I often daydream about seasons long before they ever show up.

I wish the last few weeks of summer away with dreams of crunchy leaves and woolen socks. The day after Thanksgiving, I'm consumed with thoughts of twinkly lights and a cozy white Christmas spent by the fireplace.

And now we're in February, where I've already ordered several iced coffees; finding myself so incredibly ready for spring. I could try to blame this on the extra long and extra cold winters here in Minneapolis, but I've done this my whole life.

I love looking forward to things. My brother arrived late last night and I've been looking forward to his trip for months. I have a lot to look forward to, but even the most routine of things--autumn, winter, spring, summer--cause me to create countdowns and celebrate every little day we get closer to the goal. Maybe it's good, to be so enthusiastic about the future, but a lot of the time, I feel like I'm missing out on what's directly surrounding me.

So this season, I will try to sit in the present without wishing it away. I want to do more than accept what is in front of me--I want to be thankful for it. For extra snow and a new experience. For this long winter before Rob and I begin our marriage and start figuring out what's next for us. This most likely could be my last Minnesota winter, so I want to hold on to it. My brother is here for five days and there are hot beverages to drink and frozen waterfalls to see.

These winters are long, but they're good. My sundresses can wait.

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. 

--Albert Camus

After part one of our styled shoot, we swapped flowers and teapots for a fur, red lipstick, and a bottle of champagne.

 It's amazing how a few different accessories (or, also in this case, beverages) can change the feel of a dress.

Thanks so much for letting us share these--Ashley and I had such a fabulous time shooting together. I can't wait to see my bridesmaids in these dresses when I walk down the aisle in just three months!

This photo shoot was originally featured on Burnett's Boards! You can check it out here. 

Other details: Vintage fur, Acute Designs belt, J.Crew dress (similar one here) in dusty shale. 

Hair by Monica Wakefield at Oliver's Twist, champagne glass c/o my parent's cocktail glass collection.

I can't believe we're already a few days into February--it was a year ago this past weekend that Rob moved out here on his own to pursue an amazing career opportunity. I know the six months he spent alone here weren't easy (Minnesota's winters can be rough enough even when you aren't on your own), but I am so grateful and overwhelmingly proud of that man of mine for being smart and successful and brave enough to set out into unfamiliar territory to make our future so much brighter. How's that for some sap first thing on a Monday morning? I spent the weekend thinking about it a lot. I'm so glad we're here together now.

January was a really full month. Alt Summit was fabulous, but there were a lot of lovely moments that took place right here in Minneapolis. I'd say 2014 is off to a really great start. And for the record, VSCO CAM has sort of kind of changed my life.

1. New Year's Day Coffee in bed. The best way to begin 2014.

2. Saturday afternoon movie date. | 3. Fresh snow is my new love language.

4. Evening walks around Uptown.

5. Frozen Minnehaha Falls | 6. Butter-making aerobics. It's a thing.

7. A snowy walk around Lake Normandale. | 8. Making a "Sean List" for my brother's visit this week!

9. Went ice skating in Rice Park and it was so beautiful. I'm now obsessed with the Landmark Center.

What did January look like in your world?

Life Lately According to Instagram is a once-monthly feature in which I showcase my favorite Instagram shots. You can follow along with me in real-time if you'd like--I'm @megan_flynn.