Wedding Shower Weekend!

Whacky weather lately, huh? On Saturday, despite the unpredictable weather, the day was made extra bright when we celebrated Julie and Ryan's Wedding Shower with friends, family and fun bridesmaids!

I am so honored to be a part of Julie and Ryan's special day, and this weekend we kicked off the festivities!

Bridal Party!



The Happy Couple!

Her pink and black color theme carried throughout, from table cloths to pink lemonade!





JP looking like the beautiful bride-to-be
Me being a creeper winking at someone in the background

Adorbs and Delish!

The wedding shower included sweet treats, beautiful flower surprises from the groom, and fun "how well do you know each other" couples' quiz. They looked happy and relaxed and it gave the bridesmaids a chance to catch up and get to know new faces too.

 

Later that evening, we headed down to W. 25th to have some girls-only fun at the bachelorette party! It started with dinner and drinks in the private room at Bar Cento.  *Shout out to Moira for taking care of us!* :)

OMG! JP is getting Married!

Best Bachelorette Party Gift!

After dinner, we had a whirlwind of a time at Market Garden Brewery, awkward encounters at

ABC Tavern and finished the night with an unexpected rain storm on the patio at Nano Brew. It was laughing, fun, not-THAT-obnoxious-party, time. I must say, I'm thankful that Julie is such a laid-back, witty,  sweet, and go-with-the-flow gal. Call her anti-Bridezilla! Yes, I am one grateful bridesmaid (and taking notes for future reference!)

And big thanks to the co-maids of honor Gina and Emily for throwing a rocking wedding shower/bachelorette weekend! Pyaw!

Color me bad!

What was your best/most memorable bachelorette party? Have any fun/cool bridal party tips or traditions I should note for the big day?  Share your positive thoughts!

Girls Weekend in C-Bus!

As I mentioned before, my college gal pals and I had been planning a girls weekend in Columbus for months, and this weekend the long awaited girls time came (and went with the bat of an eyelash!)

Marissa graciously hosted us at her sweet apartment (and pool!) It was great to catch up with my college roomies and indulge in some tasty margaritas poolside! Gorgeous day, perfect weather, and irreplaceable company! No TVs, no bars, no late nights. I bought an In Style magazine that I didn't even read (gasp) because I was so caught up in just good, relaxing, wholesome, female fun. Now that's a good time!

 

 

 

As cliche as it may sound, life has changed so much since our college years...

The dorm days at JCU!

 

Marissa's 21st birthday

Yet the instant we get back together, it's as if everything picked up right where we left off. Granted, would we be talking about the horrifying/beautiful act of childbirth, where we want to settle down and buy a home, or the best places to get deals on curtains and home goods. say 4 years ago? Mmmmmmm... my guess is probs not. But that's the thing I love about my friends, we've been through such different phases in life together but still share that common bond.

Needless to say, it was a fantastic girls weekend and just what the doctor ordered! I can't wait for the memories yet to come and where life will lead this group of lovely ladies!! :)

What's your favorite post-college girls' trip? Are you still close with your college roomies?

4th of July Recap

Is it seriously double digit days in July already?! How did we get here so quickly!! Ahhh if only we could push the slow button on summer!

Over the 4th of July holiday weekend, I was out of town visiting nearby C-Bus. So here is a quick recap of the highlights:

 

An epic explosive show

at the largest fireworks display in Ohio--Red, White & Boom!

JAM + JMK

 

Glow-worthy

 

 

Hiking + tree climbing + intentional dip in the water

Stroll along Creekside

Stop looking at me swan!!

Awesome community gardens!

It was a fun trip and I was able to relax, explore and catch up with the JMK fam. One step at a time, we'll see where the road leads...

Isn't that an O.A.R. song? On the road outside Columbus? Anywayyyy....Yep, I'll be heading back down there this weekend. This time for a girls weekend with 2 of my besties from college. We've been planning it since March, and looking forward to some much-needed girl time and shenanigans :) Now I have to go run and pack!

 

Can't wait for Club with these lovely ladies!!! Where is that summer slow down button again??

26th Birthday Weekend Recap in CLE!

Twenty-six. Officially late twenties. Eeps! I'm blessed with so many lovely people in my life who made a four-day birthday weekend totally JAM-tastic!

June Birthday Babes :)

During the day on Friday I spent time with my Mom doing some much needed retail therapy. We hit Crocker Park where I found 2 fabulous birthday dresses and some stellar accessories to fit the birthday mood. Then we popped into Vieng's Asian Bistro. I got a super legit vegetarian crunch roll (asparagus, avocado, cream cheese, wrapped with rice and deep friend in tempura batter) semi healthy...right? Calories don't count during birthday meals :)

Centering myself

Mama and me

Later that evening I tried out Market in Rocky River for the first time. Adorable place, great atmosphere and extensive craft beer and cocktail list. It was girls only and it was exactly the fun and laughter I needed to kiss 25 goodbye.



Lovelies left to right: Jenna, T.A. Regi, Donna, Gina, Kayla & Catie

After dinner and drinks, we headed over to check out the recently opened Vosh Club in Lakewood. You know, the place Kevin Costner was just spotted at while kicking back after a long day of filming in CLE. Yeaaah!

 

Yes, our drinks glowed in the dark!!!

 

There was an AWESOME jazz band playing and all the girls and I hit the dance floor. Thankfully, I don't think there are any pictures as proof, but it was pretty hilarious/amazing/fun/cathartic. My gf also snuck over and whispered to the lead singer it was my birthday and soon enough the band and entire club were singing me happy birthday. It was very sweet, embarrassing and special. Did I mention how much I love my friends :) I am one lucky gal!

Thanks for making my night special, girls! xoxo

After saying so long to 25, Saturday rolled around to welcome in 26. The sun peaked through in the afternoon and I decided to mosey down to Whiskey Island & Wendy Park for some sunshine seaside fun. I really love this place during the summer--laid back, low maintenance, access to the water, great views of the city, and live music.

Double thumbs up to birthday fun, kick ass sunnies, and wonderful friends!

I received so many thoughtful gifts, well wishes, emails, cards, phone calls, texts,&  posts that I couldn't help but have an ear-to-ear grin all day long! I'm feeling the love! Consider this my thank you to each and everyone of you who made my entire day/weekend terrific!


After Whiskey Island we decided to check out pARTy in Gordon Square. Gordon Square is one of my favorite neighborhoods in CLE--great food, chill vibe, emerging artists, Happy Dog, Capitol Theatre & CPT. There is always something fun happening there! Well consider this a mega block party showcasing all the arts & activities in the area.

Evan and I bringing our creative comic book characters to life

One of the activities was to make your own comic book character. Naturally, my super hero was named "Birthday Girl!"


Birthday Girl here to save the city and keep JAMmin!

Angry Asisan Carp taking over!!!

 

Awesome superhero outfit...

T.A Evan and I with our alter superhero-egos

Then we were greeted with the awwwwesome surprise of Last Call Cleveland performing. Please tell me you've seen these guys perform before. Literally pee-your-pants, good, true Clevelander jokes. I've probably seen them half a dozen times and it's always a bit different, and more Cleveland jokes and fun.  



 

Pet peeve: Your v/s you're haha

I couldn't think of a better combination of events and getting to laugh my face off with friends.

 

Night cap and birthday dessert at Spice Kitchen & Bar with Catie, Nathaniel, T.A. and Evan!

 

After all the fun festivities I finished up the birthday celebrations on Sunday morning with the family as we went to Nighttown's brunch. Great patio, great memories, great food.

 

 

 

What a fabulous weekend of friends, family, fun, and festivities. Despite having a rough few weeks, the ones I love rallied around me and helped me count my blessings and feel the love. So thank you, thank you for all that you do. Cheers to 26! And keep JAMmin!



Wedding Weekend Recap!

 



A few weeks ago, I flew to DC with my college gal pals to celebrate my gf's bachelorette party. This weekend, the long awaited day finally came and we celebrated Steph & Joey's wedding! It was so lovely--in every aspect!

Here comes the bride!

I've never encountered such a calm, collected (and beautiful!) bride--must be all that event planning experience :) From the church, flowers, dress, accessories, reception, venue, to live band, everything was on point! No detail went unnoticed during the memorable day and evening!

 

 

Swept her right off her feet!! :)

Photo source via Facebook

 

 

Congratulations Mr & Mrs!

Gorgeous flower arrangements!!

After the ceremony, we headed over to the Intercontinental Hotel for an awesome & first class reception. We had such a fun time as we celebrated our first college gal pal getting hitched to a great guy!!!


The happy couple's first dance

Love this cake-cutting photo



Congrats, Steph!

Rockin the poof and curls

JCU girls!



Old habits die hard...get weird :)

Reeling that great catch in..
haha gotta love those dance moves!

 

What an awesome wedding!!!! Dancing, toasting, laughing, celebrating, catching up with college friends, delicious food and sweets, and witnessing a major milestone for a longtime friend! I hope my future wedding is enjoyable as theirs was!

Congratulations to Steph and Joey...wishing you love birds a wonderful life and journey ahead as you start this new chapter in your lives. And thank you for including me in your special day! XOXO...keep JAMmin :)