A San Diego Wedding

My friend, sisterwife, sister (ADPi!), a million other things got engage to her lobster and asked me to stand by her side on her wedding day (one of life's most amazing privileges). Her wedding took place on a stunning April in San Diego at the Scripps Seaside Forum and while the weather was stunning, the bride and her groom were a vision.

I shed more than a few tears through the weekend and was so crazy happy for both of them as they started this new chapter of their lives. Abiding by my philosophy that a photographer is hired for a reason on a wedding day, I didn't take too many of my own photos because I want to be emotionally present to soak up all of the love and wonderfulness of the day, but I did capture a few wonderful moments.

We stayed at Hotel La Jolla  and getting to do my half day of work from our balcony was bliss. This clouds were a bit unsettling early in the day, but we all knew it was going to turn out to be a stunning day. 

This stunning view from her reception site was too much to handle. My jaw dropped at the stunning background. 

Getting ready was so much fun! It was relaxed, well organized and was wonderful to get to spend time with the bride before her life changed forever. There were some really sweet touching moments, and I almost cried off all of my makeup when she put on her dress and her sister was helping her. And watching her read the card from her soon-to-be-husband was so touching, and I couldn't help but sniffle a bit as I watched her face read the words her groom had written. 

The blue skies showed up for the wedding as we had all crossed our fingers for, and went the moment came, we were all so excited for her and Eric. 

A funny story included in this:My isle partner was a guy that I knew back from Junior High and High School in Boise. While that is just a small world, to really add to it- he had been a MAJOR crush of mine and so I couldn't help but laugh as I "got to walk down the isle with Ross"! AND, you think I'm done, but I'm not. My first boyfriend, my first KISS, was also at this wedding (not Ross), whom I hadn't seen in almost 10 years- which was a trip. Trying coming outside to find your current boyfriend talking to your first boyfriend/fist kiss. I am still laughing about it. 

The reception and dancing were a blast, and there was a photo booth that captured some really hilarious moments with some of my favorite people and sisters from college. 

All of my humorous moments aside- this day was so special. Sara has been one of the people that had made me understand the true, deep, never-ending meaning of friendship. While we are bonded by our sorority ties and oaths- the relationship I have with her enriches my life beyond descriptive words. Being asked to be a part of her and Eric's wedding was an honor and as I stood and watched them exchange vows and rings, my heart burst with love as am I so incredibly happy she has found someone to share her life with. It was a stunning wedding for a stunning couple who radiate love for each other. And while this is a belated post- Congratulations Sara & Eric!

10 Years an ADPi

A few weeks ago, I sat down at my desk/work and was checking my personal emails before getting my day started. Sitting in my inbox was an email congratulating me on being initiated into the Alpha Delta Pi sisterhood ten years ago. As it would happen, my parents were also here visiting me, and my parents and sister were the major reason I made the decision to "Go Greek" when I headed to the University of Washington for college.

I grew up hearing stories of my parents "days in the house", and shenanigans with their friends, many of which they are still in contact with today. My sister also has maintained ties with her sorority sisters, and I knew from example that sorority life and sisterhood will be four memorable years, followed by a lifetime of meaningful friendships.

My choice to join ADPi, has and will be one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.

Never mind that I loved living in a true house and having a cook and house boys to move furniture. Or the fact that we had dances, socials, sisterhoods, and fun events just about every week. It wasn't about being President, or having my own room, or receiving that wooden gavel which still means a lot to me.

What I took from ADPi was the opportunity to reveal and discover myself, to share some of the most formidable years of my life with women who supported me as more than just friends, but individuals who believed in the same life philosophies and treatment of others. I didn't develop my confidence from holding leadership positions, or learning how to talk to boys at grab-a-dates, or participating in a beauty competition in front of the entire Greek community. It was through unconditional love, support and mutual respect with the 100+ women I called sisters during those four years. Particularly, the women in my pledge class, who have remained some of my closest and dearest friends that I know will be with my through the rest of my life.

I was a tad emotional when I saw that email about 10 years an ADPi.

I paused for moment and through some uncertain feelings about my life right now- I remembered how insanely fortunate I am for what my sorority experience has given to me.

Ten years and counting for belonging to the best sisterhood and knowing some of the best women I could have ever asked for in life!

An Owl Birthday Cake

Some close friends of ours have an adorable little girl who just turned two and we got invited to the party! 

When our friends told us about the plans for her birthday party I volunteered to make the cake/cupcakes for the event, since I wanted to give the birthday girl something special. I originally thought of just doing a few batches of different cupcakes, but I quickly decided to do something a little more complicated after S told me that she had purchased some adorable owl cupcake topper decorations.

Via Beautiful Paper Crafts on Etsy

I couldn't get over how cute the owls were and I kept thinking that their simple shape was something I could maybe replicate as a cake! It took a lot of supply gathering and planning, and even more time, but it was such a fun project!

I sketched out an outline similar to the cupcake toppers, and then baked a chocolate sheet cake in a 9X13 pan. I also learned some things about baking a cake that has a flat top. I still had to level my cake so it was flat, but baking the cake submerged a pan of water seemed to help it bake a bit more evenly with less of a dome in the middle. 

After I got the cake baked and leveled. I put it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Then I used a template I had sketched to cut out the owl shape. Once the cake was cut, it was a matter of making the frosting. I followed this recipe for swiss meringue buttercream, and while the taste was spot on and exactly what I wanted, but the consistency wasn't what I needed for holding some pipping designs. I ended up having to alter the recipe and throw in some confectioners sugar to stiffen the frosting, but it still turned out decent. It is certainly something I still need to perfected, but I love the flavor of this less-sweet frosting. I had to mix brown, green, and orange in additional to some white frosting to decorate and used like 5-6 different pastry tips for a variety of textures. I also purchased some modeling chocolate to make the feet and eyes, which worked out really well!

So after about ten hours of baking, freezing, cutting, and decorating...I finally ended up with an owl that I was pretty proud of.

Whoooooooots turning two??? (Best. Birthday. Theme. Ever.)

I still can't get over how cute it turned out! It was really fun surprising S and Z with it! It was pretty cute/funny when we decided to have Z blow out the candles and sing happy birthday, she kind of hand a mini meltdown and kind of freaked out about the cake. She didn't want to get anywhere near it! Luckily, once she had a bite of the cake and cupcakes, she was sucking down frosting like a birthday girl should be!

Since the cake was chocolate I wanted to make some cupcakes for flavor variety. 

I made a lemon zested cake with fresh raspberry buttercream. They were a hit! I didn't think the kids would like them, but most of the kids really enjoyed these as well as the adults! The raspberry frosting was probably my best frosting to-date! It was amazingly tasty!

To really take it to a new level, I also wanted to make some mini "cupcake shooters" (as the BF called them) that were just vanilla vanilla and small for little hands! I saw someone used ketchup cups for mini cupcakes, and at our last burger outing, I hoarded a bunch of cups that were put to good use. 

They were just too cute for words! I loved hot little they were, and the fact that people who didn't want a big cupcake, could just have a little taste. These are certainly going to be my new go-to party option!

Overall, I am so excited that I pulled off some great treats for Z's birthday, and I really loved making the owl cake! Now I just need to find the next cake decorating project....

Vegas. #kendalgetsmarried

Vegas.
My first time in Vegas. After many antipacted months of planning, brainstorming, and changing everything a million different times, a weekend in Vegas happened to celebrate Kendal's upcoming nuptials.
Erica and I had planned via phone and gchat this weekend for months. It is crazy to think it was so complicated to organize 8ish women to make sure we all end up in the same place, and the same time. Granted, I shouldn't be surprised at all. Planning things in general is a lot of effort, never mind for a group of girls!
Luckily it was a great weekend, and such a great chance to see the group of girls who I call some of my dearest friends.
I flew from DC to Vegas on Friday afternoon and was welcomed with a blast of sweet sweet dry heat! After checking in the Flamingo hotel, I set out with the other two early arrivers and sought out my first cocktail and a big plate of nachos at Margharittaville. We then decided to start my on food tour and roamed down the strip to see the Venetians, TI, and any other place that we could duck into to beat the heat. After roaming and collecting some drinks for the rooms, we headed back to the rooms to put up decorations in the room to really ring in the Bachelorette party theme.

Other arrivers trickled in, and due to our increasing numbers in age, we all agreed on some soda, chips and salsa, followed by an early (early by Vegas standards, not early for me in regular life!) bedtime.

A morning energy rally happened and we all congregated by the pool to soak in some rays in the triple digit weather! I managed to avoid a major burn (just a few minor spots on my Swedish skin). Hunger dictated showers and a trip to a hotel resteraunt for a massive cheese burrito and cocktails.

After lunch the planned festivities started and we headed to a Pole dancing class at Pole Fitness Studio (highly recommend them). A few minor hiccups in the plan, but we managed to have a blast and to get the bride-to-be laughing.

Relaxing, hair, make up, fake eyelashes, and droning our best Vegas get-ups we headed to dinner at Society Cafe at the Encore. This meal was awesome! A lot of us opted for a four course chefs menu which was so good!

Then we walked to the Wynn next door, and stood in a line that would rival any ride at Disneyland to get into XS. Luckily, good company and a beer make a long line seem a little bit shorter. After weaving through a cue that would make your head spin, we walked into this mega club to a scene that was EXACTLY how I envisioned Vegas. Lights. Dancing. Massive crowds of dancing people. A few obscenely overpriced cocktails, we staked a spot, got the bride-to-be socializing and watched the magic happen. The big attraction of the night was Avicii, and I can certainly check off my bucket list the item that says "go to the most popular nightclub in Vegas, and see a a-list DJ". Check.

I was proud. We stayed out until about 4, pouring ourselves into bed and sleeping through the the remaining wee hours of the morning.
Recovery breakfast. Shopping adventure. And tracking down some sweets from Bouchon bakery wrapped up my trip and I headed back to the airport with a total of about 10 total hours of sleep for the weekend.

Bachelorette party success.

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Birthday Week

We are now into the countdown of my actual birthday week. Idontwannatalkaboutit.

These final days of the even numbered year for me are bitter sweet. I wish I'd done things differently. Made bolder moves. Bigger, better decisions. Taken more risks. But couldawouldashulda right? Better to just focus on my annual birthday wish list. We left off with number 7 from the initial installment.

8) Toms Wedges

The linen Tom's wedge is the perfect wedge for summer. How much more versatile can you get!?!

9) Real Simple Magazine Subscription

I lucked out with some extra airline miles that got turned into a plethora of magazines. Real Simple is always one of my favorites and I miss getting this in my mailbox each month. I am also not opposed to Martha Stewart Living if anyone is feeling generous.

10) SHRM Membership

After getting my certification last year, I am now having to focus on re-certifying and maintaining my PHR credentials. This requires a lot of continuing education, and much of this is offered through SHRM. Having my membership fee covered would be amazing!  

11) Apple Wireless Keyboard

My ipad is so amazing. I love that thing. It is light, compact, and just plain cool. While I do blog on it, I certainly can type a lot faster on normal keyboard. The wireless keyboard would solve that problem (and with an ailing computer on my hands) would make my ipad just that more functional.  

12) An External Hard Drive

I am wracking up a lot of photos between the big girl camera and the iphone(s), and ipads in my life. Considering I still haven't been able to rescue the photos from my last old computer, and with my current one on the fritz, I would prefer to get all my "valuables" stored so I'll have them going forward.

13) Kate Spade Twirl or SJP's Lovely or Just A Signature Scent

 

I feel like it is an adult thing to have a signature scent. Nothing crazy, just a light everyday scent that is pleasant, adult and feminine.

 

14) Idaho Necklace from Alter Designs

I ordered a necklace for the BF's cousins graduation from medical school and I loved it. They are teeny tiny, which I love. With this, I could always keep Idaho close to my heart.

15) A Silhouehette Die- Cutting Machine

A crafters dream. A DREAM! Granted I don't have a tone of time to craft these days but I would consider this an investment in my crafting career. Lust. It is the Kitchen-Aid Mixers of crafting supplies.

Vegas Bound

In a little more than 2 weeks I will be Vegas bound to celebrate the future nuptials of one my dear sorority sisters and college friend. A whole group of us are spending two days in the sun, sitting pool side, drinking cocktails, putting on some glitter and doing up Vegas right. We are still putting the final touches on the planning and implementation, but I think we are close to getting the trip ironed out and ready to go! 

I can't wait to see some of my closets friends all in the same place at the same time! Throw in the fact that one of us is GETTING MARRIED! and I couldn't be much happier for all of us to get together! 

Now the hardest thing I am struggling with....the going out dress. I ordered two from asos, and sadly the weight watchers hasn't paid off enough for me to feel comfortable in either one of them. So I am at a loss. I want sequins. Maybe one shoulder. I don't want to look 12 (since my long hair is really making that problem worse than it normally is). I want to feel confident and also not worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions, because let's be real, I'll want to be completely focused on making sure the bride is having the time-of-her-life!

It looks like I am going to have to brave H&M and Forever 21 sometime this weekend, but does anyone else have any great suggestions on where I can find a 1) sparkly 2) Vegas-y 3) cheap dress to dance the night away in? 

Any tips for planning a bachelorette party? This is my first time being on the party planning committee and I want to make sure we do it up right!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms, grandmas, and soon to be moms! I wasn't lucky enough to spend the day with two of the best moms that I know- my own mother and my sister, but I am so fortunate to have such wonderful examples of strong, compassionate, and loving moms in my life.

Like Grandma- Like Granddaughter with the fuzzy hats!

Happy Mother's Day to the best Mom and Sister! I love you both so so very much!

Pittsburgh. Take Three.

We have been to Pittsburgh a few times now. Once as a weekend get-away to check out Falling Water and to just soak in the sites.Then we returned last summer to catch a Pittsburgh Pirates game after spending time in Cleveland.

For Valentine's day I decided to give N tickets to see the Book of Mormon musical complete with amenities, meal and entertainment.

We drove up Saturday morning. Quickly found some lunch at Primanti Brothers (such a Pittsburgh staple for me!)

Then we tracked down a cab to take us to the Mattress Factory Art Museum. We had tried to visit this on our first visit, but the timing didn't work out, so I had put this on the list of things for us to see this time around!

It is a unique art museum experience, with resident artists who live on site and create full-room art installations.

My favorite pieces were three installations by James Turrell. They were simple (one in particular was so simple it was almost a mind game!) but vibrant.

I also really enjoyed Yayoi Kusama's awesome pieces as well.

After the MF we decided to walk back to our hotel because it was going to take awhile to find a cab, so we got to walk through this adorable neighborhood.

There was a neighborhood bar! We both agreed that this would make any street the coolest place to live! If we had not been running low on time, we would have stopped for a quick beer!

After we got home, we quickly changed and freshened up before heading to dinner at Braddock's American Brasserie and then we headed over to the show!

The theater was beautiful! Our seats were pretty decent, it was a small theater which made just about any seat a decent seat. The musical was hilarious. Some great songs and really funny plot line and jokes. If you get the chance to see it...I recommend it!

After a busy day we were le pooped and enjoyed the fact that our hotel was a measly three blocks from the theater. The next morning we made a mad dash out of Pittsburgh, dealt with re-booking some work travel for N and then me flopping on the couch and enjoying the remaining hours in the weekend!