{News}

I know it's been a long time coming for a new blog post around these parts! The team at Joie Mag has been discussing and praying about the future of Joie Mag. Because of new jobs, new family members and new life goals, we've decided that it is best for us not to publish any more magazine issues of Joie. We are sad for this change, but very grateful for the time we had to write the blog and magazine, and collaborate with some amazing women. Thanks for being with us on this journey.

4 Creative Wedding Gifts

For a lot of engaged couples, it seems like one of the most anticipated part of the wedding planning process is registering for things you'll need to start a new life together. Aka: wedding gifts! My husband and I went through the registering process, which, admittedly was really fun for him and overwhelming for me, ha! We picked out all the practical kitchen appliances, home goods and other odds and ends that we thought we might need. And luckily, we received most of the things we registered for as gifts, which was a huge blessing to our newly married life. 

Now, as helpful and practical as those registered gifts were, there were some gifts that stood out particularly because they were so different and creative compared to the store bought gifts. I wanted to share some of those ideas, along with others, so that you'll be able to give these fun gifts to your friends when they get married! 

Garden Starter - Help your friends get a head start on their indoor or small patio garden!
- potting soil + assorted pot sizes
- a variety of flower, herbs and veggie seeds
- a hand shovel and rake
- a vintage watering can
- gardening gloves

Tea Set - A romantic gift for the tea or coffee lovers in your life
- two unique mugs
- a serving tea pot

- a pretty platter (DIY it!)

- a variety of teas + coffees

- biscuit or scone baking mix

Italian Date Night Basket - A special dinner for two, all in one basket

- a big basket

- two kinds of pasta 

- two kinds of sauce 

- a nice bottle of wine 

- a gift certificate to their local bakery to buy fresh loaf of bread

Fun + Games - Bringing it back to the good ol' days with some childhood fun!
- a board game (or two!) from childhood
- variety of penny/movie candies
- a DVD set of their favorite cartoons 

- bubbles and/or sidewalk chalk 

{Pre-Wedding Pep Talk}

I know many couples getting married this summer and fall. Hoards of wedding advice and marriage tips are probably being tossed your way right about now, between bridal showers and in-laws and church friends and wedding blogs. I am sure most of the advice is valid, but remember that each marriage, each couple, each LIFE is very, very different. So instead of being overwhelmed (or thinking "Wow, I need to apply every piece of advice to my life RIGHT NOW") thank each person for their thoughts and tuck it away for when you really need it. 

That being said, I wanted to share a Bible verse that is really important to me and my husband. Think of this as a little pep-talk. Ephesians 4:2 - "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love." It's hard to always live like that, but remember that the Word of God is true and it keeps us in check with where our hearts are. Marriage is a balance of giving. You give your love, your time, and encouragement. And it might seem like a lot, but if you are each giving each other equal amounts of everything, you'll both be getting just what you need! 

<3 Stephanie

{6 Reasons to do a First Look}

The First Look is a wonderful time when the bride + groom see each other before their ceremony. While I completely understand if people choose to travel the ‘traditional’ route, I am so in love with this idea. 

My husband and I did a First Look and it is still the {reason number one} most memorable moment of our wedding day for me. To have that special time, {reason number two} just the two of you, is something you’ll never forget!

The quiet few moments to say hi and pray together will provide {reason number three} peace of mind. It gives you both time to really take each other in and enjoy each other before the craziness of the day begins.

It also allows you {reason number four} get some of the photography “formalities” out of the way. Which ultimately means, {reason number five} more time to party later!

Oh yeah, and grooms? {reason number six} You’ll still cry when your bride walks down the aisle. Promise.

<3 Stephanie

image: stephanie rita photo

The Order of Blessings | Victoria Myers

   Today's blog post comes from a lovely blogger named Victoria. This is her debut post on Joie Mag and we are lucky to have her be a contributing blogger in the future! Thank you Victoria for writing from your heart and speaking the truth about our identity in Christ.

~*~

   Getting married at 22 years old must have sounded a little scary some people in my life. Not necessarily to my closest family and friends-- they were gracious and supportive. Instead it seemed like classmates, the lady at the nail salon, online articles, the grocery store clerk, and select others wanted to advise me otherwise. They were worried about all sorts of things—that I wouldn’t ever get to travel, or do an internship, that I wouldn’t get to enjoy living alone, that 22 is just too young and that I was probably just getting married for the whole wedding ordeal and a happy ever after type of thing.

     It probably wasn’t until a few months into my marriage that I realized they were right. Or, actually that they could be right. Not about the traveling, the internship, or the living alone—but that they could be right that my heart is capable of simply wanting to get married just for the sake of the backyard wedding, a name change, and a happily-ever-after-be-forever-satisfied-type of thing. Throughout our engagement I became more aware of this temptation, I was caught up in the whirlwind of planning our wedding and supporting two friends with theirs and in the process I was falling more in love with marriage. Which is a beautiful process and I’m grateful for the ways God spoke to my heart through our engagement about what marriage is and how He designed it to be. Grateful that He reminded me that my heart is indeed capable of wanting the wedding and the happy marriage more than Him. That somehow everything between the proposal and the aisle could make me more satisfied than His grace. That all the life to come after the vows we would make could somehow redeem me more than the Cross.

     Like, I said God graciously revealed this to me throughout our engagement which helped me choose Him first. Of course I was a sinner when I planned our wedding, a sinner when I said “I do,” and still a sinner as I continue to live out life with my husband—and choosing God first will only be something I succeed in with the work of Christ in my life. Being aware of this danger that my own heart could hold, I intentionally entered into marriage with an understanding that it’s not created to fulfill me, it will eventually disappoint me, and that my husband’s and my brokenness are made one in the same only through Christ’s work on the Cross.

     This allowed the start of our marriage to be real, flawed, and truly joyful as we sought to understand that our sinfulness only pointed to God’s perfectness, and that our end only pointed to a God that is never ending.

     Fast forward a glimpse into our marriage—the wedding pictures are now posted on Facebook and the wedding band on my ring finger feels like it’s always been there. Husband and I start dreaming up future baby names. We plan out our first girl and brainstorm for the first boy, and I had then created a note in my phone with a running list of possible names and at least four typed out names that we will absolutely use no matter what our in laws or coworkers say. Then I realize, I knew where my heart was going. Yearning for something beyond the now. Desiring something that God has not yet willed to me only because my heart wants to believe that it might fulfill and complete me.

     Through these moments I realized, it’s not that wedding dresses and baby names are things we cannot choose. Rather, we must choose the primary blessing before the secondary. Choose our Creator before the wedding dress, and our Father before the baby names. Throughout our engagement I was aware of the temptation to find my identity in getting married and becoming a wife, and once dreaming up baby names for the future littles I was placing my identity in my hopeful days of motherhood. My heart was seeking these titles to fulfill me, to give me value and worth. What a gift it is that these titles are not my identity, that instead it’s Christ’s work that has made me pure, whole, and redeemed. That I am a daughter of the most High and a vessel for His grace and truth to those He brings into my life. Whether I am a wife or a mother, it is the source of our Primary blessing that is my sure foundation which lets me live out my identity in Him and experience the secondary blessings He ordains for my days.

     Whether we are in the midst of the season or seasons away from the reality—we should find our identity in the Primary blessing, the redemption we received from Christ on the Cross and the live that we may live as God has gone behind, before, and with us. It is through this that we may truly appreciate the fullness, nature, and timing of the secondary blessings; that we may come to know His design for the gifts He has willed to us, and the timing He has ordained into our days. Praise Him with me-- the God who has given us such sweet blessings to worship Him for and such sweet dreams to wait on Him for.

Written by Victoria Myers | Images by Anna Christine Photography

Colors of Spring | Styled Shoot

In preparation for Joie Issue 2, we wanted to share the full styled shoot from Issue 1! We weren't able to show the entire shoot in the magazine, so I thought sharing the entire thing here would be a fun thing to do! We had so much fun with this shoot and we hope you enjoy the full collection!

Vendors:

Photography: Stephanie Rita Photography | Boston, MA

Styling: TarynAlyse Weddings+Events | Keene, NH

Hand-painted sign: HeartCrafted Co. | San Francisco, CA

Cupcakes: Cupcake City | Reading, MA

Florals: Whole Foods Market | Wellesley, MA

Hair+Makeup: Kathy Dunbar | Whitman, MA

Dress: La Reine Bridal | Waltham, MA

Lace Chandelier: DIY (tutorial www.julietgracedesign.com)

Dinnerware: Thrifted

Candle Holders: Heirloom

Models: Sarah and Alex

Location: Wellesley College | Wellesley, MA

{Wedding Planning Tip} 3 BIG Things!

The most helpful tip I got when I was planning my wedding was to pick 3 things that mattered the most to us as a couple and splurge on those 3 things. So that's what we did. We made sure those important things were taken care of, while also knowing that we had to be thrifty in the other areas of our day.

What were our 3 BIG things? Photography, food, venue. In that order. Photography, because when the day is done, it's all we'd have left to remember. Food, because if you have bad food, your guests won't like you. And venue, because we wanted rustic and nature-y and that's exactly what we got! 

We had generous help from our parents, but that doesn't mean there wasn't a budget. We had minimal flowers, and provided all the vases ourselves. We used my iPod (with a very carefully curated playlist) and a friend DJed (which went much better than I expected). Our church loaned us the speakers and mic for the ceremony and reception. I picked up most of the details from thrift shops, and made all the centerpieces myself. My husband's tux was from JCPenny (not kidding) and my dress, although not inexpensive, was probably my favorite detail of the day, which made it worth it. 

Your BIG 3 will probably be different from ours, but maybe not. Talk to each other to figure out what each person is envisioning. You may have to compromise on the 3 BIG things, but what is marriage without compromise! :) 

~ Stephanie

{Alex + Brendan's Wedding Video}

March 8th, 2014
Irvine Estate, VA

~*~

Watch Alex + Brendan's GORGEOUS wedding video by Five Copper Creative!!


Alex + Brendan Wedding Highlight from Five Copper Creative on Vimeo.

~*~

The Story:

From Alex, the bride's, perspective:  

"From the first light of morning breaking into my room on our wedding day I felt the joy and presence of the Lord. I woke up in the beautiful Bed & Breakfast my closest friends and I were staying in and knew it was going to be the most special day.  It has always been a dream of mine to read Psalm 45 (the Wedding Psalm) on my wedding day, to remind myself that the Lord is my husband first and that His delight in me gives me my identity; He is enthralled by our beauty every day, not just on our wedding day or when we feel most beautiful. My mom and soon to be mother-in-law joined us at the B&B and we all ate a morning meal together on a huge family style dining table.  It was such a sweet way to embrace the day- with my most loving and supportive girlfriends and family members to "be led in with joy and gladness" (v.15).  We spent time praying, crying, and rejoicing together at God's redemption in my life and marveling at how the day unfolding would be such a remarkable picture of that.  We all got ready together, took pictures, danced to whatever music was playing- it was FUN and relaxed, just as I had always hoped.

I loved the idea of honoring and connecting with family members through aspects of the wedding.  My mom gave me beautiful, delicate gold earrings to wear as her and my dad's wedding gift to me. I attached a brooch that I inherited from my grandma after she passed away onto the front of my bouquet- she always wore her beloved pendants proudly.  And my Nana gave me a necklace to wear that has been worn by every bride on my Dad's side of the family for four generations. I felt honored to be included in that tradition!  Brendan and I decided not to do a first look.  We liked the idea of the patient anticipation and sheer emotion that would be raw on the aisle. I think we are a bit more traditional than we thought--except we did decide to offer whiskey toasts instead of champagne, so who knows.  

Looking back, I cherish our ceremony immensely.  Our minister is a good friend of ours and spoke truth of the Gospel in the most incredible way.  And was not afraid to throw in a few jokes here and there! Laughter made his message even more endearing.  He built his message on three aspects of our marriage which are really pictures of our life with Christ lived out: take my name, take my heart, and take my body.  All concepts which are encompassed in marriage, but more so gifts given to us by Jesus Himself…His name, His heart, and His body. I saw Jesus so much in Brendan's vows to me.  He echoed God's promises to me beautifully, "I vow to never leave you, never desert you, and never divorce you. In sickness and in health, for rich or for poor, I will never leave you no matter what."  I loved his twist on the traditional vows, that's so him, so us.    

My mom did the most amazing job orchestrating the decorations of our venue.  Every detail was thoughtfully displayed -- each handmade welcome bag for the overnight guests made with love and gifts of hospitality, every centerpiece encompassed aspects of Brendan and my relationship.  We wanted to invite people in, make them feel loved and appreciated.  Instead of table numbers, we named each table after a memory we have so that people would get to know us better and feel as though they were a part of our story, because they absolutely are!   

The rest of the night was the most joyous blur.  I was astonished at seeing many familiar faces that were faintly different after years of separation, all smiling, laughing, celebrating with us.  We ate delicious food, visited with incredible friends and family, and danced with abandon. At one point our crazy friends decided to throw Brendan in the air!…and then me!…and then MY MOM! When I remember our wedding day, I remember the joy and life we experienced in God's love expressed through each other and the people we love.  People traveled from all over the world simply to be a part of our most favorite day; and that's not to boast in ourselves…Jesus brought them to hear His truth and see His love fleshed out in two messy sinners who happen to be in love. Gosh, He is so sweet to us."

~*~

Thank you so much Alex+Brendan for sharing your day with us! It was absolutely beautiful! I don't even know you and I cried during your vows!! I can tell it was such a joyful day. :) And Alex, you are such an eloquent writer!

Thanks to the insanely talented Amanda from Five Copper Creative for submitting this film!

~Joie Mag Team

5 Days in Scripture // 30 Day Scripture Challenge Update

I've spent the last 5 mornings making a deliberate choice to spend time reading God's word. And it's been really refreshing. I've been reading mainly in Psalms, but today I wandered over to James 5. 

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Sing songs of praise." James 5:13

I think most of us pray when things aren't going the way we expected... and that's great, the Bible tells us to do that! But how often do we sing songs of praise when we're happy? Like actually sing out loud! To praise Jesus! I'm going to make a point of doing that more often!

If you're interested in joining the 30 Day Scripture Challenge, you should check out the hashtag #lampandlight on Instagram. Don't worry about starting 5 days late, just continue 5 days into June! And, well, forever. :) 

~ Stephanie 

P.S. Follow Joie Mag on Insta, too! 

Quality Time with your Girls ... and a GIVEAWAY!

*This giveaway has ended*

What is one thing you love doing more than a quality coffee date with your best friend at your favorite little shop? Ok, maybe having a cupcake date with your best friend, but that's probably it :) 

We strongly believe in quality time. Game nights with your family, evening walks with your significant other, and especially those long conversations with your best friends. Time with your girls is so important. You NEED that time together. For your mental health and to add a little fun to your week. To encourage each other, to pray for each other and to motivate each other with the things God is teaching you. 

Sometimes life can get "too busy" for this much-needed time with your girls. We want to encourage you to carve out the time to go on a coffee date. A real life, "I can't wait to catch up with you", muffins-included, coffee date.

AND LUCKY YOU! We're giving one of you a Starbucks gift card!! $10 to treat your bestie to a quality afternoon together. We're also going to give you a gorgeous, linen hardcover "Be Filled With Joy" journal to record all the goodness that you'll talk about. 

To enter to win, all you have to do is comment on this blog post telling us a favorite memory with your best friend! Feel free to tell us a few stories if it's too hard to pick one.

Get an additional entry for each of the following:

Follow Joie on Instagram.

Follow on Twitter.

Like on Facebook.

(Also include in your comment if you've followed Joie on any of these social media outlets)

The deadline to enter is April 2nd at midnight and the WINNER will be announced NEXT THURSDAY right here on the blog!

We know you'll enjoy this prize :)

Happy Thursday!

~Joie Mag Team

The Lord knows what He is doing.

Currently, we're in the curating+gathering process of this first issue of our little magazine magazine. This process could also be called the waiting process. Waiting for emails to get sent back, waiting for ideas to pop up and waiting for all the little details to come together. Which they definitely are, albeit slowly. 

If you know me, you know I'm not good at waiting. 

For anything, really.

(Which is why I'm prone to using the microwave.)

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart.

The Lord's timing is better than mine will ever be. 

When I think that really cool vendor will never reply to my email, God knows when they will (or knows that they won't, which is fine, too.) When that *perfect* job comes... and goes... gather all your patience and wait on the Lord for something even more amazing. When you've been waiting so long for someone to love forever and it seems impossible to wait a little longer... just wait. 

The Lord knows what He is doing. 

~joie team

Super Easy DIY: Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Have you seen the "Will you be my bridesmaid?" gift trend going around? Well, here's a really easy and meaningful DIY way to make some for your girls!

Supplies:

- Two different colors of washi tape, in your wedding color scheme (can be found at Paper Source)

- An ink pad

- A paper tag (can also be found at Paper Source)

- One small kraft paper box (I got this one at Michael's)

- Some "filler" shreds of paper. Or you could use fabric.

- Small piece of paper to write a note on.

- A small, very special gift (I chose a sterling silver ring)

- A marker

- Scissors

1. Cover all four outside edges of the kraft paper box with one of the colors of washi tape.

2. Open the ink pad and press it firmly onto the top of the box. Careful, it takes a while to dry. 

3. Cut hearts out of the second color of washi tape. Place them in a cluster, anywhere on the top of the box.

4. Also ink the paper tag (the more gold the better!)

5. Add some personal touches! Write a special note on the card inside and your friend's name on the tag. Tape the tag to the box and voila!

There you go! An easy DIY for your future bridesmaids. Definitely add your own twists to it, like using your wedding colors and choosing specialized individual gifts for each girl. 

Send us your DIYs! Tag your photos #joieDIYfun on Instagram! 

~joie mag team

For the Good.

~*~

"We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Write this verse on a slip of paper and hide it somewhere you'll remember. When the worry creeps up or the storm clouds gather, take it out and pray this prayer.

~*~

Thank you so much for the continuing support as we continue to collect and research for the inaugural issue of Joie! We can't wait to share all the goodness we have found.

verse of the week.

the beginnings.

The idea for an online magazine has been on my mind and heart for a long time. I'd brainstorm and write notes in my sketchbook as I drank my morning coffee and did my devotions. I was never too sure of what this hypothetical magazine would be focused around.. maybe something photography related, perhaps. I just knew it would be fun for me to design, write and create something to share with people of similar interests.

BUT I also had this underlying fear of "what if nobody reads this?". So I'd push the online-mag-dreams to the back-burner and tell myself "someday".

Maybe it was when one of my close friends who also works in the wedding industry moved back up to New England and our brainstorming personalities got together. Maybe it was because my photography business finally felt "real", and that I could start putting my energy into other projects. Maybe it was because I was a year and a half into my marriage and had some things I could share with others just entering theirs.

Or maybe it was all three things that contributed to the final push of finally making my back-burner dream into a reality.

So, with the help, encouragement and brain power of my two close friends, Taryn and Sarah, we have created this magazine. Joie Magazine, to be specific. A magazine for Christian women looking for inspiration for not only their weddings, but their marriages.

Because, yes, we do believe in lovely celebrations. But we even more strongly believe in true love and lasting marriages. We want this magazine to be an inspiration, an encouragement and a resource for you to consult when you need advice or help!

We are currently still gathering and designing our beloved magazine. Until then, we hope you will visit the blog to find similar inspirations and get to know the gals behind Joie Magazine.

God Bless!