We treated ourselves to room service (buttermilk pancakes + eggs benedict, yes please!) and it brought back all the honeymoon memories! Side note: I’ve said this before, but these black pajamas are my favorite pajamas I’ve ever owned. They run true to size and inspire all the cozy feels when you put them on. Promise!

We got to spend these few days unplugging – just the two of us – focusing on, praying over, and casting a vision for our marriage. Our church here in the city hosted this getaway at the Grand Geneva. It was special getting to listen to wise couples share how the Lord has been glorified through the gift of marriage and how important it is to keep Jesus at the center so that our marriages can leave a lasting impact.

Chas and I decided to get a ride into the charming little town of Lake Geneva and enjoy a romantic dinner and beautiful views of the sunset at the Geneva Inn. I’m so glad we did this! This little spot looked straight out of a movie (and my date looked quite dapper himself) The dreamiest.

We’ll be heading back to Dallas this week and I can hardly wait!

bloom + grow forever,

Madeline Rose

The post Weekend in Lake Geneva appeared first on Miss Madeline Rose.

W H E R E   T O   S T A Y

• We stayed in this darling beach condo called, “Sandcastle.” As you drive around the charming neighborhoods in Seaside all of the homes have cute little names and are all shades of the prettiest pastels.

Upon an afternoon beach stroll Lexi spotted this pretty impressive sandcastle which was clearly dying to be photographed.

W H E R E   T O   E A T

• Bud and Alley’s
• The Great Southern
• Meltdown on 30A food truck
• Modica Market 
• Five Daughters Bakery for doughnuts
• Frost Bites for shaved ice
• Heavenly for gelato / ice cream
• Fonville Press in Alys Beach

I love these two photos side by side because on the left you have the moon peeking out and on the right the sun is setting for the night. It never gets old seeing a sunset.

W H A T   T O   D O

• Soak up some sun! Most people rent chairs and umbrellas from Cabana Man for the week. They are set up for you when you get down to the beach in the morning and they will put them away for you in the evening!
• All four of us tried paddle boarding and it was so much fun! I had never done it before but it’s a neat way to experience the beach.
• Explore the town. There are some great restaurants and fun shops in the town center. Visit The Seaside Style storefront for a souvenir or two.
• Cruise across the town on bikes! This was so much fun. I could not remember the last time I rode a bike. There may have been a few close crashes, but it really is a fun way to travel around. I would definitely bike over to Watercolor and see all the gorgeous homes!
• Enjoy a sunset or a sunrise (or both!)
• Venture to Alys Beach – so many picturesque places!
• Stop by the famous Truman House from The Truman Show on 31 Natchez Street!

“Good morning! Oh, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” – The Truman Show

One thing I could not get over about Seaside was the crystal clear turquoise water. It felt like we were on a Caribbean island rather than in Florida! We got blessed with beautiful weather during our stay and the calm water made floating around so very relaxing.

I love these girls. Thankful for the memories we made on 30A.

bloom & grow forever,

Madeline Rose

The post Girls’ Guide to Seaside appeared first on Miss Madeline Rose.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about this move (I’ve only had one meltdown so far… which is really good for me). I am very close with my family (we both are) and know that will be the hardest part about leaving, but my sweet husband has been so encouraging and continues to remind me that the Lord is just as much in Chicago as He is in Dallas and that He has already gone before us. This brings me great comfort.

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Not just some, but ALL fears. Even this one of moving away from family for this season.

It will also just be a sweet time for the two of us to get to start somewhere new together.

Last spring we were gone almost every weekend visiting numerous law schools (he applied to 15 so hello road trips and long weekends!). In the end, we narrowed it down to Pepperdine in Malibu, California and the University of Chicago. Making this decision was not easy, but one we were so very prayerful about. As much as I know I would rather be living by a beach in Malibu in the month of January, we both felt so much peace about Chicago. So, if you’ve ever lived there or visited and have any favorite spots let us know! We can’t wait to continue adding to our bucket list. Also, this will be my first time to experience actual seasons (hello, winter) so if you have a favorite brand of coats, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, all the things that can survive a real winter help a girl out because I am going to freeze. But boy am I excited to see the leaves change in the fall, stroll the streets of Michigan avenue during Christmas, attend a Cubs game in the spring and enjoy a sunset on the beach in the summer.

Although I will miss my old friends dearly, I am excited to make some new ones here in Chicago! We met Lindsey a few weeks ago when we made a weekend trip to the Windy City and she was so sweet to take us around downtown and capture our excitement about our new city. If you live in the Chicago area she is such a talented photographer and sweet soul. We’re already planning a double date!

We are packing up all of our stuff in a U-Haul and making the drive to Chicago this weekend, so pray for us!

Chas and I are giddy with excitement about this sweet adventure and are thrilled to finally share it with you. I’ve been playing Frank Sinatra’s, “Chicago” all week and it just feels right.

bloom & grow forever,

Madeline & Chas

P H O T O G R A P H Y :  L I N D S E Y   T A Y L O R

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