More than just Best Friends....

"She's the David to my Jonathan"

For the ones who need to hear this, I hope it hits home. Mariel and I are spiritual partners; prayer warriors! We believe whole heartily God brought us together for a bigger purpose. We like to refer to us as Jonathan and David in biblical terms. Mariel is Jonathan and Whitney is David.

The bible talks about how David was wild and made tons of mistakes. It also talks about David as being the one after 'God’s own heart.' You see, David was quick to repent, regardless of the mistakes he made.

Jonathan, on the other hand, was extremely wise. He had the the knowledge and David had the guts. So put these two together, and God took them further faster. All through His will.

These two were good men. They were men of God! But, they were much better together. They were a force! They did good on their own, but when God brought them together, He used them for a much greater purpose. They truly complimented each other!

Remember the famous book in the bible where David defeated Goliath? David was the LEAST qualified to take on the giant. However, God doesn’t call the qualified. God calls the unqualified and QUALIFIES them!

So to the ones reading this right now…. You need to know that God has a GREATER purpose for you. He has a David or a Jonathan waiting for you. He has something so spectacular up his sleeve, you wouldn’t believe it if he showed you. All you have to do is put FAITH towards God. Believe that He is the God Almighty! Trust in Him! His way is ALWAYS better than our own. Let go of whatever it is that’s bringing you down.

Open your eyes. You have ONE life to live. Life is SO short and YOU have the power to change lives. You have the power to leave people better than you found them. All through Jesus Christ!

God changed our lives in INCREDIBLE ways.. and He will do the same for you. 

Have a little Faith! 

Thank you Jesus. We love you guys.

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Last Minute Gifts

The perfect gifts for your bestie

Stuck and can’t figure out what to get your best friend for Christmas? Don’t worry we're here to help. Here are great gifts under $100 to give to your bestie this holiday season.

Bomb Make-up:

Foundation is difficult to pair, but a bomb highlighter, lip gloss, or eye shadow pallet is always a hit.

1. Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfecter: $38 Sephora.com

2. NYX Cosmetics Wonderlust Soft Matte Lip Cream City Set: $14 Ulta.com

3. 'IT Cosmetics' City Chic B rush Set: $68 Ulta.com

Benefit Cosmetics, They’re Real! Big Sexy Lip Kit, 29$ Ulta

Urban Decay Cosmetics, Full Spectrum Eye Shadow Palette, 39$ Ulta

Super Cute Accessories:

1. LA Pink Satin Trucker Hat: $20 Forever21.com

2. Braided Chain Choker: $6.90 Forever 21.com

3. Faux Leather Clutch: $15.90 Forever21.com

Cool Jackets:

1. Vila Leather Look Biker Jacket: $61 ASOS.com

2. Vila Embroidered Leather Look Biker Jacket: $98 ASOS.com 

3. Pow! Bomber Jacket: $89 Bebe.com

4. Zig Moto Jacket: $89 Bebe.com

5. Tassel Tie Cape: $89 Bebe.com

Beauty Products:

1. Gravity Mud Firming Face Mask by GlamGlow: $69 Sephora.com

2. Proactiv 3- Step System: $50 Ulta.com

3. First Aid Beuty Fab Faves to Go Kit: $30 Ulta.com

4. Clarisonic Mia 1 Skin Cleaning System: $99 Ulta.com

Only a few days left until Christmas. Happy Shopping!

XO

Whit +  Mariel 

Winter Whites

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017  

We love everything about Johnathan Kayne's Spring 2017 Line. From style and fit, to color and fabric, JK has a dress for every type of girl. 

You can never go wrong with white. These gowns speak for themselves. Beautiful, angelic, and lovely.

Prom is coming! You can purchase any of the Johnathan Kayne Gowns modeled by us on our website. Everything coming soon!

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Johnathan Kayne Spring 2017

Photography by: Bo Timmons / @bosphotonc / www.bosphotography.com

Photography by: Bo Timmons / @bosphotonc / www.bosphotography.com

Hair by: @prettyinmemphishair

Hair by: @prettyinmemphishair

outfits BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE / @JOHNATHANKAYNE / WWW.JOHNATHANKAYNE.COM

outfits BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE / @JOHNATHANKAYNE / WWW.JOHNATHANKAYNE.COM

What’s better than celebrating Christmas with your bestie + Johnathan Kayne? We collaborated with JK and his team to bring to you his Spring 2017 Collection. 

Everyday we will be posting a new blog on new dresses. We are SO excited to show off all of his amazing designs. You guys are going to LOVE them! Check back everyday for a chance to see them first. 

We’re especially obsessing over what we like to call his 'nude collection.' Mariel looks effortless in his wide-sleeve nude dress and Whit rocked the fun pants suit. Either of these designs could be worn to Prom, Homecoming, or a special night. Whichever fits your personality, Johnathan Kayne has it all. 

XO,

Whit + Mariel 

Business Spotlight: Extension Specialist

Pretty in Memphis Hair

Our Business Spotlight goes to the ambitious Ashley Jennings. I get asked all the time where I get my hair and where I get it done. Ashley from Pretty In Memphis Hair is my go to for hair. I have been working with her since my cheer days. Her hair is reliable, colors perfectly, and holds curls for days. Not only does she sell hair all over the US, for all of my ladies in Memphis, and the surrounding area, she is one heck of a stylist as well.

When I reached out to Ashley about her brand I wanted a chance for people to get to know her. Not only is her hair amazing, but so is her soul.


What made you start selling hair?

I have to thank my clients for talking me into starting the online boutique. My client's loved my hair and would always ask questions about it, so I decided to open the online store for them.

I knew I wanted to accommodate them further but I was afraid to carry on hand because of all the dangerous things I had heard about people being robbed and even being killed. Once I launched the site, I only set a goal of selling about 7 bundles a week. That was a bundle a day, but the site did extremely well. My clients and other people who had followed my social media account showed tons of support and we ended up selling to 15 different states within our first month of business.

Where to buy Pretty in Memphis Hair?

Although she does not have a public location just yet, their online boutique ships out all over the US! With the holiday season, Christmas is right around the corner. She has tons of promotions and sales and even a giveaway planned. So be sure to follow all of the social media accounts listed below and be on the lookout! Her website is www.prettyinmemphis.com.

What do you want your clients to know?

I want people to know that although my brand was started specifically to accommodate my client's needs, it has grown far more than expected and I'm so grateful of everyone who's ever supported my small business.

How to contact Ashley?

Contact Ashley personally through her customer service email. FaqPrettyInMemphisHair@Gmail.com

Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PrettyInMemphis or on Instagram @PrettyinMemphisHair

XO

Whit + Mariel

Must-Have Wines This Holiday Season

Cheers to family, friends, and fine wine

We’re smack dab in the Holiday Season and you know what that means, it’s wine time! In our world, it’s always wine time, but it’s the perfect time of year to take a breather and ENJOY yourself, your family, and especially the holidays. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everything we forget to slow down and enjoy ourselves. These wines will keep you going ALL Holiday season!

 

Rex-Goliath: This hearty cabernet is sure to give you all the flavor without taking all your cash. This is a cost efficient wine that we always keep on hand. Bold, dark, smooth, and intense, you can never go wrong with Rex- Goliath at $5.88 a bottle. 

 

 

Apothic Red: This is another cost efficient red wine that will not leave you disappointed. This is one of the best kept secret wines you’ll buy. Filled with flavor, Apothic Red will keep your pallet begging for more. 

 

Apothic Dark: If you dare to go bolder, while staying in the Apothic family, this one is PERFECT! A winter favorite that will go hand in hand with your more carnivorous meals. 

 

Childress Vineyards Three Red Table Wine: Childress Vineyards has tons and tons of wines you have to try but we really love the red table wine. It’s a smooth blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec. Slightly sweet this bottle is around $12.99.

threered2.jpg

 

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet: This is de-E-licious. It’s on the more expensive side but if your budget allows this one comes highly recommended. We visited the Cakebread Winery in California and we’ve been sold ever since. 

 

Belle Glos Pinot Noir: Around $50.00 a bottle, this is sure to be a hit. We love love love Belle Glos. This red wine is velvety smooth with red cherry, sweet baking spice, and plum balanced by bright acidity.

 

Caymus Vineyards Cabernet: Standing tall at $77 a bottle, this wine is pure bliss! With the scent of dark cherry and blackberry, subtly layered with warm notes of vanilla, this wine is an explosion for the palate.

XO

Whit + Mariel

BOUTIQUE COLLABORATION

Robin's Runway

Photography: @Bosphotonc

Photography: @Bosphotonc

We’re so excited for our first ever Boutique Spotlight. Cheers to the grand opening of Robin’s Runway out of NYC. We teamed up with Robin and celebrity stylist Harrison for the debuting of her crazy awesome clothing line. It’s different, sexy, and fun. The shoot was styled by Harrison and photographed by Bo Timmons. 

Use Promo code ‘WhitandMariel’ for 20% off. This is just the beginning of Robin’s Runway. Stay tuned for more to come!

Thanks to our dream team! We love you guys. 

Boutique: @RobinsRunway

Styled by: @iamhdiddy

Photography: @Bosphotonc

Hair: @PrettyinMemphishair

Hair color: @HairbyLaurenHawkins

XO

Whit + Mariel 

NASCAR Awards Banquet

Red Carpet Details

Photo by Harold Hinson

Photo by Harold Hinson

NASCAR goes to Vegas to celebrate the top 16 drivers. The top 16 are in the chase and compete for a championship. This year was Austin's first year and experiencing it together was really special. Mariel went on behalf of Monster Energy so having her there made it even better.

I have to brag on AD for his custom suit. He definitely wins the award for swaggiest suit game.

My gown is designed by one of my favorite designers, Michael Costello. Working with him and his team was a dream come true.

Mariel helped me style my look from top to bottom. At the last minute, we decided to throw the leapord clutch in for a little boom boom pow. 

Hair by Ashley with Miguel Julio Beauty/MUA by @makeupbymyia

Hair by Ashley with Miguel Julio Beauty/MUA by @makeupbymyia

Photo by Harold Hinson

Photo by Harold Hinson

Mariel wanted to go for a Golden Globes look. She got a chance to work with her favorite designer, Johnathan Kayne. We both adore Johnathan and can't wait to collaborate with him. Stay tuned!!

Mariel's Details:

Hair: @PrettyinMemphisHair

Styled: @haircandy_byanna

Make up: @makeupbymyia

 

XO

Whit + Mariel 

Comfort Foods For The Winter

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Heat up this winter with our favorite spicy tortilla soup. Not only is it a party favorite but it’s delicious and nutritious. Thanks to Whit's mama for the family recipe!

 

Recipe:

1 x rotisserie chicken

1 x bag of frozen corn

3 x cans of diced roasted tomatoes

3 x cans of rotel

3 x cans of black beans

3 x cans of kidney beans 

2 x packets of spicy or hot taco seasoning

2 x boxes of chicken broth

1 x diced onion

 

Toppings for soup:

1 x advacado

1 x sour cream

1 x bag of shredded cheese

1 x bag of tortilla chips

*add everything into a large pot. Cook on medium to high heat and serve! :)

 

XO

Whit + Mariel

6 Things We Can All Be Thankful For

There is always something to be thankful for! Life is so much more worthwhile when you take the time to cherish the moments in life. Life is short, and full of ups and downs, but it’s up to you to make the best out of this journey. 

1. Second chances:

No matter who we are or where we come from, we’ve all had a second chance to get it right at some point in our lives.


2. Revelations:

Turning points in our lives. The “Ah-Ha” moments where everything that God has been trying to reveal to you comes together and makes sense. 


3. Health:

If you’re reading this you are blessed. Not only because you have internet access, but you are alive and breathing, and have a second chance to get it right.


4. Spiritual Growth:

Spiritual growth is when you are accepting these “second chances” and “revelations” into your life. God only works in you as much as you allow him. It’s always a choice.


5. For all the things money can’t buy:

Your friends, families, girlfriends/boyfriends, significant others, unconditional love, a genuine smile, an understanding heart, a heart-felt touch, reassurance, a support system, the voice of someone you love.


6. Trials:

Be appreciative of your trials. We’re all afraid of going through life’s ‘downs’, but how can you truly know how far God can take you if you never experience trials. These are the moments that shape you, help you grow, and change you for the better. Tough times always reveal how strong you are, and how much God has your back.

Be thankful now! If you’re young, appreciate your youth. If you’re old, appreciate the years that God has given you to cultivate memories. You’re here in the now. Appreciate the now! Don’t always be looking for what’s going to come, appreciate whats going on in this very moment. So go hug your mama. Go kiss your grandparents. Make it right. Love while you can.

Happy Thanksgiving!

XO

Whit + Mariel

Beauty Challenge: Step 1

Letting Go

GiiC

We live by this. “God is in Control.” These are some of the most important words to live by because, Man Oh Man… when you give it to God, CRAZY things begin to happen. Mariel and I decided to do this two years ago. When we became roommates, we promised each other from here on out we're going to let go and let God. Whatever comes easy, we're going to go with it because we knew that would be God trying to take us to another phase in our life. 

You will go from barely having enough to having more than enough. He will take you out of a toxic relationship and put you into a Godly relationship. He will remove the wrong people and place the right ones in your life. The people who try to hold you back, the ones who ‘don’t see what everyone else sees,’ the people who purposefully try to hurt you, the ones who wait to see you fail, the ones who try to break you, the people who aren’t out for your best interest. God Will Remove Them! But only if you allow Him.

You will go from a negative toxic environment to a loving positive environment. I’m not saying you will live a perfect life without trials and tribulations. But, I am saying that God will SHOW OUT in ways you cannot even imagine and we are living proof!

One thing to always remember, God LOVES His children and let me tell you.. God doesn’t allow you to get away with hurting His children. This is something that Victoria Lane (Mariel’s mama) teaches us daily. She is a preacher and an incredible Woman of God. Side note, isn’t her name kinda awesome? Victoria Lane is almost like “Victory Lane.” LOL. I love it. 

Whatever you sow in life, will you reap in life. You sow deception, you’re going to reap deception. You sow seeds of greatness and it will come back twice as much and twice as great. What you put out into the universe and how you treat people will come back in tenfold. Granted, we are human and make mistakes. We are all not proud of some of the things we’ve done in the past and thats okay! Because our God is also a FORGIVING God. All He wants is for us to repent. Ask Him for forgiveness. Tell Him you’ve messed up, you’re sorry, and you love Him. It's that easy!

Thank You Jesus!!!

I LOVE bragging on the goodness of God because I had to fail Him miserably to get to this point. I still fail Him daily. But, I also seek Him daily. I give Him my all and God is changing my heart. He is changing who I was and molding me into who I’m meant to be! God is not only doing a work in my heart, but my entire circle.

See, in life, the people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of you. This is why it is so important to listen to God and allow Him to direct your steps. If you give it to God, He can cause the right people to come into your life and thrust you into your God-given destiny. 

How many of us have forced the wrong person in our lives just so we could have it our way? Maybe it's convenient? Or maybe you don’t know what you want? Or you’re scared of what people might think or how they might react? You might even think it's too late. 

God’s way is so much better than our own. I look at my life three years ago. My way vs. God’s way. There is no comparison! God knows the desires of our hearts and He has our best interest. He’s not going to stir us wrong. He wants us to live a life of greatness filled with love. 


Have you ever ignored red flags? Ever kept people around when you KNOW they are pulling you down? Ever felt stuck? Do you live an exhausted life? If you haven’t given up complete control, chances are, you answered yes to one of these. 

My entire life I tried to control everything. I held onto a relationship I knew was bad for me. It’s not that the other person was bad, you two are just bad together. It wasn’t a Godly relationship - which is the ultimate goal. It’s funny because everyone always sees it but you are blinded. 

Mariel always says “it’s not what you allow God to do in your life, it’s HOW MUCH you will allow Him to work.” 

I challenge you to give up control. I pray that God will do a work in your life like never before. I’m believing that God will remove the wrong people and empower you to witness as He leads. I pray God will open doors of opportunity that will lead you to your God given destiny. Let it be God’s way! We give all the Glory to God! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN!

Let us know how God is working in your lives by hashtaging #whitandmariel. 

Have a blessed and beautiful week.

XO
Whit + Mariel 

The BFF Beauty Challenge

Beauty: Taking a Look Within 

Beauty! Beauty! Beauty! As women, those words ring high and clear to our ears. There’s so much information at our fingertips showing us the top tricks and gimmicks to making us “more beautiful.” Every company out there targeting women knows that if there is a promise to make us more beautiful, WE ARE ALL IN!!! Which is great!! We all love feeling and looking beautiful.

Yes, the beauty portion of our blog will help you with these areas, but for the majority, we would like to take this beauty thing A LOT deeper. Where there won’t be tricks and gimmicks, but ways to actually develop True and Authentic Beauty. You know, the beauty you can’t purchase, paint on, or zap away. You guessed it, Inner Beauty.

We promise that thats the true kind. With our microwave mentality it would be great if this were something that could happen overnight, but its not. It's a LEGIT journey. Whit and I became really serious about this journey two years ago and were still learning things with each moment. 

You may be wondering what's Beauty to Whit and me? Beauty is knowing who you are and your true purpose. A purpose much greater than yourself, or your life! The best summation I've ever been told, "It ain't about you honey." It is knowing that your one true purpose is not what you have given yourself, but what the Alpha and Omega has planned for you, and living each day with diligence and faith to fulfill that purpose. 

Wondering how to get started? Well, Whit and I love putting our best foot forward when it comes to looking good. So, for example, if it takes you an hour to get ready (which if it does, I commend you, you are a talented woman), half that and spend it on self reflecting, journaling, reading, praying, meditating on yourself, your life, your mind set, and heart. Know yourself! Understand yourself. Be willing to work on yourself. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and give yourself goals on how to capitalize on your strengths and make your weaknesses a way to mold you and make you better. Fall in love with the information you learn about yourself and I promise others will too. 

There is something extremely captivating about a woman who knows and loves herself for what God has does in her. THAT is called Beauty. 

It's a commitment, and commitments are hard, but that is where a best friend comes in to help. :)  Someone to help keep you motivated, accountable, and reassured that you are going in the right direction. 

We hope that this blog inspires you to take this commitment with us. Keep on the lookout for the entire series. Step 1, coming soon!

XO

Whit + Mariel

Street Style

Easy, Sexy, and a Little Bossy

This has been our go-to look. It's super easy, sexy and a little bossy. Mariel is the glamour girl and Whit is the sporty chick with a slight edge.

Here's a couple ways to be both. Personally, we like to call it "Whit's jam" or glam it up Mariel's way!

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Mariel's Outfit

  1. Booties - Charlotte Russe
  2. Suede pants - Forever 21
  3. Sweater - Forever 21
  4. Hat - H&M

Whit's Outfit

  1. Moto Booties - BCBG 
  2. Black Pants - Express
  3. White High Low Top - H&M
  4. Leather Jacket - Windsor Store
  5. Leopard clutch - Forever 21 
  6. Scarf - Forever 21
  7. Hat - Bebe 
PHOTOGRAPHY: BO TIMMONS / @BOSPHOTONC / BOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY: BO TIMMONS / @BOSPHOTONC / BOSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

XO

Whit + Mariel

Celebrity Style: must haves

Duster Coats 

Photography: Bo Timmons / bosphotography.com / @bosphotonc

Photography: Bo Timmons / bosphotography.com / @bosphotonc

We’re obsessed with duster coats this season. It can elevate a casual outfit to street-style chic. Not to mention, it’s comfy, affordable, and easy to pair. 

Duster’s are perfect for date night to throw over your skirt, dress, or jeans. They can also make a casual day time outfit seem extra stylish. For our jet setters, it makes for a perfect airplane look. 

Styled by: whit + Mariel

Styled by: whit + Mariel

Outfit breakdown

Whitney - Black Duster

  1. Duster - Windsor
  2. Choker - Revolve
  3. Tank - Bebe
  4. Pencil Skirt - Bebe
  5. Pumps - Christian Louboutin

Mariel - Nude Duster

  1. Duster - Forever 21
  2. Dress - Naked Wardrobe
  3. Pumps - Christian Louboutin
hair by: lauren hawkins / @hairbylaurenhawkins

hair by: lauren hawkins / @hairbylaurenhawkins

More of our favorite celeb looks worth copying:

Khloe Kardashian - date night ready

Khloe Kardashian - date night ready

Chrissy Teigen - day time chic

Chrissy Teigen - day time chic

Gigi Hadid - girls night out 

Gigi Hadid - girls night out 

XO

Whit + Mariel

How to rock Clueless for Halloween

Grab your bestie! Here's how to emulate the ultimate duo of all time, Cher and Dionne. It's been over 20 years since Clueless hit theaters, and we STILL can't get enough of it. Totally iconic! 

Check out how we rocked the plaid ensemble.

Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid outfit

  1. Plaid Skirt, Top, Jacket (comes with white socks) - Walmart, $69.99
  2. '90s Cell Phone - Amazon, $5
  3. White Girly Shoes - Charlotte Russe, $15
  4. Furry Backback - Forever 21, $19
  5. Hair - Curled under
  6. Makeup - Barely any with clear lips

Dionne's Black Plaid outfit

  1. Plaid Top, shirt, skirt (comes with socks) - Walmart, $69.99
  2. '90s cell phone - Amazon, $5
  3. Nose Ring - Claire's - $2
  4. Braided Wig - Beauty Store - $99
  5. Black furry backpack - Forever 21, $24
  6. Black Hat - TJ Maxx - $10
  7. Red Flower - Michaels - $5
  8. White Poster Board - Michaels - $1
  9. Black Girly Shoes - Halloween Store, $20

Dionne's Famous Hat - Buy a black hat, cut poster board 10" high and tape the sides together. Set the poster board on top of the hat and add red flower. 

Falling in Love with Fall Fashion

FALL FASHION TRENDS

With Fall in full affect, we are falling in love with these top trends. This year is all about fun accessories to give your outfit the flair they deserve. Taking cute trends and incorporating them into your personal style. 

Chokers, Thigh Highs and Hats are just a few eye catching components to take your outfits from okay to wow in a matter of seconds. 

Outfit Breakdown:

Photography: Bo Timmons

Photography: Bo Timmons

Whitney's Outfit

  1. Black Suede Mini Skirt - Forever 21
  2. Maroon Peasant Top - Forever 21
  3. Thigh High Boots - Stuart Weitzman
  4. Black Lace Choker - Forever 21
  5. Black Trilby Hat - Target 

Mariel's Outfit

  1. Plaid Button Up Dress - H&M
  2. Black Choker - Charlotte Russe
  3. Black Trilby Hat - H&M
  4. Black Moto Style Leather Jacket - Bebe
  5. Black Thigh High Boots - Lust For Life
  6. Black Thigh High Socks - Burlington 

XO

Whit + Mariel

HOW HE ASKED

HOW WE MET

Austin and I met through mutual friends. He was in North Carolina and I was living in Nashville. Austin is a NASCAR driver and he wanted me to come watch him race. So after a few weeks of texting, me and my best friend Mariel went to watch him. The race was at Kentucky Motor Speedway which wasn't far from Nashville so I figured I'd go see what this was all about. It was my first "date" I had been on in a long time so this was a pretty big deal.

I was so impressed with how detailed Austin was with me. He made sure to get me a rental car so I didn't have to drive my own car. He made sure that we had a place to stay for the weekend. Everything down to a tee was so thoughtful and planned out. Even on race day, all the way up until he was getting into the car, he was checking on me making sure I was okay. I finally said go race, I'll be fine. He made it all about me and was a complete gentleman. I loved those qualities!

After the race, we ended up going back to North Carolina to spend the rest of the weekend with his friends and family.

We had so much fun together. When I met his family, they were absolutely amazing. Everything just clicked and worked perfectly. I remember meeting his mom that weekend and telling her about the devotional book I recently finished called "Breakout" by Joel Osteen. Everything I was telling her was everything she had been praying about for Austin. We literally burst into tears because we knew. We knew this was a divine connection put together by God. We didn't say it at the time because it sounded so crazy, but when we talk about it now, we were feeling the exact same thing.

Everyone felt it. After Kentucky, the rest was history and everyone who truly knew and loved us, knew it.

God had a purpose for our lives before we ever had a plan for ourselves. Little did we know, God was preparing us for one another. Sometimes your plans have to fail, so God's purpose can prevail.

I just want to say that God is SO good and His timing is perfect. As I'm sitting here reminiscing on our love story, it's a very emotional and humbling moment for me. I want to give all the Glory to God for bringing us together in His perfect timing. Never forget, God's way is always better than our own. GiiC - which means God is in Control.

HOW HE ASKED

Austin races 36 weeks out of the year so during the off weekend he surprised me with a trip to the Bahamas. We stayed at the One and Only Ocean Club, which is known for their romantic and secluded property.

He told me he planned a dinner on the beach which is kind of our thing, so I wasn't surprised. One thing about Austin, everything he does is BIG. He's always gone above and beyond since the very beginning. 

I'm always saying, I wish we had a photographer to document all of our fun adventures, so he surprised me with a photo shoot before dinner. I was pumped!

We were walking towards the ocean admiring the beauty of the Bahamas and the photographer is directing us on what to do. He told me to turn around and look at Austin, and when I did he was on one knee. Austin is literally the most confident man I know - speaks in front of thousands of people like it's nothing - and he was shaking.

I was stunned. I knew it was coming but it still blew me away. Its funny because I didn't respond the way I thought I was going to. I didn't cry or have an over burst of energy. In that moment, I was calm. I was happy. I was speechless. 

When we sat down for dinner, he told me what my dad said when he asked him for my hand in marriage. I lost it. Austin did what most men don't do, he asked my mom for her blessing. I can't even say enough about my parents. They are pure gold. My mom was crying and my dad talked about how they always prayed, even before I was born, for a Godly man to come into my life one day. My dad went on to say that he would be honored.

August 9, 2016 marked the day of an incredible journey. I cannot wait for the future. GiiC.

IMG_8350.JPG

IF YOU HAVE A BEST FRIEND, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING

You may be wondering why we decided to devote an entire blog to the significance of friendship and what it has done in our lives. Life is one big journey, and some people are blessed with a person to experience this journey called life. So many days unwritten, unlived, and unexperienced, but isn't that the beauty of it all? Experiencing these untouched moments with your best friend make it that much better!

Whit and I consider our friendship a God Given Friendship. A friendship deeper than just shopping, traveling, and trading beauty tricks. We made a pact with each other that no matter what, we were going to grow spiritually with whatever God threw our way. In biblical terms, she's the Johnathon to my David. A soul-tie that would take us both to a higher level.

We both knew that the purpose God had for our lives would be something GREAT, and we needed to tap into a greater part of ourselves to get there. By no means do we have it all figured out, but what we do know, is that with each day we are learning, growing, and evolving into the people we're destined to be, and we want to take you guys with us.

A former mentor, Tiffany Love, would always say, "Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are seeds, you can plant flowers or you can plant weeds." 

Surround yourself with people who are TRULY for YOU, and your well being. Helping you plant seeds of greatness and prosperity to help you become the best version of you!