photo from https://www.bellaitaliatour.com/tours/cinque-terre-by-boat-one-day-trip-from-pisa/

Have you ever wished for something so hard that, once it happens, you can’t believe it’s real? That’s how I feel about my upcoming trip to Italy. I haven't been overseas EVER and I can't wait! In just under a month I’ll check off the second-most anticipated destination on my travel to-do list (I'm keeping my top-of-the-bucket-list travel destination a secret). The only problem? The only thing B & I have booked for our first two-week international vacation is our flight.

That’s right. I have zero hotel reservations. We haven't booked train tickets, made reservations at the top tourist attractions, or settled on our must-dine restaurants & vineyards. And last minute panic mode is starting to set in. For all the Mediterranean dreaming I’ve been doing over the years, very little thought has gone into what I’ll actually see, do and eat while I’m there. Upside, I'm pretty much done packing already!

Here's where you can help! I'd love to hear your recommendations and travel experiences. We'll be in Florence for the first week & exploring northern Italy, and then heading south to fly out of Rome at the conclusion.

All photos by Kaylee Mariee Photography, our friends & family with the WedPics app, and volunteer photographer Alexandria Steeber Photography.

"I have found the one whom my soul loves"

I'm starting a new monthly tradition around here: Currently Loving! At the end of each month, I'll summarize my current favorites.

TV Show: Anne with an 'E' on Netflix

Blog: Addison's Wonderland

I'm being completely honest when I say that the Addison's Wonderland blog is what first got me interested in blogging. I'm not an interior designer by far, but her use of colors in her designs was absolutely eye-catching, and then I started to read what she was writing about her life and her inspirations and I felt like I was actually getting to know Brittany (if she ever reads this I'll be plenty embarrassed).

You can see her interior designs all over my dream home Pinterest board Nail by Nail, Board by Board.

Beauty: Better Than Sex mascara

I was gifted an Ipsy subscription that has kept me spoiled for the past year. It was a fun experience, getting a hot pink package in the middle of every month filled with sample-size hit or miss products. Better than Sex mascara by TOO Faced was a definite hit. It gave me long, dark, full lashes without any of the stiffness or little mascara flakes on my cheeks throughout the day. My makeup routine is super simple when I'm not getting photoshoot ready, just concealer, blush, mascara. If I'm feeling extra ambitious there may be some tiny eyeliner wings and some lipstick (plug for runner-up product Elizabeth Mott's Color is Bae Lip Lacquer in Moxie Mauve; it's a pretty natural pink with some serious lunch-and-two-coffees-later staying power). This mascara makes me feel like I'm done up just enough to be professional in the office without being overdone or spending a lot of time in front of the mirror.

Not what I would have chosen if I was naming the product, but still one of the few products I may upgrade to a full-size version of! If a travel size is more your style - and it means the product won't expire before it runs out - it's also available on Amazon and Macy's.

Devotion: A Heart that Dances

App: Duolingo

Out with the old and in with the new! This blog has been more like a hobby than a true endeavor until this year, and as I began to take it seriously I finally crafted a name that I feel fits me and fits my brand: Morgan ma Belle.

My sorority had a description of the type of girls that fit our brand: "classic with a twist." That branding has stuck with me to this day. Your manners and style can be classic, just make sure to add your own "twist" to life! That is what I want to continue to pursue, adding my unique twist to life.

I've truly loved making this blog into what it is today and can't wait to continue to develop it into something great. I learn something new with every photo shoot and every post about what types of content truly resonate with readers.

Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Let me know in the comments! My next post will be a recap of some of my May favorites. In the meantime, you can like my new facebook page, too!

PS. You can thank my husband for the above photo & my new "About" photo; he was the man behind the camera for this shoot!

He did it! He finally did it! B modeled for a photoshoot with me!

On April 30th we braved post-rain mud and freezing wind to recreate & capture our wedding moments as directed & styled by photographer Elizabeth Golden of eGolden Moments. Elizabeth coordinated with Berry Acres to arrange a venue, florist Eden Floral + Events to provide a stunning bouquet, and makeup artist Alysen Lauridsen to style my bridal glow.


Berry Acres' bridal suite has all kinds of accommodations -- beauty bar, remote-operated A/C control, flat screen television, comfortable seating, and plenty of space for a group of excited women to primp and prep. B assured me the groom's suite was just as accommodating but more fun (think foosball table).


The venue also had a variety of settings for a ceremony and reception: indoor, outdoor, by the lake, by the barn-style gazebo, on the hilltop, there's a view for any & every bride! We loved the barn-gazebo-thing with the chandelier and the barrels (Probably because it reminded us of our own wedding!)


The Hilltop! Queue the swoon for the amazing view!