A NOLA Wedding Weekend!

This past weekend was Kelly, one of my best friends, and Will's wedding in the Big Easy. It was a whirlwind trip to say the least (we were there for less than 48 hours), but we made the best of every minute!

Brent and I got down there around 3pm, just in time to get ready for the cocktail hour before rehearsal began. The entire weekend (rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception) was held at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. This is my absolute FAVORITE hotel in New Orleans, provided you're not staying at one of the ultra luxury places like: Loews, W, The Roosevelt, or Ritz-Carleton. It sits right in the heart of the French Quarter, and backs up to Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral.

The rehearsal went smoothly, and Kelly had some amazing wedding attendants to work with at the hotel. The rehearsal dinner was fabulous. 100% authentic Cajun cuisine...yes, please! Complete with a super sweet slideshow and video presentation put together by Kelly's mom, several heartfelt (and silly) speeches by family and friends, Brent and Will's dad forming a lasting friendship after just two hours (hilarious), and a few (too many) drinks at my FAVORITE bar Pirate's Alley...it was a great night!

The next morning, I went on a wonderful run along the Mississippi River and down Canal Street. After that, I met up with Kelly and all the bridesmaids in her suite, we ate breakfast, gossiped, talked about the craziness of the night before, and got Kelly even more excited about her big day! We all split up after that to take showers and buy champagne and snacks to hold us over while getting ready. A few of us got our hair done, and most everyone got their makeup done. I must say, we were quite the pretty wedding party. :)

Finally, when everyone was ready and after Kelly and Will had done their "first look," we went out to Royal St to take some super fun pics. Then it was time for the wedding. With it being in New Orleans and set up around a pool, it was a miracle that no one either fell or was pushed into the pool. Success! The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, complete with Kelly's sister, Casie, singing a slightly altered version of "Marry Me" by Train. Amazing!! And the ceremony...let's just say, it was an AWESOME party!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Stoffel!! Y'all sure know how to have a good time and make sure everyone else around you does, too. :)

At the rehearsal dinner

The beautiful couple!

Love these two Rhodes' ladies!

I love this girl!

And I love this place!

Another DIY wedding creation :)

For some reason I felt like wearing this around all day...

We love you, Kelly & Will!

Beer bottles as center pieces...LOVE it!


My friend and fellow blogger Andrea and me!

Kelly & Will dancing the night away!

Such a fun wedding weekend!! Love you two, and wishing you a lifetime of happiness!

A Seaside Wedding Weekend!

This past weekend was the start to our crazy three weeks of travel. First stop: Seaside, Florida, for the wedding of one of Brent's best friends.

We left early Thursday afternoon and made it down to the Panhandle in excellent time. The weekend was filled with fun stories, laying by the pool, cocktails, amazing runs through Seagrove Beach, Seaside, and Watercolor, quality time with friends, and an absolutely beautiful beach wedding.

I ran every day we were there, but aside from that, pretty much relaxed by the pool or on the beach with some great company. By the end of the weekend, I had gained some incredible new friends, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Gotta love a beach wedding!

Here are a few places we went over the weekend...

Girls cocktail hour: Crush Wine Bar
Rehearsal Dinner: The Vue of 30A
Ceremony: Beachside
Reception: Bud and Alley's Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

Brent and I tore up the dance floor, as usual. :)

Beautiful Seaside, FL

The girls leaving The Vue via golf cart!

So sweet!!

Mr. & Mrs. Luhm!

Really sweet, Brent! ;)

Good times!

The bride, Angie, and me!

LOVE these two!

My signature dance move :)

We had an AMAZING time, and ended up with some wonderful new friends. Congratulations again to Kellie and David!! We love you!

Random Wednesday

Whew! It's been quite a hectic few weeks. With work projects up to my eyeballs, races, family stuff, my birthday, and projects at home, I've never felt so busy. Here's a recap of what's been going on.

September 1 was the first University of Memphis football game of the season. As usual, the tailgating was fun...the game, let's just say it's a good thing we've got Memphis Tiger Basketball to look forward to!

Fun times after the game (or whatever you want to call it)

That Friday was Zoo Brew at the Memphis Zoo. My company, Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals, sponsors this event, and it's always a super fun time. 100s of beers to sample from all over the world (not to mention seeing your co-workers in rare form)...yes, please!

Mahaffey's tent at Zoo Brew

The weekend that followed was quite the debacle. From running into old friends at our favorite East Memphis restaurant, Pacific Rim, on Friday to bar-hopping one too many places downtown on Saturday, it made for a long few days.

Brent and me at Pacific Rim

Silly times at Silky's

Silly boys

We had my friend Kelly and her fiance over for dinner Sunday night. I was so glad Brent and Will finally had a chance to hang out. Monday morning was the annual Chick-fil-a 5K. Such a fun race in Downtown Memphis! Running it with two great friends made it even better.

My birthday was September 8. My family got together the Tuesday before to celebrate. No matter what's going on or where any of us are at, we always get together and have a great time celebrating birthdays and holidays. Being in a divorced family, this is a rare thing. We're very lucky! Got a bunch of gift cards, a poster with my first marathon pics and finish time (THANKS, MOM!!), a beautiful bouquet of lilies and roses sent to work and a day at the spa from my hubby. It was an amazing day!

After Bailey telling me "happy birthday cake!" :)

My fabulous assistant decorated my cube at work!!

The hubby surprised me with beautiful flowers at work
(P.S. Took this pic using Lightbox for Android...download it if you haven't already)

This past weekend was the Road Race Series 10K #1 at Shelby Farms Park. I ran it with Autumn, Erin, and Meredith. We got rained on while walking to the start line, but it stopped after just a couple minutes. The rain was welcomed, as it cooled off for our 6.2 miles. I'm going to miss the second 10K, as I'll be out of town, then we have two 10-milers, two half marathons, and then the St. Jude Half Marathon. It's a good thing I enjoy running. :)

Speaking of running, Autumn and I have started a once-weekly run at 4:15am. I know...we're crazy. But she's a teacher, and like me, she enjoys getting her workouts done in the morning. Since I don't have to be at work until 8, I get another hour or so of sleep after my run. It's actually not so bad...except for the fact that I have become a coffee drinker after 29 years of never needing it. Great.

Tomorrow starts our insane three weeks of travel...Seaside, FL for Brent's friend's wedding, New Orleans for Kelly's wedding, and then Vegas for a conference and our four-year anniversary. Looking forward to it all!!

Happy Wednesday!

Wonderful Wedding Weekend!

First, let me apologize in advance for the book of a post.

I am awful...it's been nearly a month since my last post. Having just taken a quick trip to the Dominican Republic (another post coming about that this week), being busier than ever with work, my sister's wedding, and a marketing conference in Boston, I haven't had two seconds to write. I'm not complaining at all, just giving some good excuses for my lack of blogging.

As strange as it sounds, I actually miss all the wedding planning. I joked around at times, saying it felt like I was planning my wedding all over again. But I have to say, I wouldn't trade a single moment of that precious time. My sister and I became closer than ever, and I am so thankful for that!

Laura's wedding "weekend" really started the Saturday before, which was her bachelorette party. Massage, lunch, shopping, and a night downtown. What fun we had! The limo, the lingerie shower, Bar None, Silky's, and Paula Raiford's...my sister sure knows how to party!

Laura and me at Silky's

Wedding week officially started on Wednesday night. The family went to a fun dinner at My Favorite Place in Cordova. I say "fun" because we were all together...the food was just okay and the atmosphere wasn't at all what we're used to. We need to stick with ol' faithful from here on out: El Mezal never lets us down. :) Nevertheless, we had a great time with even better company! That night, I went over to my Mom's to start putting together the wedding program fans. I actually enjoy doing these stationary projects for my family and friends' weddings, but 300 of them...let's just say I am SO thankful to have had help from my Momma and aunts!

The "before" pic :)

I was off from work on Thursday and Friday, which was much needed. Went for a good five-mile run Thursday morning, followed by my sister's bridesmaid luncheon at the beautiful Heartwood Hall. Everything was gorgeous! Denise truly takes care of her brides, and she definitely made Laura (and all of us ladies) feel like she was one of her own.

The sisters!

Good food and good wine and champagne later, the majority of us headed to Esthetiques Skin Spa for a mani/pedi. While we had fun goofing around and catching up, we were there for over four hours...I don't know about you, but I run out of gossip way too fast for that. We still had a good time, and everyone's nails and toes looked spectacular. FYI, if you go, make sure you ask for Terri. She's fabulous.

Aunt Mignon and me

Laura and her new sis, Jennifer!

That night, my Aunt Mignon and I picked up some dinner for the family and headed back to my Mom's. A couple bottles of wine and lots of laughs later, we finished the lovely programs. Thanks again to Mom, Aunt Mignon, Aunt Lisa, and Tony (the tape master). Couldn't have done it without you...well, I could have. Just not in two days. :)

Laughing at Aunt Lisa after she messed up...again ;)

Friday was jam-packed with errands, and an overall crazy day. It started with a trip to the vet for Buster's annual shots (he was such a good boy!). Next it was a HOT 4.5-mile run...a little later than I would've liked, but that's what I get for sleeping in. After that, I went to my OB-GYN for a checkup (I go every six months now after being diagnosed with PCOS). Things look good for now! Eventually I'll write a post on all that...

I had written Laura a poem, which I was planning to read at the rehearsal dinner. But I had yet to write an actual speech. Waiting rooms are perfect for such thing, so I was able to get it done. After running some last-minute errands, I rushed home to get ready for rehearsal. I went out to my car to grab my speech, and then I realized I had left it at the doctor's office! Luckily we had to go right by there on the way to the venue, so crisis averted! I'd like to say that I'm a good "from the heart" speaker, but I'm way too emotional for that.

Rehearsal started off well...extremely hot, but there was nothing we could do about that. We made it through the ceremony once, and just as we were about to line up for round 2, I started feeling lightheaded. I sat down and tried to compose myself, and after about a minute, I got back up to stand in line. Not 20 seconds later, I knew I was going to faint. I remember trying to sit down and Laura asking me if I was going to faint. Next thing I know, I'm waking up in my Dad's lap with the entire wedding party crowded around me. Sweet Jennifer had caught me before my Dad came rushing to take over. Supposedly I came to and then passed out again. Geez...leave it to me to steal the couple's thunder! Kidding...but at least I was gracious enough to get everyone out of the heat. ;) Having barely eaten anything that day, getting my blood taken, running in 100+ degrees, I'm pretty sure that's a recipe for disaster. Thanks to Jennifer, my Dad, and a couple of Cary's groomsmen for making sure I was okay. Needless to say, the rehearsal ended there.

The rehearsal dinner was so nice. The food was great, I got to catch up with Laura's sweet boss from the Grizzlies, Nicole, and we all got to express our love and well wishes for the happy couple. Next it was onto T.J. Mulligan's for a couple more drinks, and then Laura and I called it a night. It was a special moment for me, staying with my sister the night before her big day. She was just glowing with excitement!

Laura, Melanie, and me at rehearsal dinner

Laura and Cary being silly!

Invitation tray I made for Laura as a wedding gift
(it's so easy and a unique, sentimental gift)

Finally, Wedding Day was upon us! Mom so graciously brought us breakfast, and then we took our time to get ready before Melanie picked us up to get our hair done. A few braids, curls, and lots of hair spray, and then we headed to Heartwood Hall to start getting ready!

When we arrived, a few people were in a state of panic...the cake lady (Brandi Marter of Brandi's Sweets) had dropped the cake. When Heartwood Hall came in to set it up, the cake immediately started falling over. So what did Brandi do? She tore up the check and said "it's not my problem" and walked right out. Umm, excuse me?!?! At least they didn't have to pay for it, but what the hell kind of business is this wacko running? It's their wedding day!! Word to the wise: do NOT use Brandi Marter! But never fear, Denise with Heartwood Hall to the rescue! She called her friends at Oh My Ganache! Bakery, and they came right over, took the cake bake to their shop, and had it back in time for the reception. AMAZING, I tell you...these people are truly amazing!

The girls continued getting ready, and then it was picture time. Savannah and Philip with Ava Grace Photography do some incredible work. Dealing with the insane heat that day on top of a rowdy group of groomsmen...they are angels. Here's a sneak peak of the wedding pics: http://www.avagraceblog.com/weddings/laura-and-cary-a-heartwood-hall-wedding/. See what I mean?! :)

Before the ceremony

Just as the ceremony was about to start, we were notified that a huge storm was about to pass through. Everyone quickly got in line, and we made sure to start on time. Prayers work, I tell you...an amazing breeze (albeit a little too much at times) came through and cooled everything down. And not a single drop of rain fell. It was absolutely perfect. As said by Laura, "Today I marry my best friend. I am so blessed and grateful! I love you, C!!" And let me tell you, the love Laura and Cary share was seen by all who were lucky enough to be there on June 11.

The cocktail hour was cut slightly short due to the storm; but that only extended the reception, making the night that much more fun. It was quite the party! Of course, who would expect any less with these two. Good times with friends and family and lots of dancing...that's what life's all about. Congratulations to the happy couple!

THANK YOU, Oh My Ganache! Bakery!!

Mom and her girls!

Dad, Laura, and me!

The hubby and me!

The triplets!

Laura and me at the end of the night!

Mr. and Mrs. Cheston!!

To Laura and Cary: Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your most special day. I was honored to stand beside you both, and I am so excited for the adventures that lie ahead of you in this new chapter in your lives. Best wishes and a lifetime of happiness to you both!

Another round of thanks to all those who made this day so special...Heartwood Hall (especially you, Denise!), Oh My Ganache! Bakery, Mahaffey Tent and Party Rentals (linens, tables, and chairs), Ava Grace Photography, Holliday Flowers and Events, and Bead Euphoria Handcrafted Jewelry (bride and bridesmaid jewelry)!

Wedding Planning...my second career!

Too bad I wasn't working for Mahaffey during my wedding planning...it would have ROCKED!! It still did, in my opinion, so that's all that matters. :)

I have the incredible honor of being my sister Laura's Matron of Honor, and I've had so much fun being involved in all her planning. From dress shopping to venue hunting to photographer selecting to shower planning to designing save the dates, invitations, and other stationary...this time we've spent bonding, having fun, and just being silly with each other has been more rewarding than I ever could have imagined.

After Cary's sweet proposal!

We've gotten so close over the past few years, and I feel so blessed to call this beautiful woman my sister - just as I feel for our younger sis, Ashley. :) Family is truly the most precious gift from God, and I'm so grateful to finally understand the true meaning of that gift.

Her wedding is taking place at the absolutely stunning Heartwood Hall this June...and I'll be sure to post a few more blogs before and after the big day.

Check out her and Cary's FABULOUS wedding website:
http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/LauraGlankler&CaryCheston

Congratulations, sweet Sis!! I can't wait to stand beside you on your most special day! :)

Ben & Christina's wedding!

The last Wilson wedding...this year, anyway! Chattanooga has always been a favorite city of mine. Brent took me to visit his brother when we first started dating, and I've loved it ever since.

We packed up the car (with Buster in tow!) on Thursday afternoon and made excellent time, getting in town around 7 pm. Ben met us at the hotel, and then we met up with Brittney and Frank and another couple and headed over to Taco Mac, one of the MANY fabulous restaurants in Chattanooga. A few cocktails and some good eats, and we called it a night.

The next morning, Brittney and I met up with the bridesmaids for a fabulous luncheon at Bluewater Grill. It was a wonderful celebration of friends and fun, and we were honored to be a part of it. Everything from the food to the excellent wine selection was incredible. That afternoon, everyone pitched in to decorate the rustic River Inn, where both the ceremony and reception were taking place. Suffice it to say the wedding planner was not on her game, so we took matters into our own hands and brought Christina's creative masterpiece to life. She and her bridesmaids did an amazing job planning, and to see it all come together was so exciting.

Once the rehearsal was finished, we met up with the wedding party at Food Works for the Rehearsal Dinner. The Wilsons sure know how to choose their restaurants! Amazing food, lots of laughs, and a wonderful slideshow that painted the perfect picture of Ben and Christina's life together!

Wedding day has arrived! While everyone was a little worried about the weather not cooperating, mother nature was nice to us...It stopped raining two hours before the ceremony and didn't rain again the entire night!

The wedding was so laid back and fun, just like the beautiful couple. Guests were served Rum and Cokes or Arnold Palmers before making their way to the scenic deck, where the ceremony was taking place, overlooking the Tennessee River. Her dress was absolutely gorgeous, and the ceremony was perfect. After a few family pictures and quite a few more drinks, we made our way inside. Once again, the food did not disappoint...and neither did the band: Love Peace and Happiness. They were awesome, and there wasn't a single person who wasn't gettin' down on the dance floor. Gotta love a jazz/soul wedding band!

The next day, we walked around Downtown Chattanooga, ate lunch at Big River (my fave!), and just enjoyed the day with friends and family.

Congratulations, Ben and Christina! We had a blast! For more info on their rustic, country chic wedding, visit http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/christinacross&benwilson.