you're nobody till somebody loves you...

What can I say that would describe Saturday’s absolute beauty? As we drove into Taylortown and over the levee toward the setting sun, the orange reflection bounced off the lake and warmed the faces of friends and loved ones gathered in one of my favorite places on earth to celebrate our love.

Even now, my heart is overflowing with emotion as I think of that night. To call the night perfect is to call Manolo Blahnik's shoes alright, Grace Kelly cute, or Will Ferrell kinda funny. It is an understatement. Our engagement soiree exceeded all of my expectations. So many loving hands shaped that night... so much time, so much thought, so much detail. I am still processing it all, trying to remember every enchanting detail before my memory fails me.

As the day turned into night, the oak trees stretched out their arms, dangling dozens of lanterns to illuminate the party and whisper romance. It reminded me of Peter Pan’s Neverland, as if Tinkerbell and her fairy friends were all invited.

Chef John, who started the original Monjuni's and Bella Fresca, handed around delectable hor d'oeuvres. He was so thoughtful, making a point to find me in the crowd with any new delicacy he had on his tray. At the sign-in table there was a framed picture of me playing dress-up in a wedding gown, probably taken around age 6. Mom found it in our old family photo albums. I had totally forgotten I did this.

Friends encircled mini bonfires while they made s’mores, filling the cool air with smoke and laughter. Dad made a playlist that set the tone for the evening, and everyone kept commenting on how great the music was. He also made a toast that made me gulp down tears. Raising my glass, I rambled through my toast, trying to express my gratitude. Tison most eloquently concluded with "I am just the silent celestial body in all of this;"  laughter and applause followed.

No, perfect doesn't quite describe it, but magical certainly does.

Thank you to all the host and hostesses for making this night so special and "pinterest" worthy! You all are AMAZING!

Amanda and Lauren are responsible for these beautiful images. You both know how much I love photos and it means the world to me that you spent your evening capturing precious moments :) love y'all.

 Come on May 18th! We're ready.