Josie and Tyler Get Married!

Hi - Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and share what's on your mind too.  Today I'm finally sharing the highlights from a wedding I helped with way back in June!

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

There are weddings you coordinate, and then there are weddings that hold an extra-special place in your heart. This one definitely fell into the second category!  If you've been around here for a while, you know that I've coordinated my fair share of weddings over the years. I absolutely love all the little details that go into making a couple's big day special. From the timeline to the decorations to those last-minute finishing touches, there's just something about watching months of planning come together that makes my heart happy.

But this wedding was different. The beautiful bride was my best friend's daughter! Being part of such an important day in her life was truly an honor.

Photo by Kayla Ann Photography

One of the sweetest moments of the day happened before the ceremony even began. During their first look, Josie and Tyler took the opportunity to privately read their vows to one another. I absolutely love this idea! It gave them a chance to slow down, soak in the moment, and share their promises without an audience. With all the excitement and activity that comes with a wedding day, having those few quiet moments together must have been incredibly special. What a beautiful way to begin their wedding celebration!

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

Photo by Kayla Anne Photography

The ceremony was extra special because Josie's uncle was the officiant! Having someone who knows and loves the couple make their marriage official added such a personal touch. Josie and Tyler also chose to take communion together during the ceremony, which was a beautiful way to put their faith at the center of their marriage. Between those special moments and the joy of watching them become husband and wife, it was a ceremony to remember!

Can we just take a moment to appreciate these stunning tablescapes?! Every detail was absolutely gorgeous! The tables were the perfect combination of elegance and romance, creating such a beautiful atmosphere for Josie and Tyler's reception at the Marriott Grand St. Louis Hotel. I love how all the elements came together to make such a breathtaking statement. It's those thoughtful details that truly transform a reception space, and these tables certainly had the WOW factor!

And let me tell you, this crowd knew how to have a good time! Once the reception got underway, the celebration was in full swing. The dance floor was packed, the music kept everyone moving, and the energy in the room was contagious! I love a wedding where guests aren't afraid to kick off their shoes and dance the night away, and Josie and Tyler's reception certainly delivered. It was such a fun-filled evening of laughter, dancing, and celebrating the happy couple. Nobody wanted the party to end!

A fun and unique touch at Josie and Tyler's reception was the drink selection at the bar! In addition to their signature cocktails, guests could also enjoy signature dirty sodas! Everyone loved it! These fun, nonalcoholic drinks were a creative addition to the traditional bar offerings and gave everyone something special to sip on throughout the evening. I love when couples add unexpected little touches to their wedding day, and this was such a fun way to make the celebration even more memorable. Cheers to that!

As beautiful as the venue and decorations were, the real magic was watching Josie and Tyler celebrate their love surrounded by family and friends.  Weddings have a way of reminding us what really matters. It's not whether every napkin is perfectly folded or every flower is in exactly the right spot. It's the love, the laughter, the happy tears, and the memories being made.  Those are the moments everyone will remember long after the last dance.

I also have to give a shout-out to a couple of my sweet friends who jumped in to help with the wedding! There are so many moving parts to a wedding day, and having extra hands makes all the difference. They were willing to pitch in wherever needed, and I was so grateful to have them by my side. Not only did they make my job easier, but we managed to have a little fun along the way, too!

Coordinating Josie and Tyler's wedding was more than just another event on my calendar. It was a chance to be part of a milestone in the life of a family I love dearly.  There's something incredibly rewarding about helping create a beautiful day for people who mean so much to you.  Josie and Tyler, thank you for allowing me to be part of your celebration! I wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventures, laughter, and love.  Here's to love, beautiful weddings, and happily ever after!

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - October 28, 2026

 

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by. 

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers, including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that, as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature! 

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

1. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
3. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
4. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

Grand Candy Games for Sweet Family Fun!

Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese

Buckwheat Apple Cake with Honey

Easy Jack O'Lantern Waffles Recipe

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way, your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party! 

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Five on Friday - October 23, 2026

Oh happy day - we've made it to Friday!  Glad you popped in to see what five things I'm sharing on Five on Friday today.  Let's jump right in ~

1.  Nobody Wants This - Season 3

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are back as Joanne and Noah in Nobody Wants This, and I couldn't be more excited! This season, the couple is taking the next big step in their relationship as they move in together. Of course, with their very different backgrounds, quirky families, and all the ups and downs that come with relationships, I'm sure there will be plenty of laughs, awkward moments, and heartfelt scenes along the way. I just love the chemistry between these two! Netflix dropped all 10 episodes at once, so I definitely see some binge-watching in my weekend plans. Who else is excited to catch up with Joanne and Noah?

2.  Simply Ina

Calling all Ina Garten fans! The Barefoot Contessa has a brand-new cookbook out this week, and the timing couldn't be better with the holidays right around the corner! Simply Ina features 85 recipes, from easy everyday meals to impressive dishes perfect for entertaining. I love Ina's approach to making delicious food without making things overly complicated. This one might need to go on my Christmas wish list! Are you an Ina Garten fan?

Available HERE

3.  Magnetic Power Bank

How handy is this little gadget?! This portable power bank is perfect for keeping your phone charged when you're on the go! I love that it has a built-in stand, so you can prop up your phone while it charges, plus a digital display that lets you know how much battery power is left. Perfect for traveling, long days of shopping, or anytime you're away from an outlet. And that pretty pink color is a bonus!

Even better, there's a discount code you can use to save some money! Be sure to apply the code XGJV3WL5 at checkout to get the special price. This would make a great stocking stuffer, too!

Available HERE

4.  Lay's Holiday Chips

Well, this is something I didn't see coming! Lay's is getting into the holiday spirit with some interesting new potato chip flavors! Their limited-edition holiday lineup includes Roasted Holiday Turkey, Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes, and Maple Bacon. Yes, you read that right—Thanksgiving dinner in potato chip form! The first flavors are starting to hit grocery store shelves in late October, just in time for all that holiday snacking. I'm not sure which one I'd try first, but I'm definitely curious! What do you think—would you give these a try, or should some holiday foods just stay on the dinner table?

5.  Yep, it happens...

Have a great weekend!  We have a schedule full of fun things and I can't wait to get started!  If you missed my fall goals post, you can check it out HERE.  I'm dragging out more pumpkins this weekend and switching over my sunshine and mushrooms to all fall!  Can't wait to show you the end result.  See you next week!

Five Fall Goals to Help Me Savor the Season

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is my little corner of the internet where I share what's on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same!

Can you believe we're already more than halfway through October? Fall always seems to fly by, and before we know it, we'll be decking the halls! As much as I love Christmas, I don't want to rush past all the wonderful things this season has to offer. So, I've narrowed my fall bucket list down to five simple goals that I hope will help me slow down, be more intentional, and truly savor these last beautiful weeks of autumn. Let's take a look!

Here are my five fall goals!

1. Spend More Time with God 

With the busyness of everyday life, it's easy to let quiet time slip down the priority list. This fall, I want to be more intentional about spending time in God's Word, praying, and simply being still in His presence.

Whether it's starting my morning with a devotional, participating in Bible study, or spending time with the wonderful ladies in Gathered in Grace, I want to make sure I'm nurturing my relationship with God. After all, He's the one who gives us these beautiful seasons to enjoy!

2. Make More Time for Friends and Family 

If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that time spent with the people we love is never wasted.

This fall, I want to make an extra effort to get together with friends and family. Whether it's a dinner out, a game night, a weekend getaway, or simply sitting around the table catching up, those are the moments that make life so special.

Our calendars can fill up quickly, but I want to make sure they're filled with the things — and people — that matter most.

3. Get Outside and Enjoy Fall 

Fall has to be one of the prettiest times of the year! The changing leaves, crisp mornings, and beautiful sunsets are all reminders of God's amazing creativity.

After our recent trip to Maine, where we were surrounded by some absolutely gorgeous fall scenery, I'm reminded how much I love being outdoors this time of year.

My goal is to take more walks, enjoy a scenic drive, or just sit outside with a cup of coffee and appreciate the beauty around me. Sometimes the simplest activities bring the greatest joy.

4. Declutter and Refresh My Home 

There's something about a new season that makes me want to freshen things up around the house. Of course, I love pulling out my fall decorations, but this year I also want to tackle a little organizing.

I'm not talking about a major overhaul! Just cleaning out a closet, organizing a drawer, or finding a better home for those things that seem to accumulate throughout the year.

My goal is to have things a little more organized before the hustle and bustle of the holidays begins. And let's face it, a cozy, tidy home just feels good!

5. Slow Down and Practice Gratitude 

This might be the most important goal on my list.

It's so easy to get caught up in what's next that we forget to appreciate what's happening right now. I want to spend more time noticing the little blessings — a beautiful sunrise, a good book, laughter with friends, a delicious meal, or an unexpected moment of peace.

I want to focus less on checking things off my to-do list and more on being grateful for the life God has blessed me with.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that we don't have to fill every moment with something productive. It's perfectly okay to slow down and simply enjoy life.  Here's to a beautiful fall!

So there you have it — my five goals for fall! Nothing earth-shattering, but sometimes it's the simplest things that make the biggest difference.

Now it's your turn! Do you set seasonal goals? What's one thing you're hoping to do before fall comes to an end? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy fall, friends! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - October 21, 2026

 

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by. 

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers, including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that, as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature! 

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

1. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
2. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
3. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
4. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

Vampire Punch Recipe

Halloween Spider Deviled Eggs

Chocolate Pizzelles Recipe

How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds in the Air Fryer

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please.  Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way, your entries will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Five on Friday - October 16, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! Another week is in the books, and somehow we're already halfway through October! The days are flying by, the fall decorations are out, and I'm loving everything this cozy season has to offer. I've rounded up five fun finds to share with you today, so grab your favorite morning beverage, get comfortable, and let's jump into this week's Five on Friday!  

1.  Hallmark Countdown to Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year — at least for us Hallmark Christmas movie lovers! Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas kicks off this week, and I couldn't be more excited! Bring on the small-town charm, snowy streets, cozy sweaters, unexpected romances, and, of course, those perfectly predictable happy endings. I know it's only October, but I'm more than ready to curl up with a blanket and enjoy a little Christmas magic. Let the holiday movie marathon begin!

2.  Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus

Fans of Lessons in Chemistry, take note! Bonnie Garmus is back with a brand-new novel, Peck & Peck! After the huge success of her debut, I've been excited to see what she would write next. This is definitely one to add to the ever-growing TBR list! If you loved her witty storytelling and memorable characters in Lessons in Chemistry, you'll want to check out her latest release!  Here's the summary ~

Peck & Peck tells the irresistible story of a young man whose life turns upside down when he is hired by the most prestigious, secretive and dysfunctional poetry journal in the world: the renowned Peck & Peck.

It's 1982, New York City. Crime is on the rise, muggings are in the streets, and Batter Gray, recent college graduate with a skill that no one wants - an 'ear' for poetry - is worried about his future. While all his friends have real jobs, he's folding T-shirts at the Gap. As for love? No. Not unless you count Sallie Mae, the student loan tyrant. He hears from Sallie all the time.

But when Batter gets a dream job at Peck & Peck, the most prestigious poetry quarterly in the world, his life moves into the literary fast lane. Soon Batter is knee-deep in the secret war between the two Editors in Chief, the famous Peck brothers - twins and enemies - as well as being privy to the private affairs of their thirty-nine editors, whose professed mission is the same: Find originality. Reward creativity. Burn the rest. And by 'burn', they mean incinerate.

Because at Peck & Peck, 'good' isn't good enough, 'interesting' doesn't cut it, plagiarists aren't tolerated, and parolees run the mailroom. Still want to submit your poem? Go with God.

Welcome to another dazzling and unforgettable novel from Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry. Hugely original, brilliantly funny and peopled with unforgettable characters, Peck & Peck is both a passionate ode to the written word and a heartwarming exploration of all that makes us human.

Available HERE

3.  Sense and Sensibility

Calling all Jane Austen fans! A brand-new adaptation of Sense and Sensibility arrives in theaters today, October 16! Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles, this timeless story follows the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love, heartbreak, and the challenges of finding happiness. I'm always up for a good period drama, and this one looks like a perfect choice for a fall movie date! Anyone else planning to see it?

4.  Christmas Garland

I know, I know...it's only October, and we're just getting into the swing of fall, but it's never too early to start thinking about Christmas decorations, especially when there's a great deal involved! How gorgeous is this Christmas garland?! I love the lush, realistic greenery and the warm twinkling lights. It would look absolutely beautiful draped across a mantel, wrapped around a staircase, or decorating an entryway. And here's the best part — you can snag this beauty for 50% off with a special discount code through October 24! If you're planning to add a little Christmas magic to your home this year, now's the perfect time to grab it at a fabulous price!  Click HERE and use discount code PXECZFRM at checkout.  

Available HERE

5.  Yep...

And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! We've got a fun weekend ahead, starting with Glow Bingo tonight! On Saturday we have our Bible study group, followed by some Mahjong and cheering on the Chiefs on Sunday! A little faith, fellowship, friendly competition, and football sounds like a pretty great weekend to me! Whatever your plans may be, I hope your weekend is filled with laughter, relaxation, and time spent doing the things you love. Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I'll see you back here next week! Happy weekend, friends!

Let's Make Cast Iron Skillet Apple Crisp!

Happy Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Is there anything that says fall quite like the smell of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven? With the leaves changing colors and a little chill in the air, I've been craving all those cozy fall flavors. That got me thinking about an Apple Crisp recipe I first shared way back in 2020! Some recipes are just too good to be forgotten, and this is definitely one of them. So today, I'm dusting off this old favorite and sharing it again. Grab a scoop of vanilla ice cream, because you're going to want it for this one!

Here's What You Need

Filling

6 medium apples (I used Granny Smith and Gala)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Topping

1-1/4 cups old fashioned oats

2 tablespoons flour

5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top

Here's What You Do

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

After washing the apples, peel and core them.  Cut them into bite-size pieces and add to a mixing bowl.

Put a 10" cast iron skillet on the stove and melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.  When the butter is melted, whisk in 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt.

Pour the butter mixture into the mixing bowl with the apples and toss until the apples are coated.

Return the apple mixture back into the skillet and turn the heat to medium.  While stirring, cook for about 5 minutes.  The apples will begin to soften.  Remove the skillet from the heat, keeping the apples inside.

Now it's time to make the topping.  Cut 5 tablespoons of butter into small pieces.  Mix the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt together in a bowl.  Add the pieces of butter and mix until crumbly.  Feel free to use your hands to mix this up!

Spread the topping over the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and place it in the oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes.  The apples will be tender and the topping will have a nice crunch to it.

We served the apple crisp with a generous scoop of ice cream.  We used vanilla ice cream, but I was thinking it would also be scrumptious with a big scoop of cinnamon ice cream!  What a perfect fall dessert.  Hope you enjoy it as much as we need!

Now it's your turn! What's been on your mind lately? Whether it's a favorite fall recipe, something fun you've been up to, or just a few random thoughts, I'd love for you to link up below and share what you're thinking out loud about this Thursday. I can't wait to see what everyone has to share!

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