Hello!
I’ve really missed you guys over the past few weeks. Thanks for being so great, patient and understanding while I got myself hitched and enjoyed the most amazing honeymoon ever with my new hubby. More on all that soon — I promise! And speaking of getting hitched, I don’t have any photos to prove it yet, but it definitely happened and was the best day of my life. I can’t wait to share all the details and photos with you guys when I can, but as for now I thought I’d start recapping our honeymoon! Sort of like working backwards. And by the way, it’s 5am right now as I type this and I’m incredibly jet lagged so please excuse any weirdness that might come out in this post. We got home the day before yesterday and my body seems to still think it’s high up in the Swiss Alps. Hopefully it will get the memo soon and I can start sleeping again like a normal person.
Anyway, back to our wedding night. We hopped into our little maroon rental car at 11pm that night, completely exhausted but on such a high that only your wedding day can bring. Adam reached for my hand and we drove through the quiet Austin night together for the first time as husband and wife. Cards, water bottles and luggage littered that rental car and I remember just leaning my head on Adam’s shoulder, feeling so blessed, grateful and completely in love.
We were lucky enough to spend our wedding night at Travaasa Austin, one of the most beautiful and serene places I have ever been. It was a muggy evening, the rain had just cleared up after a two day long downpour, leaving Texas hill country soaked and soggy. We didn’t care — the rain actually let up an hour before our outdoor wedding ceremony — but I can only imagine how gorgeous the view would be in good weather.
Our room had a small balcony looking out over miles and miles of hill country. I had never really experienced this side of Austin before and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was!
In the morning, we feasted on thick buttermilk pancakes, bacon and loads of black coffee. Someday I really hope we can visit Travaasa again so I can experience more of their delicious food! Everything tasted incredibly fresh and delicious.
After breakfast, we made our way to the spa, where we enjoyed, hands down, the best massage of my life. We opted for the “double trouble” couples massage and the past few days/weeks/months of stress and wedding anxiety melted away with the smooth voice of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Seriously, I can’t even explain how amazing this massage was — knowing my husband was four feet from me, experiencing the same level of pure bliss + relaxation that I was. All the anticipation of our honeymoon in full force.
So. so. tired! But so excited to hop on a plane at 4pm to Paris. We only stayed at Travaasa one night before renting a car and driving to Dallas to catch our flight abroad.
Stay tuned for next time when I’ll share more about the first leg of our journey — Paris!
Disclosure: Travaasa kindly hosted us, but all opinions are our own.
carol
June 13, 2013 at 5:38 amSo great to have you back ! CONGRATS !!!! You make a beautiful couple ….so in love !
Sarah D.
June 13, 2013 at 5:47 amWelcome back! Congrats and can’t wait to see the pics an hear all about your special day!
Rebecca
June 13, 2013 at 5:49 amWelcome back Mrs Beaugh !
Anna
June 13, 2013 at 5:52 amWhat?! Sponsored post? I feel duped — but I also feel like I want to book a few nights at Travaasa ….
Seriously though, congratulations! Your honeymoon IG photos have been nothing short of amazing.
shan
June 13, 2013 at 8:08 amsponsored post + sponsored wedding night?! ugh.
judith scott
June 13, 2013 at 8:24 amYou 2 are ridiculous…who cares if Jenna was given a freebie? I won 2 nights at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, which I used for my wedding night, does that make a difference in my status?
I think you are just jealous!
Anna
June 13, 2013 at 4:52 pmThat’s true — I am jealous. Halfway through reading her entry, I thought, “oh wow! I want to go to this place!”. But then, I got to the end of the post, saw that it was sponsored and couldn’t help but feel a little tricked (surely you, too, feel that way sometimes after reading sponsored posts on any blog, not just Jenna’s. You become interested in the product, and then you realize that you’ve been manipulated [and then you’re ashamed because it wasn’t even that difficult to manipulate you!]).
I am, however, very happy for Jenna and am so glad that she was able to have a gorgeous honeymoon.
Suzanne de Cornelia
June 15, 2013 at 10:00 amSponsored: All sports teams from Little League to the Majors. Stars. Celebs. Doctors, nurses, etc at conferences. Writers, bands, churches. Ever win a grant or scholarship? You were sponsored. Run for office? Sponsored. President of a country. Sponsored. The America’s Cup Races in San Francisco Bay this year. Sponsored. TV Shows, Films, Radio, Magazines. Sponsored. Sponsored. Sponsored. Sponsored.
Nothing wrong at all with being sponsored or in sponsoring–it’s the way of the world. It’s called being generous.
What is wrong…is small, mean-spirited, throwing cold water on a person’s once in a lifetime honeymoon. Pettiness: So not sponsored.
Anna
June 16, 2013 at 8:57 pmYou know what? I was about to craft a reply to Suzanne about how the last thing I would want to do would be to “throw cold water” on Jenna’s honeymoon and how sponsorship can be discussed from multiple perspectives; but then, I realized something — it doesn’t even matter. This is just the Internet. No one’s mind will be changed. This is silly.
But I came to an even bigger realization: I was frustrated because several people took my original (joking, I may add, but I know jokes don’t always translate on the Internet) comment and accused me of being much more hateful than I ever intended to be. HOWEVER, you, Jenna, have to deal with this sort of thing all the time — people nitpick every little word you say and every single thing you do and criticize you, and they don’t even know you. I can’t even imagine how frustrating that has to be for you. I got frustrated after 2-3 comments directed toward me, and I know you get a thousand times more criticism.
So, I guess this is to say, I’m sorry for joining in on the criticism. We’re all just trying to live the best way we know how, and we sure don’t need strangers to make our lives any harder than they already are. I really admire your grace that you’ve shown throughout your blog, and I’m looking forward to seeing more photos of your honeymoon and your wedding.
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
June 13, 2013 at 5:55 amCongratulations again, Jenna – what a wonderful way to kick off your new life as a Mrs!! I love serene/nature-type lodges and this one looks like a stunner. Cannot WAIT to hear all about your Honeymoon. Welcome back! 🙂
Sarah @ Yogi in Action
June 13, 2013 at 5:55 amWelcome back home! You were definitely missed while away.
I can’t wait to see all the beautiful pictures and posts about your wedding and honeymoon!
Kelsey @aslolife
June 13, 2013 at 5:55 amCongratulations!! Can’t wait to hear more about the wedding and see more honeymoon pics–loved seeing some on instagram. My husband and I took a similar trip in college a few years ago and he actually proposed in Lucerne!
Sallie
June 13, 2013 at 5:58 amYay! You’re back! We’ve missed you, but are so glad you had a wonderful honeymoon. Can’t wait to hear more details about the wedding and see PHOTO’S! Congratulations again on your marriage…:)
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome
June 13, 2013 at 6:14 amSounds like a lovely time and makes me want to get married all over! We celebrate 5 years in a few weeks. Goes by so fast!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
June 13, 2013 at 6:17 amWelcome home, and congrats! Have been wondering how married life is treating you and great to see a post! I can only imagine how jet-lagged and how surreal things must be feeling. Marriage, out of town wedding, out of country honeymoon, and back again, in the span of a few weeks. Thanks for this post and taking the time to share the gorgeous pics and stories!
Maryz
June 13, 2013 at 6:22 amCongrats! Welcome back! So excited to here about the honeymoon!
Sonal
June 13, 2013 at 6:29 amCongratulations Jenna!!! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear more about your honeymoon !
Dana
June 13, 2013 at 6:32 amCongrats again!! The views are incredible! Your arms look awesome by the way! So happy for you!! Can’t wait to hear more! 🙂
April
June 13, 2013 at 6:36 amWelcome Back and Congrats! I have been checking your blog daily since…thanks for sharing!
Joelle ( on a pink typewriter)
June 13, 2013 at 6:39 amYay, you’re back! I was following on Instagram and looked like such a joyful adventure. And I want those pancakes like noooow.
Tina
June 13, 2013 at 6:41 amLooks like a lovely start to your trip! That really is an amazing view! Glad to have you back!! I’ve been checking your blog a lot in hopes of a new post!!
Tina
June 13, 2013 at 6:43 amLooks like a lovely start to your trip! That really is an amazing view! Glad to have you back!! I’ve been checking your blog a lot in hopes of a new post!!
Kristin
June 13, 2013 at 6:43 amCongrats! Honeymooning in Paris sounds amazing – I can’t wait to hear about it!
Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
June 13, 2013 at 6:47 amYay!! So happy to have you back! I can’t wait to hear more! I lived vicariously through you on Instagram the past few weeks! Hope you get rested up!
Savina
June 13, 2013 at 6:53 amSo beautiful! We stayed at the Travaasa in Maui which was formerly the Hotel Hana Maui. If you ever visit Maui I highly recommend you stay there. It was amazing!
Denise @ Creative Kitchen
June 13, 2013 at 6:53 amCongrats again!! I loved seeing those few wedding snaps from your big day on IG! And following along your honeymoon. Glad to have you back!
Heather
June 13, 2013 at 6:54 amI’m so glad y’all are back and that everything went so perfectly for you! I’ll be honest, our wedding night was wonderful, and that + the breakfast we had the next day in the room are such sweet memories for me. Marriage is so much fun Jenna – I’m so glad you guys are hitched!
Urban Wife
June 13, 2013 at 6:56 amYay, so happy that you’re back!! Isn’t our city Austin just lovely?! I can’t believe how lucky I am to live here. Hubby and I may need to book a night at Travaasa since we’ve heard nothing but great things about it. Anyhow, it was fun following your honeymoon journey on IG and I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Leslie Means
June 13, 2013 at 6:56 amyeah!! Congrats! 🙂
Katie D.
June 13, 2013 at 7:18 amMarriage can be one of the sweetest gifts of life! Congratulations!
I still look at my hubby (of 5 years) and sometimes think “He is MINE!” and “Who else but HIM would I act like this around?” (goofy, crazy, etc)
Colleen
June 13, 2013 at 7:19 amIncredible pics. Thanks for sharing!
Cheri
June 13, 2013 at 7:40 amCongrats, and welcome back! So excited to hear about the rest of your trip!
Rachel Wilkerson
June 13, 2013 at 7:45 amWelcome back!
I’m getting married in Austin next February and we hadn’t decided where we wanted to stay on our wedding night yet…definitely checking out Travaasa now!
jamie@ green beans & grapefruit
June 13, 2013 at 7:47 amWelcome back Jenna! Your pics have been looking amazing. So happy for you.
Lisa
June 13, 2013 at 7:47 amWelcome back!
Christina @ The Pastry Posts
June 13, 2013 at 7:51 amCongrats and welcome back, Jenna! Can’t wait to hear more about your wedding and honeymoon – it all brought back a ton of memories of my wedding two years ago! Good luck getting rid of the jet lag! It took me about a week after my honeymoon in Italy 🙁 xoxo
Amy @ What Jew Wanna Eat
June 13, 2013 at 8:02 amI love Travaasa! One of my favorite getaway spots in Austin. The food is all amazing, and the hiking and activities pristine!
Christa @ Edible Balance
June 13, 2013 at 8:10 amWelcome back, good to see a new post but I’m so glad you took a well-deserved break from blogging to completely enjoy your time together! Looking forward to seeing more gorgeous photos!
Sarah (Shh...Fit Happens)
June 13, 2013 at 8:10 amCongrats! Looks beautiful.
Melissa
June 13, 2013 at 8:13 amCongratulations, Jenna! Hope you had a wonderful wedding & honeymoon, can’t wait to hear about it 🙂
I stayed the weekend at Travaasa back in February and it was INCREDIBLE. We took a private cooking class with executive chef Ben Baker and also did a wine tasting with their sommelier. Awesome experience and looking forward to going back!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
June 13, 2013 at 8:30 amSounds like a wonderful place to spend the first night of your new life together. Congratulations!
Bev
June 13, 2013 at 8:53 amCongrats …. beautiful spot !!! Can’t wait see more. You two are so cute !!!!!!
Jennifer Hansman
June 13, 2013 at 8:54 amLink to the hotel is a broken link. Just FYI!
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
June 13, 2013 at 9:01 amCongrats and welcome back! Those photos look so serene and beautiful.
kyla
June 13, 2013 at 9:32 amPersonally, I think it was incredibly nice of the hotel to offer them a night for their first night of marriage. You’re just coming off paying for a wedding and about to go on a honeymoon, why is it such a big deal if someone pays for their hotel stay?
The views look gorgeous and those pancakes had me drooling! Can’t wait to hear more about your honeymoon!
Judith
June 13, 2013 at 10:17 amMy thoughts exactly, which is why I responded to the 2 above ladies.
Megan @ Megan's Miles
June 13, 2013 at 2:10 pmI also agree! That’s awesome they got to stay at such a great hotel for free!
Kristin
June 13, 2013 at 9:41 amWho in their right might would turn down a sponsored stay at such a beautiful place? I’m guessing none of us. And regardless, there is no need to get mean or rude about it, and even moreso not here. It looks positively serene! I am so happy for you guys and as a long-time reader I can’t wait to see/hear more about your wedding day and your trip! You guys seem to be such a sweet, genuine couple and I wish you all the best!
Marie
June 13, 2013 at 6:48 pmNO one is saying she should have turned it down. No one is even criticizing the idea of a sponsored post, I think what made people feel duped is that they didn’t realize until the very end that they were reading sponsored material.
According to new FTC disclosure guidelines, disclosure must not only be “clear and conspicuous,” but also specifically states that disclosure at the end of blogs posts is not acceptable. You can google FTC disclosure guidelines if you would like more information on this subject. Someone who is the Founder and CEO of a commercial website ought to know that.
Please be informed before you accuse people of just being mean, jealous or rude.
Stacey
June 14, 2013 at 2:55 pmI agree with everything you said 100%. I hate getting to the bottom of a post and being like “oh, welp, it was sponsered.” I like when bloggers put it at the very top of the post; it feels much more honest and transparent. I didn’t know they were required to by law!
Stephanie
June 18, 2013 at 1:47 pmI can’t speak for Jenna, but I am also a blogger and get offers from different companies to do sponsored posts. I can tell you that I would never lie to my readers about my feelings about a particular product or place. I owe it to my readers to always give my honest opinions. So even if a post is sponsored, it does not mean we are told what we HAVE to write. Some companies will sometimes send us information that they might want us to try to include, for example, if a product is free of GMOs, they want us to mention that. And I get that and that’s certainly a point worth mentioning these days.
My point of writing all of this is just to tell you that although bloggers do sponsored posts, it does not mean we are pushing something just because we were asked to do so. I disclose to any company I work with that I will always give my honest opinions, regardless of if they are good or bad. Also, working with companies (or in this case, a location) is an important part of blogging. Working with companies like this helps us to develop good relationships with people in our industry. Just thought you might want to consider this from the perspective of a blogger.
Jess
June 17, 2013 at 6:45 amTHIS. 100% this.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health
June 13, 2013 at 9:54 amWelcome home!! The hill country in Austin is really beautiful, it kind of reminds me of parts of NorCal (the East Bay area). They even have a few good vineyards out there and of course, great barbeque (Salt Lick), although I can’t attest to that because I’m vegetarian. I would love to go back and stay at Travaasa, it looks incredible!
And I love that you had a maroon rental car! Did Adam plan that?
Corinne
June 13, 2013 at 10:25 amSo happy for you guys! Really looking forward to seeing some dress pics 🙂 Good luck with the jet lag!
alicia
June 13, 2013 at 10:27 amCongratulations! Your IG pics of the honeymoon look amazing – makes me miss paris! I was there last year =) can’t wait to see more wedding pics!
SarahD
June 13, 2013 at 10:28 amCongrats, Jenna and Adam!
Lauren @ The Highlands Life
June 13, 2013 at 10:33 amGlad to see you are back. Can’t wait to hear about everything you are willing to let us peek into.
Lydia@2BlueEggs
June 13, 2013 at 10:41 amI have been checking your blog regularly hoping to see an update soon! I cannot wait to hear more about your wedding and of course, the food at your wedding!
Robyn @thereallife_RD
June 13, 2013 at 10:43 amOh, the hotel looks beautiful- as are you two!!
Welcome back, can’t wait to hear more about your honeymoon after following along on Instagram! So so happy for you guys!
Caroline L.
June 13, 2013 at 10:58 amAbsolutely breathtaking, Jenna! Congratulations again – you two were meant to be 🙂
Anne Weber-Falk
June 13, 2013 at 12:03 pmSo glad to see you back. Happy marriage! That picture of the two of you looks so nice and your arms look great. I know that sounds weird but they really do look great. I look forward to reading about the wedding and seeing some pictures.
Olviya
June 13, 2013 at 12:10 pmAw this all sounds so beautiful and precious! Can’t wait to hear about the rest of your travels/weddings. 😉
Ella
June 13, 2013 at 1:16 pmHaters gonna hate! Congrats and looking forward to some updates!
Kari@Loaves n Dishes
June 13, 2013 at 2:03 pmCongratulations Jenna! How does it feel to be a Mrs? I can’t wait to see all your photos and hear about your new adventures.
Elisabeth
June 13, 2013 at 2:20 pmCongratulations & welcome back!
Meghan
June 13, 2013 at 2:38 pmYeah your back! Congrats and I wish you and your husband all the best! The honeymoon photos were AMAZING! Cannot wait to see the wedding pictures!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl
June 13, 2013 at 2:40 pmCongrats!! P.s. That lace shirt you have on is gorgeous! 🙂
Luv What You Do
June 13, 2013 at 7:22 pmCongrats! Can’t wait to hear more about the wedding and honeymoon!!!
Tieghan
June 13, 2013 at 7:34 pmCongrats Jenna and welcome home! I am so exited to read all about your trip and wedding!
Jess
June 13, 2013 at 8:10 pmWelcome back – can’t wait to hear about your trip!
Amy Walters, A DESIGN DOCK
June 13, 2013 at 9:09 pmWelcome back, Jenna!!! Congratulations…can’t wait to see your time in Paris!
Michelle
June 13, 2013 at 9:49 pmCongrats to you both! 🙂
Ashley
June 13, 2013 at 9:54 pmCongratulations! 🙂 I am looking forward to hearing about all your adventures as a married woman! 🙂
Miss Kim @ behgopa
June 14, 2013 at 12:02 amCongrats! Can’t wait to read more. You two look so happy together, and being IN LOVE shows! That spa experience sounds amazing.
Daniele
June 14, 2013 at 12:20 amSo happy for your happiness. Congratulations, again! I can’t wait to hear more 🙂
Kristen @ Change of Pace
June 14, 2013 at 3:49 amCongrats Jenna and Adam! I’ve followed your blog from the very beginning girl and I can’t believe I’m reading about you getting married. So happy for you and can’t wait to see pictures!!!
Jin
June 14, 2013 at 4:24 amcan’t wait to hear your wedding story!!! we’ve been waiting patiently 🙂
Chelsea @ Chelsea's Healthy Kitchen
June 14, 2013 at 4:24 amCongrats! That looks like a beautiful place to stay – I love the views! And I can’t wait to hear about Paris. 😀
Molly @ RDexposed
June 14, 2013 at 5:06 amThis was written so elegantly. I hope you will be writing more books.
Cheers to your new marriage, too. 🙂
ELo
June 14, 2013 at 5:32 amSo glad you are back! You have been missed!!!
Heather Kneisler
June 14, 2013 at 6:40 amGlad your back and I love the pics! Can’t wait to hear more about your wedding. Congrats!!!
jan
June 14, 2013 at 6:41 amFirst off, CONGRATS!!! I’m glad it was an amazing day. I can’t wait to hear more about it, and more importantly, see PICTURES!!
Laura
June 14, 2013 at 6:53 amCongrats, Jenna! Can’t wait to see wedding pictures and hear more details {ie–the FOOD, venue, and decorations. I know you said you did a lot of DIY. Welcome back!! I hope you’re still floating on cloud 9!!!
Karen
June 14, 2013 at 11:00 amCongrats and welcome back, Jenna…you were missed! 🙂
Tara
June 14, 2013 at 11:58 amYour honeymoon looked amazing! Congrats! I thought of you the other day when I heard about a book I am adding to my summer reading list…. It’s called Kisses From Katie. Check it out!!! I think you would enjoy it.
Kristi
June 14, 2013 at 4:43 pmIt looks like a wonderful place to start out your honeymoon.
Lynn Chen
June 14, 2013 at 7:26 pmWelcome to the club and big congrats to you !!!
Addy @ Six-Kick Switch
June 14, 2013 at 9:14 pmAHHHH!!! Perfect! This place looks so beautiful. Texas really is a one-of-a-kind place…so glad you had an amazing day! And PS, your ring is beautiful 🙂
Sara @ sarasmiles
June 15, 2013 at 8:17 amCongratulations Jenna!! I’ve been checking your blog everyday for a week and I’m glad you are back! I can’t wait to hear more! I know it’s been a nice break away and I’m sure everything was all that you dreamed and more!
Suzanne de Cornelia
June 15, 2013 at 10:07 amWelcome Back. We missed you! Great pix! Travaasa looks FANTASTIC…so want to go right now!! Spa cure. Yes–I need that.
Love the ring, and with short/red nails retro cute. Can’t wait to see more pix of the wedding trip!
Marguerite Miller
June 16, 2013 at 5:21 pmCongratulations Jenna and Adam! That looks like a wonderful way to start your married like! I am very, very excited that you had it sponsored on top of it all!! And to get up the next morning and have a couples massage! Now THAT was much needed! You really know how to do things right! And if I am ever in Austin, I would definitely look into staying there as well!
I am so excited to read your honeymoon updates, and really can’t wait to get more Wedding details and pictures! Take your time and savor each moment as you relive them while trying to write about them all for us!
Kim
June 17, 2013 at 8:15 pmI’m not going to lie, I kept checking back all month to hear all about it. Travaasa looks GORGEOUS! I’ve wanted to take my hubby to Austin for years, and honestly I think this might be the way to do it. So glad you two had a blast! Can’t wait to read the next post!
Megan
June 20, 2013 at 3:58 pmLooks absolutely gorgeous! So glad you got to have a wonderful honeymoon and soak up some quality time with you man!
Nancy in Naples
June 26, 2013 at 3:08 pmJust catching up with all of these posts . . . so beautiful 🙂