We recently had the chance to escape to Chateau Elan for a weekend getaway. The stunning property is located only an hour outside of Atlanta and offers a variety of activities, such as trails, bike rides, a spa, winery tours, and a culinary studio. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere of the beautiful property, the delicious food, and the breathtaking sunset in the vineyards.

We celebrated Mother's day a little bit early with a trip to the beach this year. One of my favorite places to visit is the Gulf Coast.

We recently took a trip to the west coast to visit Ian's birthplace and drive up HWY 1 to northern California. We started in San Diego and drove up through Laguna and Newport Beach, where Ian was born, and stayed a few days in Los Angeles.

This year, we celebrated lasting love as my grandparents marked 60 years of marriage, inspiring a family getaway to Tybee Island and Savannah, GA. From sunrise walks on the beach to exploring Savannah�s historic charm, the weekend reminded Ian and me to hold each other closer and cherish the beauty of God�s plan for marriage.

Some moments are so perfect you wish you could relive them forever. One of mine was a surprise date Ian planned, complete with a sunset view, hot cocoa, and our favorite music�an evening so special we chose it as the backdrop for our engagement photos. It�s a reminder to savor the little moments in life and hold onto them just a little longer.

Our weekend getaway to Nashville was packed with incredible food, iconic sights, and plenty of music. From savoring handcrafted sodas at The Pharmacy to live bluegrass brunch at The Southern, every meal was unforgettable. We explored hotspots like 12th Avenue, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the famous Bluebird Cafe, soaking in the charm of this lively city. Whether it was jumping photos at the Pantheon or biscuits at Loveless Cafe, Nashville left us eager to return for more adventures!

A work trip to D.C. turned into a mini adventure as Ian and I explored the city together. From iconic landmarks like the White House and National Mall to the charming streets of Georgetown (where I fell in love with its Charleston-like vibes), every moment felt memorable. We balanced conference sessions with lobster dinners, awkward jumping photos, and delicious eats at Founding Farmers. D.C. left us with great memories�and the desire to come back for more!

Wrapping up our Italy adventure in Rome was the perfect finale. Despite our exhaustion, the city�s rich history and stunning architecture left us in awe, with ancient ruins providing a humbling reminder of the past. From unforgettable meals to cherished memories, Rome captured our hearts in a way only the Eternal City can.

Florence quickly became our favorite city in Italy, with its vibrant markets, incredible leather goods, and countless bistros serving unforgettable gelato and desserts. From watching the sunrise over Tuscany atop the Duomo to indulging in Florentine steak and exploring historic landmarks like the statue of David and Ponte Vecchio, every moment felt magical. Between the breathtaking views, rich history, and delicious food, it�s a city I can�t wait to revisit someday�hopefully with more time to explore Tuscany�s countryside.

Venice was everything I dreamed it would be�like stepping into a romantic Disney movie with music, canals, and colorful charm at every turn. Despite the struggle with our rolling luggage and navigating the busy train station, the moment we stepped into the sunlight and saw the city, it took my breath away. From leisurely rides on the Vaporetto to indulging in seafood pasta and way too much gelato (Ian�s three-a-day habit), Venice was pure magic.

We kicked off our adventure with breathtaking views from the Black Forest to the Swiss Alps, eventually landing in Milan�s glamorous streets. Along the way, we discovered hidden gems and unforgettable firsts that made the journey just as exciting as the destination. This is just the beginning�Venice is up next!

Dreaming of Italy since middle school, we finally turned it into reality with careful planning and a lot of learning along the way. From choosing destinations and booking trains to packing light and embracing cobblestone streets, we discovered firsthand what makes Italian travel unforgettable. If you�re thinking about making the trip, this guide shares everything we wish we had known�from hidden dining gems to the art of slowing down and savoring every moment.