wedding wednesday no. 15

Hello from a new home, y’all!

And an old one… let me explain. :)

The Next Four Months

You may remember a couple months back when I mentioned my apartment lease was ending, and I was needing to figure out what to do with the four-ish remaining months before getting married.

Andrew and I are waiting to move in together until after we get married, so that put me in a bit of a pickle… Go month to month on my lease? Sign on for a 6-month lease and eat the cost of the two months I wouldn’t be using it? Find a new place altogether?

There wasn’t an obvious answer on the table, but I had peace knowing the Lord would provide just what I needed. And a few weeks later, while talking it through with Andrew, that’s exactly what happened!

So for today’s Wedding Wednesday post, I thought I’d update you on my new living situation, and what Andrew and I are planning on for these next few months (eek!!!) before we get married.

Back House Livin’

The answer to that big “what on earth do I do now” question? My sweet future in-laws so graciously offered for me to stay in their back house until Andrew and I get married. And for a hundred different reasons, I can’t tell you what an answered prayer it is!

For starters, their house is just a few minutes away from my old apartment, and just a few blocks away from my parent’s house. So I’m basically in the exact same area I’ve lived in for the past three years – no major relocating necessary.

Secondly, the size is perfect. It’s private, cozy, and absolutely beautiful. (My future mother in law has impeccable taste, so no wonder!) It is basically a little studio complete with a gorgeous, comfy couch, a closet, bathroom, kitchenette, and living area. I confess, I was a bit nervous to downsize from a big townhome to a studio, but I have absolutely loved every second of it! It’s such a fun change of pace, and I love how cozy and homey it feels.

Because of the compact size, I knew living and working there wouldn’t be an option. Andrew actually was the one who had the idea of me “splitting” everything up… living in his parents back house, and setting up my office in my parent’s house. So that’s exactly what we’ve done! Like I said above, our parents live so close to one another, so it’s maybe a 3 minute “commute” to work every day. Can’t complain about that!

A random side note… the room I’ve moved my office into is the very same room I took Lonestar Southern full-time four years ago! For those of you who don’t know, I moved in with my parents for a year after graduating to see if I could make “blogging full-time” a thing. So much has changed, grown, and happened since then, and I have to confess that I feel so nostalgic sitting here now!

Movin’ Out and Movin’ In

Let’s talk about downsizing for a second, shall we? Oy, y’all. I spent the past two weeks combing through everything I’d managed to accumulate over the past three years and deciding what would make the move with us, what I would give away and what I would sell. This process was long and arduous, but incredibly healthy and freeing. It’s amazing how much “head space” clears up when you get rid of things you don’t need.

After looking through all of the recommendations y’all sent in, I decided to use PODS to store and transport all of my furniture to Gainesville. Last week, we packed all of it into a huge POD container, and will see it in Florida a few months. It was crazy watching my whole “apartment” drive away. :)

As for the clothes… get excited for a MASSIVE sale I’ll be holding in Dallas in the coming months. I have so many pieces that I love, but just do not need anymore, and I’m so excited to find them new homes! I’ll fill you in on all of the details soon, so stay tuned!

In conclusion, I am so thankful that this whole scenario worked out so seamlessly. I am also so thankful for the extra time I will get with both of our families through this move! I have been so used to doing my own thing in my apartment for so long that I’ve absolutely loved being around my loved ones so much. With our move to Gainesville on the horizon, you can bet I’m thanking my lucky stars and soaking up all of these special moments.

Our Gainesville Home

Now that we have the “pre-wedding” living situation all figured out, Andrew and I are looking ahead to Gainesville!

Ideally, we’d love to purchase a home. The only problem? I’ve never even been to Gainesville. Makes things a bit complicated, wouldn’t you say?

So, next week, Andrew and I, along with our cute mamas, are flying down to Florida to do some good old-fashioned house hunting. I feel like we should be on an episode of House Hunters… we’re really hoping to find something that weekend, make an offer, and check that off our list!

Obviously, home buying can be much more complicated, so we are praying hard about it and walking into next weekend with open hands. If we get there are realize we need to rent instead, we’re ok with that too! If y’all wouldn’t mind, I would love your prayers over that next weekend… that the Lord would give us wisdom, patience, and discernment throughout the process and, if He wills it, that He’d bless us with a perfect option!

I know there’s a lot to potentially stress over, but I really do have this peace that everything is going to work out the way it’s supposed to. The Lord has been so faithful every step of engagement thus far, and I know He will continue to be. Let me tell you, that assurance has 100% been the reason I’ve loved this season so much instead of letting it stress me out!

So, Here We Go…

It feels like things are really starting to happen, y’all, and with all of this change, the wedding is starting to feel like it’s getting close! After all, June is just 4 months away. Wild! I’m so excited to share this big living update with y’all, and, as always, can’t wait to bring you along in this new season. I’d love to put together a Q&A soon to make sure I’m keeping y’all totally in the loop, so if I can answer any questions, feel free to leave them below!

Love from Texas,

Kate

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15 Comments

  1. Olga said:

    Love that a new living situation worked out for you! It’s so sweet that you are so close to both parents at this point!

    Olga
    http://www.littlethingsolga.com

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  2. Katie said:

    Aww! Congratulations!

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  3. India said:

    This is such a great use, Kate! I’m glad the living arrangement worked out! I just have to ask — why didn’t you move back in with your parents since you’re office will be there as well? I was in a similar situation, so I was just curious!

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  4. Bailey said:

    Your blog is my favorite! I am currently overwhelmed with planning a big move and somewhere to live, so reading your post was very reassuring! It reminded me to turn to prayer for peace because the Lord will provide!

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  5. Katia said:

    Make a stop by Mode salon and see Lonie. He can help with all your needs not only does he own the salon, he was on reality tv, knows all things Gville, holds houses and has an insurance company. I told him you were moving to Gville and he said to stop by if you need help:) I live 20 mins north of Gville.

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
    • Monty Stepura said:

      Thanks for the referral Katia! I’m moving back to Gainesville this fall and have been looking for someone to do my hair will check Lonie out!

      Published 2.7.19 · Reply
      • Katia Grinkov said:

        He trains international several times a year so he always knows the trends and how to do them correct. A lot of people travel out of state to use him too. You have to book about 3 months out but worth it. The location by the courthouse past UF is the better location they use Davines there. Good luck with your move.

        Published 2.7.19 · Reply
  6. Alexa said:

    May our awesome God continue to bless you Kate! I find your blogs so encouraging. Thank you for being a sister in Christ I can relate to and look up to in social media.

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  7. Amanda said:

    I went to UF and spent 4 years in Gainesville! Y’all should have no problem finding a great home! Go Gators!!

    Published 2.6.19 · Reply
  8. Monty Stepura said:

    Have a great trip to Gainesville Kate! I wish I was going to be in town while you are there I would love to show you some of the spots I wrote about in my last post. My husband is there this week getting our house ready for our move this fall. I don’t go down until the 17th. I highly recommend Jenny Highlander with Pepine Realty. Be sure to ask whoever you are working with to show you homes in Haile Plantation, Haile Village Center (we could be neighbors), Oakmont and Tioga. You can not go wrong in any of those neighborhoods. If you have any questions from a Gator Grad movie back home DM me on Instagram @insight2impact.

    Published 2.7.19 · Reply
  9. Danielle Hughes said:

    Phil 4:19 My God with His abundant wealth in Jesus Christ WILL SUPPLY ALL MY NEEDS!
    It is already written for you both! SHINE BRIGHT

    Sister in Christ from Tennessee
    DH

    Published 2.7.19 · Reply
  10. Kelly said:

    Will be praying for you!!! I am confident the right situation will emerge for you. When we found out we were expecting our first baby (and had six weeks left to move out of our apartment), we found a realtor and ended up placing an offer on our home the SAME DAY WE STARTED looking in person, and it was the PERFECT fit! He’s really good at placing you where you need to be when you need to be there. How exciting about your new living situation!!!! Looks gorgeous from what I’ve seen, and you will so cherish the time spent close to family before the big move! YAY!

    Published 2.7.19 · Reply
  11. Logan said:

    So exciting for you!! Sending lots of prayers🥰

    Published 2.7.19 · Reply
  12. Angela said:

    Congrats on the move! Even though it’s a little crazy it sounds like such a fun season being engaged! Enjoy it!!

    Angela | Cue the Coffee

    Published 2.8.19 · Reply