My Nashville CMA Awards Dream Trip: From Utah Mama to Red Carpet Glam!

You guys. YOU GUYS. I'm still not over it. Like, I legit feel like I just woke up from the best dream ever, but then I look at my phone and see all the pictures and videos and I'm like, NOPE. That actually happened. We went to Nashville for the CMA Awards, and it was truly, truly unforgettable. I've been wanting to share all the deets with you bc I know you guys love coming along for the ride, so grab a snack, get comfy, and let's relive this whole magical thing together. :,)

When we first got the invite, I swear I almost dropped my phone. ME? At the CMA Awards? The girl who grew up listening to Shania Twain and Garth Brooks on repeat? It felt so surreal. I immediately called Tanner, and he was just as excited as I was. We knew it would be a quick trip away from the girls, which is always hard, but also so important for us to have those moments together, just the two of us. Plus, I knew my mom would hold down the fort like the absolute queen she is. Seriously, what would I do without her? I'm so grateful for her always.

The Nashville Vibe: More Than Just Music

Okay, so first things first: Nashville. We had never been before, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint. From the moment we landed, there was just this energy, you know? Like, music is just woven into the fabric of the city. We got to explore a little bit before the big event, and I was just soaking it all in. The cute little shops, the delicious food (hello, hot chicken!), and just the overall friendly atmosphere. Everyone was so nice! I kept telling Tanner, "We HAVE to come back here with the girls!" I feel like Stella would love all the live music, and Ozzy would be dancing in the streets. Cherry would just be along for the ride, probably napping in her stroller, hahah. But seriously, it's such a fun, vibrant city. It's not just about the country music (though that's a HUGE part of it, obviously), it's just got this really cool, creative spirit.

We even got to check out some of the iconic spots, like the Ryman Auditorium. Standing there, knowing all the legends who have performed on that stage, it gave me chills. It's moments like that where I'm just so grateful for this life and all the amazing opportunities it brings. I never in a million years thought I'd be touring the Ryman, you know? It's wild. It just reminds me to always appreciate every single moment.

Red Carpet Ready: The Glam Process

Now, let's talk about the main event: the CMA Awards red carpet! This was a whole new world for me, ngl. Usually, my "getting ready" involves a quick shower, some dry shampoo, and maybe a little mascara if I'm feeling fancy. But for the red carpet? Oh honey, it's a PRODUCTION. And I loved every second of it!

Finding the dress was probably the hardest part, tbh. I wanted something that felt like ME, but also felt special and glamorous for such a big event. I tried on so many dresses, and I'm not gonna lie, there were a few moments of "I'm never gonna find anything!" hahah. Curse my freakin indecisiveness sometimes! But then I found IT. This beautiful, sparkly, elegant dress that just felt right. It wasn't too over-the-top, but it still had that wow factor. Tanner was my hype man the whole time, of course. He's always so good at making me feel beautiful, no matter what I'm wearing. I'm so lucky to have him.

Then came the hair and makeup. I had an amazing team helping me get ready, and they just made me feel like a princess. It's crazy what a good glam squad can do, right? I loved seeing the transformation, and it was so fun to just sit back and be pampered for a bit. Usually, I'm doing my own hair and makeup in about 10 minutes while trying to keep a toddler from eating my lipstick, so this was a totally different experience! I felt so confident and beautiful walking out the door, and that's all thanks to the incredible people who helped me.

Walking the Red Carpet: A Dream Come True

Stepping onto that red carpet was surreal. There were so many cameras, so many people, and just this incredible buzz in the air. I saw so many familiar faces, artists whose music I've loved for years, and it was just wild to be in the same space as them. I remember looking at Tanner, and we just had this moment of "Wow, we're really here." It was a pinch-me moment for sure.

I tried to just take it all in, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy every second. It's not every day you get to walk a red carpet, right? I was a little nervous, but mostly just excited. And honestly, it was so much fun! Everyone was so friendly, and it was cool to see all the different outfits and styles. It felt like a big, glamorous party, and I was just so happy to be a part of it. I kept thinking about my girls, and how one day I'll show them these pictures and tell them all about it. I hope they always chase their dreams, no matter how big or small they seem.

Inside the CMA Awards: The Magic of Live Music

And then, the show itself! Oh my goodness. If you've never been to a live awards show, it's a whole different experience than watching it on TV. The energy in the room was electric. Every performance was just incredible. There's something about live music, especially country music, that just hits you right in the soul. The artists pour so much emotion into their songs, and you can feel it in the room. I was singing along, tapping my feet, and just completely mesmerized.

I loved seeing all the different artists perform, from the legends to the up-and-coming stars. It was a true celebration of country music, and you could feel the passion and respect everyone had for each other. Tanner and I were just looking at each other, grinning, like "This is amazing!" We were just so grateful to be there, witnessing all that talent and artistry. It was truly inspiring. I even got a little teary-eyed during a few of the performances, bc the music just moved me so much. :,)

Reflecting on the Trip: Grateful for Every Moment

Now that we're back home, back to our routine with the girls (and all the beautiful chaos that comes with it!), I've had some time to reflect on the whole trip. And honestly, I'm just overflowing with gratitude. Grateful for the opportunity, grateful for Tanner by my side, grateful for my mom holding down the fort, and so grateful for all of YOU who follow along and support me. It's because of you guys that I get to experience these incredible things.

This trip was a reminder to me that it's okay to step outside your comfort zone, to try new things, and to soak up every single moment. It's also a reminder that even when you're doing something super glamorous, the best part is always coming home to your family. My heart is full from the amazing experience, but it's even fuller from being back with my little loves. Stella, Ozzy, and Cherry are my whole world, and coming home to their hugs and kisses is the best award of all.

We vlogged a bunch of the behind-the-scenes stuff and all the fun we had in Nashville, so definitely stay tuned for that video! I can't wait for you guys to see it and come along on the adventure with us. Thank you again to the CMA for having us, it was truly a dream come true. ❤