A week after our wedding, we met our photographer at a stunning historic mission just outside of Tucson—a place that once sat high on our list of potential venues. In the end, it didn’t make sense logistically, but the beauty of it never left my mind. Heading there for our bridal sunset session felt serendipitous, like the universe was letting us experience that dream in a different, more intimate way.
When we first started planning our wedding, we dreamed of saying “I do” in Italy. That plan eventually evolved—it would have been too hard for our families to travel—but we carried that vision with us. We wanted our day to feel warm, intentional, creative, and full of soul. Every detail was chosen with care, and almost everything—from the florals to the food—was made by our own hands. We thrifted, styled, cooked, arranged, and designed our way through six months of wedding prep, carving out time after our son went to bed each night to bring our vision to life. Then, the weekend of our wedding, a record-breaking rainstorm swept through Phoenix and nearly derailed everything. But just like our love story, this wedding was never about perfection. It was about showing up, leaning in, and building something beautiful together—even through the mess.
Like any bride, I wanted to look and feel my absolute best on my wedding day. Andrew proposed to me in April after eight months of dating, and we quickly set a wedding date just six months out. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of finding “the one” and getting married. After the heartache I experienced in a past relationship, meeting Andrew and getting engaged truly felt like a dream come true. As the big day approached, I became more intentional about my wedding prep — hitting the gym more regularly, cutting out alcohol, drinking more water, taking collagen, and more. But along with the lifestyle changes, I also had a long list of beauty treatments I wanted to explore. In this blog post, I’m excited to share the full rundown of my wedding beauty prep!
For Andrew’s birthday, we took a trip to Sedona and stayed at The Wilde Resort & Spa. Andrew got to do some fishing (his birthday wish) and mama got to squeeze in some “me time” at the spa, pool, and fitness center. The ambiance and the setting were so peaceful and beautiful, making it the perfect escape. Surrounded by the stunning red rock formations, The Wilde Resort offered the exact kind of serene getaway we needed before our upcoming wedding. From relaxing by the pool to indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, every corner of the resort had something to offer.
For Andrew’s birthday this year, we planned a special getaway to Sedona—a trip full of adventure, breathtaking views, and family moments we’ll always remember. Sedona’s famous red rocks and scenic trails set the perfect backdrop for celebrating Andrew, while Sage added his own little doses of excitement (and adorable mischief) along the way. From hiking among towering rock formations to exploring charming shops and strolling along peaceful canyon trails, every part of the trip felt carefully curated for fun, connection, and just the right amount of adventure. It was a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make birthday memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.
My breastfeeding journey is sadly coming to an end, so to celebrate 18 months of breastfeeding my son, Sage Wylder, Andrew took these beautiful photos of us. When Sage was taken to the NICU after my c-section, I fought really hard to be able to breastfeed him because it meant so much to me. I totally would have kept going, but the toll it was taking on me physically was really starting to wear me down. It’s been an emotional roller coaster—mentally and physically. I wish they would warn you about the hormone crash that happens when you start weaning your baby off breastfeeding. It’s been brutal, not to mention how much I miss the connection between Sage and me during those precious moments. I’ll forever cherish that time, and I’m proud of myself for sticking with it as long as I did! Also, Sage looks huge in these photos, lol—I wish we’d taken them when he was littler, but it’s hard to make the time in these busy days. I’m so glad we made the effort!
During our Colorado trip, we stayed at The Rathbone Hotel & Parlor Bar in Montrose—and it turned out to be a true gem. I was instantly drawn to this boutique hotel by its beautifully designed rooms and the stunning restaurant on-site. Housed in a historic Montrose building, the property has been thoughtfully renovated, blending classic charm with modern comfort. The spacious rooms, soaring ceilings, and meticulous attention to detail made our stay extra special. As luck would have it, our visit coincided with my birthday, so having such a gorgeous place to celebrate made the trip even more memorable. We had an incredibly comfortable stay and such a great overall experience that I couldn’t wait to share it with you all here on the blog!
Telluride was hands down my favorite town we visited during our Colorado trip! This gorgeous mountain town offers breathtaking views of the Rockies, a vibrant downtown filled with great shopping and dining, and a picturesque river running right through it. Once a Victorian-era mining town, Telluride gave me major Aspen vibes—but with a much more laid-back, welcoming feel. I’d love to come back one day with our family and stay for a few days to soak it all in. In this blog post, I’m excited to share where we ate, shopped, and what we explored during our time in Telluride!
We recently returned from our family trip to Colorado, where we stayed at the most charming modern, western-themed boutique hotel in Ridgway—Hotel Palomino. The property looks like a little western town straight out of a movie set! Once an old western-style building known as “Trail Town,” it’s been thoughtfully upcycled by its owners, who are Ridgway locals, into a fresh and stylish hospitality concept. I absolutely love what they’ve done to breathe new life into the place!
We just returned from a trip to Detroit—somewhere I’ve been wanting to visit for quite a while. The main reason for our visit to Michigan was to attend a funeral for Andrew’s grandparents. I’m truly grateful we were able to be there, and it was really special getting to connect with more of Andrew’s family. We ended up extending our stay by a few days to explore “Motor City,” and even though Sage was going through a bit of a rough patch, we still managed to have a great time discovering the city and making some sweet family memories. Both Andrew and I were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed Detroit. It’s such an underrated city, and we’re happy we finally got to experience it for ourselves. In this post, I’ll be sharing 10 things we did in Detroit that are family friendly (and free!).
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