Ann Arbor Bachelorette Weekend

Two weekends ago, Jenny and I traveled across Michigan for Laura’s bachelorette party, which, went off without a hitch. It was a small gathering (mostly because the smarty pants Yale friends live 1000’s of miles away), but it didn't matter, we loved it that way. Literally her gymnast gals and sisters were the party. I loved it. It truly made for a memorable and eventful evening. An evening full of laughs, arts and crafts, Mexican Tapas, bachelorette-appropriate straws, Jersey Shore-ish bars, bubbly cocktails, boozy cupcakes, picture posing and random Polaroids.

I don’t know when I’ll have the opportunity to go to another bachelorette party, but this was one to remember and will tide me over for quite some time!

Next up, NEW YORK CITY!!

2K13!

{for the majority of the year Max and I were engaged... I'll never forgot how much fun it was being a fiance}

2013. What can I say… it was a very emotional year to say the least. While Max and my wedding day was the best day of my life, I’d be lying if I said this wasn't one of the most difficult years to date as well.

I can not wait for a new year to start and look towards fresh beginnings in 2014. 

Here’s to looking ahead!

See you next year!

{had a blast attending the Wolverine Fashion Night Out hosted by Tieka; P.S. I'm actually wearing these shoes today to kick off New Years Eve!}

{celebrated as Maryjo & Dallas tied the knot!}

{surprised the boy with champagne waiting at our table on Valentines Day}

{so many celebrations with so many good people!}

{we bought a HOUSE!}

{ran some 5k races with co-workers on lunch breaks}

{all over goofy... all the time!}

{had an AMAZING bachelorette party with the best friends a girl could ask for}

{awesome weekend in St. Joe and Chicago celebrated MJ's last fling before the ring!}

{visited Court and Hector in NOLA!}

{did minimal home renovation this year, but can't wait to do more of this ASAP}

{stood in the wedding for my cousin!}

{take me out to the ball game!}

{JENNY IS MARRIED! Had the honor of being the Maid of Honor to this beaut!}

{had the best time kicking off MSU football season with MOM!}

{said goodbye to an amazing man who was taken from us to soon}

{icicles outside our apartment}

{engagement photo session on the campus of MSU}

{attended an event at a local Holland boutique, also hosted by Tieka of Selective Potential}

{celebrated 5 years with my company!}

{won a fitness challenge with my team and co-workers}

{Grandpa is already so missed! But he had an amazing life and we are forever grateful that were lucky enough to have him in our lives}

{City and Colour live in Detroit!}

{Granny & Grandpa are together and happy and always watching over us}

{Grand Rapids Art Prize always exceeds expectations}

{our Save the Date taken by the lovely Maureen Elizabeth}

{WE GOT MARRIED!}

Wedding Season – 2013 Edition: MJ & Dallas Installment

{the beautiful bride}

Maryjo and Dallas are married!

This past weekend was so amazing in so many ways. A celebration starting on Thursday night and lasting all the way to Sunday morning! The festivities began on Thursday with a wedding rehearsal at the Nature Center (the same place her parents were married some 29 years ago), then quickly moved to her parents new home in the woods, a party complete with drinks and food cooked by the owners of Food Dance (UNBELIEVABLE), all surrounded by a beautiful white tent and space heaters. The evening ended with friends and family gathering around the bonfire, all telling their favorite stories about MJ and Dallas. Friday was the big day. We woke up bright and early to start the hair and makeup process. At 3, the beautiful bride walked down the aisle. And the rest is history. The party got wild… quick! The reception was held at Loft 310, where delicious food, great drinks and some Australian debauchery took place (check out this Aussie tradition when the song Eagle Rock plays).

Before we knew it, we were all gathered around a big table in the private room of Food Dance the next morning, reliving all of our favorite moments of the previous day. The best part about this wedding is that it was so completely different from Max and mine. It was polar opposite in fact. But I loved every bit of it! This weekend was the epitome of a DIY wedding. The ones you read about in blogs. Something I’ve never had a knack for but knew that it totally described MJ, to a T.

The second best part about this weekend… the Aussie’s (the Groom is Australian, and the two met during a Top Deck Tour around Europe two summers ago)! The most hilarious, lively, fun loving bunch of people I’ve ever met! I can’t wait for Dallas’ sister to return at “Chrissy”, and simply enjoying being a part of this family for years and years to come.

Congratulations MJ and Dallas!!

{love love LOVED my hair}

{all of our dresses lined up with our custom hangers}

{Eugene! Looking dapper as hell in his custom tailored suit}

{some of the lovely bridesmaids}

{the groom}

{first time I've ever seen this in real print... made me so happy!}

{fuzzy but an adorable candid moment between the newlyweds}

{some of the boys... including hubby!}

{no smashing in the face... laaame ;)}

{the morning after breakfast at Food Dance...}

{...complete with cider mimosa's... a Fall favorite of mine}