Hello Seattle.

"Hello Seattle,

I am an old lighthouse.

Throwing beams

of bright lights."

-Owl City.

Just a short little heads-up for what is to come in the next week. I'm flying off to the land of rain and coffee...without a laptop. It's all about family for the next six days and even though I may be driven insane quite soon, it is a vacation and I love to travel. I'll be back Friday without a doubt but until then, I'm off to where the sun don't really shine and the forests look like the Twilight Saga. Whoop-dee-do.

Oh yeah, and I get to see a cute, fat baby, too. YAY BABY.

Start Me Up.

"Ride like the wind

at double speed.

I'll take you places

that you've never, ever seen."

-The Rolling Stones.

Cheers to the freaking weekend. I drink to that...yeah, yeah. Well, drink Diet Coke that is.

Friday Five coming to you live from my Pinterest page. The one website that keeps me going in life.

I'm a sucker for those Valentino heels. Black and white perfection, it is, complete with a crisp white blazer and polka-dot skirt. 

Can we talk about how cute and boho this look would be? The straw, floppy hat screams sweet summertime. And to me, that dress is all hippie meets tribal to me. Peace, yo.

I love a good flare jean. These blues make her legs look Amazon-high and the dotted blouse keep the look simple yet stylish.

My collar obsessed is a tad over-the-top. I'm loving the orange pop on this all-black combo. Tres, tres chic, no?

Can't. Help. Myself. Converse and oversized tees are my LIFE. I wish I looked this rad while walking the shoreline. Too cool for school.

Can't Help Falling In Love.

"Take my hand.

Take my whole life, too."

-Ingrid Michaelson.

M was 16, R was 17. She got in a fight with her boyfriend and was so mad that she broke up with him. She wanted to rebound, so she went on her first date with R. They ended up having chemistry together. She did all of his homework for him; he got an A, she got a B. She was the pretty, popular girl and he was the top football guy. He told her he was rich and able, but he was really a dirt poor farm boy. Even when he graduated, they stuck together. One short year later, she graduated at 17. And a week later, they wed in a tiny little ceremony. Her parents were angry and his parents didn't really give a care. 

This story began 60 years ago. 

My grandparents have been married for a while now. They've never looked back even though they are the definition of two crazy teenagers in love. Their fairytale gives me hope and faith that love doesn't ever die. Love is real and it always has been. Why do I still believe this?

In honor of this momentous occasion, my grandfather made a simple toast: "Thank you to the love of my life."

It almost makes me cry thinking about how amazing this moment was for them. It's astonishing. I feel as if they are immortal and they'll be married another 20 or 30 years. They just inspire me every day and I'm so lucky to be their granddaughter. I'm so blessed to have this beautiful family that they have made for me and all of us. They created something so special, I can hardly put it in words.

All because two people fell in love...

Happy 60th anniversary to two of my favorite people EVER.

I love you two forever and always.

Lose My Breath.

"You understand the facts

that I'm trying to give to you.

You moving so slow

like you just don't have a clue."

-Destiny's Child.

Heatwave all over the west coast is making for excellent tanning weather. Pretty sure I got my first real sunburn of the summer which I can't complain about. I work out for my tan. It's very important to have that sunkissed skin. 

Today was a revolutionary day for California and America as a whole. DOMA was ruled as unconstitutional (I coulda told you that years ago) and Prop 8 was overturned to allow gay marriage in the state of California. I have never been so ecstatic for a court decision. Love is love, no matter what. If you fall in love with a person and want them to be around for the rest of your life, it doesn't matter what gender you are. All that matters is the fact that you two want to spend forever together. That's all I care about. Equality is what we stand for and now it really is becoming a true statement.

Wendy Davis. What can I say? You are my biggest hero in life at the moment. The fact that you filibustered for 11+ hours to keep the option of abortion alive makes me so proud to be a woman in this country. If I'm being completely honest, no man should be able to take away the chance to make a woman's decision to do what she wants with her body. They don't understand the pain women go through while on the journey of figuring out pregnancy. It's beautiful, but terrifying to have a child. If someone isn't ready or can't offer them the best life out there, they should be able to stand up for themselves and make the right choice. Mrs. Davis, thank you for keeping that option alive in Texas. You really are one of the strongest, smartest women of this generation and I salute you entirely for what you have done in terms of women's rights.

I'm so proud to be an American today. I'm happy to say I live in a country where you can love who you want and choose to be the person you want to be. There's no greater freedom than being able to understand those two vital points to life.

Not Like The Movies.

"Just like the movies.

That's how it will be.

Cinematic and dramatic, 

with the perfect ending, oh."

-Katy Perry.

For the past couple days, I think I've figured out more about myself than ever before. It's weird to think I'm getting older and with that, finding out the wise pieces of my puzzle. I can see what I want and what I don't like and where I can see myself. And it's scary as all hell.

I am a firm believer in this: you don't know who you are until you lose who you are. 

I was about 14 years old when I completely hit my bottom. I was depressed. Anxious. Lonely. Unwilling. Lost. Naive. Dramatic. Scared.

I didn't have the friends I needed and I was blind to the people who truly loved me. I didn't care about living because I sacrificed all of my happiness for the sake of everyone else's entertainment. I was the ragdoll and even worse, I was okay with it. 

It still comes in flashbacks every once in a while. I know how dark I can be and how messed up my mind can get sometimes. But I'm realizing we all have our struggles. The strong and secure make it through. And I made it past the worst of mine. 

I can tell you that if you knew me five years ago, I'm a completely new person. Sure, I have my moments, but overall, I'm good. I have chosen to be okay. I don't believe we can choose happiness, but the choices we make in life are the ones that should fill us with joy. And I don't mean these deep, intricate life-changing decisions. Mine include tanning on the beach and buying large McDonald's Diet Coke. Those little things make up a big and full life. 

Love is one of those things. A couple of my close friends are already hyped up on marriage. We're not even in our twenties yet and they dragged me to look at engagement rings. You know what I'm hoping for at this point in time for my love life? A nice, funny boy who will hopefully stand and wait for me at the end of the aisle and me looking pretty in a white dress.  I don't need the details planned because the future is waiting for me and I'll get there. But I'll take my sweet little time.

Just know life isn't perfect. But if you string together the photographs of memories in your mind, it makes one amazing film, doesn't it?

Hold On.

"Someday, somebody's

gonna make you want to

turn around and say goodbye."

-Wilson Phillips.

I get by with a little help from my friends. No, I don't get high with a little help from them, though. They just make my cold heart melt a little inside. 

Minor detour: sorry for the lack of post yesterday. Coastal-wide blackout for two hours results in zero communication to the web. Let it be known that it was just a tease for what the zombie apocalypse has to come.

Anyways...my friends are some pretty spectacular people. Starbucks and God talks soothe the soul. I'm also beginning to realize, thanks to Nicole and Alanna, that in no way am I wanting to get married or obsessed with my planning until I am engaged. All I want is a boy to wait for me at the end of the aisle who somewhat likes me. Is that too much to ask for at this point?

Right now, my stomach is tossing and turning from all the junk food I devoured while indulging in a comedy movie night with my best friend in life. Gosh, that girl is the greatest. I'm so grateful to still have a laugh with her after 15 years of friendship. And I know that these laughs will go on for years to come. 

AND OH MY GOODNESS BULLDOGS ARE TOO CUTE. Please, Lord, if you could give me one thing in life, it would be a fat and lazy English bulldog. I pray for this.

Summary: my day was absolutely lovely and I plan to make many more as glorious and filled with love.

Hand On Heart.

"We're doing well.

We've been through hell.

And only Heaven knows."

-Olly Murs.

I'm completely convinced I live in the state of paradise. It took me 2000 miles and eight months to figure it all out, but I'm positive that the Golden State of Mind is the right state of mind. We may not be perfect over here on the west coast, but I'm going to brag and say we're pretty cool.

I got bored of world history homework (oh, how typical of me) and decided to watch SNL skits for...oh, I don't know...two hours. And I have found the most accurate representation of this sunny land I come from. 

I could not stop laughing because even though the majority of these skits are exaggerations of stereotypes, I definitely have been there before. All of our intertwined freeways and specific furniture/drinks we think we're so entitled to have. Yep, they hit this one right on the head. Live from New York...

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT.

Get Lucky.

"We've come too far

to give up who we are."

-Daft Punk.

It's been a great, chill week here in the Bricquet household. We keep dreaming of the day we win the lotto to travel to New York and Hawaii again, but we're happy. That's what really matters. Health, happiness and love. 

My Friday Five comes to you with the style of Vanessa Hudgens in mind. I swear, I would die for her clothes all throughout my high school days. I still come across some of her outfits and wish I was the girl wearing them. Here are some of my favorites from the past:

Casual meets Hamptons. This candid look of Vanessa's looks quite simply lovely with an oversized belted shirt dress with gladiators and a giant floppy hat. Summertime in the city...

Sucker for the oversized shirt dresses, much? Pretty sure Vanessa stole a shirt from Zac's closet from back in the day and put the look together with some brown leather heeled sandals. Gorgeous, don't you think?

Sure, this ensemble looks a tad messy and odd. But I love the lace top with the loose, chunky sweater. And those pants are some of the cutest printed joggers I've ever seen.

99% positive I have tried to imitate this romper look. The mustard one-piece looks so easy with a giant white cardi to cover up.

STOP. This is my absolute dream dress. Yellow, chiffon, floor-length, strapless. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

We Can't Stop.

"It's our song,

we can sing if we want to.

It's my mouth,

I can say what I want to."

-Miley Cyrus.

My relationship with this song will forever be a love/hate thing. Guilty pleasure, much?

My sunburn is just my constant reminder upon my skin of how much I am obsessed with beach days. Basking in sun with Santa Anas blowing white caps off shore. Lime chicken quesadillas and Cherry Coke for the win.

I can't stop smiling these days. So many great moments and blessings put into my life on the daily. I feel invincible and as much as most people would assume the worst is yet to come, I'm not about that vibe or life. Worry about this moment right now. The future is figuring itself out and anxiety may be ever present, but in the end, it's just wasting your own good time.

Speaking of smiling, you know how much I love my One Direction boys. Yes, I am still a 10-year-old girl at heart. I have a passion for boybands and the stupider, the better. Welcome to the highlight of my Thursday night, everyone. These boys are the best because of their idiotic ways. If you don't like them, I guess you've never hung out with teenage boys before. Because, right here, is what my friends were like all of high school. And I loved every second of my time with them.

Laugh away...

Stolen.

"Before the gold and glimmer

have been replaced,

another sun soaked season

fades away."

-Dashboard Confessional.

The beauty of the ocean makes my heart grow fonder every time I come in close contact with the deep blue. God sure is one creative artist for painting such a body so flawless as that. Maybe it's the California girl in me, but without the beach, I would be a lost soul, trying to find a replacement house for my passion of the sea.

I have complete regret over the fact I never took advantage of what gorgeous scenery I grew up in. You see, before a couple years back, I never really ventured to the sand and salt paradise. If we just so happened to do a drive-by on PCH, I would glance and take the view for granted. But as I have moved to a landlocked location, I have fallen head over heels for everything tropical and surfer-oriented. I breathe in the salty breeze and it reminds me of where I need to be.

Truthfully, I do have quite the affair with the country calmness that Tennessee has brought me. But my heart will always beat for the West Coast. I'm so blessed to have this summertime with a golden state of mind. It makes me happy when skies are grey, which if I'm honest, rarely happens in the land of sunshine.

Home is where the heart is. If you can find that as an honest truth, hold on to it as strong as you can and never let go. It makes the trying times simpler. It's time I grasp that concept...maybe I'll go make some lemons into sweet lemonade.

Paper Doll.

"And if those angel wings don't fly,

Someone's gonna paint you another sky."

-John Mayer.

NEW MUSIC NEW MUSIC NEW MUSIC.

Can you tell my excitement?! Or my complete and absolute obsession with the music of John Mayer?! Yes. I'm so stoked and it's insane, but I'm totally okay with that.

Now, rumor is, this song is all about the toxic relationship/breakup with Taylor Swift. And when you put lyric after lyric together, it seems to be the truth. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I mean, it all just fits. Besides, do I care whether or not it's about that girl? Heck, no. That's what I like about songwriting. It's your chance to tell your story how you want. You can use catch phrases and cliches and word plays. It's the best feeling to know you can literally go back in time with a rhyme of a line. It's quite magical, if you ask me.

Although this song doesn't provide a lot of emotional attachment to it for me, I still love the whole vibe Mr. Mayer is going for. It's such a tease for his new album coming out in....AUGUST. (Along with Parachute's album, I think I'm just going to have tears of fangirling all month long.)

Take a listen to my new jam. And please proceed to laugh at this weird music video. Unless you enjoy "prancercising"...whoops.

Tonight, Tonight.

"Woke up with a strange tattoo.

Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket.

But it kinda looks just like you,

mixed with Zach Galifianakis."

-Hot Chelle Rae.

Hiking and Thrifty's ice cream and getting my hair cut and Silver Linings Playbook make a day too great.

Lately, I have been on the hunt for some new clothes. I need updates on my old favorites because even though it ain't broke, it needs fixing. On the top of the list due to the time of the year is a swimsuit. I do have quite the affair with my mother's vintage suits, but I think it's time I come to 2013 and find a new look. I've looked through so many sites trying to find something relatively inexpensive but cute all the same. Here are some of my favorite pieces so far. Who knows...maybe you may find a liking to one as well.

Making a tacky, tropical, tourist look into an adorably, colorful bikini. This suit from Forever 21 is under $27 for both pieces and they make a printed statement that will be seen from all ends of the shore.

Patriotic anything draws me in like no other. I am dying to have an American flag suit. This Wildfox one-piece from Urban Outfitters is a bit on the pricey side at $148, but it's totally worth it to be proud of our country.

I think the South grew on me. I'm obsessed with this blue seersucker two-piece from Etsy. The bow is flirty and adorable and bandeaus are perf for getting the right tan lines. I'm so in love...

The picture does not do this bikini justice. Mint was the hot color of last year, but to me, it still rings true as one of the coolest hues to wear. The white beading on this bandeau ensemble from Target is simple with a patterned flare. Great and easy wear.

I have seen corset tops all over the place! I love the whole look of an underwire because personally, the support is much better for bigger chests. This Aerie by American Eagle suit is basic blue with white pineapples scattered all along to create a somewhat tropical flare. 

Upside Down.

"Who's to say what's impossible

and can't be found.

I don't want this feeling to go away."

-Jack Johnson.

Even though the night is very young, I feel so old for the fact that I want to go to bed. Like, right now. I don't understand where my drive to stay up until 3am went, but I sure do miss it.

Summer school is such a drag. Like the total buzzkill of life. I can't exaggerate how much more it ruins my day that I have to spend over four hours just reading a chapter. What a drain of my energy completely out the window. 

Also on the agenda was the Hallmark holiday we all know as Father's Day. My dad isn't one of random celebrations, having the attention on him or taking pictures. But my dad is legitimately the coolest one yet. He is basically a teenager trapped in an older guy's body. California-bred surfer dude who loves a good pool and knows random facts about math. I mean, all of my friends who had my dad as their high school teacher always have this love/hate relationship with the fact that he's a chill guy with a hard curriculum. But the personality compliment is more important in my eyes. 

You see, I look exactly like my mom. But what people don't realize is that my dad and I are the exact same in character. We're sarcastic, stubborn individuals who like to travel and make silly jokes. We never admit we are wrong and can get pretty emotionally over-the-top if the situation calls for it. But that's what makes him so cool; I get him and we know how to laugh rather than get angry.

Dad, you're the best. Always.

Love Will Be Enough For Us.

"We'll be living out where the river bends,

where the grass gets green and the highway ends,

living easy.

You and me, baby, and the daffodils." 

-Dave Barnes.

The feeling of being surrounded by a room full of love is priceless and invaluable. I mean, I can't begin to describe how much smiling I did today. 

Have you ever been to a bridal party in a senior citizen trailer park? Well, I can check that off the bucket list. Family friends to me are basically my long, lost brothers and sisters. One of these "sisters" is Sarah, the bride-to-be in approximately 28 days. Four weeks until she becomes Mrs. Bryant. Boy, is she glowing with the light of the Kansas sun. Around the antique living room were the women who all adore Sarah, telling random stories about her growing up and drinking super strong mimosas. (Me included.)

Moving right along to the next party but staying within the same surname was Scott's graduation party. I can't believe time has flown too fast and he is now in high school (!!!!!!). Same faces, but different place. You see, the McBeth clan live on the tip-top of a hill in a quaint abode filled with picture-covered walls and floral furniture. Can you tell that I love this family's decor style?

Anyways, to keep things simple, more stories were told and old memories revisited. I grew up practically living with this family and it has allowed me to fill up the mind with past adventures. My heart is near and dear to everything we once did and reliving it all was just so amazing. 

Days like these bring me peace. They prove the greater things in life are the simplest of those. Nostalgia and laughter are two of my favorite things and when days like this roll around, it takes things to another frame of mind. And I wouldn't ask for any other way.

Congratulations to the future bride and the soon-to-be high school freshman. I love y'all.

Desperation.

"Desperation.

There's danger in frustration.

Complicated words slipping off of your tongue

and ain't one of them the truth."

-Miranda Lambert.

Friday. Friday. Friday. Friday. FRIDAY! Best day of the week. Today's highlights have included: Mexican food, Guinness ice cream and Up. YAY.

Friday Five...let's get to it.

This week, I'm focusing on some of my favorite outfits off of Pinterest lately. Basically, without it, I would not know how to get ready in the morning.

Sunflower shorts are the coolest thing I've ever seen. This girl screams summertime with a sleeveless, tie-up blouse and the best statement piece of the season.

I've always wanted a pair of shortalls. This nautical, modern take on the hillbilly classic look fabulous and comfy casual.

I love keeping summer outfits simple. Warm weather and rising temperatures are the perfect excuses to wear less layers. This collared crop top with a powder blue skirt are simply the best combo.

Goodness gracious, babydoll dresses are too, too cute. Even though this blue-ish/periwinkle maxi is only partly in the picture, I can imagine how boho and whimsical this ensemble really is. Hippie for life.

I'm addicted with the look of a floppy hat. This vintage-looking outfit, complete with a black wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved mini, is too cool for school. Peace out.

Don't Forget.

"And at last,

all the pictures have been burned.

And all the past,

is just a lesson that we've learned."

-Demi Lovato.

Have I mentioned how much I love this girl? She is quite simply my role model and amazing.

I had a funny epiphany yesterday afternoon and I have been pondering on it ever since. Summer school starts Monday and for the past six weeks, I have been dreading its existence. But as the syllabus showed up in my inbox, I got a jolt of excitement. It was like a tiny spark of anxiety, but in a good way. Sure, I hate history (especially ancient world...kill me now), but I'm ready. I'm ready to start learning again. It's been a tad too long and I feel the urge to get up and start thinking again. I hate to read and I hate to take tests, but I got to say that the benefit school gives to me is the motivation to keep my thoughts alive with the strength of learning.

I guess I've always had this feeling. But college truly is the time to wake up and see the world. Discover new cultures about the world and figure out who you really are. Even though a lot of people digress, I believe it can happen partly in a classroom. If you're surrounded by good people and an interesting conversation, there can be so much enlightenment. And...I kind of miss being in that atmosphere every day. There are days of stress and days of laziness, but overall, I'm a nerd who loves to be educated about life.

Sorry for this boring post about me ranting of the pros of education. But it needs to be said because it's such a vital part of life. No, not everyone needs college. But everyone needs to learn. Learn about whatever you want. History. Cooking. Dinosaurs. The Rolling Stones. Arachnophobia. 

Just go. Discover, explore, live.

I Want Crazy.

"I want can't sleep, can't breathe without your love.

Front porch and one more kiss,

it doesn't make sense to anybody else."

-Hunter Hayes.

Another lake trip, another absence from this blog. I wish I could admit that I felt sorry, but I indulged in my love of frozen gummy bears and determination to ride the wave while wake surfing. 

With summer in full swing, I can't help but fall back in love with country music. California is known for its gorgeous beaches and famous people and huge cities, but that's not the California I was truly raised in. You see, I guess you could say I was raised in the "aggie" lifestyle. There are strawberry fields about less than a quarter-mile from my house. Everyone joins 4-H or FFA and if you're not in it, you have 5.2 million friends in that industry. Cows graze on the side of the freeway. Yeah, I live in a farm land. But that's what makes this place unique and quaint in its own ways. And country music goes hand in hand with this town...especially when you get stuck behind a John Deere on the way home from Grandma's. (This has happened to me before. Sadly, more than once...)

Hunter Hayes is...actually, I haven't figured out my opinion for him. But I'll say he can sing some pretty catchy songs. This one is his absolute best yet. It's like a adolescent Keith Urban  tune with a touch of sour lemonade on a hot, summer day. Quite simply, this song makes me want to put on some beat-up boots with a flowy sundress and dance around in circles out in the fields. Okay...that was a tad dramatic but nonetheless picturesque and my dream to do. And I know just the field to capture this moment in...(I mean, come on, there's a sign with the word 'IMAGINE' on it. Perfection.)

Take a listen to my new jam with a twist of a twang. I'm sure you'll get as hooked as I totally am at this point in time. Dance the night away...

Marvelous Light.

"Lift my hands and spin around.

See the light that I have found."

-Charlie Hall.

Every church service I attend is another enlightened moment I encounter. Slowly but surely, I'm finding my faith within the light and path Jesus has for me. And I could not be more delighted to be in awe of His greatness.

You see, tonight's service focused on being the witness. Hearing that term threw me for a loop at first. I didn't know if it meant to watch someone do something wonderful for the grace of God or to just focus on tendencies within myself given to me by God. I was just lost, to be completely honest. But as Pastor C kept talking about his struggle with the path God put him on and how he had no clue what he wanted to do with his life, he did find a way out to serve. That's the battle I feel like I'm facing more and more every day.

There are so many things I want to do with my life. I swear, I think I change my mind every day of my life. Some days, I want to work for E! News just like I have always planned. Sometimes, I want to follow my parents and be an elementary school teachers, seeing little ones dream and imagine and become individuals. Surely, my dream of being a stay-at-home mom will never die. The many other occupations I have pondered upon have included: fashion buyer, stylist, personal assistant, wedding planner, interior decorator, therapist at a psychological rehab, etc., etc. 

Someday soon, my heart will be opened and God will call me to what I need to do in order to serve Him while serving others and making myself delighted. I have faith in the journey God will soon lead me toward, but my anxiety is kicked in full at the moment. Waiting around always seems the hardest part, doesn't it?

Thank you, God, for every blessing and lesson. You are the absolute best.

Lay 'Em Down.

"Come all you broken.

Come all you helpless.

Bring all your troubles.

Come lay 'em down."

-Needtobreathe.

These past three days without my sweet, beloved Diet Coke have been purely exhausting. Well, to say the least...

With a constant headache and my eyes staying at a steady droop, I have still tried to keep as alive as ever. Today's adventure: high school graduation party...ranch style. Even though I live in the golden state of mind, we Californians do have an alternative lifestyle without sandy beaches and famous individuals. In fact, where I live is all about dirt back roads and strawberry fields galore. My mother and I traveled in the boondocks to a quaint little cottage in the middle of burnt yellow hills and green, leafy produce. Yes, I hate parties and this one was a tad on the awkward side, but this location was to die for. I swear I want to get married there.

Rumor has it, my great-grandfather managed this ranch and spent many a morning tending to the local crops. It's kind of a humbling feeling to know your farmer ancestor basically built this beautiful home with his two bare hands. Let me add, this house is my dream. I plan to live in a little house with rustic hardwood floors and the highest ceilings you could imagine. Did I mention that the bathtub was vintage and adorable AND was on legs? SOLD.

I love, love, love the little things in life. 

Blurred Lines.

"But you're an animal.

Baby, it's in your nature.

Just let me liberate you."

-Robin Thicke, T.I., Pharrell.

I fully apologize for my long week of absence. I admit to a mini-vacation with my best friend to the Indian summer heat of Palm Springs in which we soaked up the sun for a solid four days in its pure glory. I'm discovering my inner lizard due to my deep passion for over-100 degree temperatures. Basking in sunshine is, in fact, one of my most favorite pastimes.

It occurred to me that I have missed out on a lot of news and a lot of fashion. So rather than just a Friday Five, I'm going to double it in order to cover the red carpet events of both the CFDAs and the CMT Awards. I'm back and here for business...

CFDA Awards

Ashley Madekwe's bright aqua cutout dress screams summer to me. The Cushnie et Ochs number with pointy, white Christian Louboutins is the perfect way to kick off the beginning of the greatest season of the year.

This gown just makes my jaw drop. Alessandra Ambrosio proves the fact that she never disappoints in this KaufmanFranco white dress with a cutout back and asymmetrical neckline. Man, is she just gorgeous.

Goodness gracious. Karolina Kurkova has legs for days in this metallic silver short suit by the fabulous Michael Kors. Shimmering and sexy all tied up.

How many times can I sound like a broken record? Karlie Kloss absolutely stuns in this deep, plunging neckline gown by Cushnie et Ochs. She could probably wear anything (including this navy confection) and I would be in awe. Love you, girl.

I'm so intrigued by this blue-green Proenza Schouler ensemble worn by the fabulous Miranda Kerr. The cool, square halter and structured drop-waist adds a modern flare to the earthy look.

Now, hold on, y'all. We're going to the good ol' South and a place I call home most of the time.

Nashville's very own CMT Awards.

CMT Awards

From inside sources, I've heard Jana Kramer isn't always the sweetest, but this black, lace-embroidered gown from Pavoni by Mikael D. is so, so sexy.

Confession time: I loathe the color orange. But Kimberly Perry is HOT in this tangerine Oday Shakar gown with lace cut-outs. Wow, she's just too pretty.

An LBD is always a smart move on any carpet for any event. Season pro Nicole Kidman looks classic in this Dior number with funky white heels. Simply perfect.

I was hesitant about choosing this look because I feel as if a nude sandal pump would have been such a complement to this short suit rather than the black peeptoe look. But Carrie Underwood shines in this sheer-paneled aqua outfit from Edition by Georges Chakra.

At Last.

"At last,

my love has come along.

My lonely days are over.

And life is like a song."

-Etta James.

Rewind back to one year ago from today. If I flash back to what I was doing then, all I can think about is the love I was surrounded by and the drunken, embarrassing dancing going on in the middle of the hall.

On June 2, 2012, my brother and sister-in-law were married. She was almost eight months pregnant. He had never been so nervous in his whole entire life. And although there were numerous quirks and many awkward moments, this wedding was perfect. 

If there is anything in the world that I cannot get enough of, it's weddings. Especially those that occur in the summer months with a lot of lovely guests. My brother and his wife were wed in a room filled with people who absolutely adored them and grew up with them. Even my plus-one was my best friend, Emily, who had secretly been crushing on my brother since we were tiny little kids.

"At Last" was the song Ally walked down the aisle to. From the first note and the moment she stepped foot in the hallway, I literally could not stop crying. She left me breathless and in awe of the spectacle of being a bride. She was glowing. Everyone was smiling. My brother had one of the greatest faces I've ever seen a groom have. (And Emily got photographic proof!) 

Ally shook and trembled while she said her vows to Brian. Brian, the speech professional he is, handwrote and memorized every word he exchanged to her. They were given a blessing and moments later, pronounced man and wife. Everything was beautiful.

Besides the fact that my grandparents got Emily drunk off of champagne after they got drunk with the best man, Tyler, and my 6-inch heels KILLING me, all was flawless. I seriously don't think one thing could have spoiled the evening. Well, actually, the Brickey side of the wedding hated the food so once we got back to the hotel, about 30 of us ordered pizza and Taco Bell and ate until 11pm. But that's what makes the wedding special. It was a grand affair in the little ways and I love that.

(I want this picture framed and in my house. BEST.)

So congratulations to my brother and sister-in-law for one amazing year of marriage. You two are wonderful and even when times get rough, you never stop fighting for your love. I wish for many more happy years and hope the road for your marriage is a fun, exciting one. You are the best.