Happy New Year! I hope you all had a fun and cozy New Year’s Eve celebration! Scott and I spent the evening at a community celebration, and later at home with sparklers and puppy snuggles. Now that 2013 has come to a close, I thought it would be nice to reflect on the year that was. This post is very photo heavy, so proceed with caution! xo
January
In January, I was featured in Emma Magazine! Back in December of 2012, I had the opportunity to work with them and take the most glam photos ever!
Scott and I also spent quite a bit of time in downtown Phoenix sipping on hot coffees and taking pictures at some of our favorite spots. This circle wall will forever be my favorite.
I also had the opportunity to meet a longtime internet friend, Alyssa! We met back in the Myspace days and still keep in touch today. She truly is the sweetest lady!
February
In February, we checked out the new and improved Welcome Diner in downtown Phoenix. Their homemade biscuits are amazing, and it felt so good to get some diner hangs in!
We also welcomed little Piper into our home! She is Scout’s biological half sister, and they are truly two peas in a pod. I couldn’t imagine our life without her!
February also held a few warm days, so we spent them eating outside at a local fav, D’Lish.
March
March held the hardest days of my life. My grandmother was my everything, and I will forever miss her more than I could ever explain.
April
In April, Scott and I saw The Postal Service live! We got pit tickets and danced our hearts out!
April also held the 2013 Arizona Blogger Conference! The gals and guys of The Phoenix Collective worked their buns off, and the conference was better than I could have ever imagined!
Did I mentioned that Scott asked me to marry him that evening? Well, he completely surprised me and popped the question at the end of the evening in a room full of our family, friends, and sweet conference attendees!
I said, YES! We’re so excited to get married in 17 days!
May
In May, I turned the big 25! Scott and I had breakfast at Matt’s Big Breakfast and I couldn’t stop looking at my engagement ring. My parents also closed on The Orchard, and I was there to see them sign the paperwork on my birthday. We spent the evening eating french toast at Chompies and celebrating such a momentous day!
I also graduated with my Master’s degree in Communucation Studies! I worked my butt off for two years and I felt so good to finally don my hood and accept my diploma!
To top things off, Scott also graduated with his Bachelor’s in Design Management on the very same day! I’m so incredibly proud of him, and I may have shed a tear or two when he walked up and accepted his diploma! Baby, we’re graduates and we did it together!
June
In June, Scott and I took a trip to Louisville, Kentucky to visit some of his family. While we were there, a lady with a street style blog snapped our photo on our way out of a local coffee shop.
Being in Louisville was a real treat – family, good coffee, exploring with my honey, and cooler weather! We really had a wonderful trip!
In June, iced coffee 24/7 was also a must. Phoenix was hot, hot!
July
In July, I started working full time! This was a first for me, and I have to stay that I’m still getting used to such a structured schedule. I do feel incredibly blessed for my job and the people I work with.
In July (and June) I partnered with Starbucks to show off how to pair the color of the year, emerald, with their trademark green straw! It was an amazing opportunity and I’m thankful to have worked with a brand that I love so much.
July was also for learning how to transition into our new routine, and really taking advantage of the time that Scott and I have together. I’m forever thankful for his love.
August
In August, I co-hosted a blogger workshop for Frances Vintage. I’m was super nervous going into it, but ending up having an amazing time.
Scott and I had the opportunity to see Tim Robinson and Aidy Bryant perform at the Tempe Improv. Since Aidy is a local lady at heart, there were so many familiar faces in the audience. We laughed our butts off can’t wait to see her again.
In August, I also began getting into the fall vibes and kicked summer to the curb!
September
September brought up an amazing opportunity to partner with Madewell and host a viewing/shopping party for their new fall line. Our pal, Perry, slung some delicious iced coffee for us that afternoon!
I was also featured in Glamour Magazine’s fall special edition! I feel incredibly fortunate to have not only been featured in Glamour once, but twice in one year (first time was in their March edition)!
Scott and I also took a trip up to Flagstaff, Arizona for a little family time and some cooler weather.
October
In October, we finalized and sent out our Save The Date cards that Scott designed!
This handsome guy turned 25 and we celebrated with homemade cheesecake and presents!
Our wedding photographer, Sarah of Arrow and Apple, also took our engagement photos in October in the most amazing orchard near our home. We’re so in love with these photos, and can’t wait to have her work her magic on our wedding day (17 days!).
November
In November, we celebrated the marriage of two of our sweetest friends. We sipped on hot coco and danced the night away!
My bestie and bridesmaid, Courtney, came to visit from San Diego and I kidnapped her for a coffee date! Can’t wait to see her again oh so soon.
Scott and I also sold his handmade goods – Citizen Home Decor – at a local craft fair for the first time! We had a lot of fun meeting attendees, sipping on good coffee, and seeing friends!
December
In December, my sweet maid of honor, my cousin, Odessa, and my bridesmaid, Courtney, co-hosted a beautiful bridal shower for me. I had the most amazing time celebrating with some of my favorite ladies, and couldn’t have asked for a better day!
On Christmas Eve, Scott and I got our Marriage License! Woohoo! We’re almost officially official!
We celebrated the end of the year the best way we know how, with a coffee date!
Here’s to an amazing 2014 — I have a feeling it’s going to be the best year yet!
Thank you for reading!
-Chelsea xo