Paint Night

About a month ago, a group of us girls headed to Canvas in Fremont for a Paint & Sip evening to celebrate Merith's bday.  I've never done one of these, being incredibly un-artistic, but everyone says it's so much fun, and for Merith, I would do just about anything :)  The wine definitely helped, and having a teacher up in front telling us exactly what to do was incredibly necessary.  I concentrated a lot {I was determined to not make it terrible!} and in the end I was pretty impressed with my painting!  Now, to find the perfect place to display it....... :)

 playing with the selfie stick

 the new mama made a surprise appearance!

 mer took artistic license and did a different painting :)

 my finished product!

So much fun!  Happy Birthday, Merith!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Birthday {Mini-Golf & BBQ}

Even though I threw a big bash last year, and most of my friends don't really do birthday parties anymore, I thought it would be fun to get some of my faves together for a little celebration and fun this past weekend.  And what better than putt putt?!?!  Since the course is right down the street from my house, 6 of us met up for drinks and a rousing game before heading back to my house for a bbq with the others.  There was plenty of drinks, hot dogs, baby and puppy time, games, and laughs to keep us entertained well after dark.  My patio is one of my favorite places to be in the summer, and with this great group of friends, it's even better :)  Thanks to all who helped start 31 out on a fabulous note!

 my almost hole in one!

 ryley and zelda were instant friends

 ryley also was a big help to andy barbecuing the hot dogs

 what sudden death looks like

 the wreath made of scraps from my yard, courtesy of dad 

perfect place

xoxo,
stephanie marie

A Food-Filled Birthday

When people ask what I did for my birthday, I tell them the honest truth - I ate.  A lot. I took the day off from work and after a leisurely morning around the house, I headed up to The Fat Hen, one of the best brunches in the city. I wasn't the only one with that idea apparently, so after a 45 minute wait, I finally sat down to order my baked eggs with sausage and mushrooms and two mimosas {perfection}.  After a quick trip to visit Ms. Linnea, I headed home to pick some fresh tomatoes from my garden to snack on, and patiently wait for the parents.  Once they got here, we headed up to Delancey right as they were opening and snagged a table where we proceeded to fill ourselves up on salad, pizza, and an amazing dessert.  I had to practically roll myself home, but it was totally worth it to spend my bday doing one of my favorite things - eating good food :)  Thanks Mom & Dad for keeping me company!!

 homegrown

 my parents got me 31 scratch tickets for my 31st birthday on the 31st of July.  i made $11.

 the jersey salad at delancey

 sausage pizza - my fave

bourbon soaked peaches with icecream

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Susannah & Rob {The Reception}

Susannah and Rob's reception was one of those parties you just never want to end.  Immediately following the ceremony at her parents house, we walked out to the tent in the field where there was music, dancing, drinking, and the most gorgeous sunset {above}.  I got to hang out with some of my most favorite people and toast one of my bestest friends - does it get any better?  I guess when you go home with a broken shoe from dancing too hard, you know the night was a success :)

 the coolest band greeted us at the reception

 speeches!

 we took our roles very seriously

 first dance

 the most gorgeous wedding cake michelle made - in my parent's kitchen!

best photobomb ever

 my faves

 we perfected this in high school, and it just keeps getting better

 with the lovely michelle

 family selfie

 doug said he instantly knew melanie and i would be great friends - i totally agree :)

 the most beautiful bride

 surprise fireworks!

Susannah and Rob - I am so honored to have witnessed this amazing ceremony and awesome celebration.  I wish you nothing but pure love, happiness, and laughs :)

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happiest of birthdays to the funniest, kindest, silliest, prettiest lady I know!  Mom - you're always there when I need you with great advice, a slightly inappropriate joke, and the best hugs in the world.  I'm so honored to call you my mom and friend :)  I love you!

xoxo,
stephanie marie

Susannah & Rob {Getting Ready & The Wedding}

Saturday, July 25th was one of the happiest days, as two of my most favorite people in the entire world, Susannah & Rob, said their I Do's in front of friends and family at her childhood home.  This day was many, many years in the making and it couldn't have been more special.  We all met up at Susannah's house that afternoon for a very relaxed and girly getting ready time, and everyone pitched in helping do each other's hair and makeup.  After we took pictures {I cannot wait to see them!!} we all settled in as we watched the absolutely stunning bride walk down the aisle to her groom.  The vows were beautiful - there wasn't a dry eye in the place - and you can feel the love these two have for each other.  It was a fabulous day that I am so honored to have been a part of. 

 the perfect spot for getting ready together

 the littlest bridesmaid :)

 she was passed out most of the morning

 so excited!!

 all dressed up!

 jasmine sang a beautiful original song as susannah walked down the aisle

 a nervous moment before seeing the bride

 susannah and doug

 sealed with a kiss

 mr. & mrs. rex!

Next up - the amazing reception!

xoxo,
stephanie marie