CELEBRATING THREE YEARS MARRIED AS A NEW FAMILY OF THREE WITH ANDREA PESCE PHOTOGRAPHY

Three years ago we chose forever. Three years ago we celebrated our love with those closest to us and started our lives together. We didn't know what lay ahead as no one does and I could write forever about the past 3 years; the memories made, the good times and I have so many words I could write about our struggle to start a family. But instead I want to keep it short and sweet and let these photos that I will treasure forever do the talking. Christopher Schmidt- I love you. Thank you for choosing me to go through life with. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm so proud to be the one by your side. Thank you for making me a mother. Seeing you become a father to your little girl is the greatest gift. Happy 3 years my love! 

CAROLINE HARPER SCHMIDT

I've started this post a trillion times, but it's difficult to find the words to introduce the little girl who has changed my life in such a monumental and beautiful way. I've been a mama for 9 weeks and it's been so wonderful getting to know this person who grew inside me for 9 months. The person who is little bits on Chris and I. These few weeks have been full of memory making and pure (sleepy) happiness for my little family of 3, well 5 with Levi and Lola. 

Allow me for the first time to introduce Caroline Harper Schmidt. 

Yep! We had a GIRL!

Caroline arrived 10 days early on Tuesday June 27th, 2017  She was 7 lbs and 19" long and friends,  she is so worth the wait and so worth the darkness of last 2 years. My heart now exists outside of my chest and I never could have comprehended that it was possible to feel this much love and joy. Caroline was born via induced labor due to gestational hypertension the last few weeks of my pregnancy. I can happily report that after 24 hours of labor she came into the world with only 6 pushes. There were no real complications and overall it was pretty great experience. It's amazing what women's bodies are capable of. 

That right right up there made me a mama and it is amazing how much your love for your husband expands what you witness him become a father. Having Chris as a teammate in parenthood is the greatest thing and he has been my biggest supporter from the get go. He was surprised for the gender as he wanted to be and totally thought it was a boy- HAH. 

This week is my first week back in the office on a part-time basis. Honestly, I thought I was going to be back and with it way sooner. I'll be publishing a new blog on getting back in the swing of things after stepping away for 9 weeks and how I'm feeling about it all (I shared some of this over on Instagram) but for now we have our first fall event this Saturday and I am feeling ready and excited to get back to doing what I love and creating the beautiful florals for Mark and Meggan's Charlottesville wedding. 

Caroline, you are loved more than you know baby girl. I am so happy God made me your mama. My heart has been cracked wide open because of you and my unconditional and unending love for you is overwhelming amazing in every sense of the word. You are 2 months old and everyday we learn something new about you. You are so beautiful with your big blue eyes and the way you do your half a smile. I cannot wait for all the adventures we will have and to see where life takes you. You are a miracle. 

Our first family photo. 

JOHN + STEPHANIE MARRIED. A CHARLOTTESVILLE WEDDING AT CASTLE HILL CIDER WITH TRICIA CHRISTINE WEDDINGS,

When Tricia of Tricia McLister Events reached out to me about creating the florals for a Castle Hill Cider wedding in Charlottesville, I jumped at the opportunity. The color palette was completely out of the box for me (seriously-there's no pink anywhere on this page y'all) and I loved getting the chance to be creative with tablescapes and the use of different florals. I absolutely love getting to stretch my creative legs and my bride Stephanie let me do just that. She wanted something different, something that stood out from other events. And not surprisingly this wedding has gone down in my event history books as one of my favorites of all time. It's a day that looks something straight out of a fairytale and the cherry on top? The couple Stephanie and John- two of the sweetest and most fun loving couples I've had the pleasure of working with. 

These photos by C ThruLens Photography are incredible friends. You'll want to take your time scrolling, trust me. 

The bride chose Keswick Hall as her getting ready location and it made for a stunning backdrop. Such a beautiful start to the day. 

Like something out of Italy, am I right? Virginia, you are beautiful. 

So much love! 

Our color palette we worked with for this event was a mixture of deep plums, lavenders, sage greens, and pops of white. Perfect for fall if you ask me!

Stephanie and John's ceremony and reception were held as Castle Hill Cider in Charlottesville. It was the most gorgeous of fall days. 

Thank you again John and Stephanie for trusting me with your wedding florals and letting me a small part of your special day. It was truly one of my favorite weddings. 

Vendors:

Planning and Design- Tricia Christine Weddings.

Photography- C-ThruLens Photography

Florals- One Sweet Day in May 

Getting ready location- Keswick Hall

Ceremony and Reception venue- Castle Hill Cider

Hair and Makeup- Phenomenal Faces