weekend recap

Hi friends! What. A. Weekend. It really did feel like a whirlwind. So much so that I have few photos to prove how great it was. Here is a quick recap...

As a reminder, our wonderful friends Jim & Kyle got married this weekend. And I was helping out by being their day-of-coordinator.  Friday I was busy running a quick rehearsal and then taking photos at their rehearsal dinner. I was busy. And it was super hot. So I have no photos (except the ones on my big camera, but they haven't been uploaded to my computer yet). So just trust me on this - the rehearsal went well, the dinner was fantastic with heartwarming and funny speeches (and a poem and a song!), a hilarious video, and the food (truffle fries! zomg) was fantastic. All around great night. And not a photo to show for it.

Saturday was the big day! With the ceremony set for 12:30pm, we were up super early and crossing our fingers for no rain. The rain held off, but the humidity was intense. But I'd rather have a wedding in full sun and 95°, than in the middle of a thunderstorm.  While the bride and her maids prettied, I was upstairs on the roof directing vendors and setting up 100+ ghost chairs while attempting not to melt. Love that she chose to do the ghost chairs because it really makes the city view the focus. Just look at it...

A few hours later we were ready and I sent the wedding party down the aisle. I felt like a director of a show or something. Waiting in the wings, watching the production take place. And just look at them - what a setting and what a couple. It truly was breathtaking. 

Let's zoom in for a closer look.

After that my work was almost done - food, toasts, cake cutting, and the first dance. 

There were so many wonderful personal touches to the day - including a seriously awesome infographic on their program. All of which I failed to take photos of (hullo I was busy working through our timeline!). I'll try find a program to take a photo of though - it was pretty awesome and for any future brides a great idea. 

After my duties as DOC were complete, I was able to find my handsome date and hit the photo "booth" wall. (The wall came with this awesome grass on it - we just added the bunting).  

The best part about a day wedding is that we were home by 7:30 with pizza delivery on the way. I was exhausted. I'm not kidding, I'm pretty positive I was asleep by 8:30. Either I was really tired or the Saved By The Bell Lifetime Movie was just that bad.

Sunday was a fun one. Our friends Daniel and Sara just got a black lab puppy named Thatcher so they came over for a doggy play date while the boys watched The Royals (yay!) and Chiefs (eek) games. Cue 37,000 photos of two adorable dogs playing...

  

^^ It took two hours before they both tuckered out. 

Lily was out for the rest of the night. And so was I. I quickly ordered groceries for delivery Monday (so off on my weekend schedule this week) and followed it up with a desperate Chinese take out order. It was just one of those take-out-for-Sunday-supper weekends. I wasn't mad about it. And then I snuggled my pup until morning. The end. :) 

Hope you had a super weekend!

friday finds

via

Hi friends! Sorry for the light content this week. This short week has me all thrown off - Wednesday night I convinced myself I could go to bed and not finish our Napa Recap post because I still had one more day, but then I woke up the next day and realized it was, in fact, Thursday and I was sufficiently confused and annoyed. But what I do know is that today is Friday and our dear friends Jim & Kyle are getting hitched tomorrow in NYC! They asked me to help them out and be their day-of-coordinator so my part kicks into high gear beginning this afternoon at the rehearsal. I'm pumped to put my OCD organization skills to work and more so to watch two seriously cool and good-hearted people tie the knot. 

While I'm busy lining up groomsmen and bridesmaids, check out some links I'm loving from the web this week. ↓

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This makes me so sad. Arthur's is our late night spot!

Helpful.

The new Freshman 15.

RIP Joan Rivers. I thought she was just hilarious.

Can't wait to see Little Green Notebook's home spread in the new issue of domino.

Men about to propose - you need this.

Currently reading.

Ina just announced her full tour for her new book! See you Oct. 28 IG!

And then I bawled at my desk. So sad. So heroic.

Look who made it in the New York Times this week!

Need to calm down? This will help.

What. Is. This. ??

Loving this navy skirt for fall.

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Have a great weekend!

year three

Time is such a funny thing. Sometimes I look back on our wedding day and it feels like yesterday. Other times it feels like so. long. ago. I can still remember that anxious-excited feeling when I woke up the day of our wedding. Yes, I was thrilled to put on my dress, hold my bouquet, dance until last call. But more than anything, I was energized by the overwhelming sense of love. I could not wait to vow in front of God and our friends and family to be Al's wife. 

After three years of marriage, I feel like we're in our sweet spot. We're starting to really get things figured out - how to support each other, how to budget and save money, how to argue (a big thing to learn how to do right!), how to love each other more every day. It sounds cheesy, but I really do feel more in love with Al every day.

Now that we'eve settled into our married life routine it's easy to become complacent. It's nice when things are easy. When you're arguments change from the big things (kids, money, jobs) to the small things (dishes, trash, dog poop), it's easy to leave life at that - to only talk about the day-to-day. We have to remember to challenge ourselves and our relationship - to still have the 'big talks' to make sure we're on the same page and to remind ourselves of our goals.

I think the biggest challenge for me in our first few years of marriage was that I was having a hard time living in the present. I was ready for the next step - since our life had been moving in a series of next steps since we moved to New York - engagement, wedding, dog. It was hard for me to just be, even though I knew our next steps were not in our immediate future. But, I'm happy to report that now going into our third year, I think I've really tackled that issue. I revel in our little life here. I'm elated with a Saturday of walking to the dog park and a long, leisurely dinner. I don't just appreciate the little things, I long for them. Because I know someday we'll look back on our life at this moment and think, "gosh, we had it so good".

To my sweet Al - thank you. Thank you for making me feel not just loved every day, but valued. Thank you for supporting me constantly all while challenging me to be better. I'm beyond proud to be your wife. I'm inspired daily by your hard work, generosity, and goodness. Thank you for making me the happiest girl in the world these past three years. Cheers to our next year - I have a feeling it will be the best one yet.

P.S. More anniversary posts here, here, and here.

weekend recap

Hello, hello! Remember when I declared this weekend a weekend of productivity?  Well, we had a strong start and a slow finish. Saturday was full of getting stuff done, but then Sunday I started feeling not too hot. I swear I'm the queen of summer colds. But we did get a few things checked off my to do list, and had a good time while doing it. Here are a few photos...

Let's back up clear to (early) Friday morning. My friend who works at Pure Wow asked if I'd like to be a model for a TV segment they were doing on Good Day New York. It sounded fun, so I agreed. And then freaked out when I realized I agreed to do LIVE television. But, it was all fine and was a really fun experience. You can see the full segment here.

I was at my desk by 10:30 on Friday and put in a full days work. Not quitting my day job yet! After work on Friday we took Mayo to the park, picked up some food, and attempted to watch a movie. I made it through about 20 minutes. I was beat from getting up at 5am! We watched an old movie, The Apartment. Anyone seen it? Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon. It was cute (I had to finish it on Sunday).

via

Saturday was a good one. Al and Lil met me after spin for breakfast and sitting near the park people watching. I could just sit outside and watch people all day long. Al says I was made to loiter. And I got caught taking selfies with Lil. 

Two reminders to look up on our walk home. I find myself giggling sometimes thinking that we live smack in between these two iconic buildings. It's just so darn funny to me.

Back at home we decided to tackle Al's closet. He was finally sick of it enough to want to do something about it, so I leaped at the opportunity to purge some stuff. That pile is all the stuff we got rid of. So much to sell and donate! And, per usual, Lily was on hand to supervise/gnaw on every hanger in sight.

Then, unfortunately, Al was called in to work for basically the rest of the entire weekend so I said goodbye to him and I headed off to meet our friends Kyle and Jim to see their wedding space and help plan their wedding day. I'm their day-of-coordinator and I'm so excited! Wedding planning, timelines, and details come so naturally to me, so I love that I can help out friends with all of my weird organizational skills. And, I mean, I just didn't have enough side jobs going - blogger, model, wedding planner. ;) But really though, look at that view! The wedding is going to be spectacular not only because of the amazing venue but because they are two of the most fun people I have ever encountered.

And the fun wasn't over yet for Saturday. From one rooftop to the next. I headed to meet my friend Carrie for drinks. We checked out a new rooftop bar that apparently no one knows about it. It wasn't crowded at all and it was a beautiful night for it. We'll be back, for sure. Except, now I just told you about it, so I guess the secret is out.

Sunday, Al was at work all day (and night). :( So I did what any normal girl in the city would do - go to the spa, shop around Fifth Avenue, and meet friends for champagne. NOT. I took a theraflu-induced nap with my pooch and then got a ridiculous amount of Taco Bell to eat alone while watching Lifetime movies. Cue that song from the Oscars a few years ago "G-L-A-M-O-R-OUS". Such a posh life, I live.

In my defense, Sunday I did get off the couch long enough to write this blog post. It took me twice as long because I had a french bulldog head on my hand. So I guess you can say Lily authored this post too.

Hope you guys had a great weekend! I'm gonna go buy every cold medicine from Duane Reade and hope that I can kill this little bug/virus/allergies thing I have going. Cheers to a swift week!

weekend recap

And we're back! I needed an extra day yesterday to finish editing the photos I took and coming down from what was one of the best weddings of all time. It was one of those weddings where you were overcome with happiness and love watching two really good people marry each other. So much fun at the #duvows.  Here are a few photos...

Early morning flight to Omaha on Friday. Little different scenery, no?

Got to Omaha with a few hours to spare before meeting the gals for a bridal luncheon. Al was pumped because our hotel was right across from The College World Series that was going on. So he watched baseball and I lunched (and took no photos - gasp!).

A few hours later, it was time for the rehearsal!

And the rehearsal dinner. See that faint rainbow? I think it was good luck. Aside from the torrential downpour and thunderstorm late that night, the rest of the weekend was beautiful and everything went off without a hitch.

Wedding day!  The beautiful bride getting all dolled up. She looked STUNNING.

Meanwhile, this is what I looked out of the hair and makeup chair. Frightening! Thankfully, the woman later combed out the curls. It was touch and go there for awhile. ;) 

But back to the bride. What a knock out. And she still looked like herself, which is always nice for a bride to look like herself. And that dress? Oh I loved her dress. It had a hand-made lace bolero that she wore for the ceremony. For the rehearsal, it came off and a jeweled Kate Middleton-esque belt was added. Beyond amazing.

And they're married! So happy!

Some of the details. They used their "logo" on everything from coozies to the welcome bags to the programs. Loved the consistency. And the flowers were beautiful! My bouquet even had some rosemary in it. Thumbs up.

At the reception venue - an old train station in Omaha. It is pretty impressive. Old school architecture, art deco painted ceilings, and beautiful windows. Look at all that beautiful light! Also, yay America! (C&M live in Singapore, btw.)

The sparkle continued on the table. Gold chargers and candelabras twinkled in the space. And even more windows in the dinner location for some more of that incredible light. Speaking of light, they got married on the summer solstice - the longest day of the year. So the light stayed immaculate long into the night. 

First dance.

And time to party! So Michael, the groom plays guitar (very well, I might add). You may recall some of our sing-a-longs from when they lived in New York. Michael and his brother sang a few songs and the band would NOT let them get off stage. Like nothing I've seen before at a wedding. So. Much. Fun.

And then, all of the sudden, it was over. But first, we took a selfie (and in my summer solstice headband that they gave out - loved that touch). 

A flight home, a Taco Bell dinner (you knew I would right?), and some #duvows withdrawals later and things were back to normal.

What an incredible wedding. Two insanely fun, loving, caring, and talented people (from two amazing families, I'll add) coming together forever. Now if we could just get them back to New York, I'll be happy... :) So much love C&M. So much.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! How is June almost over?!

make it happen

^^ Right after I said 'yes'!

Four years ago today, the smartest, hardest-working, funniest, sweetest, boy asked me to be his wife. (Spoiler alert: I said yes. We got married. It was awesome.) I love thinking back to that day and how euphoric it all felt. I felt like I was dreaming! And I'm pretty sure I blacked out for part of it. Here's how it all went down...

↓ click below to read the story

friday finds

Happy, happy Friday! Any plans this weekend? Al's playing golf tomorrow and Sunday I have GOT to, for the love of sun dresses, switch out my closet for the season. How many weeks have I been saying I was going to do this? Eek. Hope you have a weekend that's equal parts fun and productive. That's what I'm aiming for.

Finds from this week →

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Olivia Palermo is on the cover this month's BRIDES magazine. I love her. And is it weird I still by bridal magazines?

Awesome temporary wall graphics and papers. Perfect for apartment dwellers. Kind of reminds me of this stuff. (via Young House Love)

Kate Moss for TopShop. Some stuff I love. Some I seriously question. Same way I feel about Ms. Moss in general. ☺

THIS PHOTO. Whoa.

You had me at boozy slushies.

What a beautiful wedding. I love her hair. And her dress. And the flowers. I'm having a big love affair with eucalyptus leaves right now.

How is this not in NYC? Residents of other cities, go do this!

A potential project for me this weekend.

Excited for this. I'm a huge fan of her site.

The list of the world's 50 best restaurants just came out. Have you been to any? We've been to three!

Made me cry. Dogs have super powers.

Found Al's birthday cake recipe for next month. Yum.

I could NOT stop laughing at these. Best one →  Q:"What does a nosy pepper do?" A: "Gets jalapeno business!"

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Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

-Katie-

P.S. You may have missed → discussions of tulle skirts and mac and cheese with grown up flavors.

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friday finds

Happy Friday! I am starting to think we're on the other side of this nasty winter weather. I've convinced myself that very soon there will be less of that ^^ slush and more sun. I really hope I'm right. Any plans this weekend? Al finished a huge thing at work this week and (finally) won't have to work as much this weekend. He requested that we "do fun stuff!". We have a few plans to catch up with friends and I am really hoping we can get some park time in for Miss Lily Mayo. "Fun stuff" for sure.

And now for the finds of the week:

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Beyond obsessed with Patrick Dempsey's beautiful Frank Gehry home.

Cooking rules from Bobby Flay. Love this entire article - some great recipes too.

A great response to the whole Gwyenth vs. Vanity Fair hubub. I'll keep my opinion of her to myself.

The Atlantic is featuring some of the videos that the American Archive of Public Broadcasting is preserving.   All are pretty awesome to watch.  My favorite is this one. I just love Julia (that meat cleaver!).

A new (boozy) take on my favorite dessert. Two thumbs up.

The list of James Beard Semifinalists are out. I use it as sort of my dining score card for the year - checking off where we've eaten and where we've eaten and where we need to go next.

Stumbled across this beautiful wedding dress designer. Look at the dress in this wedding! Stunning.

Made me laugh.  Even The New Yorker is hooked!

Love this video so so so much. I should interview my grandma. She'd have similar responses!

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Wishing you a very happy weekend.  

Go do something fun!

xoxo,

K

P.S. Frenchie Umbrella! (Thanks, Allison)

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friday finds

Happy Friday!  This week flew by thanks to the three day weekend.  Any plans this weekend?  We have a few birthday parties to hit up and have talked of going to a museum (I am heartbroken we are a week late to see this).  Other plans involve baking (unsure what, does anyone else get the itch to bake sometimes?), reading, and trying to get Lily to walk outside in all this snow (more is coming tomorrow, yikes).

Here's what I'm loving from the internet this week.  Lots of good stuff!

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All about herb storage - The plants, not my father, who is named Herb. 

Genius.  This is why I like Serious Eats.  Ideas to change your life.

A new take on my favorite cocktail, the Negroni.

Loving the new Food Network site redesign.  Looks cleaner and fresher!

Something fun to do this Sunday in NYC.  Yum!

Fashion brands to watch this year.  Snaps for Ann Taylor.  Big fan of their work-wear.

A new way to separate egg yolks.  This looks so fun! (Thanks Piper!)

Another fun cake topper for you brides-to-be.  I guess I'm on a cake-topper kick?

Made me laugh (read the comments). 

Adorable and educational science project.  Certainly makes me think twice about my produce.

This will take up the rest of your afternoon.

This ain't your grandma's dinner theater.

And leaving you with the most helpful tool for your work since excel.

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Happy weekend!

xoxo,

K

{image source:  Chamade Vintage French Photos}

friday finds

Happy Friday!  I don't know about you, but I'm ready for this is whole polar vortex thing to be, as Kristin Cavallari would say, DUNZO.  Just checked the weather and things are looking up (despite this morning's wet snow/rain) so I'll stop complaining.  I mostly wanted to use DUNZO.

Our calendar is full for Saturday and empty for Sunday.  Just the way I like it.  Happy weekend to you!

And check out what excited me this week:

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A little nod to home with this guide to Kansas City from Matt Baldwin (of Baldwin Denim). 

Adam Platt's Where to Eat 2014 aka This Year's To Do List (Love the part about giving up his anonymity.)

Whoa.  Is this true?

THIS.  Yes.  I must.  A good Valentine's gift (hint, hint, Al). ;) 

This wedding seems like a scene from a dream.  So soft and romantic.

I would totally eat from The Burrito Box.  It can't be any worse than gas station frozen burritos, right*?

But I can't eat from The Burrito Box every day, so I guess this beautiful winter salad will work for non-burrito days.

Daydreaming today of being here.

I WANNA GO TO FARM CAMP! <stomps foot and pouts like child>

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Have a cozy weekend!

xoxo,

K

*I eat gas station frozen burritos.

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weekend recap

Hi hi!

We're back from our whirlwind tour of Kansas!

What a spectacular wedding - so full of love and fun.

Here are a few photos...

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Lily was so good on this trip.

She knows to just lay in her bag and wait at the airport like a good girl. 

We arrived Kansas City late Thursday night and stayed at Al's parent's house.

Friday morning we were up bright and early to drive to Wichita.

Imagine this view...for 3 hours. ;)

The bride at her luncheon!

Also note the super cute bags she gave us.

After the luncheon I went to play with my cousin's kids, Luke and Grace.

I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture with them

They're seriously the cutest kids ever.

Then it was time for rehearsal dinner!

Golf themed since they met working at a golf course.

Inside the score card you wrote down "18 tips for a great marriage".  So adorable.

And then it was the wedding day!

Check out this amazing venue.  

A close up of the huge Chihuly glass chandelier.  How awesome.

The STUNNING bride.

Ginny - you nailed it!

We snuck a peek at their first look moment.

It was so sweet to watch Brian relax once he saw Ginny.

I found my date!

Managed to peel him away from working in our hotel room all weekend.

One blurry pic of us from the entire weekend.  Wups!

First dance (sung by the father of the bride - so sweet).

My aunt, uncle, and cousins were at the wedding too.

My cousins and I started cracking up when we realized we were all wearing the same style of dress in different colors.  That is so us.

LOVED getting to see you all!

And one of the Kappa girls.

Sunday morning up early again to drive back to KC.

Slightly different skyline than what we have here in NYC.

Thanks to my mom for shuttling us between KC and Wichita.

Loved getting to see you mom, even if most of it was inside your car!

After yet, ANOTHER CHIEFS WIN we sat out and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

A little game of catch while Lily went insane chasing the ball back and forth.

And then it was time to leave.  :(

We realized on the way to airport we didn't have any food to use to give Lily her pill. 

(yes, we drug her on the flights - vet recommended, totally safe)

Cue Lily's first drive through experience.  She was beyond confused.

Back at the airport, all packed up and ready to go.

I was seriously not ready to leave.

May have even shed a few tears on the plane.

Love to all our family.

And best wishes on a long and happy marriage to G & B!

xoxo,

K