Maddie & Ashley {The Wedding}

The wedding on Saturday was absolutely perfect.  We spent the morning relaxing at the house while leisurely doing each other's hair and make up and chatting about how excited we were for the day.  The ceremony was moved inside last minute, which ended up being amazing - I don't think I've ever seen a prettier venue than The Great Hall.  After the ceremony, we sipped on wine and mingled with our friends before heading back inside to the gorgeous reception.  The toasts were sweet, the food delish, and the ribbon dancing was some of the best I've ever seen :)  We all had the most excellent time at this party that we never wanted it to stop, but by the time it did, I went to bed dreaming of white lace, dancing like a kid, and some of the greatest friends you could have.  Congrats Mads & Ash - what a wonderful way to celebrate you!!

first look

 maddie with her dad and hubby

 bridesmaids!

 the beautiful ceremony & reception spot

 ribbon dancing is my new favorite

 with liz and autumn as my dress was falling apart

 best man & me

the happy family :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Sunshine at the Lake

This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous.  I spent the majority of it outside at the lake, alternating between eating, drinking, reading, and napping.  It felt wonderful.  On Saturday, Erika, Maddie, and Liz joined me for some bottles of rosé, a few rounds of photos, and lots of laughs.  I can tell it's gonna be a good summer :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Hello, 2013!

I spent New Year's Eve at the Helling house and it was exactly what I needed - a cozy night in with boozy drinks (Jell-O Shots anyone?), yummy food, fabulous friends, and sparklers at midnight.  Throughout the night I talked to different people about our resolutions/goals/intentions - whatever you want to call them - to try to define mine more clearly.  I'm building on last year's list with a few simple resolutions to make 2013 the best year yet (though 2012 will be tough to beat) - reduce the clutter, add some cardio to my routine, be mindful of my spending, learn how to use my camera, and go on more date nights.  Hey, I had to add something fun in there :)  Here's to another memorable year!  And now, a few photos of how we said adios to 2012.

 erika, me, and erin

 the best heads of hair in the city

 erika and joe

 drew and laura

 cheers!

 our fabulous hosts

 me, erika, and autumn

 happy new year!

 liz and barry

 sparkler outtakes

 success!

 happy new year!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Girls Night In

Saturday night, we all got dressed up in our finest for a girls night out dancing.  However, after several of Maddie's special cocktails and lots of girl talk, we all took off our dancin' shoes for a girls night in.  It was exactly what I needed :)

 lizzie and erika

 autumn and her new friend

 how many girls does it take to open a bottle of prosecco?

 erin trying on the weave

 autumn and lianna's reaction to me wearing the weave

 ta-da!  as david says, full on country singer hair

 love these girls!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Terra Plata {rooftop garden}

Last week I got together with Kristen and Liz to celebrate Kristen's recent engagement (yay!).  Since it was a sunny Seattle afternoon, we decided to try out the rooftop garden at Terra Plata in the Melrose Market.  I can't believe I haven't discovered this place sooner!  While they don't technically have a happy hour, their menu consists of small plates to share - and items exclusive to the rooftop that you can't get in the regular restaurant downstairs.  The chef, Tamara Murphy, was at the rooftop grill, serving up yummy fresh veggies straight from the garden, including heirloom tomatoes and some of the best corn on the cob I've ever had.  We started off with delicious cocktails, then moved on to a bottle of rosé to celebrate the last days of summer - and to toast the future bride :)  It was a perfect late summer evening, and I simply can't wait for more fun dates with these awesome ladies.

xoxo,

stephanie marie

Duck Dodge Birthday

Cross another one off the list!  Autumn and Ryan were gracious enough to host my birthday celebration this year on their boat for Duck Dodge.  Armed with beers, hot dogs, cupcakes, and birthday leis for everyone (and an awesome 'Birthday Princess' sash for me), we were well prepared for an evening of fun.  While we weren't in it to win it (after all, we had to pick up Barry on the dock halfway through the race), it was such a beautiful night to spend out on the lake with some of my most favorite people.  Thanks to everyone for making it such a special day - I'm a very lucky lady! :)

 stefanie, erika, me, and autumn

 david and i sooo excited to get the race started

 barry and maddie doing something that looks really important

 me, david, and stefanie

 joe and erika

 "you think i'm silly?  i'll show you silly"

 ta-da!

 maddie

 photo bomb by liz :)

xoxo,

stephanie marie