Photo taken by j.noel photography
This past weekend, I had the privilege to attend The Hundred Event in Dallas hosted by 4 of the most interesting, sweetest, & loveliest gals: Grace, Lauren, Bridget, & Megan. Together, they put on a fantastic weekend filled with everything you hope for in a blogger conference: details, details, details!! From fancy printed menus, yummy eats & treats, cocktails, flowers, gifts, prizes, balloons filled with confetti, tassel garlands, over the top photo booths, and lots and lots of picture taking! The picture taking comfort level was something to enjoy if you're a picture taker like I am. I love snapping and snapping away to get that PERFECT instagram picture, but always limit myself around non-blogger folks who tend to always stare at me as in, "um, I think you got the pic lady, move on." Here, it was like being with my peeps who totally "get it!" They had an amazing line up of guest speakers, fun classes, and tons of info on how to do this blog thing right! It encouraged me so much to start back up with this blog, and going public.
I am not a complete newbie to this blog world, as I used to have a private blog with a select group of reader's waaay back in the day. I met some really cool chica's from all over the US in that world, and for some till this day, we've never met in person, but we keep up with each other on other social media sites. This whole being out there in the public eye has me a little nervous, and is a big reason I took a long break from creating another one, almost 7 years! However, after this weekend, I was so energized and inspired so much by so many woman, I just had to do it!
I'm so glad I decided to go to the event, even if I finally decided to do so after registration closed. Yep, you read that right, registration was closed. I'm not really good with meeting new people so the idea of going somewhere and not knowing a soul, except for reading blog's and instagram stalking 2 of the 4 girl's who hosted the event, had me really undecided. Plus, I didn't have a live blog! Hello?! So even when I read "registration is closed," something in me told me to email them anyway to see if there were any cancellations. So i did, and I got really lucky from one who was not so lucky to attend after a very bad foot accident, and sold me her ticket at the last minute. I then received a tons of emails from Megan who was trying to ensure I caught up with all the emails and information they needed from me. In the end, I met so many incredible gals who I know will be long time friend's and roomies for the next round!
The best part of meeting the girl's I met was, they were all so darn sweet and interesting. I realized later, I wasn't the only one who was nervous with sweaty palms as I was trying to remember to, smile, look friendly, and strike up a conversation.
I finally met Lauren and Megan, who's blogs I have been reading for almost 2 years now. Lauren was so much taller than I expected, super sweet, funny, and just as beautiful in person as her pictures on the blog. Lauren, you're an amazing chica and I'm so glad we met. Thank you for taking small tidbits out of your busy hosting weekend to share a few words and laughs with me.
Lauren from Aspiring Kennedy
Below on the left, I met Mary, who came all the way in from Florida and was the funniest girl. She could make you laugh and laugh. She was also too cute with her little Ollie baby bump. On the right is Megan who is a trooper. Megan is also pregnant and is enduring the horrible morning sickness, but she made it out like a pro, always running around all weekend and doing it with a smile. She was also the first to recognize me in registration, which blew my socks off, as she took the time to look me up after all the back and forth last minute emails. To me, it meant the world, especially when I was already a nervous nellie. Thank you again Megan, for being so sweet and making me feel so welcomed.
Mary from Merri Babies & Megan Megan K. Graham
And as if the weekend couldn't get any better, I met another blogger/photographer whom I've also been following for awhile. Her name is Shalyn, from So Shay & Love, the Nelson's Photography, and is one of the coolest chick's on the blog and photography world. She also lives right here in Texas. So needless to say, I've been dying to get the chance to meet her some day, and what do you know, to my surprise, she walked right on in when we were having brunch. She came to help out her fellow photographer friend take some head shots. I about froze when I saw her. I was so excited, and thought, "oh, but what if she's totally not like what I expect or if she looks at me like I'm weirdo when I gush about how I stalk her?" lol Turns out, she's the sweetest thing ever, and JUST like you expect her to be from all her funny and sweet instagram and blog posts, she's exactly like that. I loved it! We are totally buddies now, and living so close, there's no reason we won't be able to see each other again in the future. :)
Like I said, it's my first time back in a long time, so forgive me for the mostly empty website for now, I'll catch up. For now, I leave you with some pretty pictures.
The rooms at the Warwick Melrose in Dallas were amazing, and included a ceiling fan! Is that not just the coolest thing ever? Or am I just the only one who has never seen a ceiling fan in a hotel room. I've stayed in my fair share of hotels along the southeast, and never once have I seen this. I must be crazy.
The most softest and pretty robe by Love Ophelia I ever did see was waiting for me in my room upon my arrival. Love!!
Meeting Alaina from So Alaina and Katy from Designs by Katy for the first time. These girl's were so sweet and I'm so glad I was able to get to know them.
Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Goodies!!! Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Breakfast a Bread Winners.
Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Chatting before class with Jessie from HashTag For You :: Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Lovely Saturday night gathering hosted by Peacock Alley :: Photo taken by Paige from Awake Your Soul Photography
Sunday Brunch at The Aldredge House :: Photo taken by j.noel photography
Sign by LittleDovie :: Photo taken by j.noel photography
Rentals: Birch and Brass Vintage Rentals :: Florals: Bloom2Bloom :: Balloons: Meg-Made
Cake: Cake Walk ::: Photo taken by j.noel photography
The sweetest girl, Katy from Designs by Katy
Photo taken by j.noel photography
