Great Catch-Up : Gilbert and Rachel's Wedding

We couldn't have been more thrilled when our good friends, Gilbert and Rachel, got engaged. I can honestly say that we'd been looking forward to their wedding all year - and it didn't disappoint.

Heath was not a groomsmen in this wedding - he was the officiant. While that meant a lot more pressure, it was a role he was honored to take on and, if I do say so myself, he knocked it out of the park. He didn't get ordained online or anything like that. G&R were married by a justice of the peace the day before; Heath led them through their vows the day of and offered a short reflection on marriage that was so good it led to people we don't even know asking him to do their wedding! Hilarious.

G&R had a wedding weekend as opposed to just a wedding day that included a rehearsal dinner in Brooklyn on Thursday, an extended cocktail hour at swanky bar in Midtown on Friday, a gorgeous ceremony and reception at the Metropolitan Building in Queens on Saturday, followed by an after-party in their suite at the W, then brunch at the hotel Sunday morning.

There were so many personal elements to the wedding, but one in particular was the table set-up. Each table had a book theme; we were at the Hemingway table. At each person's seat was a book that was hand inscribed by G or R. It took a lot of time and thought to pull that off and it was a treat to see everyone discuss what book they'd been given and what the inscription said.

It was exhausting and beautiful and fantastic. We really had a blast and couldn't have been more happy to be a part of watching two people so perfect for one another tie the knot.

[at the rehearsal dinner]

[the beautiful bride and her father]

[the couple and the officiant]

[view from the Metropolitan Building]

[before we were destroyed by dinner and dancing]

[reception fun]

[beautiful book tables]

 

[view from the suite]

[not a great picture of me, but that's what happens when you wait until the end of the night to grab the couple for a photo...]

Great Catch-Up : My birthday

This year, it was the birthday that kept on giving. The day before was spent in NYC, after Gil and Rachel's wedding (photos to come). Heath and I walked through the city, found a great little sports bar and watched the Chief's beat the 49ers.

[sports bar fun]

The next day, Heath headed back to Chicago, so I had a fantastic dinner with my boss and a couple colleagues at a funky Italian restaurant in Tribeca called Il Matto. No photos from the evening, but trust me - it was DELICIOUS.

When I did get home, I had a lovely dinner at a new Brazilian restaurant in the city with Heath and my fabulous in-laws. Again, no photos, but very tasty.

What DO I have photos of? My last big surprise of the week... After dinner at one of our favorite new places in Pilsen — Decolores — I was a little surprised when a lot of friends needed to head out early, but figured it was a lot to ask for people to hang out late on the southside. Imagine my surprise when Heath and I return home to a roomful of those same friends, a few more, cake and the "signature drink" of the evening: Strawberry Basil Mojitos. It was a big surprise and a lot of fun. Heath deserves major kudos for planning it all under my nose and, with the help of the Decostanzas, pulling it off.

[from the dinner]

Great Catch-Up : Utah, baby!

In the midst of all my work-related travel, some trips are more fun than others. For example, this year I got to head back to Utah - rapidly becoming a favorite travel destination. With the wide variety of amazing outdoor activities, it's always an adventure.

[I'm covered in dirt, oh by the way]

This time around, I did a second round of ATV-ing and hiked down this gorgeous mountain. A real treat!

Great Catch-Up : Tiara comes to visit!

So we finally convince Tiara and Bryan to come visit, and all hell breaks loose. There were emergency room visits, flooding and flood clean up. Thankfully, to make up for it, there was tennis. :-)






The two main highlights of the weekend: Couples tennis and a girl's night of sushi and Eclipse.

It was a blast having them here!

Great Catch-Up : Ryan leaves for NYC

Earlier this summer (I know!), Ryan left Chicago to start his public policy program in NYC. With all the traveling we've had going on (and by we, I mean me), Heath and I were glad to be in town for his going away shin-dig.

Luckily, we still have Marissa in town to hang with while they work on selling their place.

We'll miss you, Ryan!

Catching up to do...

We are currently in blog delinquency. I've been traveling a ton and have pictures we need to post including Tiara and Bryan's visit, a day at the dog beach and Luke & Lina's baptism.

Coming this week...I promise!

Golf? Sure...

Since I am not in sales, golfing with clients hasn't really been part of my professional to-do list up to this point. A couple weeks ago, that changed.

One of our biggest clients—based in upstate NY—wanted us to sponsor a foursome at a golf tournament for FANA, an adoption organization. It may seem random, but the marketing director for the client is actually good friends with my cousins in NY and they used FANA to adopt their four beautiful kids. So, a work function turned into a wonderful excuse to see family, quality time with a big advertiser, and my first official golf outing.

It was successful on most counts. Needless to say, I wasn't a rockstar golfer at first blush (even if I did have several amazing putts), but the fact that we played "best ball" kept the day moving. I would definitely do it again, but would need to spend ample time at a driving range in advance of any future time on the green.

Here are just a few pics from my 18-holes.

[beautiful scenery]



[we even saw a fox!]

[my sorry drive]
[molly tees up]
[me and molly, our northeast sales rep]
[molly and jim, our VP]