Perhaps it seems odd to begin in the middle, but putting ten of the most beautiful days of my life into words has been a formidable challenge, and one that I am broaching slowly. I can give you the travel guides and the gritty details of what I ate (um, literally everything in sight), but for now, all I want to give you is a few of my favorite hours. A few, precious morning hours with my beloved. So here we go.

a very London kind of morning {Pedantic Foodie}

It was our next-to-last day in London. He walked down to our newfound favorite breakfast spot - a tiny French bakery that sat just around the corner from our hotel. He returned with three plump brioche buns as big as my face, in a paper bag -- two sugared and one with chocolate chips. We ate them, our faces sticky with the caramelized sugar, as we walked to the gardens - Kensington Gardens.

There was so much joy in my heart as we trotted down to the one place on earth that I had dreamt of visiting more than any other.

We walked through the gates and I am sure my smile nearly dislocated my jaw as I looked at Mr. Pedantic and exclaimed in an elated whisper, “We’re here!”

There was a soft, autumnal hush that fell over the landscape - interrupted only by the swishing of blowing leaves, and Londoners whistling for their strangely obedient and leash-less dogs that pranced about the green in front of Kensington Palace.

It was surreal and beautiful and breathtaking. I found myself wishing, more than I had at any other point on that trip, that I too could own the privilege of visiting this English sanctuary for my morning walks and weekend picnics.

Then, we saw it. The statue. The statue that I had so longed to see - a forever monument for the literary world’s dearest character.

“Good morning, Peter. I’ve been looking for you.”

I never wanted to leave.

Now, as I sit here in my new home, where I am completely content, there is a aching sense of longing for those moments gone by. I would live that morning over and over again forever, if only I could. Having Mr. Pedantic there by my side, no trivial responsibilities to separate our hands or hearts -- only us. That was the best of times.

our honeymoon in snapshots {Pedantic Foodie}

This morning I made breakfast that was not brioche buns. He left me to go to work instead of the bakery. I spent my morning hours working by the Christmas tree rather than walking through the park. I guess this too, is the best of times.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

Hannah Everly kept me fashionable for our morning in the gardens and she would love to help you prepare for your holiday parties, or revamp your work wardrobe. You can find this skirt as well as a full line of festive patterns in her shop now!

We fantasized about this day when it still lay a far off in the hazy, dreamlike future. We spoke of it in giddy whispers, and elated imaginings of how we'd celebrate, at what point we would be in our looming to-do list, and how it would feel when only one hundred days stood between us and forever.

While this milestone feels significant, it is simply another marker along the winding journey that is nearly bursting at the seams with busyness, excitement, anticipation, and emotion. It has been so much fun - some of the most wonderful weeks and months of my life, but in the background lies the quiet, but nonetheless present, overwhelming feelings. Wedding details aside, there is the fear of change, the pain of packing, and trepidation for the weeks ahead that beg for answers to questions I have not even asked myself yet. But, it is good.

I've been archiving blog posts in hopes that preparation will save me from insanity come October. I have been trying to drink more water than ice coffee, which is going...I don't want to talk about it. I have spent more time at the doctor's office than the beach. I have learned that my fear of losing the control I do not actually have, has the power to destroy myself and take much of the glimmer out of this joyous relationship I have the privilege of being in. I have been consciously trying to convince myself to pry open those tightly-wound fists of mine and just...wait.

As far as the checklist is concerned....

My sweet mama and I have nearly finished my veil and my much-anticipated hair comb is waiting at the Post Office for me. Eeek!

I have almost figured out my "wedding day makeup" makeup, thanks to a very chic Sephora consultant who turned me into a die-hard lipliner-lover over the course of our forty-five minute tête-à-tête. She also managed to convince me that I absolutely needed a lot of fancy things that came in pretty bottles. I am still going through samples and trying to nail down the products I will actually be working into my everyday routine, along with those that will be just for the "big day." If I can get a good handle on that list, I hope to share my favorites with you soon!

I keep finding paint on my legs from all the furniture that has been painted, and repainted, over the past several weeks. I have been trying to match my newly acquired dresser and nightstand to an antique vanity that I had snatched up at a consignment shop. Seven cans and samples of paint later, I finally found the match. If you are in the market for blueish-gray paint, I'm your girl.

The last part of our honeymoon has been booked and now we just have to find the perfect traveling bag. Something that will hold all the things I need (camera, lip gloss, granola bars, train tickets...), but in a fashionable, slightly masculine facade, so that the fiancé will be willing to carry it. Sneaky? Not at all! My Mama likes to call that "resourceful."

I have celebratory ice cream to eat. I'll be back soon with more nostalgic, romantic, stress-sprinkled ramblings. Love you, bye!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie