The Ring

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” – Eden Ahbez

When G and I decided we wanted to get married, both of us went to one of my favorite jewelry stores in our hometown.We did this so he could get a clear idea of the exact ring I wanted. Unfortunately, everything that was in the case was primarily white gold and platinum at the time. I've always worn gold jewelry, and was super bummed that the metal I wanted wasn't readily available. We spoke to a designer, and he reassured both of us that an engagement ring could be made for me. G and I talked it over, and we decided to custom make my engagement ring, as well as my wedding band.

Today I'm sharing my experience on designing a custom piece with a designer, as well as some things I learned. 

1. Design with the long-term in mind. It is absolutely important to design a piece that is practical and will stand the test of time. Select a piece you will love forever, and truly matches your style.

2. Start the design process early. Depending on the jeweler, it can take 6-8 weeks to have your ring completed. Also, if you are getting a custom wedding band, take that into account as well, and add an additional 4-6 weeks to that timeline. Sometimes the design process can be expedited, but with an extra fee, so be absolutely mindful of the timeframe.

3. Bring examples and gather inspiration. This is so very important. When I had my ring designed the designer sketched out my vision, but I came prepared with samples. Also, my designer provided G with renderings to ensure he was on track before proceeding in the process. It was key that the designer matched our vision.

4. Be clear in your expectations. It is very important to inform the designer on all of the specific things you want in the ring. For me, it was a must to have a ring that was gold. Also, I wanted the ring to have etching and an antique style to it. It’s always important that your partner knows the exact diamond size your ring will have added to it. This part in critical in the design of the ring, and will affect the renderings.

5. Enjoy the process. Most importantly, enjoy the design process. I had the best experience with the jeweler and designer we partnered with. They made the process so much fun and educated us both as a result.

Have you ever designed a piece of jewelry? If so, share your experience below!

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Date Night Playlist

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

Music is something that I really love! I love listening to music at all times, and I enjoy discovering new tracks.

Today, I am sharing my favorite date night playlist. G & I love listening to music while getting ready to go out. Also, we really like cooking at home together. Nothing is better than playing music, drinking wine, and preparing a delicious home cooked meal with your favorite person.

Check out the playlist below! Also, the first song we danced to at our wedding is on this playlist - can you guess which one ;) 

A playlist featuring SZA, Miguel, John Legend, and others

* Warning - these songs may have explicit language.

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Two Years

"Experts on romance say for a happy marriage there has to be more than a passionate love. For a lasting union, they insist, there must be a genuine liking for each other. Which, in my book, is a good definition for friendship." - Marilyn Monroe

G and I will be celebrating two years of marriage on March 26th. I'm so looking forward to the many years we have ahead of us. I still remember the way I felt, and how G looked at me on our wedding day - it was such a wonderful moment. During that time I knew that this was "it", and our lives would be forever better and filled with love. Saying "yes" to marrying my husband was one of the easiest and best decisions I've ever made.

Throughout our relationship there are many things G and I have learned. Today I'm sharing our top two lessons on marriage.

G's Advice

1. Compromise with each other. It is so important to work with your spouse and find a common ground. There will be times when you have to make hard decisions. It is essential that the two of you are on the same page.
2. Communication is key. It's so important to establish proper communication in your marriage. Try and ensure that this quality is a strong foundation in your relationship. 

Analise's Advice

1. Keep your home a safe place. When we purchased our home it was really important for me make sure it was absolutely comfortable. Growing up, my home was the sanctuary, and I wanted the same thing for G and I. Not only did it need to be comfortable, but also safe. It's important that our home is calm and peaceful. Keeping your home warm and loving promotes positive energy within your marriage.
2. Maximize your partner's talents. G and I push each other to be the absolute best. We dream together and discuss the future together. It is so important to discover what motivates your partner and guiding them to that goal.

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

Date Day Guide

Cute's good. But cute only lasts for so long, and then it's, 'Who are you as a person?' Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul. When you're dating a man, you should always feel good. ... You shouldn't be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't make you completely happy and make you feel whole. - Michelle Obama

When G and I first started dating, we really loved day dates. We met in a city that was in between where we both lived at the time. During this time we really had to maximize the time we spent together. Day dates quickly became our "thing" and it was so much fun. We love spending time together, and to grow and learn about each other. It was casual and so relaxed - which was absolutely perfect.

Today I am sharing my favorite day dates with you all!

1. Museums - We are all about going to a good art museum or exhibit. G will research and look into museums before we visit. He will make sure we hit all the best exhibits. 
2. Wineries/Vineyards - Of course, it wouldn't be a great day date without hitting a good winery or two. If the winery or vineyard has a restaurant, we are definitely hanging around  for lunch. But, if there isn't one, we pack a little basket and a blanket - and do a picnic. Also, sometimes wineries will have food trucks - jackpot!
3. Tours - One of our favorite things to do are tours. All the way from a Segway to Model Home (hey, we get a lot of decorating ideas from touring newly constructed house) tour. We make it fun! 
4. Gardens and Parks - I'm a sucker for flowers, so going to a Botanical Garden or a Historical Park is always fun for me. We even take our bikes and go for a ride - just getting out and enjoying the fresh air is so nice.
5. Brunch or Lunch - Who doesn't like a good mimosa or four during the day? I'm never turning a mimosa down. We are always on the hunt for a new brunch spot. 
6. Movies - We are huge fans of the Marvel Universe and make it our mission to see each movie that comes out. Sometimes we will go during the day - hello matinee prices! 
7. Collectible Hunting - So, we are super into comic books. G and I even collect statues. We have a few favorite comic book stores in the Hampton Roads area that we love going to. I enjoy seeing what they have in stock, and thumbing through some comic books. This activity is one of my favorite things to do with G, and we have a blast.
8. Art Studio - We enjoy going to our local art studio and painting some wonderful pieces. It is a way for us to use our creative outlet and have fun.

Tip: Sometimes we will "un-plug" on our dates. No social media or phones, just the two of us enjoying one another. 

What are some of your favorite day dates?

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography

In Sickness & In Health

"A good husband makes a good wife." - John Flori

This past November on Thanksgiving weekend, G ruptured his Achilles tendon. I am a "fixer" by nature, and not being able to fix my husband was incredibly hard. When we received the news G would need surgery and recovery time was 3 to 6 months - it was a hard pill to swallow. We pushed through and our close family and friends rallied around us. 

G is an incredibly strong man and has powered through his recovery like an absolute champ. I'm very fortunate to have married an absolute amazing and loving man. While it has been very hard, and we are almost at the end of this chapter in our lives, I'm sharing a few lessons we both learned during this time.

1. Do not take your spouse for granted. G ruptured his Achilles tendon in the right leg. Yep, that means he couldn't drive for almost three months. G couldn't do his normal routine or errands. This was tough for the both of us. Not only did a lot of responsibility now fall on me, but my very independent and strong husband had to sit a lot of things out. It was a challenging time, but it made me learn that G does so much. I truly began to understand and appreciate all that he does for me - I'm so grateful. G watched me take on a whole new set of responsibilities. He was so loving during this time, and it was nice having his support.
2. Take care of each other. People often forget about the partner who wasn't hurt - the care giver. During this time, I literally did not leave G's side, and also made sure he had everything he needed or wanted.  I forgot to take care of myself too! Women often take on so much - and in my true Olivia Pope demeanor, I would handle it all without skipping a beat. Yet, it was important for me to take a step back from time to time and just breathe. Our parents, my best friend Alisha and her husband constantly checked in to make sure that I was okay. It meant so much to know we had amazing people to lean on during this season in our lives.
3. Life is short, embrace each moment. We are so thankful that G's injury was repairable, and wasn't something far worse. G and I sat down once things mellowed out, and discussed what was really important to us in our marriage. We of course had this talk before, but this time it meant something a little bit different. Our priorities have now shifted. During this time, we saw who are true friends were. Watching the out pour of love and support from family and friends really meant a lot to us - it was a humbling moment.

Marrying G was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Being his wife is something I absolutely treasure and would never trade. When I said my vows almost two years ago, it was something I didn't take lightly. After going through this time in our marriage, it has made me love and appreciate my husband even more.

XO, Analise

Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography