Showering Baby Clara

Sunday afternoon I headed north to celebrate the upcoming arrival of Ashley & Sam's baby Clara.  I've known Ashley since I was 2 years old and I can't believe that in 8 short weeks she's going to be a mom!  Her shower was at her Aunt Lisa's house and Lisa definitely went allllll out to decorate and celebrate Ashley.  The food spread was incredible, there were bunny decorations {the theme} everywhere, and the focus was all on the new mama as we played games and she opened gift after cute gift for baby Clara.  It was fun to catch up with some old friends from back in the day and the celebration made me even more excited to meet little Clara - I can't wait!  Congrats Ash & Sam!

the old neighborhood crew - sarah, ashley, and me

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Dinner with Ashley {Maggie Bluffs}

I hadn't seen Ashley in forever {seriously, it's been waaaaay too long} so last Friday night she met me in Magnolia and we had dinner at my fave, Maggie Bluffs.  It was a beautiful summer evening, so we sat outside on the patio, drinking wine and eating some yummy salads while catching up on the exciting and mundane of each other's lives.  I love introducing this place to people who have never been there - she even was taking pictures before dinner to capture the view {that view never gets old :)}.  It was so fun catching up with Ash - she always has such good insight to things and gets so excited when you tell her happy news.  We definitely can't wait as long to get together again - and hopefully next time it will be in their brand new house {fingers crossed}!!!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Just Married {Ashley & Sam}

Today, in honor of Ashley's birthday {yay!} I want to share some pictures from her wedding a few weeks ago to Sam.  I've known Ashley since I was 2 years old and moved into the house two doors down from her.  Ash was my best friend all through childhood - every memory I have of being young involves her.  To watch her meet Sam, fall in love, and have the wedding of her dreams was such a surreal experience and one that I'm so happy to be a part of.  It was such a beautiful and fun night {I literally had to take off my shoes to walk to the car due to so much dancing} and I didn't want it to end.  I'm so happy these two found each other - they make such a lovely couple - and I'm so happy that after all these years, Ashley is still such a dear part of my life.  Congrats you two!!

 me and sarah - another friend from the neighborhood!

 brother and sister dance was epic

Congrats to the beautiful bride!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Ashley's Bachelorette

Saturday evening I met up with Ashley and friends to celebrate her upcoming wedding and the end of her single life :)  We went to the Can Can for the late night showing of "Flamingo", which, just like last time, totally exceed my expectations.  The show is so much fun to watch and the entertainers are insanely talented.  While these pictures make it seem pretty risque, I guarantee those booties were the most risque thing we saw the entire show :)  Ashley had a fabulous time laughing, drinking, and being brought up on stage, and sitting next to this lady and chatting throughout the night made me realize how insane it is that I've known her almost 3 decades!!  I cannot wait to celebrate her wedding to Sam next month, and this was a pretty awesome way to start the festivities :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Showering Ashley

Sunday morning, I headed down to Belltown to celebrate my oldest friend {literally - we met when we were 2} getting married.  No matter how much time passes or where we are at in life, Ashley and I have always been close and can pick up exactly where we left off.  The shower was pure Ashley - a little bit whimsical, a little bit classy, and a little bit Disney :)  We snacked on finger foods and listened to the most awesome Pandora station {Celine Dion, Disney, & Wilson Phillips} while taking pictures, telling stories, drinking mimosas, and catching up with people I haven't seen in years.  We even got to take home a vintage tea cup as party favors.  It was a perfect morning celebrating this amazing lady, and I cannot wait to watch her marry her Prince Charming this fall :)

 with ash & janet

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Toast

Sunday morning I met up with Ashley at Toast in Ballard for brunch to catch up and celebrate her and Sam's engagement!  Toast is a super cute little spot off 24th that specializes in, you guessed it, toast, and some pretty delicious waffles.  Since I can never resist anything pumpkin flavored, Ashley and I both tried their pumpkin spice waffles - with mimosas, of course :)  The waffles were amazing {this coming from someone who almost always picks savory breakfast over sweet} and the company was even better.  We got all caught up and I got to hear all of the exciting wedding details that are well underway.  I can't wait to celebrate this lady throughout the next year and know there are many more brunches like this in our future :)  Congrats Ash - and thanks for introducing me to a new favorite spot!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Fiesta {Part 2}

When about half of the party guests left, we decided it was time to hang up the pinata that Merith and Andy brought and take a few swings.  After not too many tries, the pinata fell, but not entirely broken, so we decided to play a quick game of pinata baseball to really break it open :)  After that, us girls played a few rounds of Here Dummy {of course my team won :)}, all the while drinking, laughing, and having the best time.  I love these people :)

 i have been finding pieces of candy all over my yard since the party

 pinata baseball!

 pictures like this make me the happiest

 every pinata needs plastic mini bottles

 erika does not look confident in merith's skills

 the high school  {and earlier} ladies stuck around 'til the end

 remnants of a fun night

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Comfort {Glassybaby}

It's hard to capture the gorgeous peach color of this Glassybaby {especially when I wait until dusk to take it outside to shoot - oops} but I promise you, it's one of my faves.  Sweet Ashley bought it for me when Nana passed away, and it's name, Comfort, is so perfect.  Every time I look at it sitting on my dining table, I think of how lucky I am to have such thoughtful friends who really care.  It really is quite comforting :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy 30th Ashley!

Happy 30th Birthday to the friend that has known me the longest.  Ashley and I met when we were 2 years old and each year, the birthdays get better and better :)  Last night we celebrated at The Fairmont Olympic with champagne, cake, and great friends.  Ash - you are definitely loved.  If anyone deserves a fabulous birthday, it's you.  Love ya!

classic ashley

xoxo,
stephanie marie