and the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway yesterday!  I am so excited to announce that the winner is Amanda from Eloquent English 

Congratulations Amanda!  I will be in contact later today!

Oh and PS - ya'll know those stunning photos of the Vestique ladies from yesterday (and the one above)?  Well, I completely failed to mention that they are thanks to the amazing Julie Livingston Photography.  Julie's work is beautiful and captures moments that most photographers dream of.  It's no wonder she is the go-to photog for all of the Vestique needs.  So if you're in the Raleigh or Charleston area, please check her out!  You won't be disappointed and will be left with memories that you'll cherish forever....

Julie Livingston Photography 

vestique giveaway

Today I am UBER-DOOBER-EXCEPTIONALLY excited.  No seriously.  I'm like really, really excited.  Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!  (that was me squealing like a high school valley girl)  I'm not only hosting my first official giveaway, but I'm also featuring one of my favorite boutiques and two of my sweetest friends.  

(Enter cutest boutique owners EVER)

via Julie Livingston Photography

Friends, meet Morgan and Caroline.  Morgan and Caroline, meet my friends.  Now that we are finished with introductions, let me tell ya'll a little bit about these fashionable ladies!  These two are best friends with a passion for life, loved ones and FASHION.  They pursued their dreams a few years after graduating from NC State (go pack!) and created Vestique.  With what once started as an online shopping experience only, has now expanded and become one of the most chic boutiques in both the Raleigh and Charlotte areas.  Morgan and Caroline have an impeccable eye for trends, budget and pieces that look good on a variety of women.  Not only can I find a date night dress for Friday night, but my mom can also find a to-die-for top for book club.  
Yes ladies.  They are that good.  

via Julie Livingston photography

But enough about the cute clothes and great prices for now.  Those will speak for themselves once you check out their shop (and probably try to restrain yourself from buying everything on the site!).  What I love most about Vestique is the personal experience I receive whether shopping online or in-person.  I don't live in Charlotte or Raleigh so most of my purchasing is done via the World Wide Web and the customer service with Vestique is something to brag about.  Not only do they take the time to write personalized notes in their packages, they are dedicated to customer satisfaction.  Their flexibility and real understanding of today's woman is awe-inspiring.  

I really cannot speak highly enough about Vestique.  It is the pride and joy of these two beauties and it shows from the carefully bought clothing to the way they treat their customers.  And because they are THAT amazing?  They are GIVING AWAY A NECKLACE!!  And just WAIT til you see their selection!

tiny sneak peak

Each reader can enter up to 6 times!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

(please leave a separate comment for each entry you do)

1. Be a follower of Gratefully Inspired  

2. Follow Vestique's blog  

3. Follow Vestique on Twitter   

4. Like Vestique on Facebook 

5. Follow Gratefully Inspired on Twitter 

6. Like Gratefully Inspired on Facebook 

NOW GO SHOP! 
(And don't forget to comment for each entry!  For example, do you follow Vestique on Twitter?  Leave a comment below by clicking comments and say "I follow Vestique on Twitter!"  Separate comments for each entry!)

wilmington arboretum

Two weekends ago my nephew hosted his 3rd birthday party at the Wilmington Arboretum.  Well, I already posted about the party but I wanted to share some other photos I managed to snap.  I am still getting used to my new camera but every time I upload the pictures off of this baby I am amazed and in love.  I'm no professional and still have NO idea what I'm doing.  But I'm getting better I hope.  You can be the judge of that.  Here are a few scenery shots.

anniversary

happy anniversary to the love of my life.  two years ago today i embarked on the greatest adventure ever - marriage.  two years ago i made wild promises with a full and faithful heart.  two years ago i began my fairy tale, and i'm so glad i get to live it every day since then.  has it been easy?  nothing worth it ever is.  but i mean this with every ounce of my being when i say marrying this man was the best thing i've ever done.  he makes me better, he makes me stronger, he makes me happier, he makes me funnier, he makes me sillier, he makes me more lovable, and best of all?  when i am none of these things - not happy, not good, not pleasant and not lovable - he still loves me with all of his heart.  how did i get so lucky?  i will never be able to answer that but i will count him as my blessing forever and ever.  happy anniversary matthew!

weekend and hope

The lyrics above are from one of my favorite bands – The Shelly Moore Band.  They played at my church in college a lot and the words in her music will stop you dead in your tracks.  And that’s what happened on Saturday as I was running.  In my quest to explore and discover what it truly means to be grateful this year, I have been led to investigate my hope as well.  It has me asking, “What is it that I put my hope in?”  Truly.  Do I put my hope in my family?  In my career?  Do I depend on these things to offer a glimmer of hope in my life when things aren’t looking so great?  When I have a horrible day at school and I leave with some hope that tomorrow will be more manageable.  But why do I hope for a better day?  What has given me the privilege to look to a more promising tomorrow?  Jesus.  It is because of Him that I am able to hope.  Hope for the future and trust that He is faithful.  So today, I put my hope in Him.  He is the only one that will never fail me, never leave me, and love me unconditionally.  He is where I lay my hope to rest.

Now some instagram pictures from the weekend J  username: deniselopatka

that face.

beautiful view at the brown's

sisters

birthday girl love

wedding love

For your Friday viewing pleasure.  

These two weddings have come across my twitter feed in the past few days and they. are. stunning.  No wonder Vera Wang wanted to brag about Lindsay while Richard Israel wanted to show off Amanda.  These two brides used to be friends of a friend but I now call them two of my very own friends and they are both as beautiful inside as they are on the outside (and trust me they are gorgeous!).  So without further ado - meet Lindsay and Amanda and PLEASE click on their links.  You will die in awe of the beauty you find....

Lindsay and Brandon's Wedding 

kristin vining photography 

Amanda & Michael's Wedding 

richard israel photography 

katelyn's bridesmaid luncheon

I wish I could re-live this weekend all over again.  Katelyn's wedding was one of my 

favorite memories ever and the sweet hosts of the Bridesmaid Luncheon helped us 

kick off the weekend in style...

the bride with her grandmother

love love love

sweet pot (mama of the bride) and sweet bethy

MOH, bride, mama of the bride

love this girl

the bride and her maids (minus les!)

love list

As the feeling of fall has crept in, I have been left with lots of time to reflect.  Reflect on life.  Reflect on love.  Reflect on me.  So, I thought I’d share a love list with ya.  Here’s what I’m loving lately:

What is it that YOU are loving lately?

shabby apple love

One of my newest obsessions is the adorable online boutique Shabby Apple.  Their clothes have a vintage, yet timeless feel and I cannot get enough of those accessories!  Oh and did I mention they have a maternity section (for when that day comes) and a gifts section that will leave you speechless.  Yes it’s that good.  I could tell you about a million pieces that I'm currently coveting but for day I’ll stick with this amazing dress.  The Elizabeth Islands dress in grey.  I die.  The wrap front, the long hem, the comfy feel and the inviting grey color.  I’m completely obsessed and am sure this dress will take me from late summer to early fall and even into winter (think leather jacket and boots).  So with that I will leave you with this loveliness– want more?  How about 10% off your purchase?  Boom.  See the promo code below.  Offer expires on September 14 so hurry and grab your new favorite article of clothing.  Because let’s be honest, you will probably find it at Shabby Apple today.

10% off site wide code:

favorite10

This code expires 9/14/2012

Katelyn and Brent through my Iphone

This past weekend was one of my favorites - ever.  One of my sweetest friends from college got married and her happiness radiated upon everyone all weekend long.  Because I was in the wedding, I didn't carry around my big camera so I just snapped some shots using my Iphone.  Some of them aren't the best quality but they all represent happy memories.

my look for the bridesmaid luncheon.  blue on blue.

with brittany and natalie modeling our new Kate Spade clutches courtesy of the bride!

sweet

natalie and john at the rehearsal din din

love this man.  at the rehearsal din din

bride getting her hair did by jeremy

stunning bouquets

orchids for the bride's bouquet

stunning bride

the bride. her cousin. her sissy (moh)

i die at the back of her dress.

wow.

horrible quality but so much love for these 3 girls.

margaret ann and emily.  sweet friends.