To My Dad

 

A father has the ability to set the tone of his entire home. It is his role to show the girls he loves most what self-worth is, what love is, what respect is, what hard work is, and what it means to love a man who loves them lavishly first.

If you’re around me for any bit of time, you will quickly catch on that I have a major mushy button for my daddy. The mention of a daddy, and Todd Cheves is immediately on my mind accompanied with “awww” and a couple crazy stories about him. My dad is one handsome man. Momma tells me not to tell him that anymore or his head will grow, but I can’t help but say it. 😉 He was a football star, a baseball star, a hardworking cowboy, a college athlete, an Aggie, and one of the most funny people I know. He is tall and in the summertime, his neck turns red, revealing his Cherokee genes.

He is the hardest worker I know. For over 20 years, Daddy would leave for work at 5:30 in the morning and get home after 5. I always knew when he was home just by listening because of how he would walk in through the door. Daddy is a man of routine, so he would open the door, put his coat in the coat closet, jingle his change, placing it along with his keys and chapstick in his side table before doing anything else. Daddy always knows where every item he owns is, because he places them in the same spot every single day. Honestly, I think you could blind fold him for a day but he would still know where to find what he needs. When we were kids, you could pretty much guarantee that daddy was outside when he wasn’t at work. Dressed in his working Wranglers, not his “nice” Wranglers, with cowboy boots and his white cowboy hat that didn’t quite protect his neck. He was either trimming trees, mowing the lawn, fixing something, building something, or tending to one of the animals. He would take me fishing, he would play soccer, and he at least tried to play baseball with us- but that one never really worked out in his favor. He played in a softball league when we were little, and we would cheer for him in the stands with Blow Pops in our mouths. He could punt a ball so high it would disappear for a brief moment, lingering at the top, before coming back down. He built a tree house and a tire swing, and he taught me how to ride a bike. Daddy was ‘coach’ at one point or another for every single one of us, which blows my mind knowing now how long and hard he worked. He would come home through the door, change out of his slacks and tie, and put on his soccer coach clothes. I don’t understand how he did it. He also never missed a single performance of any kind. He was at everything no matter what. 

Bless both my momma and daddy’s hearts, because I was a VERY curious child and needed an explanation for everything. I needed to know what a song meant, I needed to know why certain things worked the way they did, I needed to understand every process. I also had a distinct Disney-like cartoon voice, something my daddy says is one of his favorite things about me as a kid. I would follow my dad around outside, cartoon voice and all, asking him questions as he would continue to do whatever it was he was doing. He would always have a calm and cool answer for me, explaining to me whatever it is I needed to know. He had a quick response for lyrics of songs that went over my head but insisted I needed to understand. He also let me put on talent shows and sing songs I made up on the spot for as long as people would let me go. Daddy knew everything and he made me feel pretty + safe always.

I have a lot of funny stories about dad, but one of my favorite stories about him that I tell often is when he chased the goats on a Saturday morning in his underwear. We were just all rolling out of bed, making our way slowly to the breakfast nook to eat together. (I loved Saturday morning at our house, because we always had biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, which is daddy’s favorite.) We had goats on our ranch, and those stupid things always would climb up on my dad’s car. There were many times he would have to run out there to scare them off, and then pop the dents they left back up. This time was the final straw, though. He hated those goats. He looked out, saw the goats on his car, and darted out the door. He chased those goats off the car and across the yard- all in his underwear. We knew we couldn’t be laughing when he came back inside, so we got out our giggles waited for his valiant return to the kitchen for his biscuits and gravy.

Of all these things, my favorite thing about my dad is that, though I saw he was a hard worker around the house, he never brought home the office. I couldn’t tell you what he did other than sometimes hearing the phrase “briefing the general” but that’s because when daddy was home, he was daddy. He wasn’t Weapons Systems Manager. He valued his home, his wife, and his children. He drew up my momma’s dream home, and created a beautiful space for us to all live. He loved us enough to make home a safe place free of worry about what was happening at work. I really appreciate this core piece to our home growing up. Both of my parents did this so well, and it’s something I will absolutely carry with me when we have kids. Daddy is also unashamedly a crier. Put a good commercial in front of him or the Star Spangled Banner, it doesn’t matter, he will have a good tear in his eye. I am so grateful for a dad who had emotion and showed it. I am grateful for a daddy who held me in the kitchen and let me get mascara on his nice shirt when I couldn’t handle mean girls at school anymore. I am grateful for a daddy who is my favorite dance partner to just make something happen with. When the music is on, we are out there. Three step, two step, swing.

I could say so much more, but I will end it with simply this: Todd Cheves, you are one of a kind. You are the greatest dad there ever was, and I can’t believe I get to have you. You are the reason I had such high standards for a spouse, and didn’t date a whole lot. I didn’t need anyone or anything to fill a gap. You always filled the space. You taught me what it means to follow God. You have always led me well. I have never once been left wondering if you love me or if I have made you proud. I can’t wait to see what life looks like in the next 10 years, and I can’t wait to see you be a grandpa.

I love Father’s Day. I love that having a good daddy is a tangible example of God’s love. I also know I am lucky, and that not everybody has a daddy like mine. To those of you who didn’t have a great dad or perhaps it’s a first Father’s Day without him, I hurt with you. I am sorry. I truly can’t imagine, but know that their are men in this world who want to love you and love you well. Kind men who want to sacrifice for you and want to take care of you, fight for you. Above all else is the love of God who has the most perfect love of a father that no earthly daddy can ever live up to. He is the ultimate father.

I am so thank for you, daddy. Happy Father’s Day.

xo- Han

24 Things for 24

View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah

I feel odd writing out ’24’. I feel like I am not experienced enough or qualified enough to say I am that old. I feel like I still get questioned by adults and am not quite respected yet as more than a “bless your heart, you’re putting in good effort” kind of young adult. And I get it, if you’re any bit older than me, you’re likely saying, “Oh hush, you’re so young still.” But, with all due respect, yes I know I am young, but if I am old enough to be developing wrinkles on my forehead from my expressiveness, then I think I can say I am older than I once was.

Right?

(Darn it for being expressive.)

View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannahToday I turn 24 years old. That really hits my gut. I am now “mid-twenties”, going on 3 years out of college, and I was a freshman in high school 10 years ago. THAT freaks me out. Turning 24 means I had my first broken heart a decade ago, Taylor Swift’s first album came out over a decade ago (yeah, let that simmer for a bit), and I have been in Dallas 6 years. I was literally at Orientation + Registration for college this time 6 years ago.

Last year I wrote about turning 23. I was warned it would be a hard year, because 23 seems to be the cursed year for many, and in some respects it certainly lived up to all the precautionary warnings I received. When I turned 23, it felt like standing on the edge of a storm right before it hits. You can see in the near distance the lightning, the swirling clouds trying to assemble themselves into something destructive, and you are left standing just waiting for the sirens. I could feel I was on the cusp of something. I knew that the way life looked then wasn’t how it would be in one year, and I not only prepared for it, but I begged for it. God just gave me the knowledge that I was about to experience a lot of life altering change. The kind of change that knocks you over, disorients you, and when you finally get up to keep running the race with scrapes and bruises all over your face, you limply attempt to feel your way to the finish line.

If I defined age 23 as anything it would be “year of change”. A week after turning 23 my entire life + career took a turn for SO MUCH BETTER, but it was still a tough season none the less. Both mine and Paul’s lives were teetering on “the perfect plan” panning out in time before rent was due in August. Add into that mix that after months of Paul interviewing for various churches, I was now job-less, and we turned one offer down to go to a church plant that hadn’t even promised a job to Paul yet. We actually signed a lease for an apartment 30 miles away for a job we hadn’t actually received an offer for yet because we believed that much in it. I have never had to pray more to trust that God knew what was happening. It was a time of figuring out what I would do with my life, a time of fearing if we would be able to eat dinner that night, a time of questioning where we were supposed to move and be as a couple for the next 5,10 15 years. A time of life filled with the terrible, vague line escorted by no answers, “We will just figure it out.” As he always does though, the Lord knew exactly what we needed, he always provided, and one year later Paul and I are thriving in careers, a church, a new city that feel as though they were tailor made for us. Life is so good. It is so sweet. It is not perfect, we aren’t rolling in money per se, we have had to be a one car family after Angie died to be able to pay off debt, we fight just the same as we always have, we don’t eat extravagant meals cooked by me every night (though I do wish I was a clever chef), we bicker over who is taking the dog out tonight, and we have had to accept some hard realities about life in general.

I promise, we are not perfect. We don’t have this life or marriage thing nailed. 

BUT, we have also learned this past year how much God loves us. We have seen firsthand what it looks like to receive his favor, his love, his hope, his grace, his passion, his goodness, his fulfillment of prophecy, that his word is true, and his utter perfection.

This year, I stand on the edge of something beautiful with a new sense of expectation. I cannot quite see it yet, but I feel it. I stand on the edge, like a child on the edge of the pool who was told not to get in yet, but they keep dipping their toes in with their goofy arm floaties on when mom and dad aren’t looking. I am so ready to cannon ball into whatever adventures are in store for myself and Paul this year. 24- Don’t let me down. I will try no to be hasty in my thinking, but I think you are going to pretty bad-a. 

So, cheers to 24! I cannot WAIT to see what this year brings. I am expectant and excited. As 23 rolls out and 24 rolls in (actually, as I write, I think it’s this very minute), I reflect on things I learned in year 23 and write things I hope to master in the coming year.

 Here’s 24 things for 24:

1. Rest is a good thing- This is of utmost importance

2. It isn’t worth fighting over the small things (They weren’t kidding when they said “pick your battles wisely.”)

3. Ice cream is always a good idea for dinner (eat it while you can, right?)

4. Things always do pan out (I promise)

5. Take more daring leaps- you won’t regret it

6. Moving to a city for a job and nobody you know can be thrilling

7. Just take the dog out- again, not worth fighting over

8. Prep your meals on Sunday night

9. Cook more extravagant meals

10. Take the dog to the groomer every 6 weeks or the groomer will still hate you

11. Trade any future cars in BEFORE they die

12. On that note- RIP Angie

13. Be intentional with friendships, because it only gets harder to make time

14. Sometimes spending money on things that are not “necessities” is necessary- Treat yo-self

15. Know when you are spreading yourself too thin, you are not only harming yourself but also letting others down

16. Call your mom + dad

17. Go home as often as you can- home grows up and changes, too, you know (soak it in)

18. Relationships change, but have those select few that never do

19. Date nights are and always will be priority

20. Choose him first over all else

21. Be a better listener- life isn’t about proving why you’re right

22. Dare to pursue the “crazy dream”

23. Turn your passion into a career

24. EAT MORE CAKE

Y’all. I love you. I mean, I really do. I pray for you, I thank god that, for some reason I still don’t quite understand, people care to read what I write. Whether it’s out of pity because I took the time to do it, or you actually do enjoy it, I am so grateful. I am grateful for all of you in my life, the community you surround me with, and the love I feel from you on a constant basis.

xoxo- Han

Photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah

View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah

A Staycation for Two at Four Seasons Dallas

 

Note, our stay at Four Seasons Dallas was not and this post is not in any way sponsored. This is me sharing about my vacation, something we saved up a long time for and spent our own money on, just because we had such a great experience and think you should know about it. **

This past weekend, Paul and I went on our first resort vacation ever. Which I can now say was the first of MANY. I have to admit, though our honeymoon two years ago to NYC was incredible, it wasn’t luxurious. It was an adventure and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but this… oh my gosh. Our stay at Four Seasons was by far my favorite hotel experience ever. I jumped on fluffy beds, ran around our private villa in a white robe like superman, and ate food delivered to me in bed just because I could. I read Shauna Niequist on my private back porch, played board games on our bed, and was given the best service I have ever received from any hotel or restaurant of any kind. Paul and I both had never been to anything like this, resort or all inclusive-type place, and believe me when I say we didn’t take one single second for granted. I think I gasped and said “thank you Jesus” every other sentence. We can’t say enough how satisfied with our choice of Four Seasons Dallas we feel. It was the perfect spot to kick off my birthday week and celebrate Paul’s graduation at such a wonderfully ran resort. To the staff and leadership of Four Seasons, BRAVO. There is a reason you are continuously voted a top world-wide business and rated by Fortune a top 100 business to work for. You can certainly see in your staff that they are well-taken care of.

I was a little nervous about a resort stay, because I didn’t fully know what to expect. I didn’t really understand how you can be entertained for an extended amount of time within the gates of one place. WELL, I will tell you.

What To Do at Four Seasons Dallas:

First off, the pool. We spent HOURS out by their Agave pool + bar. The kindest wait staff will approach you regularly, making sure you have everything you want. Their food, though pricey for poolside, was so good. This is no fast food french fries and burger. They also were so helpful with both Paul’s and my food allergies- preparing food specially for us. Their drink selection, particularly their margarita, was both tasty and extensive as well. You could spend your entire vacation here, and it’s worth the stay.

The Well & Being Spa- oh my lanta. I could have spent hours in this spa if I didn’t have a husband waiting on me. The spa feels like stepping into another world. It’s luxurious, peaceful, and exactly what you would hope for a spa to be. Full with a sitting room by a peaceful water fountain, a whirlpool, as well as saunas… it has everything. The staff was incredibly sweet, one noting that Paul and I carry “happy vibes”, which I was very thankful to hear. My masseuse was incredibly talented. I somehow got the most requested masseuse on staff, I definitely didn’t mind, for my custom massage. For a custom massage, you tell your masseuse what parts of your body hurt or you want focused on, and she will spend the next 55 minutes working on those spots. I said my headaches, hip flexers and knees from years of dance are what bother me the most. She maneuvered and replaced my limbs + joints to their proper placement. She knew that I sleep on my right side from simply looking at how my clavicle laid, showing this spot a lot of attention to relieve tension and stress from my right side. She added life back into my very tight hip flexers, and she realigned my left leg. (I can now do a full squat without any pain in my hips… after just one session! *Insert praise hands here*) All the while, though it might sound the opposite, this all felt spectacular! I left feeling so at peace and as if I gained ten years of life back. The massage was both corrective and luxurious. I would LOVE to go back for a facial and manicure/pedicure!

LAW Restaurant- this is the on-site sit down restaurant at Four Seasons Dallas. Guilty: We went both nights for dinner, and were not disappointed. We were quite fond of our sweet waiter, too. He was so great! (Everyone at Four Seasons truly seems to love their job, and that makes such a difference in your experience.) LAW’s food is not only bomb, but they have one of the most extensive wine lists in Dallas. As you can imagine, I was quite stoked about this fact. The restaurant looks out over Agave Pool with the beautiful award winning golf course, host of the Byron Nelson, just behind it. It is picturesque and you definitely forget you’re actually just outside of Dallas.

I highly suggest the lamb chops and roasted cauliflower with a glass of their Malbec for dinner.  For an appetizer, don’t ask questions, get the bacon. GAME CHANGER.

The Sports Club is as impressive as the rest of the resort. The workout facilities, tennis and racquet ball courts are available to hotel guests, and you can reserve spots in private classes alongside Club Members. I took an Anti Gravity Yoga class with Meg, and I believe I found yet another workout I am obsessed with. Meg was fun, a good teacher, and also made me feel very safe whilst dangling upside down from a piece of fabric. THAT takes some serious talent, you know? I unfortunately forgot my own tennis shoes and socks, so I didn’t spend as much time in the Sports Club as I had hoped, but even still, it was so great.

The Golf Course, you can either pay to play the entire course or you can hit at the driving range. We didn’t golf this time, but we did take a romantic stroll along the golf course at sunset, and it didn’t disappoint. It truly is breathtaking. We had about a two minute romantic sit at hole 16 until a straggling group of golfers came over the hill to our romantic hole. We had to run half in fear we would be in trouble for sitting on the course and half in fear of being hit by flying golf balls. It was awesome.

Room service, I already mentioned getting to eat in bed, but, y’all, order breakfast in bed and coffee for two, and don’t forget to order the flourless chocolate cake with raspberries for take-out from LAW. There is just something more special about eating chocolate cake at 10 PM in bed. (SO.GOOD.)

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway like us or a family vacay, Four Seasons is such a great choice. There are options for everybody! (There is a whole family and kid’s section that, obviously, we didn’t go to. BUT, we did walk by their pool and it looks so fun!) They have a movie night at the pool on Fridays during the summer, so we walked by to check it out briefly.

Come ready to relax and unplug. Because the staff is so incredible, you seriously don’t have to worry about a single thing. Come ready to indulge in good food, get spoiled, and be sure to have plenty of cash on hand to tip. 😉

We are BIG believers in date nights and getaways. We get just as much as anyone that money can be tight, but prioritize both of these things. If you are a Dallas-local like us and/or can’t get away for a week from work, this is SUCH a great option for you. Likewise, you can EASILY spend a week here.

See you again very soon, I am sure, Four Seasons!

xo- Han

Shop My Looks From the Weekend:

 

Spring + Summer Travels With Sole Society

View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah

 

I have been in search for the perfect weekender bag for months as my Vera Bradly bag from college is starting to wear out after years of use. With the summer months fast approaching and spring in full swing, my travel bug has bit me and the need for a good getaway bag has been more relevant than ever before.

I have been searching non-stop and asking all over for people’s favorite vacations spots. (Email me if you have any good suggestions!) I have been intrigued by Napa or Portland (in general, somewhere Northwest), as well as by Connecticut or Maine, and then I definitely have a bug for traveling somewhere tropical. (I have never been on a tropical getaway before!) I stumbled across a new Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii set to open this summer, and I am dying to get over there! (+ you’re welcome for sharing…ha.)

No matter where we end up traveling to this summer, depending on what our schedules allow for, I am going to have this awesome travel bag from Sole Society with me. I carried it around my whole shoot day with Hannah (Cottonwood Road Photography), stuffed full with three pairs of heels, a make-up bag, shorts, and a variety of other items, and it all fit perfectly. It’s the ideal size for a weekend getaway or for a carry-on bag for a flight- plus, the color is GORGEOUS.

Shop my whole look below! I am a sucker for simple, so although I love being “glammed up”- today’s outfit is 100% my favorite kind of outfit. If you haven’t signed up for Liketoknow.it, what are you waiting for? It’s the answer to all your “Where did you get that?” questions, and it’s such a helpful tool. It takes two minutes to sign up here (if even), and you will get emails sent to your inbox with direct links to every item I tag on my Instagram when you see a “liketoknow.it” link on my photo.

Love y’all so much.

xoxo- Han

All photos by Cottonwood Road Photography for The Cake by Hannah

View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah View More: http://cottonwoodroadphotography.pass.us/thecakebyhannah

 

Wedding Vendor Series: The Dress, Hair and Makeup

If you read my anniversary post (here), then you saw some of our photos from a styled photo shoot at The White Sparrow Barn. I was so thrilled to work with some extremely talented women from in and around Dallas to put together this whole entire shoot, and I am so stoked to start sharing each vendor with you.

Brides- if you are planning your wedding in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area, be sure to keep up with this series as I feature every type of vendor you could possibly need: The gown, the venue, the flowers, the cake, the photographer, the furniture rentals… EVERYTHING.

Today, I will be highlighting my incredible gown and hair + makeup.

Watters Gown

I wore a Watters gown on my actual wedding two years ago and I still have women email me asking where I got it. Unfortunately, I just found out my gown, The Norma, went into retirement last month. But, what I love about Watters gowns the most is what lured me into buying the Norma in the first place, and that is the simple fact that they are unique and original looking. Additionally, they are locally designed and extremely well crafted- they are worth your money. You can find Watters in bridal boutiques, as well as on BHLDN– Anthropologie’s wedding website. Their headquarters is in the Addison/Farmer’s Branch area.

Watters uses a silk chiffon on their gowns that is unique to their brand; there is truly nothing out there like it. I went into my very first gown appointment knowing I wanted to try on The Norma. I put it on first, and was shocked at how light it was while still being so full on the bottom with a corset style top (that’s the beauty of their silk chiffon!). Every gown following Norma just didn’t compare to how COMFY she was (and, frankly, felt cheap in comparison). They all sounded like an elephant walking or were a workout to have on. The number one important thing about your gown is feeling comfortable and light or you will be miserable on your wedding day. 

If you are a boho bride, Watters is DEFINITELY for you. Yet, if you are a classic bride, Watters has beautiful options for you, too. I was a boho bride meets ballerina, and my gown, The Norma, was literally everything I had ever dreamed of. It embodied every piece of my personality I was looking to express through my gown.

The gown featured in this photo shoot is their Kai gown. Crafted with the same silk chiffon I had on my original wedding gown, I felt right at home in it. The bodice has beautiful detailing of mesh and lace that definitely channelled the boho in me, while the back was delicate and felt like the ballerina side of me. The Kai is the perfect gown for truly any venue setting. It would work perfectly for a backyard or barn wedding just as much as it would for a chapel wedding with a long veil.

Hair + Makeup

You have all heard me brag about her and I have sent multiple friends her way, but Kristy Rankin is the bomb at all things hair and makeup. Literally, just last week, someone stopped me to ask who does my hair color because it’s the best blonde they have ever seen. Who notices that?! Y’all, she is the best.

Kristy did my makeup for my actual wedding two years ago, and I wouldn’t have it any other way than to get her talent for this shoot. Kristy can literally do anything that you come to her with. I am a more natural makeup kind of girl, so for my real wedding day makeup, I dawned a natural colored lip and blush palette. But she is bomb at sultry, too. She even encouraged me to a darker eye than I would usually do for this shoot specifically and I loved it!

Follow Kristy on Instagram here to see her gorgeous face and cute family. Her son’s name is Gryffin- I mean does it get any cuter? And, if you have any hair or makeup needs, she is your lady.

Follow along over the next week for the rest of the incredible women I got to work with for this shoot! I am going to try my very best to practice self control and not overwhelm you all with the amount of incredible photos Cottonwood Road Photography got from this shoot, but… I can make no promises. Y’all, this lady is the best. I will obviously be highlighting her throughout this whole series with every photo shown, but more on her is also coming.

Love y’all!!!! Happy Monday.

xoxo- Han

 

LET’S GET SOCIAL