Today marks the last day of the most academically stressful semester I’ve ever had. Usually I finish semesters feeling a little bit sentimental and glad it’s over just so I can go home and have a break, but this time it feels more like relief that I got through it without breaking or failing. However, despite how bad this semester was for me, I did come away with two lessons that I think I needed to learn before starting a job next year. First, I need to work for people who respect me, or I’ll be miserable. Second, I won’t be happy if I just look for the biggest, most impressive job I can find. I can’t just take care of my resume, I also need to take care of my heart. To me, this means going somewhere that will make me happy just for the sake of being there, working for a publication that I’m excited about and doing work that I love, and going somewhere I have a support system. God is so faithful, and it has been humbling how much He has opened doors for me and given me small (or big!) encouragements exactly when I needed them most. Every time I was overwhelmed or upset about my classes in the worst ways, I would get phone calls from close friends calling to lift me up, e-mails with exciting opportunities, and so on and so forth. Even though I couldn’t be happier this semester is over, I hope that it has made me stronger and more faithful.

{Anyone else counting down to the release of Style Me Pretty’s book? If the blog-exclusive bonus chapter was any indication, it is going to be completely amazing. By Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty}

{I have been dreaming of gilding some antlers from Austin’s Uncommon Objects for months, and this picture solidified how much I need to get that done. I fell hard for the sequin chevron linens (really, who doesn’t?), gold calligraphy, and fabulous gowns at this rustic glam shoot. By Cassidy Brooke Photography via 100 Layer Cake}

{Seriously, that dress. And the Eiffel Tower. Need I say more? By Emm Photography via Style Me Pretty}

{Southern Weddings posted another one of my favorite V5 shoots on their blog this week–“The Definition of a Southern Gentleman.” Not only was the shoot effortlessly laid back and beautiful, the article in V5 was also one of the sweetest in the issue. By Stephen DeVries Weddings via Southern Weddings}

Have a merry weekend. :)

Love, Lisa