My Best Friend's Wedding

I'll never forget the day in 5th grade when my teacher introduced the class to our new student - Sairy. She shyly stepped in and I vividly remember her perm of tight curls, headgear braces and a sweater with a teddy bear that would land her the nickname "Teddy" later in the school year. Although she didn't speak much English at the time, we became fast friends through games of red rover and four square.

The next year we went to different middle schools, causing us to be track rivals, but luckily high school brought us together again. It was like those 3 years in between didn't affect us at all. We quickly became friends all over again becoming inseparable on and off the track.

As we've grown older I've seen Sairy grow into the selfless, encouraging and confident woman she is today. She is not afraid to speak her mind and often gives me the confidence boost I often lack. She is the first one to help a friend in need and lights up the room with her contagious laugh.

When Sairy first posted on Facebook that she was dating Julius as an April Fools joke, a tiny part inside of me knew their relationship was more than a joke. I knew from the moment that Julius started running more than one 5k that he was a keeper. He has been treating Sairy like a gem since then, embracing her family and friends while they made their relationship "facebook official". I was over the moon when I got an exciting call from Sairy last Thanksgiving with the news that Julius had proposed.

After a year of wedding planning, a room full of Sairy and Julius' family and closest friends witnessed the two love birds say "I do". It was the perfect evening at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden that included tradition, unforgettable dancing, laughing and unconditional love.

Marriage is a wonderful thing. I know how great it is to have a partner in life and I'm so excited for Sairy and Julius to begin their journey together. Jeremy and I wish you a lifetime of love and joy surrounded by family and friends. Just wait...the best has yet to come.

Cheese! 2014 Family Photos.

Each and every year, Jeremy (and Apollo) put up with my photo fanatic self and pose for our family photos by Sunny of Themba Imagery. This year we decided to soak in the beauty of the Queen City with the beautiful skyline as our background. Sunny did an amazing job (as always) capturing our love for one another and for the city we call home. Below are a few of my favorites. I can't wait to find the perfect frames and find a cozy spot for them in our home.

A big thanks goes to Reuben for taking care of Apollo behind the scenes. We couldn't have done this without ya! As always, thank you, Sunny, for always exceeding our expectations in the work that you do! Your talent grows each year and we love your passion for photography, hope and philanthropy. We look forward to working with you next year!

Pumpkins and Hayrides

I realize we're well into November and a trip to the pumpkin farm was taken over a month ago but I am determined to write about. DETERMINED.

Please excuse my procrastinating self and accept my apology by scrolling through these adorable pictures of my nephew.

Fall isn't complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Corn mazes, hay rides and slushies (it was unreasonably hot) made our day at the Hall Family Farm. Keegan loved sliding down the slide and hopping on the tractor for pictures. He is all boy, that's for sure. He enjoyed picking a pumpkin for his Grammie and Grampie to display on the front porch. It was a great day at the farm, full of memories to share in years to come.