All You Need is Love

James and I attended a wedding over the weekend in Topanga Canyon for our friends Kayla and Chris. There is nothing like an outdoor southern California wedding - the weather was beautiful, the setting was restful, and looking at what everyone else was wearing was fantastic! Kayla's sister, Carly, got married earlier this year, and although they used a few of the same touches, this wedding definitely had Kayla's stamp on it.

The lovely couple, waaaay up there

Kayla and Chris were married in an oak grove at the Ribbit Plant & Tree Nursery. Chris looked happy and relaxed, and Kayla looked stunning. There were all sorts of great personal touches - Kayla was hidden from view until she reached the aisle by her dad's 4 closest friends, who were each wearing a piece of her dad's suit. His presence was definitely felt and missed by all, as it was at Carly's wedding. Kayla wore the flower crown that her mom wore at her wedding during the reception. One of the bridesmaids read this fabulous poem called I Like You by Sandol Stoddard Warburg - it was just so them.

And then, it was party time.

Ryan was the DJ, I was just there

Joe and James

Ain't no party like a west coast par-taaay!

It was a great day, full of fun, friendship, laughter, and Mason jars practically filled with wine. Plus, our taxi actually showed up to take us back to the hotel after the festivities, which did not happen at the last wedding in Topanga Canyon we attended. (We caught a ride from some of the guys who worked at the venue, I was convinced we were going to be abducted.) So, all in all, good times were had!

And, speaking of weddings, today is our 5 year wedding anniversary! This marriage thing is pretty great, and I've gotta say, I'm a fan.

Congratulations, Kayla & Chris!!

Weddings, and Introducing Vegetarians to German Potato Salad

BFF got married 2 weeks ago. (Hooray!!!) I love her and I love her new husband - can't wait to have them round for dinner where we can introduce him to my German Potato Salad. (They're both veggie, but he's decided to start eating meat in preparation for their European honeymoon.)

It was an absolutely beautiful day, despite the threat of rain. I threw my camera at James when he arrived and charged him with picture taking, while I held onto my phone (strategically held in place under the strap of my dress - note to self: if ever buying a bridesmaid dress again, look for one with pockets!). There were 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen, and close to 200 guests. It just goes to show how much everyone loves the happy couple!


There were picture frames hung by twine from the tree branches.



She chose succulents as her "flowers." This was her bouquet. She actually MADE the bridesmaids bouquets (I'll show you mine in a little bit...)




Her dad was there in spirit, although sorely missed by those who knew him




The guestbook was thumbprints of fireflies. Everyone was walking around with yellow thumbs.




The head table



The bride & groomsmen (I have absolutely no pictures of the groom facing forward!)




James and I wandered around the property and found a swing, which we swung upon. My dress was grey lace, and my shoes were mustard yellow ballet flats, which made me possibly the shortest bridesmaid.




Dance par-tay!! I'm not much of a dancer, but I had to join in for "Don't Stop Believin'", which is becoming a wedding must-have.




James and I taking some time out to explore the gardens.

What is it about weddings that make people cry? Is it that you're witnessing the next part of someone's life happening right in front of your eyes? Is it all the memories you've shared with that person up until then? (And I've shared about 17 years worth of memories with her!) I have no idea, but whatever it is, I was so thankful that no one was looking at the bridesmaids and everyone was watching the bride, because I totally cried. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't the pretty kind of crying. Which is why I wore waterproof mascara.

After the ceremony, James and I caught up with friends, some older, some newer. It was an absolutely wonderful day, and we partook of the "photobooth" to commemorate it:

We are distinguished, don't you know?

And, didn't I promise to show my bouquet?

I took it apart, planted it, and now it's the C&J Love Garden!

I Swear I'm Not a Twi-Hard

James made a sudden trip home to see his family, and I'm here dealing with the damn ants that have decided to invade my bathroom and kitchen. I'm being suprisingly productive, although, sadly, not in a housekeeping kind of way. (Will I ever get a handle on all of the paper that covers our home? Or all of the art supplies??)

I'm focusing on the holidays right now. I've let some things go this year (like choir and handbells - it was time for a break), but life has thrown some other crap in the mix to deal with, which is just making me more determined to carry on and have as pleasant a holiday season as possible. So I'm getting a head start on our holiday cards, I'm considering an Advent calendar, and I've made a good start on my Christmas shopping. (My goal is to be done by the end of November. We'll see if I make it.)



I've wanted to get an awesome Advent calendar for years...

 I've also found a bridesmaid dress for my best friend's March wedding. Actually, I found two. She's a super easy-going bride and a bride after my own heart, telling us to just find a grey dress and yellow shoes. Easy, right? Sort of. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find a grey dress that isn't encrusted in sequins (hooka-style) and doesn't look like a business suit?


Tried this one on. N.O.



Runner Up - It has pockets, y'all.

Do we have a winner? Minus the red tights/leggings?

Considering Carly caught a tiny glimpse of the last one through the bag and said "Oh my God, please wear that one, it's soooo pretty!!" I think that's the one I'll go with. Now, on to the yellow shoes!

One of the perks of being sans husband (not that there's many, I'm still a newlywed after 4 years, guys) is that I get to watch as many of the dumb Twilight movies as I want. And what's even better is the fact that I have a day off tomorrow and it won't matter that I'm watching 2 in a row...They are truly terrible and I can't wait to see the final one. I swear I'm not a Twi-Hard.