Ashley Gain Weddings and Events: September 2011

Scared and sacred are spelled with the same letters.

Awful proceeds from the same root word as awesome. Terrify and terrific.

Every negative experience holds the seed of transformation. - Alan Cohen

Even if you know me well, you probably don't know that over the past 12 months I have had to be more flexible, stable, strong and trusting in God than I have in a very very very long time.

It's rare I share anything that is even remotely difficult for me with others. I'm too much of a people pleaser to even THINK about it.

However, what you might know is that this year has also been one of the absolute best of my life.

It's learning how to stand after you have been on your knees that makes you strong. I would re-live each and every brought-to-my-knees-from-hardship day over and over again because I know I have become the person I am because of them.

Every day that I wake up next to my husband, take my dogs on a walk and hear my moms voice through the phone is one more day I feel truly blessed.

I have been so excited about posting another The Life In between blog post because it is my chance to share the little things that make me feel so lucky and make my life so amazing with you.

Stop and see......what's on your cell phone camera? What do your blessings look like?

My 21st birthday was SO fun *wishful thinking*. My beautiful, smart and amazing friend Maggie took this picture at FIG & OLIVE in West Hollywood during my birthday dinner!!! I LOVE when cakes have one candle it's so sweet and simplistic...AND makes you feel young!

Do you watch Entourage? Well, if you don't wait until next summer, rent the DVD series, cuddle with someone you love and watch them....all in a row. OR if you have a life watch one at a time.....why does this matter? Well, Vito's is our VERY favorite pizza place in Hollywood and they were featured on the first episode of the show this season. Which meant the next episode we had to order and eat it as we watched. Product Placement Works.

Before you judge me, let me say that I am confident enough in myself to be able to admit that I watch RHOBH {Real Housewives of Beverly Hills} and my favorite restaurant in Beverly Hills just happens to be Villa Blanca that Lisa owns. Not to mention the menus there alone are perfect branding inspiration!!!!

What I wouldn't do to have this cake in front of me now! UGH. I am a choc-o-holic. Obsessed. My amazing aunt, uncle and cousin got this for me during our visit to Utah. I ate two pieces, fast, and then felt sick. I would do it again....and again...and again.....so worth it.

We made our annual summer trip to Jackson Hole, WY to spend time with both my family AND my in laws {YES, that makes over 10 people in one house!}!!! This is the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar that we put on our boots for! Because that's just what you do in Jackson. YEE HAW!

Heaven. Kayaking down the Snake River. We saw three bald eagles and watched the sunset behind the Grand Tetons. Don't let the oar deceive you. I didn't row once, it really would have taken the enjoyment out of the experience. That's why my buff husband has big arm muscles because I let him use them.

Can you guess where I am in this picture? YOU win! Arizona is correct. 116 degrees. I can't explain how that feels besides burning. You are basically melting away.

My "Boyfriend" LOVES this shirt. So much he took a pic of me in it. I bought this shirt 2 months into us dating {sounds fast but we got engaged after 6 months!} and will never get rid of it!

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge went out of their way this summer to give Wedding Planners in Arizona a weekend to remember. They let us stay with our families, eat at their restaurants, enjoy their spa, and hang out at the pool for a weekend to just relax. This was the view from our room. It was an amazing weekend we will never forget. Thank you for making us feel so special JW!!!

Spending the last night at the JW with Hannah {Wedding Apprentice for Ashley Gain Weddings} and Drew of Life Design events. Soon after this picture I broke into my Kathy Lee impression. If you are lucky someday you can see it too.

Bride & Groom Magazine asked me to be the planner of their annual wedding industry event. It was a night I will forever remember. From a dancer on a swing high above the air, to feathers, beautiful centerpieces and amazing friends. I was honored to be the planner. I can't wait to share pictures taken by Hagerty Photography and a time lapse of the set-up by Serendipity Videography!!! Stay tuned to see!