And speaking of weddings..Happy First Anniversary, Jeanine and Alex!

On this day last year, I had the privilege of attending the wedding of Jeanine and Alex in Bermuda. The setting was absolutely gorgeous, and the trip made me think hard about the possibility of having a destination wedding when that day comes. We had the most fun, and I couldn't help but wish we could all take an anniversary trip back this year! Congratulations, Jeanine and Alex!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Fortune!

I've been to a lot of weddings. Some have been particularly memorable- Rebecca's in picture-perfect Edisto, where the blog header picture was taken. Dancing at Baylis's on the wet, newly-laid sod. Being outside at beautiful locations for both Jaime's and Candy's, and losing power in the middle of the Tams set at Jaime's! The sun shining through the clouds right as Kim was about to walk down the aisle. After so many though, they all kind of start to run together.

But as we sat at Russell and Bess's Rehearsal Dinner on Friday night (Russell and Richard grew up in church together and became particularly close while Richard was at MUSC and Russell the Citadel), I started to think that their wedding might be different. Bridesmaid after groomsman talked about Russell and Bess's solid character, their deep love for one another, and the fun aspects of their personalities. Because we were running late, we ended up sitting with the pastor who was marrying Russell and Bess and his wife, and throughout the night, we noticed the pastor writing down pieces of the different toasts to use the next day. It was a fun night that ended with all the guests smiling and laughing as they left and excitedly anticipating the wedding ceremony.

And then as I sat in the church Saturday during the ceremony, I was struck by the sense that nothing mattered to Bess and Russell in that moment except for the love they shared and their love for God. Not the flowers or the bridesmaid dresses or the size of Bess's ring...but just the thought of these two becoming one and glorifying Christ in their marriage. I quickly get caught up in the peripherals of all the wedding details, so being a guest at their ceremony was a sweet reminder of what it is most important. It was just so evident how full of joy Bess and Russell were that there wasn't a person in the church that doubted the strength or possibility of their new union. I'm glad I got to be a part of it.

Congratulations, Bess and Russell!

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

All the guys

Cutting the cake!

With my handsome groomsman, who I had so much fun with!

Every Day Should be a Lake Day!

Rock Star

I have always wanted to be able to sing, but it is just not a gift that I received. Every guy that I've dated has been musically inclined- during his 4th year of med school, Richard and his band won first-place at MUSC Live, the annual school talent show. My first date to a sorority function was the only freshman member of Tigeroar, the all-male a capella group at Clemson. And in high school and part of college, I toured South Carolina with my gospel-music singing boyfriend as he sang at various services. (At my grandmother's funeral a number of years ago, he was noticeably quiet during the congregational hymn. When I asked him why, he said that it was really hard to sing the correct notes when so many people around him were off-key. Apparently it runs in the family!).


Considering my lack of talent, I am most impressed by others who have it. Since my last year in law school, I have played tennis with a girl named Michelle who we'd always heard had a great voice. I kind of hoped she'd sing at her own wedding a few weeks ago, but I think she was content to just play the role of bride. This past Saturday though, the band she's in was playing in-town at Jillian's, and Jen, Charlie and I finally got to see her in action. Y'all she is a ROCK STAR! She got on the stage and just worked it. She was incredible, as was her band M.Y. Affliction. They played everything from Journey to Coldplay, and Michelle's did an awesome version of Black Velvet. If you ever get a chance to see them, definitely go! I for one am so glad to have a friend to live vicariously through.

Jen, Beth and Michelle

Perfect Weekend

This past weekend, I was thrilled to get to spend the first part of the weekend with some of my favorite Clemson girlfriends. I met these sweet girls in various places- on my freshman hall, through Student Government, and in FCA. Though they were all in the same sorority, one different than mine, they "adopted" me- the lone Theta- into their group. I have been so thankful for their continued friendship and look forward to the time we get to spend together.

Despite living in many different cities, we seem to always be able to pick up right where we left off- and if there is one thing we can do, we can TALK! At a recent girl's weekend at Lisa's house in Seneca, we stayed at the kitchen table for hours on a rainy Saturday, only getting up to exchange the breakfast foods for lunch items. These ladies are smart, successful wives and mothers, but more than anything, they are real. And they inspire me in their faith and the sense of balance they have in their lives.

Tailgate at Clemson vs. Duke, 2008

We gathered together this past weekend to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Lucy at a baby shower for Stephanie. Everything at the shower was done beautifully (and Sarah wowed us all with her monogrammed, polka-dot cake!). Steph got lots of great gifts, and we all just enjoyed being together. Can't wait to see all of you girls again soon.

Dinner Friday night with Sarah, Stephanie and Julie

Melanie, Alison, Meg, Sarah, Stephanie, me, Julie and Amy

After the shower, I traveled up the coast to see my dear law school friend Mary Madison, and her sister-in-law Elizabeth, for some relaxation on the beach. We had perfect weather on Sunday and were able to spend the day in the sun- there's not much better than sitting in the sand just a few yards from the ocean with the breeze blowing. Mary Madison and I laughed about how we used to spend much of Secured Transactions passing notes back and forth. I never thought I would find friends in law school as good as the ones from Clemson, but I did in Mary Madison and several other girls who I now can't imagine life without.

Mary Madison and me

Having weekends like these make being apart from RCW so much easier, and I praise the Lord for these friends!

Palmettos and Pearls

Welcome to Palmettos and Pearls, a blog that I have thought a great deal about creating yet was never sure would get off the ground. I have been an avid reader of my friends' blogs, blogs that often center around their children, wedding planning, or travel to far-off places, and was unsure if anyone would be interested in the everyday life of a twenty-something single person who sometimes feels that she is waiting for her true "grown-up" life to begin. But then I realized (with help and a little encouragement from some of my dear Clemson blogging friends) that since I thoroughly enjoy the glimpse into the lives of others that blogging provides, maybe there are a few people out there who might enjoy the occasional glance into mine- full with a rich family life, long-distance dating relationship, friends in my neighborhood and all over the country, challenging job, and most importantly, a ever-developing Christian faith.

Why the name? Palmettos as an homage to the fine state where I have been blessed to grow up, go to college and law school in, and where I now work and reside. Sometimes as I travel the state, I am amazed by its incredible beauty and diverse topography. And Pearls- well besides being one of my favorite symbols of southern femininity, the pair of pearl earrings from my grandfather are almost always in my ears, the necklaces of my grandmothers some of my most treasured possessions, and the pearl cuff from my aunt one of my favorite dress-me-up pieces- jewelry that reminds me of my family and that I've worn and will wear for many major and not-so-major life events.

Hope you enjoy reading!