Giddy-up horsey

I’m just now realizing I haven’t really shared with y’all my love for all things vintage. No joke. My closest family and friends know how deep it runs.

My dream car is a hunter green vintage mini cooper. Like even if I’m rich and have the chance to buy the “newest mini cooper that can fly” I would still choose the vintage mini time after time.

There’s a reason for sharing all of this. So as an avid thrifter or whatever you want to call it, I peruse antique stores regularly much to Khang’s dismay.

So when my sister-in-law Ngoc, who also likes to go antiquing, came to visit, I happily showed her my favorite spot, The Sleepy Poet.

She was expecting at the time and scored the cutest wooden rocking horse towards the end of our trip. Horsey was a little rough but I immediately offered my services to refurbish it (no, I’ve never done so in the past) and assured her it would be a breeze. Hah. It didn’t matter anyways because I could not say no due to the absolute truth that it was so stinkin’ precious.

Plus all I could think about was fixing it up for my baby nephew and hearing him excitedly saying, “Giddy-up horsey!” when old enough. It was a done deal and we packed it up in Georgie (my mini cooper). I think it’s safe to say we were both excited to introduce horsey to our boys.

I remember them both sorta surprised and for some odd reason it looked a tad bit more rough in my house compared to the dimly lit store (hah). No worries though because the four of us started to list all the things that needed to be done to it like new paint colors, missing hardware, adding new props, etc.

After a little research, we found out horsey was once a popular rocking horse (The Wonder Horse) back in the 1940’s-50’s, which is also the same brand rocking horse both Ngoc, Khang and Greg (more on this later) grew up playing with too except a plastic more detailed version with horse sounds!

It was meant to be. You already know my excitement went up a high notch. 

I think from start to finish, it took roughly 8 month off and on. Khang and I were pretty much on the same page about what all needed to be done. I decided in order to do a “proper job” was to completely dissemble and sand sand sand it. Whew. Looking back, I was not fully prepared.

After this stage, I bought transparent paper and traced horsey’s outline along with its trimming details.

And then we put horsey all back together again. All new nails and screws. Closed the unnecessary holes with wood putty and sanded again and again. So. much. sanding.

Then of course me being me. I googled how the original looked like and noticed right away ours was missing his “backing” on the seat. So I called in Uncle’s Khang expertise and he made horsey a new back.

During all that time, I was giving Ngoc and Greg time to decide on colors. I think the most stressful part was picking the colors. So much that they decided to “let” me decide. They said they wanted to be “surprised” but I have other thoughts–it was easier putting all the pressure on me haha. Just kidding. But not really.

So I started to brainstorm and sketch. I went back and forth about keeping the new design close with the original along with the cherry red color or going 180 and giving horsey a total makeover.

I ultimately decided to go with the latter. I had to be careful with my sketches because Ngoc was closely following along with the whole process.

Just a few detail highlights:

  • New hand-drawn trimmings for a more modern/simple look (for Greg)
  • Personally mixed custom color called Ngoc’s Mint (for her love of pastels)
  • Miss Mustard Seed Primer, Milk Paint, and Beeswax finish (for its non-toxicity)
  • 10 mm braided rope that I knotted to look like a bridle
  • Custom stencils designed by OMAC (my awesome sister Jill): Smith Wonder Horse and name labels in gold (for Ngoc) foil paint
  • A whoooole lotta love from Uncle Khang and Auntie Uyen

The paint was on a whole ‘nother level. I think all in all, there’s about 4-5 coats on horsey not including the primer layers (2). Not sure if it was because of the wood/plywood being 50+ years old or milk paint choice but it cracked significantly. I was really upset about it at first but then it grew up me. It kept horsey looking vintage and charming.

Even when I was frustrated and nervous about messing up (again and again), I kept picturing this image in my head of Greg on his own rocking horse and in turn thinking of our nephew on horsey. It definitely helped me stay focus on finishing. His mom shared the image with me 3 months after finding horsey.

But I always knew it would be worth it.

Everything started coming together towards the end. I stenciled the labels last along with Khang and I signing the backseat.

And the results! I absolutely love how horsey turned out in the end. But I think I loved the entire process so much more. I’ve just always enjoyed meticulous work especially with my own hands.

I truly had a wonderful time even with the stress and worry especially since I know without a doubt Ngoc, Greg, and our nephew will take special care of horsey and give him all the love for years to come.

Khang and I were able to deliver it personally to horsey’s new owner on his baptism weekend. Of course, Auntie Uyen wrapped it all up for my baby boy.

He has a little ways to go before he can fully test out those brand-new extension springs. 

But already he’s the most adorable little cowboy in the south.

Have you ever tried to refurbish anything or would like to? Oh please do share!

Thank you for reading and following along

with me,

Jules.

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Being gentle

Remember my favorite Mr. & Mrs Smith?

Yep those two. Now they are three. Well four including their golden furbaby. 

Khang and I were lucky enough to go visit them and meet our sweet new baby nephew!

Ngoc asked me beforehand to take a few photos of them at home. And to my absolute delight she specifically asked  me to capture “real moments at home to remember how things were at that moment in our life”.

My favorite kind of photography.

No outfits or poses were planned or set-up with the exception of that first photo above. Baby boy enjoys being outside so we took lots of neighborhood walks and of course I wanted to capture that.

Look at this proud papa.

It was basically grab, go, and shoot with Hans. I ran into a few low lighting issues, but the moments captured more than made up for it.

I love these photos in their home so much. If I could then I would hug them close to my heart. I do mentally.

My favorite ones were of Ngoc and baby while they nursed.

So purely sweet and natural. The apparent connection between these two blew me away. Ngoc is such a good mama.

Something I caught her saying a few times if baby was fussy or not in the best of moods,

“Oh I know… I’m sorry baby, I’m new at this too. We’re learning together.”

Just wow. This still pulls at my heart strings.

It speaks volumes to me. I love her mindfulness. I love that she allows herself room for error but more importantly, acknowledging that she and her family are learning during this very very new and exciting time. Together.

But above all, I love how gentle she is being with herself.

I will not pretend I know anything about motherhood but I know I will be repeating those same sentiments one day (hopefully).

I feel like everyone, no matter where they are in life, should be reminded to “be gentle”. Because aren’t we all technically new to the start of every day?

So thank you. Thank you, Ngoc, for the sweet reminder.

Thank you for reading and following along

with me,

Jules.

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Ngoc+Greg

Alright y’all. One of my favorite couples today.

You might recognize them from my previous post on their wedding last October.

We didn’t do this on purpose at all, but this session was shot on their 6-month anniversary! Crazy sweet right?!

Ngoc and Greg.

I remember when I knew for sure Greg was serious about Ngoc.

We were at a friend’s house for a Halloween party in Starkville.

Here’s the thing, when I get drunk, I like to ask personal questions. Ha.

So there I was… feeling real good and I remember seeing the look on Greg’s face as he was looking at Ngoc.

She was a few feet away from him talking to someone.

So cheesy of me to say, but he had the look of pure love and adoration.

I think everyone here should know by now that I love love.

So I can’t help but to leaned in and ask Greg, “You’re going to marry Ngoc huh?”

(Or something along those lines)

He slowly smiled and nodded his head.

And for some weird reason it’s like Ngoc heard (she didn’t), glanced at us, and had that “what are y’all talking about look” on her face.

I gestured innocently “Oh, nothing.”

But I remember believing Greg and feeling so happy.

Now look at them! 6 years of dating and 6 months of marriage.

So these two were awesome enough to let me practice on them.

Ngoc also wanted a few shots around Houston for memories.

They had so many questions about Hans, the process of film, and just really everything I’ve been doing lately.

I didn’t mind it one bit.

And honestly, it’s the wonderful support these two have shown me that really motivates me to keep blogging about my life.

However, I feel bad because they were technically my first couple’s session.

I’ve learned so much since then and would do many things differently like with lightening and angle choices.

But the two of them?

Solid.

Wouldn’t change a thing.

We started out in Hermann Park.

Then we went to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park for a family session with their furbaby, Rascal.

The expressions,

the dress,

the wind,

Swoon.

I think they’re look back at their time in Houston with fond memories.

Thanks for reading and following along,

with me

Jules.

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Weddingswithjules: Ngoc + Greg

My last post for 2016 and I’m incredibly happy it’s about my favorite Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

I’m sort of at lost for words because you had to have been there to truly witness all the love and laughter floating around not only between the bride and groom, but all their family and friends too.

Proud wife moment: Khang’s first ever video. I’ll admit I’ve watch it at least once a week so far. It’ll give everyone a better idea of what I’m trying to describe above. Enjoy.

The beautifully talented Moriah Elisabeth Photography captured their ahhhmazing wedding. There must’ve been pixie dust sprinkled everywhere because their wedding was oh so magical y’all.

When I went back to work that following Monday and my coworkers asked me how was the wedding…I started to tear up just thinking about how absolutely gorgeous Ngoc looked as a bride. She was glowing.

Just look at this already adorable family with their furbaby Rascal. I know my heart won’t be able to take it when they give us a niece or nephew (no rush!).

I was and still am beyond honored to have taken a tiny part in their wedding. So let’s get to it shall we?

When my sissy-in-law mentioned needing a few little details for her Santa Rosa beach wedding this past October, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

I think I’ve made it pretty clear how much I love to work with my hands right?

I’ve learned this past year and a half that I absolutely la la love weddings (and all the planning). Maybe it’s because I had such a wonderful experience with my very own wedding this past June, but honestly it’s just that I love love.

 The saying “Love loves to love love” comes to mind <3

Ngoc and Greg were so so chill about details and only requested two things for their place cards: pops of color and a hint of gold. It worked out great because I adore the small details and just went with it.

The results turned out beautifully and they both loved it! Whew*

Ngoc called them “unicorn colors”. I totally agreed.

Two weeks before the big day, Ngoc asked me which menus(from minted.com) I thought would compliment the place cards.

Um. What?! Stop.

Of course I was more than happy to create matching menus.

After testing out a few designs that night, I decided to hand-paint and hand-letter a menu for each guest. A total of 80.

Ngoc thought I was crazy and said it was “too much work”, but I was tickled with joy the entire time.

Every ink stain and finger cramp was well-worth it.

I love calligraphy especially with this beautiful gold ink. I couldn’t get enough. In fact, I felt sad after all the work was done and I’m itching to do more.

They wanted to a few signs like a seating chart and welcome sign too. I purchase the frames at a variety of shops at the Antique Village of Denham Springs, La. 

Glass is hard to photograph. Here are my best shots in our backyard. Ha.

Okay okay, I’ll spare you more of my amateur iPhone shots.

Here are Moriah’s pictures of all my hard work. Pretty proud of myself and really happy with the way it all came together.

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I made each kid their own menu too. I do not play. 

I should mention both bride and groom are Mississippi State graduates.

They love their cowbells.

Two-sided wooden sign to signal the bride walking down the aisle…

… and to get the PARTAY started!

Technically I made these “Greg-on-a-stick” for Ngoc’s bachelorette party, but Khang convinced me to bring them to the wedding too. Such a good idea.

So that’s pretty much my little role in this lovely wedding. But there’s a moment I’d like to share. A moment I did not expect to happen.

Picture this: I’m in the middle of curling my hair and Van, Ngoc’s MOH, asks me if I’m too busy to help Ngoc. Duhhh, I say NO! Van and the bridesmaids are running a little behind but Ngoc needs to start taking bridal portraits on the beach…I rush out in my pjs with no bra, slipped on someone else’s flip flops, grab her dress train, and the three of us are out the door. No questions asked. 

So while Moriah is shooting away, I get full view of Ngoc in all of her glory and my eyes begin to water because she is just so damn beautiful. I’m trying to hold it in y’all, but then Ngoc asks me to jump in to take photos with her. Yeah, so I quickly become a mess. A complete mess. I take advantage of this sweet moment to tell her how stunning she looks and how I’m overjoyed with happiness for her and Greg. Luckily Moriah is there to capture it all. Thank you thank youuuu so much.

I’ll hold these images close to me forever.

There’s quite a number of engaged people I know and if there’s one piece of advice I can give is…there’s going to be some serious planning involved but don’t get so overwhelmed with your plans that you pass up “real moments” during your wedding day. Remember that a wedding is just one day, but a marriage is a lifetime. Start off your marriage not by over-analyzing the materialistic items but by creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Thanks for reading and following along,

with me

Jules.

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