7 weeks...

Seven weeks.  T minus 7 weeks until our big day & I'm completely immersed.  I feel like we're creating our little fairytale & I couldn't be more thankful & excited for what's to come... 

The #1 piece of advice I've received from other brides is to savor every moment & to be completely present throughout the entire process, even the planning.  Feel free to follow the rest of our journey on instagram as it's {so much} easier to post a photo on a whim rather than frequent this sweet little blog.  

his - @cody_bleich //  hers - @tesslabeth

charming...

stud... even on the trails.  photo snapped during our jaunt around lake fayetteville on sunday.  looking good, handsome.

below... during brunch on saturday.  happy, can you tell?

between this guy, a bloody mary, & my new pink topper... all is good.

day vs night...

Vegas Days....

Vegas Nights...

... and then some ...

Every time I travel, I am considerably more inspired to evolve my style & vision.  I find inspiration in many elements on this planet... it's difficult to put into words.  To put it simply, it's just something I feel.  Vegas was advantageous on many levels... but most importantly, I left inspired.  Mission accomplished.

favorite things...

 my gorgeous valentines bouquet... still beaming, might I add 

 my haul of jewels packed away for vegas... SF + Maes + Red Bird + Carson's Best 

<< just a few of my favorite things >>

as of late...

Time for a recap... we had a wonderful valentines day & spent the weekend just being with each other. Monday I hopped on a plane for Vegas for the entire week with one of my best buds & coworkers.  Can we say fun???  There are no words... we worked, we played, we shopped.  It was BEYOND AMAZING... such a great visit.  I got home Friday & couldn't take my eyes off of C.  I miss him so when I travel.  We brunched & wandered around Barnes & Noble for a while... stopped for a much needed ice cream break.  We slept - a lot.  Then finally made it outdoors on this beautiful afternoon for a long {let's go do something} walk/hike.  

Anywho... wedding update/progress.  All deposits are paid with the exception of our rentals because I just got the quote.  {must do asap}  I met with our wedding planner right before I left & all is good thus far.  I need to pay more attention to the invites... I'll probably hunker down at Shindig one afternoon this week.  The cake is booked... and it is GORGEOUS.  I've found shoes, I think.  They're on their way... I've also found a rehearsal dinner dress.  I believe.  We'll see how they all fit.  Time to schedule my dress alterations & bridal pics.  After all, March 1st falls this week... which means, T minus 3 months & we're walking down the aisle.  Gasp & tear.

I've also been out of the shop for an entire week... wonder how much catch up will await me tomorrow morning?  Needless to say, I'm ready to get back to the daily grind.  Gym, shop, home... eat, sleep, repeat.  This is my life & I love it. 

{image via design love fest pinterest... then I edited a bit}

my happiness...

Hmm... it's safe to say I'm completely smitten with him.  He is wonderful, handsome, and impeccably charming.  He makes everyday better just by being himself, and he genuinely makes me feel beautiful.  I couldn't imagine my life without him.  Our story, is unique, and perfect.  We are in love... so in love.  I never thought the love of my life would be so wonderful.  Happy Valentines Day Handsome!  You are my happy.

striking...

Subtle & sexy... Topshop does it perfectly.  From the floral bustier with black piping to the nude studded underwire, these underpinnings have an unexpected edge.  I see each of these easily paired back with a black high waisted pant & blazer for an understated yet striking day to night look.  

It's no secret that I have a love for beautiful things... all things.  Beautiful clothing is my specialty & I truly believe details matter - even the unseen details.  It makes being a woman that much better... 

{1 2 3 4} 

pretty little secret...

Behold, Anthropologie's adorable mini collection I've pulled together.  They're sweet, affordable, and easy to wear simply as an underpinning.  Each adorably charming piece has a matching panty which makes for the perfect happy set.  There's just something special about beautiful underpinnings... wouldn't you agree?  It's like a pretty little secret...   

{1 2 3 4}

snippets...

Oh hey, Monday... here so soon!

Was your weekend as fun as ours?  Did you keep up with our wedding "planning" events via instagram?    If not, you missed out... we cake tasted at Rick's & registered at Beth, Bath & Beyond.  {oh boy}  Luckily, we had quite the sugar high so registering wasn't half bad!  I really enjoyed my way through the cake plates & towels?  12 oversized towels... yes, please.  6 cake plates... why yes.    

Sunday:  Closet Sale Day.  What time isn't fantastic when good friends, shopping, & mimosas are involved... right?  It was a smashing success & I appreciate everyone coming to shop our treasures! 

{perfectly lazy saturday morning // breakfast & bloody mary}

{my loot: vintage & lace}

{dearest friend}

week of love...

Wedding To-Do's this week...

1. Put more thought into our invitations

2. Send deposit to Florist & Eventures

3. Send deposit to Videographer

4. New hair Tuesday!!

5. 2nd cake appointment Wednesday at 1:00

6. Meet with planner

7. Think on Stock the Bar Party

8. Continue to register online

I know there are a million things I'm not including... but this is a great start.  

My sweet girlfriends are throwing a lingerie shower mid April.  Well, this could be absolutely wonderful or so {so} uncomfortable.  In order for me to express the ideal sweet nothings to my friends, I've created a couple posts solely related to tasteful underpinnings.  A little hint, hint... if you will, for those who may need a little assistance when perusing the lingerie section.  Perfect timing Valentines Day... I couldn't think of a better week to incorporate intimates.  Stay tuned...

{image via pinterest w/ a little love from myself}

cheers...

Cheers to the weekend!  I wonder if I have a steady following again - on the blog.  I did take a year and a half off from ye ole After One's Fancy.  I still love it though.  It was the small seed that planted my dream.  Once the dream of owning my own store came true, I had to direct my creativity towards the store - not this sweet little blog.  So I did, and still am, I must tell you I love it so much!  All of it.  The ups & downs... every single day is an adventure & I wouldn't have it any other way.  It's my passion... and I'm pretty sure that's the driving force in it's success.  Hmm... food for thought, I guess.

Anyways... Happy Weekend Folks!  Cake Tasting - Sat & Closet Sale - Sun!!

{via}

allow me...

I realize I've taken a heavy turn towards planning our wedding since back on the blog.  

While that is the sole reason I'm back, it's not all I do.  C & I love our weekends... brunching, patios, staying in.  

I travel quite often... mainly for the store but this Spring is full of mini-adventures with the wedding coming up.  NYC + NOLA + VEGAS + LA... work & play!  I'll take it!

The above, that's me in my element.  Black Maxi + Floral Blazer + Combat Boots + Beanie... all SF.  My gorgeous jewels via none other than Mae's Emporium - a vintage treasure chest.  

Oh, and I still love Kate Spade. 

on diet...

DIETING usually comes into play when prepping for the big day.

It's safe to say: WE DON'T DIET.  There's no way.  C & I already live a fairly healthy lifestyle - with a low fat, balanced diet.  I feel that since we already eat healthy, and are both moderately active, there's no sense in changing or cutting our diet.  Our diet could simply be defined as "eating clean" but I can't do without dairy... or wine.  So we eat clean, plus some.

{image via}

on fitness...

I am well aware of how ridiculous the photo above is... but fitness is the name of the game.  I have a personal trainer, luckily, who is able to help target those tricky areas before our big day.  I'm not looking to lose any weight - simply tone & tighten!  We meet 3 times a week early in the morning.  20 minutes are spent on the ballet bar - targeting booty, thighs, & core.  20 minutes are spent in the TRX straps or boxing - targeting arms, back, & core.  The last 20 minutes are usually spent doing pilates or yoga - mainly balance & stretch exercises.  I've completely cut out running because of my knee injury... and try not to do much cardio because I don't want to lose the muscle & shape I've built so far.  As of last week - I've lost 3 inches in my waist & gained an inch in my bum {bonus}.  I've also lost an inch & a half in my back & arms!!  All the while not losing a single pound... it's silly how it all works but I love the results!  

{above: starting with yoga early one morning}

{above: New Years Day hike with C at Devil's Den}

on hair...

Just brainstorming... but these are a few ideas I've gathered thus far.  C loves my hair down but I'm thinking I'll need an up-do for the reception.  I'm thinking loose & flowy then pulled back with a twist!   

listing...

Wedding To Do's {this week} ...

I'm such a list maker... especially at the start of the week/morning.  This is something I do for the business all the time... I need to get in the habit of listing for the wedding. So, here goes...

a) finish menu & get final menu to caterer **deposit**

b) finalize music info with musician... he's amazing!! **deposit**

c) touch base with wedding planner... find out what I should be doing.

d) call 2 other bakeries for cake appointments - MUST DO ASAP

e) contact paperie regarding invites... make follow up appointment

f) cake appointment Sat 2.9 @ 3pm

g) almost forgot - book videographer **deposit**

h) register... oh geez.

i) finally, bank **deposit**

This is just for this week and I'm sure I forgot something.  Until next time...

{via}

closet sale...

Here, here... I've cleansed my closet & you get dibs!!  Lots of fantastic goodies were gathered & pulled to make this happen - years upon years of collecting.  Details above, if you'd like to join, and be sure to check out my Closet Sale video on vine - @tesslabeth.  Fun Stuff!!

on cake...

 

I honestly haven't put much thought into our wedding cake... other details seem to take priority.  Above are a few favorites & below are my thoughts... 

1.  Quite possibly my favorite - minus the pink flowers

2.  Exquisit... maybe a little too fancy/stuffy for a liking

3.  No blue but love the gold fleck... on a fluffy white cake???

4.  Love the airiness of this one... need a couple more tiers though {+2}

5.  I might need that crown... especially after my Lovely appointments

6.  Gold feathers... why not?

For someone with such a sweet tooth, I'm disappointed in the little amount of time spent on our cake.  I'll do better... {lady} fingers crossed. 

sad tulips...

So... after all the fuss over the vine app, I had to check it out.  I'm 1 video & approximately 1 hour in... but I think I love it!  Have you jumped on board?  Follow along, if you will... 'tesslabeth' 

** my 1st video is our wednesday evening... me: catching up on blogs, mags, & nails.  he: tying fishy fly things & a little radiohead **

rooftop shenanigans...

Engagement Party... 8.18.12 >> Dickson Street Pub Rooftop 

It was a beautiful afternoon for such a sweltering summer.  My dad came up for the festivities & we all came together to celebrate our engagement.  Family, friends, champagne... lovely combo.  

Above: Soon to be Bride & Groom  

Below: Daddy & Me

{my dad hates my bun}

8.18 naturally leads to 8.19... only one of the most important days of the year!  The celebration of moi!!  

Below is the bright & shiny morning of my 28th birthday... mimosas were flowing jubilantly.  Like any & all birthday celebrations should be... 

photo love...

Our engagement photos were perfect... 

Eugene Grace Weddings was able to capture our personalities & love perfectly.  

true story...

Yep, guilty as charged.  He's a charmer I tell you... 

We're working on trying to plan our wedding yet we love routine so much.  Work.  Dinner.  Bed.  Repeat.  I love our routine... it's simple & easy.  He doesn't mind if we just have grilled cheese for dinner more than once a week... He doesn't mind that I'm not awesome at laundry or leave my shoes everywhere.  We meet everyday in the kitchen after work for a big ole hug & a kiss.  Our favorite weekends are spent at home... with a couple of movies & great music.  We never talk on the phone & rarely text... makes conversation that much better.  We recently booked our honeymoon to Paris... only to change it so we can go back to Italy.  We have our ways & they work quite wonderfully.

He's the best.