with anxiety (I know, but yes dogs have anxiety) and another rescue with anxiety might make things worse for him. So, I scoured the internet to find a reputable breeder. I found Bella Doodles in Georgia. They had a red mini golden doodle available named Cowboy (from the Taylor Swift Litter). When I called the breeder and told her about Lupo she was shore little Cowboy would be the perfect little brother. We brought Cowboy home and named him Remy. Now we have two dogs at home, and they wrestle all day long.
Two dogs are double the work (thank you to my husband who is the primary walker) but we love them both and wouldn’t trade them for anything. Seeing them grow closer since we brought Remy home has been amazing.
Remy…
Remy is spunky. He pretends he doesn’t know us at the dog park and thinks he’s as big as Lupo (he’s only 25lbs). His coat is high maintenance (we groom him ourselves) but I love that he doesn’t shed.
I can’t wait to share how we groom Remy and more about helping Lupo overcome his anxiety.
My First Blog Post
A little bit about me…
I am a political operative living in Washington, DC with my husband and two dogs. I was born and raised in the greatest city in America, Baltimore (it says so on our benches). I was raised by a single mom and have a passion for empowering women to make a difference in their corner of the world. When I am not working, I can be found snuggling with my dogs needlepointing or reading a good book.
Why I am starting a blog…
I love reading blogs, I don’t purchase skincare or a vacuum until I see what at least 10 content creators think. For years as I was surfing different blogs for the best (insert product here), I thought “I would love to have a blog”. I have so much I would love to write about. Also, it fills my cup to be creative and share with others. So, I am taking the leap.
What will be on the blog….
A little bit of everything. Lifestyle, DIY projects, dogs, and life in general as a 30 something Washingtonian.
10 things to know about me…
1. I went to an all-girls high school. (If you know you know)
2. I think people who don’t like dogs, don’t like joy.
3. I try to use non-toxic skincare and cleaning products in my home.
4. I believe, if possible, you should monogram it.
5. I can use power tools.
6. I struggle with my mental health.
7. All my dogs have been named after Harry Potter characters.
8. My husband and I are College sweethearts.
9. I am obsessed with needlepoint.
10. A flea market is my playground.