One year ago

This weekend mark's our one-year anniversary. I can't believe that it's been a year! Cliche to say, but it goes by so quickly.

One thing I feel compelled to say is how wonderful, amazing and fun it's been. I think too often marriage get a bad rep. I've heard a ton of whiners say miserable things and sly comments under their breath, by the reality is - for us and many others that I know - marriage, especially the first year, is AMAZING. For us it's been comfort and freedom, stability and adventure. I just don't think that enough people talk about how exciting it really is.

This weekend, my husband and I will return to where it all started - both our first date location and the place we were married. We'll stay at the Sofitel on Rittenhouse Square, where we'll get to enjoy more of the luxurious bed than we did last year and will order room service and take long naps. And we'll have an over-the-top dinner at Davio's, our reception location. But mostly, I'm looking forward to walking around the city, which I completely have a love affair with. I work downtown every day, but there is something about the feeling of escaping here on a little vacation that makes me swoon.

And now, just because I can - one last time - my favorite pics from our wedding (thanks for indulging me, once again):

{And a little shout-out to our super cool photographers!!}

What did you do to celebrate your one-year anniversary? I'd love to know!

My father's bounty

Seems that my father has turned into a bit of a farmer in recent years. A trip last weekend to my parents house outside of D.C. left us with this bounty. Every night I've enjoyed either tomatoes, basil and mozzarella salads; homemade tomato sauce; or my husbands favorite, warm tomatoes with sugar.

Vintage bride

I ADORE this bride's vintage style. And, boy, does she have the figure to pull it off!



{Source: Todd Pellowe}

My style

Now that's my kind of wedding photo! I usually hate the standard ring shots, but this one is my style!

{Source: Todd Pellowe}

Really cute programs

I love these (found today on Angelica Glass' blog):

I couldn't resist

Here's another discovered today from my favorite, Laura Novak:

Love me some shoes

I love the trend of adding color to a wedding by wearing funky shoes. Following my own wedding, I changed into brown ballet flats with pink polka dots for dancing. A little surprise peaking out from under that gorgeous long dress goes a long way! And it's not just a style trend for the bride ... check out those cheetahs!
{Photos: Mi Belle, Drew B, The Knot}

Invitation wonder

I have such ridiculously talented friends. The bride and groom from the wedding shower just below sent out their invitations this week. I cheated and picked mine up at their house on Sunday (saving them the $$$ on a square envelope). The invitations were designed, printed and made exclusively by the bride and groom, with paper from Paper Source. Love the gray and orange. Aren't the beautiful!!??

A few more pics from the couple's shower we hosted two weekend's ago:

I think I enjoyed the margaritas a little too much! The bride - middle - with two of her bridesmaids:



Mmmmm, root beer floats for dessert:



We start to lay the buffet out. Notice all the red and yellow?

The happy couple with all their loot!

Monday Blog Lust {the sugar bar}

This blog - and bakery - makes me wish I lived in Nashville. Thank god we have friends there and a regular excuse for a visit! The bakery is the brainchild of the incredibly talented Rebekka, whose blog activities I have been following for some time, and the multitalented Michelle Branch, "musician and baker extraordinaire." Yep, THAT Michelle Branch!


This blog is full of delicious eye-candy. Look how cute the packaged cupcakes are!

Coolness envy

Every once in a while I happen upon a wedding where I think, "Damn. I wish I were their friends!" It happened to me this morning when I came upon these images from Closed Circle Photography. I love the tattoos, the dresses, the tux, the obvious love and spirit.

In my garden...

Looked what opened up overnight! Aren't they beautiful?

Marshmallows

I was inspired this week by a recipe in Bon Appetit so I tried it out for a baby shower that was today. These marshmallows are absolutely incredible! Easy to make, delicious and the perfect little treat.

I dyed them light blue (it's a boy!) and dipped them in dark chocolate. You can also add in extracts (orange, peppermint, etc.) or fruit puree (I'm going to try raspberries next time).

Friday Favors {Wine Stoppers}

I love the idea of these favors. You can look for antique door nobs or other relics at flee markets, then hot - or super - glue them onto little corks (for sale at Michael's and other craft stores). These would be perfect favors for a wedding at a Vineyard or for a couple who loves wine (...I'm pretty sure many of us would fit in that category).

Surprise engagement session

I love the idea of the surprise proposal/engagement session. It seems to be the hot thing to do these days. Aren't familiar with the craze? The long and short of it is... guy plans romantic proposal to girlfriend and hires a photographer to hide in the bushes and capture the entire event. Then, the photographer reveals him- or her-self and the couple enjoys a spontaneous engagement photo session. I was visiting my photographers blog today and was excited to see these pics from a recent ambush.

What do you think? A great idea?