Thursday, March 27, 2014

Hitched In A Hurry: Karley & Taylor Kiker

Photo By 
Meet the Bride
Name: Karley Osborn
The Future: Mrs. Kiker
Age: 23
Dated her Man: About 2 months
Engaged: 4.5 months
Ring Cut: Emerald

Karley is a Texas girl whose creative talent brings joy to the world. Both an artist and author, Karley takes on commissions (www.karleykiker.com) and recently published her first book Hitched In A Hurry. When she’s not painting or writing, Karley likes to cook nice meals and adventure into spontaneous day-dates with her husband. Funny, adept and compassionate—Karley embodies a lot of phenomenal qualities and has numerous deeply rooted passions, but her number one passion is her relationship with Jesus Christ. Karley seeks to do all things for God’s glory and strives to credit Him for everything—including her love story.

When asked, she answered:

What is the best part about planning the wedding? Knowing that all of the craziness of the planning process was leading me up to being with Taylor forever. I also enjoyed pre-marital counseling, as it deepened our relationship and grew our excitement for our future together.

What is the worst part about planning the wedding? Being overwhelmed by the little details! You really discover the “control-freak” side of yourself while planning a wedding—or at least I did.

What is something you’d do different? Pay more attention to the logistics of arrivals. With our destination wedding, there were a few hiccups with check-ins. If given a re-do, I would call the hotel a few weeks in advance to make sure everyone’s check-in was established to ensure optimal comfort for our guests.

Advice for Brides-to-Be? Don’t over fixate on planning. Make time for counseling, dates and growing your relationship.  Remember that no matter how much time, energy, and money you pour into your wedding day, it will only last for 24 hours. Your marriage is meant to last a lifetime, invest accordingly.

What celebrity would you invite to your wedding and why? Carrie Underwood because I just know we’d be best friends if she’d give me a chance. And I’d also ask her to sing during the reception!


The Celebration

Photo By 
For Karley and Taylor, it all came around full circle. A family vacation in Hilton Head, South Carolina the summer of 2012 marked the beginning of their love story. Unbeknownst to them, exactly one year and one week later, the same spot would mark the beginning of their lives together. 

July 27,2013 couldn’t come soon enough for this couple. Engaged only 4.5 months, Karley and Taylor knew they were destined to be together and didn’t want to prolong the planning process. “He was so worth the wait,” says Karley, “and marrying him [was] so worth the rush.” Although time was working against them, love propelled their determined hearts forward and, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, Karley and Talyor found themselves standing at the altar.

The ceremony took place on an outdoor deck overlooking the ocean where it all began, the Westin Hilton Head Resort in South Carolina. Karley gracefully floated down the aisle to the sound of gentle crashing waves in a strapless Vera Wang from David’s Bridal that featured pockets, a skirt made from organic, netted fabric, and a custom Enzoani belt while being surrounded by playful hues of coral and turquoise that danced in the décor. United at the altar, Karley and Taylor professed their love to one another and declared—in front of an intimate audience of 90 guests—to be faithful to one another, cleave to one another, challenge each other to grow spiritually, serve each other with a servant’s heart and love each other the way Christ loves the church. “Our number one goal was for everyone in attendance to feel the presence of the Lord,” says Karley, “we wouldn’t be together without Him.” The newlyweds sealed their vows with a kiss, confident that special moment was truly the beginning of a lifetime of happiness.

Photo By 
The celebration continued with a brunch reception due to the scheduling of a morning ceremony. Underneath a covered pavilion, guests enjoyed a buffet style meal complete with good conversation, warm rays from the summer sun, and the gentle touch of the ocean breeze. Upon their arrival at the reception, Karley and Taylor shared their first dance to It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr. Soaking in the moment of being surrounded by the things they love most—friends, family, beach and the outdoors—Karley and Taylor were overwhelmed by the joy in their hearts, not wanting the celebration to end at the reception…and it didn’t. Unlike most weddings, the party continued even after the conclusion of the reception. Guests were requested to bring a change of clothes to join the newlyweds for a day on the beach! Board shorts, bathing suits, sandy toes and smiles sumed up the final hours of the Kiker wedding. Colorful, relaxed and stress free—Karley expressed the day couldn’t have been more perfect.

The best part? One year earlier, Karley and Taylor left the South Carolina beach saying goodbye to one another and headed their separate ways. On July 23, 2013, Karley and Taylor left the exact same beach together never having to say goodbye again.


Wedding Highlights
Date of Wedding: July 27, 2013
Number of Guests: 90
Wedding Colors: Coral & Turquoise
First Dance Song: It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr.
Honeymoon Destination: Riviera Maya, Mexico  


Best Wishes Mr. & Mrs. Kiker 





Click Here to pre-order your copy of Karley’s book Hitched In A Hurry
If you order on or before April 3rd email hitchedinahurrybook@gmail.com and you’ll receive a free bonus chapter!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Wear It Wednesday: Leggings & An Oversized Sweater


On windy days (like today) I like to feel warm and comfy. A simple outfit such as leggings and an oversized sweater always does the trick! Paired with a colorful scarf and Tory Burch flats—this casual look just turned chic.



Black Leggings: Nordstrom
Oversized Sweater: Nordstrom
Infinity Scarf: Gift Accessory
Flats: Tory Burch

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Honeymoon Destination: St. Barth's

St. Barth's Island French West Indies
If you’re looking for a tropical escape with luxurious flair and seaside elegance—St. Barth’s is a match for you.

Officially recognized as the Territorial collectivity of Saint Barthélemy, this island’s name is commonly abbreviated to Saint-Barth in French or St. Barth’s/St. Bart’s in English. Located in the French West Indies region of the Caribbean, St. Barth’s is French territory; therefore the island language is French and the currency is Euro.

The magnificence of the island speaks for itself capturing beauty in pristine blue waters, white sand and lush vegetation. The island hilltops offer breathtaking views of the expansive ocean and full moon nights set the stage for romantic walks on the beach. 

The island locals are pleasant and welcoming—most of them originating from Paris, France—however, meeting a local is rare and far between. The majority of feet that grace the island grounds are elite visitors.  You’re likely to rub elbows with international stars such as Brazilian professional soccer player, Alexander Pato, who’s beach chair was next to mine!

Luxury Shopping

Aside from its natural beauty and choice personnel, St. Barth’s is home to first class shopping. Alongside the island harbor there is a marketplace with restaurants, grocery stores, souvenir shops and the crème de la crème of fashion—Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, etc. Walking through the cobblestone paved narrow streets, catching a glimpse of friends engaged in conversation at a corner café, sun shining and bags in hand—you can’t help but be relaxed and find yourself in the ultimate happy place.

While nature hikes, shopping and other activities are available on the island, it’s the exquisite beaches of St. Barth’s that attracts visitors. Eden Rock Hotel is a highly recommended accommodation. This five star hotel sits on one of the island’s finest beaches. Offering exclusive beach access, privacy and first class service, Eden Rock in St. Barth’s is the perfect place for an unforgettable tropical escape.

Eden Rock Hotel Beach
Before the send off, I have a traveler’s tip—when visiting St. Barth’s don’t forget the bug spray! Also, be aware, St. Barth's will capture your heart. 

Bon Voyage. 

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Wear It Wednesday: Leopard Print + Tory Burch


Today I'm sporting a casual California look. Leopard print shirt with black shorts, spruced up with a blazer and topped with matching Tory Burch flats and purse.



Leopard Tank: Nordstrom
Black Shorts: Nordstrom
Blazer: Nordstrom
Purse: Tory Burch
Flats: Tory Burch


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Beauty Defined

Rebekah Scott 
Today I was put down for my appearance. It all started with a trip to the store to buy more paint.

I went to the section in the back where all the craft items were located and proceeded to search for the right colors amidst a disorganized mess. While getting down on my knees to try and find the right shade of red, two girls, who by my estimate were around age 15-16, walked down the same aisle

Then they began to talk to each other. They started off by saying “Wow. Who in their right mind would leave the house wearing clothes likes that?” I thought at first that they were making fun of each other, but when I turned my head they were both looking at me. I am sure my face turned beet red when I noticed they were talking about me. Yeah, I was wearing an old pair of shorts, and t-shirt that had some paint on it, but I figured it would be alright to go out—seeing as I was only leaving the house for 10 minutes to go grab paint… little did I know.

Their comments continued. “Who does she think she is? Wearing shorts with such fat, white legs? You don’t see us doing anything stupid like that.” I have to admit, even though it was coming from total strangers, it still stung. I almost wanted to retort back, but I knew that would be wrong and wouldn’t gain me anything. I just kept my head down, found my paints, and tried to get out of the situation as unscathed as possible.

As I passed by them on the aisle one of them said, “Might as well go and cover yourself up with that ugly face of yours. And don’t forget to put on some full-length sweatpants! No one wants to see that!”  They laughed at me as I walked away.

It had been a rather good day leading up to that point and I was determined not to let a rude encounter ruin what was left of it. As soon as I got home, I did some research on the word beauty.

Definition of Beauty: the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations, a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (i.e. personality, spiritual qualities).

In the Bible (ESV), the word beautiful is used 74 times. Beautiful is used for describing certain women, architecture, God’s ways/will, and it is also the name of a gate at the temple mentioned in Acts. The word beauty is used once.

1 Peter 3:3-4 states, “Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”

Beauty is intrinsic. Not something outward, but inward; the spirit by which you are doing things and glorifying God! Peter is flat out telling us that the outward appearance has nothing to do with beauty, but it is the condition of the heart that brings satisfaction. In fact, God sees a beautiful spirit as PRECIOUS; something that is of high value, significant, and of great worth. So if the God who created the universe sees your heart as precious, isn’t that more important that what other people say?

The condition of the heart is a beauty that is imperishable; cannot be destroyed, eternal. The gospel can also bring forth something that is eternal—life in Jesus Christ. Our lives should be so closely knitted with God that when we are seen, an intrinsic beauty ought to draw people in—the beauty of the gospel in our lives.


We have been given imperishable beauty, it is something everyone can have, so we should share it with others. By doing that, we are giving God glory.  

Thursday, March 13, 2014

5 Tips: Eat Right & Be Aisle Ready

Don’t be a bride who just looks good on her wedding day, be a bride who feels good too!

Follow these 5 easy steps to feel good walking down the aisle and effortlessly fit into your gown like a glove.

One week before the wedding:

Photo via Pinterest: mindyweiss.com 
1.     Avoid Legumes. Beans, lentils and peas contain sugars that are difficult to digest causing gas and bloating.

2.     Steer Clear of Cruciferous Veggies. The fiber found in broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower slowly digests, which means it sticks to your belly for a while.

3.     No Carbonated Drinks. The air bubbles in soda and sparkling water swell your mid section like a balloon. Instead, hydrate yourself with water—not only will you avoid swelling, you will also have healthy, glowing skin.

4.     Disregard Frozen Meals and Canned Soups. Packed with sodium to maintain preservation, the salt in microwavable meals will retain water in your stomach causing unwanted expansion.

5.     Be Conscious of Proportion. Eating bulk meals throughout the day won’t do you any good. Don’t stuff yourself (even with salad)! Instead, always leave room and withdraw from the table a little hungry after every meal.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Wear It Wednesday: Navy, Brown & Red

One of my favorite color schemes- navy, brown & red are a go to! I like adding a pop of color to an otherwise neutral palette. Casual yet sophisticated, these colors are good friends. 






Navy Stripped Shirt: H&M
Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21
Navy Wedges: Steven Madden
Red Necklace: H&M
Brown Purse: Nordstrom 


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Daily Affirmation

A lot of us are familiar with the YouTube video of a cute little Jessica who gives herself a morning pep talk in the mirror while standing on the bathroom counter in her pajamas.



Although funny and adorable, this video has a profound message—the importance of positive affirmation.

We all have insecurities. Mine stem from getting so wrapped up in measuring my worth according to the world’s standards, I neglect to consider my worth in Jesus Christ.

Observing this was a constant struggle for me, my mentor challenged me to seek the truth about my insecurities in scripture and write out a card with daily affirmations to read aloud each morning.

I took his advice and recite the following sans pajama outfit atop the bathroom counter:

In God’s Eyes…

I am VALUED.
Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

I am APPRECIATED.
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

What I Do MATTERS.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”


I keep one card on my nightstand and another in my car so I’m constantly reminded that no matter what anyone says or what circumstance I’m in, I am of worth in God’s sight.

What I like most about sweet Jessica in the YouTube video is the confidence with which she speaks.

May we, with the same assurance, face our days with confidence.

What is on your daily affirmation card?