St. John: Wedding Day

I have been a bridesmaid twice. The first time was when I was in 9th grade and it was for my cousin Karyn. To this day, I am convinced that she just needed an extra body to make it symmetrical, as she was quite a bit older than I was. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled to have a been a part of it, but looking back, it may have been more of a familial obligation. (Side note: this wedding was the first time I ever consumed alcohol. Thank you, cousin Steve, for feeding me vodka crans all night and playing it off as straight juice. My head, and my stomach, found it hard to forgive you that next morning.)

The second time was August 20, 2011 - for one of my closest college friends... my AXO big sister... the maid of honor in my wedding. To say I was excited for this wedding would be a complete understatement. Being a bridesmaid for a friend, especially someone as wonderful as Jessica, was indescribable. There is something about standing up there for with a friend as they marry the love of their life that is so special. Maybe the feeling was escalated because it was the first time supporting a friend in that way, but whatever it was, I ate up every single second of that day. I don't think I could wish for anything more than the happiness of my dear friends, and the look on Jessica's face said it all. Erik is a one hell of a guy... and he is pretty damn lucky to have married her.

They will make pretty babies one day.

MARRIED!

I love the way she looks at him (and he at her)... it just melts my heart.

Stunning. Lovely. Magical. There are too many words to use for this day. It was such a testament to them as a couple, to the families that they are a part of, and to the friends whose lives they have touched. Truly amazing and I was beyond honored to have been a part of it. It was a beautiful way to cap off an already spectacular week. Oh, it makes me emotional just looking back on it all!

Myself and the lovely MOH, Maria.

Beyond wonderful to spend a week with you ladies.

Jumping for joy because Erik & Jessica are hitched!

J & E - Thank you for allowing me to swoon over you, support you, cry with you (or by myself), and celebrate with you. I cannot wait to watch you begin this journey together as husband and wife, and I look forward to seeing where it all takes you! I love you both!

St. John: Pre-Wedding Festivities

Where do I even begin? I thought I had been to a few nice places in my life, but nothing compares to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The clearest water I have ever seen and the softest sand I have ever felt. Completely unreal - most definitely a location that I only dreamed of.

Are you kidding me?!

I had never been to a destination wedding before and I completely understand the appeal! Spending a week with families and friends of the couple prior to the actual day makes such a difference! Mr. Malone & I were fortunate enough to stay in a villa with the groom's family and when it came time to say goodbye, I was crushed. I had spent so much time with his parents and sisters (and the cutest children EVER) that I had become attached. Have no fear, we all became friends on Facebook after going our separate ways in the airport. Oh, technology... you are awesome!

The view from our villa - The Beach Estate.

We were able to explore so much of the island while we were there and fully immerse ourselves in island living. It didn't take long for us to dive right in; we were changed into our bathing suits & on our way to Trunk Bay within 45 minutes of being on St. John. I know, rough life!

Trunk Bay

The next day was no different, as we were out the door by 8:00 AM (ahem, 5:00 in Seattle) to rent dinghies for the morning. I was a little skeptical about this dinghy business, but it was easily one of the best days we spent there. There were 15 of us that went out in 4 boats, all equipped with life jackets and snorkel gear. After a slight mishap at sea, we were "storming the beaches" and making our way around the island, checking out the marine life at each location. (I should note that by "slight mishap," I mean one of the boats was broken. And by broken, I mean the back half was completely submerged in water and personal items will forever be lost.)

Our fearless leader, Captain Chimichanga!

Shockingly, most of the beaches were empty.

Mr. Malone snorkeling at Hawksnest.

Because of the heat and humidity, being in the water was the greatest way to spend our time. This allowed me to make multiple "Finding Nemo" references. I saw Dory, Crush, and that group of fish that gave directions by forming the image with their bodies! No, I am not 8 years old. One of the most amazing parts of the trip was discovering how many ties both families had to the island. Her parents met and fell in love on St. John, while his aunt lived there for four years. We had the most wonderful tour guides at our fingertips! Aunt Karen led us on a hike of Ram's Head, which turned out to be a lot more dangerous than anybody would have expected, as we were a little behind schedule and forced to hike back in the dark. Thankfully, Erik's friend from high school was prepared with flashlights. "Gotta love those hippies." Direct quote... seriously.

Ram's Head - before nightfall.

After another full day at the beach on Friday, it was time for the "rehearsal" dinner. Jessica and Erik really pulled out all of the stops for their guests and this was no exception. We were treated to a sunset catamaran cruise, and oh my goodness, it blew my mind! It was so appropriate for where we were and the atmosphere they were going for with their wedding. My only wish? That I had a better camera to capture the sunset.

Mr. Malone & I pre-catamaran.

Our 2nd tropical vacation together - and hopefully not the last.

This girl rocks my world, and has since we were 19.

No words.

While all of these activities were great in their own regard, the culmination of the trip was obviously Saturday - wedding day. As of right now, I am finding it a little difficult to put into words just how spectacular that day was... and I need to make sure I do it justice. I am afraid I must call it a night, but will leave you with a little teaser.

My beautiful friend, seeing her husband for the first time. *sigh*

By the Numbers

Planes taken round-trip --- 5

Combined layover time (in hours) --- 6

Minutes to spare between DFW/SEA connection flight --- 5

Ferries taken to and from St. John --- 2

Tropical storms experienced (and narrowly escaped) --- 1

Bottles of sunscreen used --- 3

Pictures taken --- 503

Beaches seen --- 8

Dinghies broken --- 1

Epic dance parties --- 3

Hours slept before going back to work --- 4

...I guess you could say we had a pretty amazing vacation...



Caribbean Bound

We're off to this place...

To see these two...

Tie The Knot!!

**Stay tuned for posts about our adventures in St. John**



Stand By Me

I remember August 14, 2010 like it was yesterday. Waking up at 3:30am, needing to find the will to fall back asleep - the day was too important to be feeling lethargic. Excitedly getting out of bed three hours later and resisting the urge to wake Sarah & Jo in the next room. That half hour or so was the only time I truly had to myself that day. Looking back, it was nice to sit alone with my thoughts and take it all in...

I was getting married.

Fast forward a few hours... I was getting married. Um, holy shit! If there was one thing I was not expecting on my wedding day, it was how I anxious I would feel while getting ready. Two words: nervous wreck. I couldn't eat, couldn't drink, and in all honesty, could barely talk without feeling completely nauseous. It probably didn't help that the clock was staring me in the face, mocking my strategically thought out timeline for the day. (Damn you, Father Time!) Yet somehow, even when it seemed like it couldn’t all come together, I was surrounded by some very important ladies, stepping into my wedding dress.

Cue the water works. (And for the sake of full disclosure, I would cry about my wedding weeks months ahead of time. Usually when I’d hear a song on the radio that I just knew would play at the reception… even Lady Gaga. I know, I am ridiculous.)

Once I saw Mr. Malone, I knew I would be okay. And it was true. Even seeing the way he stood at the bottom of the stairs – hip kind of checked out to the side. It was as if we were back at the jello shot party where we met, but this time, he was dressed to the nines.

You know what all of my married friends told me prior to that day? “It was a total blur – it all was over so quickly.” Frankly, I have to disagree. Time stood still for me that gorgeous Seattle afternoon; whether it was the party bus, Father Ritter telling our guests that they should be single & ready to mingle, or the 8+ hours of non-stop dancing… it seemed like a weekend of celebration all wrapped into one day. One beautiful, amazing, unforgettable day.

I cannot put into words how humbling the experience was. I clearly remember standing with my dad, gripping his arm as we prepared to take this walk that we’d both been thinking about for quite some time. Looking through the glass doors into the church… seeing our family and friends, who traveled from all over the country to be there… I lost it. (Seriously, I cried the entire way up the aisle.) I wish I would have had more time with each and every person who was there that day. And if you are re-living this occasion with me now, and were there a year ago, I hope you know how much your presence meant to Mr. Malone and I.

And to my husband (a word I still giggle when I use), I could not be happier to be going through this crazy thing called “life” with you. We both know it won’t be easy, but I think together we can get by with laughter and a whole lot of love, and maybe a PowerPoint presentation or two. Here is to our first year together as Mr. & Mrs., and to the many more we will celebrate in the future. I love you.

Dinner Party Fun

For those of you who know me, you know that I have embraced the domestic part of married life. My definition of "embrace" may be a tad more extreme than others, but who's paying attention? To be completely serious, though, I really do enjoy being a wife to Mr. Malone.

Cooking? Check! 

Cleaning? Check! 

Throwing a dinner party? Well, still working on the party aspect, as it encompasses domesticity in every way.

In my defense, I think I got off to a pretty good start last night. The thing I love about having people over for dinner is that the experience is a little bit different every time! I am all about interactive meals - half the fun of hosting is preparing the meal together. Is it just me, or does it taste better when made while laughing and reminiscing on the good ol' Willamette days? Or maybe that was the wine...

Anyway... last night was the first time I genuinely attempted to set the stage mood by getting the table all gussied up. Now that summer is finally here, I went with a lot of color - bought some fresh flowers and surrounded them with glassybaby. Duh. What else would have I done? A regular candle holder?! Awww hell to the no. My friends deserve the best! I also incorporated some bright napkin holders that Mama Malone gave me for Christmas last year. (Bee tee dubs, how awesome is it that I got napkin holders for Christmas??)

Below are a few snapshots of the finished product, sans our delicious meal! My "tablescape" went over very well and it was such a lovely way to end the weekend - good food, great company & one successful dinner party! Happy entertaining!

I know the Tiki candle is a bit of an eye sore, but necessary for al fresco dining.

Birdseye - which GB is your favorite?!