Summer Lovin'

I've had too many conversations with friends who are all shocked it's already mid-August. (Believe me, I'm shocked too.) So in honour of this sizzling season called summer, let's talk about ways to make the last weeks of this season epic.

1. find a front patio, a friend and a cold bruski for a long evening of slow conversation.

2. sleep under some stars. I think Jono will be doing this tonight. It's what we do in Montana.

3. walk barefoot around your yard.

4. drink your coffee on your font porch and welcome the morning's light.

5. have a picnic with friends, preferably at the beach.

6. tell those around you how much they mean to you.

7. go swimming. obviously.

8. ride your bike somewhere new. @maddyjoy and I have plans of making it to Paris.

9. do something you've never done but always wanted to. Then tell us about it in the comment section!

10. eat strawberry shortcake.

11. enter our summer photo contest by emailing us your favourite snaps or tagging us @jonolaynie on insta.

You have 11 days to enter and we're gifting the winner a free shoot or a donation to their fave charity.

You have 11 days.

Have fun and happy summer.

xo.

Mother of The Bride Edition // Michelle & Chelsea

Mother of the Bride

This week, we are profiling the Mother of the Bride. She is the pillar of strength behind the scenes, she helps organize, she helps choose the all-important dress, and she wipes away tears and offers advice. In short, the mother of the bride holds many responsibilities on her daughter’s wedding day to help give her daughter the wedding she has always dreamt about. GO MOM!

How did find out about your daughter's engagement?

Chelsea came home from 9 months in Australia and told me in confidence that she and Daniel had picked out an engagement ring before she left. Daniel arrived to Canada a few months later and within a short period of time spoke to my husband about proposing to our daughter. We had lots of notice that it was coming. Daniel included us again by telling us what his plans were and they stopped at our house on the night of the actual proposal and announced the engagement and showed us the ring.

How much fun did you have looking for dresses for her and yourself? How much have the styles changed since you were married?

I didn’t get to enjoy shopping at all. Chelsea was away in Toronto before Daniel arrived in Canada and before they were engaged. She was in BCBG and found a beautiful dress on sale that she loved. She called me from the dressing room and sent me pictures on my phone. She was also trying to hide from the group she was with! She ended up purchasing it, confidant that the engagement was going to happen and that the dress would make her happy. I also thought it was beautiful! She had to hide it all the way back home from the group she was travelling with who wondered what was in the big bag… I love the styles now. No more puffy sleeves!

What was your first thought when your daughter walked down the aisle?

I shed more tears at the rehearsal actually. The moment took me by surprise and I wasn’t prepared yet. She looked so beautiful and happy walking beside her dad. I was so proud of her and so grateful for all that God had given to us.

What special advice did you give to your daughter on the day of her wedding?

We had a moment to ourselves in the house before I left. I wanted her to know how proud I was of her and that she should just enjoy the day and let the details go.

How does it feel to be a mother-in-law?

I love being a mother in law. Daniel compliments our family well and is a wise, caring and Godly husband for Chelsea. We couldn’t have asked for more. There are things to learn about being supportive but not over involved but we are growing well into new roles with grace. I also love that our family is growing