Category Archives: The Stillman Wedding

ONE. + #YOLOmondays Link-Up!

Today is a photo-heavy post and I don’t even care.

One year ago today, February 18th, 2012, I put that white dress on, walked down that aisle, and said the most important words of my life: my vows to my husband.

I know every cliche in the book like, “It was the best day of our lives” and “I married my best friend” etc. etc. etc. You name it. But every cliche in the book couldn’t be more true.

This has been, by far, the most amazing year of my life, and I am so blessed to be married to a man that loves Jesus so much and tries every day to love me just as much as Jesus loves His bride, the church.

John makes me laugh, he challenges me, he pushes me to be a better woman, and I love every minute I’m with him even more than the last. He is honestly more than just my best friend, my husband, and my partner, he is my everything and I can’t imagine life without him.

John Stillman, I love you more than words will ever be able to ever describe. Thank you for putting up with my quirks, laughing at my nerdiness, and telling me I’m beautiful every day. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Happy Anniversary.

So, on this our anniversary, I had to relive our wedding day through images. And I wanted to share some of them with y’all. (It was SO hard to narrow it down! But hey, it’s fine, right? Right.)

Our Wedding Day – 02.18.12

All photos by the AMAZING Katelyn of Katelyn James Photography. (Original wedding blog post here)

Getting ready: still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Yep. This was me trying to not be so nervous. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

We used a 150+ year-old Bible to carry the rings rather than a pillow. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Our invitations that I designed. You can view the tutorial of how I did them here. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

My pink cowboy boots. AND a little fun fact, my “something borrowed” was my birdcage veil which I actually borrowed from my dear friend Emily who blogs over at Oh That Emily. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Had to have a remembrance of my mom – I had her dog tags along with her photo on my bouquet. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

My amazing friend Bec and her mom did ALL of our wedding flowers. Aren’t they gorgeous? still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

It’s a Phi Mu tradition to sew five pearls into your wedding dress – I STILL had mine and was so excited to have them put in my wedding dress. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

My gifts from John. You can see the whole post here about our bride and groom gifts. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

My dad means the world to me and so I wanted to do a “First Look” with my dad. Yeah, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

John and I also opted for a “First Look” before the ceremony. YEP, we broke tradition and saw each other before the ceremony. BEST DECISION EVER. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

We wanted everyone to feel comfortable and casual – so we had the guys wear Old Navy jeans, boots, and vests. I handmade all of the boutonnieres myself. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

And for my bridesmaids, I just told them to get a “fuchsia” dress – worked out well! still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Now, let me explain briefly… after the bridal party walked down the aisle, the lights went out and a video played. It was like a “wedding checklist” – etc. and then the music built and all that and then I came down the aisle. It was a total surprise to our guests and it was AWESOME. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

So, I thought it would be a good idea if I sang a song during the ceremony. Well, it was going great until the awkward instrumental break. I was SO nervous that I deflected by doing a dance. Then I started laughing and everyone started laughing and I couldn’t regain composure. It was hilarious and so very typical me. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Instead of a unity candle or anything like that, we did a God’s Knot ceremony. You can read about that here. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

At our reception, all our tables were labeled by locations or other meaningful things in our life. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

The sweetheart table: still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Husband HAD to have cornhole at the wedding. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Groom’s cake (made by my amazing sister of course) still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

And of course our AMAZING wedding cake (that matched our invitations) made by my sister! still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

A mantle to remember our loved ones who couldn’t be there with us. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Our first dance. still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

The “shoe” game still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Phi Mu “picture a girl” sorority sing still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

Our getaway car… still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

And finally, us with our AMAZING photographers Katelyn and Jill (and a hilarious photobomb). still being molly - cowboy themed country wedding photographed by Katelyn James Photography

It was honestly an AMAZING day. We couldn’t have done it, of course, without our amazing families and our friends. We love you all!

Vendors:

Ceremony Location: newhope Church
Reception Location: The Big Barn, Hillsborough, NC
Flowers: Bec’s Blossoms
Caterer: Jim’s Famous BBQ
Cake: My sister
Invitations, programs, etc.: I made ‘em
DJ: Music Makes You Happy! DJs (a great friend from college)
Photographer: Katelyn James Photography

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NOW it is time for the #YOLOmondays LINK-UP with my awesome co-host Carly from Lipgloss & Crayons! If this is your first time here, #YOLOmondays is a chance for us to link up anything we want (as long as it’s a blog post…). You know, cause it’s Monday, and what better way to jazz up your mundane Monday than to link up and meet some new bloggers? Carly and I love seeing y’all linked up every week!

The Rules for #YOLOMONDAYS Link-Ups: Follow your hosts Molly @ still being [molly] and Carly at Lipgloss & Crayons!
Grab a button and / or post a link back here in your BLOG POST (NOT your blog’s main page) so your readers know what all the #YOLOMONDAY-ness is about. We love you guys linking up and we do go through and read all your posts… so if you do not give credit, we will have to remove your link. That’s no fun, right? Right. So be nice and share a link! Pretty please?
Link your blog post up using the linky tool below! It can be ANYTHING! An outfit post, a giveaway, a story, a recipe, whatever. Why? Cause it’s #YOLOMONDAYS!
Visit a blog or four that you’ve never been to before and leave a #YOLOMONDAYS comment – you never know, you might “meet” someone new that you will lurve!
Have fun! Cause #YOLO!

Seven.

78 Replies

photography by Katelyn James Photography

You guys, you know what I’m loving lately? Marriage. I mean, I love it. A lot. And I love it more and more every day. I’ve been blessed to be married to my best friend for seven months today. Yeah, sure, it’s just seven months. It’s not even a year yet. But every single day I am growing and learning something new and honestly, any excuse to share more wedding photos and celebrate is okay by me.

I know I’m a newlywed and all, but when people ask me, “How’s married life?” I can’t help but answer, “It’s awesome! I highly recommend it!”

And to tell you the truth, I don’t think that there is really anything that could happen that would make me say otherwise.

Sure, everything isn’t roses and smiles 24/7, but in the short time I’ve been married I’ve learned that when two people love Christ first and each other second, anything is possible.

We laugh, we play, we chase each other around the house, we go on walks, we tell jokes, and we serve one another. Unconditionally.

I’ve learned that when you pray circles around your marriage, it’s as though everything else just falls into place.

I love that we challenge and encourage one another to do and be better. John has taught me what it means to truly love someone – including all the flaws and imperfections – from the deepest part of your being.

At the core of it all – John makes me want to serve him and serve Christ more and more every day. He also makes me laugh. A lot.

It also helps that I find my husband to be smokin’ hot.

Sorry ’bout that, I couldn’t be TOTALLY serious the whole time…

Welp, here’s to 7×77 more and then some.

What are you loving lately? What have you learned lately?

Happy Tuesday, y’all.

Linked up today with:

Click here to see the winner of the Willow House Tallulah Earrings Giveaway!

Six, Shots from the Dressing Room, + Your Weekly Roundup

28 Replies

Photo by Katelyn James of Katelyn James Photography

You guys, I’ve been married to that hunk for SIX MONTHS today. I won’t mush and gush too much, but let me just say that being married to your best friend is awesome. I highly recommend it. JS, I love you. Whole bunch. An astonishing amount.

+++

Onto the dressing room. There are a ton of awesome boutiques in the area. Y’all know I’ve mentioned fab’rik and Fedora on here before, but what I didn’t share were my “shots from the dressing room” lately.

I’ve never shared any of these before, but I thought a casual Saturday was the perfect opportunity to just show some fun “trying stuff on” photos. No, I did not purchase all of these things. That would be ridiculous. I did purchase a few which you guys have seen.

note, i also know some of these look ridiculous, which is why i didn’t buy them.

Shopping at Fab’rik Chapel Hill:

1. I liked this dress, didn’t love it. Didn’t get it. It has a cool open back and pockets which were a plus.

2. Did not love this dress. It was also a little too sheer for my taste.

3. I saw this dress on the rack and thought I’d love it. Not so much. I felt like a character in Charlie Brown.

4. Liked this one shoulder top, couldn’t picture a scenario actually wearing it.

5. LOVED this top. Has a cool open back. Don’t know why I didn’t get it, but I didn’t… and now it’s gone.

6. The blue back button blouse! I did buy this. I wore it here. Remember? Got this one on sale for $10!

7. Loved this green top. SO much. I purchased it for $20. I wore it here. Remember?

8. This colorblock top with cutout sleeves was cool. Again, didn’t love it enough to actually buy it.

9. Loved this tank – it had a cool cross-body back… but I didn’t get it.

10. Actually LOVED this dress – and the fact that it was only $44 made me love it more. BUT I didn’t get it – I didn’t totally love the color and I couldn’t picture a ton of wearing scenarios.

11. I have actually been obsessed with this dress for months. I still have yet to buy it. There’s a part of me holding back and I won’t cave and buy something if all of me isn’t in it.

Now onto shopping at Fedora Boutique in Carrboro.

They don’t have mirrors in the dressing room so I had to walk out into the store to take mirror pics. Also, I know my cowboy boots don’t match 99% of these outfits, but those were the shoes I had on that day. It’s cool.

1. I loved this mint, polka dot, hi-low dress on the rack. H-A-T-E-D it on. I looked so frumpy. UGH.

2. Loved this fuchsia one-shoulder dress on the rack. Didn’t hate it on, but it was SO SHORT. Like, if I sneezed, the world would get a show. Not good. Did not buy.

3. LOVED THIS DRESS. FAVORITE. EVER. Couldn’t buy it fast enough. For real. LOVE. Wore it here. Remember?

4. Also REALLY loved this dress. Like, a lot. I didn’t buy it. Couldn’t justify the price. But I really wanted it. SOBAD.

5. Liked this dress in theory, didn’t love it on. The bottom is a fun accordion pleat, but I hated the top.

6. LOVED this shift dress by Everly. I seriously love everything they make. I didn’t get it, but I still want it. I might get it soon. Who knows? Do you like it? Should I get it??? They also have it in a ton of other colors.

7. Loved this Everly tulip blouse. Love the cutout back. Bought it. Such a great quality top and for only $34, I couldn’t not get it. I wore it here. Remember? Oh, but those shorts? HATE. HATE. DID NOT LOVE. NO. But, again, no mirrors in the dressing room so I had to wear them out to look at the shirt.

8. LOVED this blouse. Still not a fan of the scalloped shorts. Didn’t buy the blouse. Still want it.

Anyway, thanks for going dressing room shopping with me, y’all. What do you think? Anything that I didn’t get that I should? Favorite picks?

Now, onto your weekly roundup:

The engagement picture outfit decision.

40 Replies

You guys, you’re probably thinking, “Uhh, Molly, you’re already married. Why are you talking about engagement picture outfits?” True. I am married. But there was a time not too long ago that we were engaged and about to get engagement pictures taken.

You guys, our wedding photographer is amazing (seriously, if you haven’t checked out Katelyn James Photography before, you are SERIOUSLY missing out). And I knew these pictures would be on her blog and lots of people would see them. I mean, I was a Katelyn James blog stalker for YEARS before I got engaged. So, I knew her brides were FABULOUS and fashionable. BUT, more importantly, these were the first real portraits I was going to have with my soon-to-be husband and I needed my outfit(s) to be PERFECT.

I was stressing. Seriously. It was bad. I couldn’t sleep the night before. I felt like it was the night before school pictures or something. But even MORE important. And since I was living alone in my apartment, I had no one to tell me if the outfits were cute or if they would work or not.

I wanted to look like ME. SO, I took so many phone pictures and texted them to my friends and got feedback that way. LOL. Ahhh good times.

BTW: My friend Katie even shared her tips on what to wear for a portrait session… I wish I’d had that before our pictures!

Anyway, I thought I’d share with you guys the photos I took and the outfits I considered and then I figured I’d share a couple pictures showing off the looks I actually wore. If you want, you can check out more of our pictures on our photographers blog by clicking here.

Please excuse the mess in these pictures. These were taken in my old apartment during the midst of cleaning out my apartment, so yeah, it was not in it’s peak condition.

option one: (i later came to learn that my husband ~~hates~~ doesn’t like this dress… so needless to say i didn’t wear it)

option two:

option three:

option four:

option five:

option six (without jean jacket):

option six (with jean jacket):

And here’s one of our engagement pictures. I went with outfit six! My favorite. I love this outfit. I felt confident and I loved that hubs and I weren’t matchy-matchy… we coordinated.

[Outfit deets: Shirt: Ralph Lauren, Skirt: JCrew, Jacket: LOFT, Boots: Cervone]

And then, because hubs and I are rather spirited, we took a few pictures in Kenan Stadium on the UNC Chapel Hill campus.

[Outfit Deets: Shirt: college shirts , Jeans: JCrew, Boots: DSW (really old)]

And then this was our last look. I ended up really loving this outfit and this picture below is one of my favorites. I actually have a giant canvas of this picture on our wall in our living room. It’s husband’s favorite picture of us. I don’t know why I love it so much, but I do!

Plus, I think my husband looks so darn handsome in this picture!!

[Outfit Deets: Shirt: Target (Merona), Jeans: Jcrew, Boots: DSW (old), Necklace and earrings: Kazuri Beads (Kenya)]

So yeah, those were our engagement pictures. I LOVED them so much – I mean, I have them ALL over our house.

Again, if you want to see more, you can check out our blog post on our photographer’s website by clicking here.

Have you ever had portrait-outfit-anxiety like I did? Have you had any fancy pictures taken lately? Share a link below! I’d love to picture-stalk you! jk. but seriously.

Happy Tuesday!

all for now.