besties

Luckiest Girl weds Luckiest Guy

June 3, 2013 8 Comments

My girl/former roommate/college friend Ali and her now husband (squee!) Vince planned their wedding over the course of about 2 years. They financed it all themselves and in a city far from their home. I knew once the calendar date rolled around their party was not to be missed because 1) Ali is a supreme planner and DIY-er of all things fun, 2) Ali and Vince are a rockstar couple, and 3) when you go “way back” with someone, you can’t help but have a fabulous time celebrating the good in life.

Their destination dream wedding in Asheville, NC, turned out nothing short of fabulous. Four days after moving into our new home we left the boxes behind and took a weekend to celebrate their marriage. Despite the 48 hours of constant rain, much fun was had and the wedding went off without a hitch (albeit a bit damp). Ali’s posts recap it well, so I’ll simply supply some additional pictorial support:

Quality reads and drinks at their rehearsal party at Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar

We found time to steal away and explore some local breweries and restaurants. Asheville does food and drinks very well!

BBQ from the famous 12 Bones, Beer from Wicked Weed Brewery, and Margs from Limones!

And when the weather refused to let up at ceremony start time? This bride followed her heart and the show went on – rain or shine! Homewood’s outdoor venue reminded me of a real life Fern Gully. Follow me, with this — see it was all dewy and magical, I swear fairies lived there among the moss and lush greenery. Then you add in the purple floral accents and dreamy wedding decor and poof: real life Fern Gully, but without the creepy bat and more romantic. All you people who just googled “Fern Gully“? You’re no longer cool in my book. (I loved that movie)

It was like something out of a movie…but, maybe not Fern Gully. Instead of freaking a bridezilla-level-freak at the forecast, Ali embraced the idea and purchased clear bubble umbrellas. The sound of rain falling on umbrellas added to the ambiance. It was truly beautiful and enchanting.

and the party afterwards? well, I think these pictures speak plenty:

Ali_and_Vince_wedding_plus_Asheville_4_2013-003

gorgeous wedding decor and venue — at Homewood

so. much. fun!

(and yes, I wore that fabulous dress again)

We were so lucky to be a part of their special day!

And the sun even made its way out on our last day in town!

Wishing Ali and Vince a lifetime of love and happiness.

Now go check out her blog posts because the details are worth reading!

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, wedding ideas

Young and Fun, No Matter the Age

May 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Recently my close guy friend, Marc -whom I like to refer to as one of the two brothers I never/always wanted, turned thirty. His wife threw him an amazing outdoor surprise party, with a “Kid at Heart” theme. His cousins, brothers and sister, and friends with their babies and dogs too, came from near and far. We ran and sat around outside on a beautiful spring day playing with Nerf guns, wiffle balls, and frisbees. There were adult and child-friendly beverages. We grilled out, we hung out, and had an overall amazing Saturday.

While blowing bubbles and watching the pinata fun it got me thinking that all too often we easily find ourselves focusing excessively on grown-up business.

I loved my early twenties filled with new-found freedom, probably too much liquor, and countless self-defining experiences. But for all the fun, much hard work existed. Sure college required attention, but so did writing resumes, tackling interviews, and figuring out the labyrinth of insurance (health, car, et all). Relationships were complicated, both with boyfriends and girl friends. By my later twenties paperwork abounded, alarm clocks regularly intervened, and important decisions demanded way too much brain power. This all paid off, of course.

Now in my thirties I find a beautiful, delicate balance. My bank account does not require (as much) constant monitoring, thanks to a job I enjoy. I actually have a savings account, albeit the amount rightfully fluctuates as we do things like buy a house or encounter a job loss. We take trips and celebrate friends’ weddings. We make time for dinner at home and quality time together out with our niche. I still need to consciously take care of my body, but with less obsession and more acceptance. My circle of friends are close at heart, my husband by my side, and fur-babies by my feet.

All this does not happen without an awareness, however. Insurance and bills still confuse me. Decisions are still weighed before leaping, and a husband consulted to compromise. The alarm clock keeps buzzing, yet I chronically arrive places fashionably late.

After all this time and many lessons learned, I don’t feel old – I feel established.

And you can bet I will always play with toys, although sometimes I need reminders to do so.

This thirtieth decade trumps the twentieth, even if it means pretending to act grown-up!

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, birthday, dorklove

Brunching the Day Away

February 5, 2013 15 Comments

‘Tis the season of 30th birthdays in my circle of friends! Being the oldest has some perks, I guess, like now I get to watch them all turn “old” after me.

But even when the birthday girl prefers something “low key,” we still have a rockin’ good time!

The birthday girl’s fiance set up a surprise brunch at an awesome restaurant in downtown DC appropriately called Lincoln.

This restaurant is awesomely themed and decorated, down to the penny-covered floor. So of course we bet how many pennies were in the entire restaurant. The correct guess won $5 off their meal, because we’re big spenders like that. No, I didn’t guess anywhere near correct.

My favorite part of the all-you-care-to-eat carb fest was definitely the create your own waffle area. I asked the nice man to put my bacon pieces in the waffle batter. Let that sink in, because then I covered it with pears, whip cream, and maple syrup. HELLO YUMMY. Maybe it was the birthday celebration in the air, or the all you can drink beverages, but everyone’s food tasted amazing (they reported, not that I went around eating off each plate).

When the decor in the dining area ceased to entertain, we took to the ladies’ room. You can measure the awesomeness of a restaurant by the photo shoots held in the bathroom. True Story.

I call that weird face my “Liz Lemon.” It’s good to keep a few “Magnum” & “Blue Steel” looks in your back pocket for random photo shoots. Oh and bee tee dubs, that dress hails from the Kirna Zabete Target Designer’s Collaboration Line (on sale for $19, score). I put on my distance-enhancing glasses because the brunch and outfit called for it, obviously.

Happiest of Birthdays, Kat! We hope you know how much you are loved!!!!

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, birthday

Fancy a Wedding?

January 17, 2013 5 Comments

Somehow, our good friends Lara and Jonny managed to time their London wedding during one of the two possible times this American teacher and working hubby can manage to steal away from school/work. The first of those two times being summer (oh glorious June and July!) and the other being any extended holiday (see: Thanksgiving, Winter Break, or Spring Break).

We were more than excited to celebrate their big day, especially since Jonny & Lara came across the pond to ours! Jonny also served as one of our Ketuba witnesses. He’s good people, Lara too.

Here they are at our wedding –

Wedding silliness in front of Carnegie Institute

Mike went outside with a few of his British pals, since by this point in the evening I was over being in a white dress and having my picture taken…

We took advantage of being overseas by traveling to Paris as well, but you knew that.

Lara and Jonny’s celebration turned out to be the most fun we’ve had at a wedding since our own special day! Their 12+ piece band wearing coordinating outfits and sporting 3 lead singers, not to mention the backup dancers, kept the party going strong. We danced for hours. It was so much fun that I hardly picked up my camera. My hands were otherwise occupied dancing or holding a bevvie.

In fact, I think the only time I stopped dancing was to eat: first a lovely dinner and followed by a few Krispy Kreme donuts. They not only served dessert, but then around 11pm coffee and donut service. Krispy Kreme tiered wedding cake — Outrageous, no? You need to keep your energy up when you’re introducing the UK to the Electric Slide. (Seriously though, people were in awe of my 90′s dance moves. NBD.)

After the wedding we went back to their hotel for an after-party, only downtown London on a Sunday night wasn’t “happening” and we probably didn’t need to drink anymore. Luckily we found a van cab to transport a bunch of us back to respective houses. Along the way the cab driver suggested we stop for food and even called it in for us to pick up. Brilliant….until all the boys emptied out of the car leaving me alone, in a foreign country, with a cab driver, in a city where I had no idea where we were! Not to mention, the rain. The cab driver offered to move the car closer to the kabob place. I said no. He suggested backing up so the boys stayed dry. I said no. Three-in-the-morning after-partying Vicki didn’t want to end up on a 20/20 TV special. We did call The States just to hear my friend correctly pronounce the slang “See…whathadhappen’dwus” . Good times. We got home safe, and stuffed with yummy food.

Just for funsies — a little B&A

Seeing these two wed filled my heart with love. Their celebration filled my body with amazing fun and joy. Being with all these fabulous people made leaving extremely hard, but we’ll be back… we can’t stay away when the company is so great!

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, travelzing!, wedding

Top Five List – Thanksgiving Overseas Style!

November 20, 2012 7 Comments

Our friends, Johnny & Lara (who you might remember from my wedding!) will walk down the aisle together this coming Sunday. As with any wedding in which you know the bride and groom, I am beyond excited. However, this wedding will take place in London, England — not exactly our backyard. This is the perfect excuse for a trip abroad!

And since you can’t go to Europe and only visit one country (at least in my book you can surely try to see more than one country!), we’re taking a side trip to Paris. No big deal.

{via}

The top five things I am looking forward to while on our trip to the other side of the pond:

5. Sightseeing – Four years ago we found ourselves in London for another couple’s wedding and had a chance to do the tourist thing. I’m excited to see some new and maybe not-so-mainstreamed sights this time. The last time I visited Paris I was a teeny 3 year-old. I can’t wait to check out everything there, including the beautiful Eiffel Tower and The Louvre !

4. Eating out every day – Let’s face it, taking a break from your kitchen great, especially when it will involve a few days of fancy Parisian food! Thanksgiving in Paris is sure to be a treat.

3. Ladurée – I know I already said food, but this pastry shop in Paris is partially credited for the modern day french macron. We literally stumbled upon their only American location while in New York for my 30thbirthday. That was my first macron experience and nothing else ever compares. Hello Caramel with Salted Butter, Blackcurrent Violet, and Pistachio tiny pockets of yum!!! There’s even a line of Incroyables Macrons. Incroyables people, Incroyables.

Also this video. It makes me shiver with excitement.

2. Photographing ALL THE THINGS — I love taking my camera with me to see and do exciting things. Expect wonderful, photo-filled blog posts upon my return.

1. Celebrating friends! – friends getting married, friends with a new baby girl, friends just being with friends!! And let me tell you I can’t wait to hug Jacki’s face right off. We met at BlogHer and she is graciously opening her home in Paris to Mike and I. This is sure to be EPIC.

Do you have a top 5 list for Thanksgiving?

Also, any last minute recommendations for London or Paris?

Au revoir!!

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, Mike, party, wandering, wedding

Luckiest Girl weds Luckiest Guy

Young and Fun, No Matter the Age

Brunching the Day Away

Fancy a Wedding?

Top Five List – Thanksgiving Overseas Style!

Post mine, I'll post yours!