A+B's Wedding

The first half of this lovely year of 2012 was BUSY to say the least! I felt like my school schedule consumed my life and the impending arrival of my inlaws coming in town had me stressed. Sprinkled in were some pretty amazing moments, though. Daniel and I celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary, made some progress on our house, we spent time with Daniel's parents and younger sister and shared in all of the wedding related events for Daniel's brother, Andrew and his new bride, Briana. Now, with things calming down a bit I'm able to document, share everything A+B wedding related!

Attending a wedding for a family member is SO different and special. It makes doing anything for them that much more special. You want things to go as smoothly as they possibly can and anything they desire, you try to make happen for them. Money and drama aren't an issue. There's a different level of respect and admiration for them. All of the time, thought and behind the scenes planning that I had spewing around in my own head were from a good place. It was from a place of pure happiness and joy. A place of contentment. It's hard to believe the little brother to Daniel, who I have watched grow up from a little boy to now a man has found his best friend to share the rest of his life with...and is married! You think back and realize how much time has went by and what new memories lie ahead. It's just very surreal!

Over the last year or so, my relationship with Briana has become much more close and special. Having Briana as a SIL makes my heart so happy! Last November '11 A+B asked both Daniel and I to be in their wedding party, which really meant a lot to us. We've embraced Briana as family and a friend. Now, her and Andrew are married and we pray that God continues to bless them and guide them through the many years of their marriage!

Time got the best of us during these busy, fun months. I was waiting on some pro pics from Briana too, so (finally) here are some of my favorite pictures from their special wedding events! Their wedding day was July 20, 2012!

Briana's Bachelorette Weekend

I enjoyed planning, preparing for Bri's bachelorette weekend! The theme was hot pink/black with some zebra print mixed in. I hosted a lingerie shower after dinner the first night during our hotel stay. I kept things simple w/ a spiked vodka raspberry lemonade, flavored water, beers and bottled water to drink. To eat, I displayed some chocolate dipped macaroons, black & white cookies from Too Jays on to some white ceramic platters lined w/ scrapbook paper. I also made some chocolate dipped strawberries. Keeping things easy is essential, especially when you have to lug and set up everything in a hotel room! :) Bri's MOH and best friend, Kristinia, made adorable favors for us girls and organized the hotel stay. It was fun exchanging ideas and getting to know her better, too.

Day of the Rehearsal

Some wedding details and pics

Bri and Andrew's wedding Ceremony was at the Altamonte Chapel, sorry I didn't take any pics as I was in the wedding party, but it was a beautiful, quaint chapel which was intimate and perfect! The Reception was held at the Winter Park Farmer's Market which fit their rustic/vintage/country themed wedding perfectly!

The Bride & Groom and Daniel and I

Finally "Sisters" :)

Enjoying a perfect wedding with my hubby!

Newlywed Life

While the newlyweds were in Europe for a couple weeks, I happily collected their mail! I wanted them to feel comfortable and not have to worry about anything when they got home, so I made a couple meals and put them in the freezer, cleaned up their house and decorated it a little. Bri's mom stocked the fridge with their favorite foods and beverages. They loved our surprise(s) and I'm so glad I could do that for them!

....feels good to have posted about this! Finally! haha