I love Love

I truly love love. That sounds so cheesy, but I truly do. I'm a hopeless romantic and swoon at the little things. Some people view that as a fault but my Nicholas doesn't seem to mind.

We were able to spend the entire day together, as in we didn't wake up until 10:30, which was a first. I'll be honest and say it was nice to not share him with the Navy on a weekday, especially a holiday.

We ventured to the farmers market where we had the most amazing pulled pork sandwiches ever and also grabbed a very large container of homemade guacamole. We stumbled upon the farmers market on accident one week and have gone back every Friday since. While I love the commissary it's so nice to get fresh picked vegetables and fruit. I love supporting local businesses and the quality and price can't be beat.

Originally we planned to go out to Ruths Chris for dinner but after some thought we decided to stay home, relax and just make dinner ourselves. And it was amazing. I love food, I truly do, and I also love wine. And being able to make dinner at home and just relax was nice. We didn't have to worry bout how wound up the dogs would be once we came home, or who wouldn't be able to drink because we had to drive back (it's always Nic which makes me feel bad). We found the most amazing lobster colorado recipe which I couldn't recommend enough, I made some pierogi potatoes and we have "fresh organic broccoli" straight from our garden. Pair that with some ridiculously decadent wine and we were happy as can be.

 

I also slaved over chocolate covered strawberries where the chocolate had a decent amount of Kahlua in them. We watched Nic's favorite movie Count of Monte Cristo. We hope every else also had a wonderful day full of their loved ones!

Our Wedding: June 1, 2013

It feels like just yesterday I was sneaking glances at him in 9th grade Geometry, hoping he'd actually give me some attention. Its been over a month and I still can't put my head around the fact that Nicholas and I are married.

June 1st has already turned into a bit of a blur. For looking forward to a day for my entire life, and spending the last few months planning every big -- and little -- detail, the day flew by faster than I can imagine. We were lucky enough to have a "wedding weekend". Most of my bridesmaids were from out of town so they all flew in Thursday and Friday and left Sunday or Monday. Cookouts, crafting and a post wedding brunch brought the weekend together and let us all spend time together. 

Our wedding was honestly the happiest day of my life.  I have heard so many people say that it will "fly by" and that we need to "make sure to have a moment alone to enjoy it together".  And everyone was right, it really did fly by. But at the same time we were also so wrapped into each other that we don't feel like we missed out on getting enough time "just the two of us" to enjoy what the day was about. If anything we probably would go back and spend more time with our friends.

Our ceremony was at the United States Naval Academy Chapel and absolutely perfect. Our reception venue was half an hour away at Old South Country Club and it was the best. I loved my dress, hair, flowers, everything. It's so cheesy but I really can't say anything other than how perfect the day was. I got to marry my best friend and that's all I've wanted.

Here's some pictures from our special day!

Our flowers were gorgeous and everything I imagined. 

Nic went above and beyond in his gift. The man who isn't the craftiest fellow gave me a box with little vials to fill with sand/dirt/anything from places we go on adventures. It was such a beautiful thing to receive. 

While neither of us are fans of first looks we both wanted to be able to at least hold each others hands before the ceremony. I found a few pictures like this and during our rehearsal I found the perfect door. We were able to read our letters to each other while holding hands. I got to the third line and started to cry, so, I only half read his letter, but still, it's the thought that counts. ;)

I love this photo so much. 

The little details were important to me. While frustrating at times, they truly did add an extra "umph" to our wedding day. For all future brides -- yes, don't sweat the small stuff -- but at the same time, if you really love a detail that everyone else is calling trivial, make sure to include it! I loved the detail on our programs and while it took forever to tie the little bows, the end result was worth it!

Our fantastic gluten free cake! Anyone in the Maryland, Virginia, DC area I recommend Happy Tart Bakery!

Because it wouldn't have felt right if I didn't stunt with my bridesmaids. . and of course Nic had to spot.

Nic's Best Man surprised us by having them all waltz during the Bridal Dance

We ended our night sending wishes into the air with sky lanterns and walking under sparklers. It was beautiful.


Our wedding was perfect and magical for many reasons. I got to marry my best friend and spend a weekend with family and friends. I've never felt so much love in my life. I cannot say how thankful I am enough.