You’re engaged! And as excited as you are, you’re probably a little overwhelmed with exactly what you should do next. Read on for tips I picked up from very own engagement, and from coaching a few friends through it, too!

A few months ago, my husband Anthony started a new job as an event coordinator for a company that plans conferences, which means that he’ll be traveling for work on a monthly basis. AKA the perfect opportunity for us to squeeze in some travel together! His first solo conference was this past weekend in Chapel Hill, NC, and I met him when he was done working for some good ol’ southern fun!

We all dream of a wedding full of happy tears, delighted guests, magically romantic moments with your newly betrothed, and no shortage of Pinterest-worthy details. And sure, planning a wedding and getting married is one of the most exciting and magical times of your life in so many ways, but I’m going to level with you: it also comes with its challenges, learning experiences, and there’s-no-way-I-ever-could-have-predicted-this-what-the-heck-do-I-do-now?! moments.

The second you meet Kelly + Greg, the first thing you’ll notice is how they make each other laugh. The second thing you’ll notice is how incredibly sweet they both are! And the third thing you’ll pick up on is how much their friends and family absolutely adore them.

If I’m being honest, my solution to almost all of life’s problems is to throw a party, and this summer heat is no exception. That made this month’s theme for an #anyexcusetoparty collab with Gabi of By Gabriella an easy pick: Popsicles!

If there’s one thing I’m obsessed with (other than weddings), it’s puppies, and my own pup Wally is no exception. Okay, okay – he’s not exactly a puppy anymore, but he’ll always be a pup in my heart. In fact, this month, Wally turns 3 years old, making him 21 in dog years!

You know what that means…

21st Birthday Puppy Party. We weren’t kidding when we said we would find ANY Excuse to Party.

One of my favorite days of the year, by far, is Cinco de Mayo. After all, it combines all of my favorite things: food, fun, and fiestas! Gabi of By Gabriella and I had a ton of fun throwing our own little Cinco de Mayo inspired party, which you can see more of here. We combined plenty of bright colors with savory snacks, the most festive coconut cocktail, and of course invited all of our most prickly cacti friends along for the celebration.

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll find any reason to gather some friends, eat some food, and have a good time. From holidays to birthdays and everything in between, who can resist a party? When you’re playing hostess, though, the idea of being in charge of a gathering that will impress all of your friends without breaking the bank can be a daunting one. Well, it doesn’t need to be!

As much as I try to embrace the cooler weather each year, it always bums me out a little after a couple of weeks, and I find myself looking for ways to make the best of it. Well this year, my sister Julia came to the rescue when she recommended we take a spontaneous trip to Woodstock, VT.

I feel like this past week has been a dream… a really, really wonderful whirlwind of a dream. That’s because exactly one week ago I officially launched my very own little business, Kelly Golia Events.

Pinch me.