Photography: Heidi Lockhart

As I was thinking about what to actually write for this post, I began to tear up, which eventually led to a full on sob. It was just me and Cat at home, otherwise Nick would have thought I had broken a bone or something horrible.

I turn 26 this year. I have been lucky enough to celebrate every single Mother's Day with my mom, but I know too many others who don't....those no longer get to write their mom a mother's day card, those who think they'll never receive one, those whose children will grow up never really getting the holiday, except to see it as a point of sorrow... Both of my parents' mothers have been gone for some time now, so it is something I have known to be sensitive about, for quite some time.

I feel like I'm at the age where everything is happening. Engagements, weddings, babies, houses, losses, tragedies, untimely deaths - it's this crazy swirl of mixed emotion and I'm like "??!!??!" Though I have always appreciated my mom, I think I'm finally at an age where I am beginning to scratch the surface of what all she has done and what it means to still have her in my life.

A couple weeks ago, I was super sick - I couldn't keep anything down and just felt awful. Nick had to be at the bar all day, so my mom just came and laid with with me in bed and fed me crackers and sprite. But, that's not the first time she has done something like that...I remember my freshmen year of college, a guy had broken up with me and I was devastated. She drove all the way to Waco to comfort me (getting there around 10pm!) and ended up staying in my dorm, in my tiny twin bed, with me. I have a million and two stories I could tell that show her selflessness, but we'd be here all night and then some! Here are some of my favorite lessons that she has taught me through the years.

1) Kill 'em with kindness. Sorry Selena. My mom has been telling me this for years. Even when it's hard, even when you don't want to, just do it. Always be a little kinder than necessary.

2) Do the extra credit. I meannn you'll never when you need it! Better to put in the work up front, than regret it later.

3) Pretty is as pretty does. No matter you're actual exterior, if you aren't kind, it shows through uglier than ever.

4) Go to the bathroom when you're given the chance. Same with the extra credit...do it now or regret it later! (lol)

5) Always say thank you. Yes of course in person, but saying thank you is extremely important when you receive a gift and are not with the person. This not only acknowledges that you received it, but also shows gratitude. My mom was really good about teaching us how to write thank you notes and getting them out on time

6) Yes ma'am. My sister and I were trained by both of our parents to not only say "thank you", but also say "yes ma'am" and "no sir". I still do this to this day!

7) Gifts don't have to be expensive. She is where I get my love of gift giving from! I love giving sweet and thoughtful gifts, to the point where I buy them months in advance! You don't have to spend a  bazillion dollars to be thoughtful, which is something a lot of people forget. 

8) Just do your best. Both of my parents were very good about encouraging us to do our best. They'd say if we just do our best, they're proud of us. This not only instilled a good work ethic, but confidence as well.

9) Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Obviously I don't like to be reminded of this, but it is important and someoneeee needs to remind you of it.

10) Don't miss out on things, by stressing. I am very busy and often stress when things don't go as I planned. It's horrible and again, something I need to (again) be reminded of.

11) More is more. My mom uses a lot of southern colloquialisms and this is one that always makes me smile. My grandfather (her dad) always put more of something than necessary, whether it as more glue on a project, or more sour cream. We also call this "Davis sizing it", as Davis was her maiden name.

This Mother's Day, don't forget you're mother-in-law, either! See how I celebrated with mine, here! And I as I also mentioned above, don't forget about those grieving this holiday. And as number one mentioned, always be a little kinder than necessary. 

Here are all of my vendors and information:

Dress: Blue Willow by Anne Barge, Nordstrom

Hair and Makeup: Grand Slam Glam

Eyelash Extensions: Amazing Lash Garland

Flowers: Lizzie Bee's Flower Shoppe

Jewelry: Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace and Bracelet, Vintage Diamond Earrings

Nails: Bellacures

Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Fuller's Jewelry

Shoes: Tory Burch Holiday 2015 Satin Burgundy Pumps

Photography: Heidi Lockhart

Tuxedos: Menguin

Food: Culinary Art Catering

Wedding Venue: The Castle at Rockwall

Videography: Bow Tie Media

Rehearsal Dinner: Eddie V's

Snapchat Filter: Wedding Wire

Invitations and Save the Dates: Minted

Vow Books: Etsy (similar here too)

Wine Glasses and Platter: A Finer Impression

Cakes: Annie's Culinary Creations (she doesn't refrigerate her cakes!)

Bridesmaid and House Party Dresses: Brideside

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