But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood…

What a magical day it is going to be for one special princess in the UK.
Honestly, I find myself just a little anxious over the spectacle that will take place in just a matter of hours for one anticipated event…
to say anticipated event is actually an understatement, but you know what I mean.

You’d have to be living under a rock to not be mildly familiar with Miss Catherine “Kate” Middleton, who, as stories tell it, came from nothing, only to be whisked away by her Prince Charming, William of Wales, to live happily ever after.
So much pomp and circumstance is underway…simply because they are the royal family.
Imagine if you were just as royal?
Actually, you are! I am! We are!

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

Now, imagine, yourself being entitled to all of the offerings that will be displayed on April 29th, 2011…. I have to remind myself, that little Miss Kate Middleton, never sought out to be a princess, worthy of obtaining such wealth…neither did Princess Diana. It's quite "funny" how things like that happen to those who least expect it. So, to you who I’m sure hardly expects His royal grace to favor and rest upon you, I thought I’d send a reminder. Imagine this...all of the glory, gold, and diamonds seen on all of the replays on the day of the Royal Wedding cannot compare to glory that awaits us one day!!! I believe that He wants us to find those golden nuggets in our everyday lives and continue to strive for the greatness achievable in each and every one of us!

You’re just as entitled to royalty, to blessings, to joy, and abundance…happily ever after...no matter where you come from, how today feels, or what you think tomorrow's fate holds. The true question is …do you believe?

Say it with me...I.AM.CHOSEN!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!!!

Yes, that you are! God has already created you to be just that, wonderfully made!

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14

We love to share what inspires us, and that word inspires us even in days that don’t seem so great….so much so that we had to create an addition to our Spring/ Summer 2011 line: Our Wonderfully Made Patchwork Bib and Burpie Set

Just as we all are different (yet wonderful), here’s an opportunity to add an extra personalization to our already unique offerings.
This bib set features a delightfully coordinated combo of unique cotton prints quilted together and paired with our already loveable plush fabric…only the best for your favorite drooler. Yet again, not only functional, but fabulous!
Remember, THREE layers of fabric to be the cutest drool-picker-upper ever.

Functional. Reversible.Customizable.

We’re in the process of unveiling our new and improved website soon, but feel free to take a peak at what’s to come Blessed Beginnings Baby.


So yes, as you go through the rest of your week, remember, you are, fearfully, and wonderfully made!

Thankful Thursdays! A is for Abby!

We're so happy today...for two great reasons. One, we've been featured as one of Abby's faves on Etsy! Check us out here: Abby's favorite orange bibs and two, because this notification was just a subtle reminder of why we should be grateful and thankful for what we have on this thankful Thursday. Here's our listing up close and personal: Blessed Beginnings Baby Wonderfully Made Boutique Bib & Burpie Set
This bib set is a reminder of how we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made"

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.Psalm 139:14

Bonnie Blair in Indepence, MO is the owner of the Etsy shop, AidforAbby, where she showcases the inspired artwork of her daughter who lives with Autism, in an effort to pay for the extensive expenses of care for her beautiful daughter. I can only imagine the daily challenges she must face to raise four children, particularly a rather fortunate angel who gets to sit a little closer to God every day. I'd like to believe that Bonnie gets a little more grace bestowed on her to overcome, inspite of.

In the case that you didn't know, April is Autism Awareness month...and what a wonderful opportunity would it be, to be a blessing to Bonnie, Abby, and her family who strives everyday to be as "normal" as possible. Abby's beautiful artwork (over 200 paintings and 100 collages) is available for your purchase at anytime, and I'm sure she would love to hear how much it has blessed your home, classroom, cubicle, or office space.
Let's celebrate the wonder and beauty He has placed in all of us!!!

Man, talk about wanting to tie the knot again!

Ok, so there are some images that, when you see them, take you to a place that makes you want to experience the emotion at that very moment. I just happened to run across some beautiful images today, and couldn't help myself....just had to share them with you. Her images have, "you just had to be there"....written all over them. See for yourself! Drum Roll Please....without further adieu, allow us to introduce you to Susan Stripling Photography ....sigh

The good news is for you New England Brides, she's based in the New England area (particularly Brooklyn New York).
The great news is....she travels!
Here are just a few of our favorites (for today):
Karen and Brian
Alison and Tom

Ali and Evan

Raleigh area brides....3rd Annual Bridal Expo!

Third Annual Bridal Show Did you know the N.C. Museum of History is a popular venue for wedding receptions? If you or a friend are planning a local wedding, you won't want to miss the museum’s Third Annual Bridal Expo on Thursday, April 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine, sample fine foods from caterers and cake designers, meet with local wedding professionals, and immerse yourself in the elegant ambiance of the museum.
Admission: $5 - advance tickets will be sold in the Museum Shop
Location: NC Museum of History
Date: Thursday April 7th, 2011
Time: 6pm to 9pm

Visit: http://ncmuseumofhistory.org

Surprise Giveaway! Want a BEAUTI-ful clutch? Peacocks, Ruffles, Silk, oh my!

Dontcha just love free?! Ok, dontcha just love beautiful and free?!
Check out these 'perfect for any occasion' clutches that your BFF will definitely do a doubletake over! Mermaids Dream clutches are like no other...see for yourself!

If you love free + beauiful, meander on over to a fellow bridal blog, Knotty Bride and enter for this giveaway. There are details for ways to enter multiples times to increase your chances (twitter, liking on FB, or just responding to the original post with your favorite design!)
It's just that simple!
Hurry quickly, because the contest ends this week and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 4th!!!

NC Wedding...Two Words....Simply Beautiful!

"Simply beautiful!" are two words we'd use to describe this Wilmington, NC wedding palette. The resurgence of gray as a base has been a nice wild card to the event scene. This wedding utilized the muted gray tone to allow great colors to POP!

...the colors added a bit of individuality while maintaining a classic feel all at the same time. This grand event actually took place last fall, but is totally reproduceable in concept for the spring!..See for yourself! perfect for a fun, seasonless, southern shindig.


Credits:
Photography by DeShelia Spann Photography
Floral/Event Design by Salt Harbor Designs
Catering by Culinary Creations