Grand Rapids, MI

We got married in Grand Rapids, MI.  When looking for a venue, I wanted a place that would show off MI to my friends that were coming from out of state.  Most of them had never been to MI before.  I also wanted a place that had everything we needed close to each other.  Grand Rapids fit the bill.  It was also nice that Kevin went to grad school there so we had some ties to the city.  Our wedding weekend turned out to be one of the craziest and funnest weekends I've ever had.

For our five year anniversary a couple weeks ago, we headed back to GR.  Kevin's grad program was having a 20 year reunion and he wanted to go to it.  He booked a room at the JW Marriot, where we stayed the night of our wedding, and we had our first overnight, grown-up evening away from Gunnar.  It was nice to relive all the memories and to meet his grad school friends.  

Maybe, this will be a new tradition for us...

Cheers!   

Got upgraded

Took a picture in the same spot as my bridal portrait 5 years ago to the day

Grand Rapids at night on the river

Five Years

It's been five years since Kevin and I said I do.  Three states, numerous jobs, heartache, joy and one beautiful baby boy later and we're still taking on the world together.  There is a lifetime ahead of us and I can't wait to see what comes next. 

I love you, Honey.

xoxo,
Mandi 

Faux pas

My fingers are still slightly swollen.  Not sure if it's because of the c-section or heat any more.  Either way, I can't fit into my wedding rings yet, which really bothers me.  I cried when I had to take them off during pregnancy and I have anxiously been waiting to put them back on.  I like letting the world know I'm married.  So, I went to Target and bought a fake ring to wear in the mean time.  I decided to go with something completely different than my real ring (and it was the only one they had that fit).  I still like my rings better, but this will do until they fit again, hopefully soon...

Cheers!

Four Years and Counting...

Today, Kevin and I celebrate our fourth wedding anniversary.  It's been a ride full of bumps, ups and downs and adventure.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I really feel like we are a stronger couple because of all we've had to deal with so early in our marriage.  Now we're getting ready to take on our biggest challenge yet: parenthood.  

Cheers and here's to many more years!

Kiki and Jen's TC Wedding

Our wedding season is officially over!  Kiki and Jen got married in Traverse City, MI on July 27th.  It was a very beautiful wedding in a very beautiful place.  Everyone had a great time and I really enjoyed visiting one of Michigan's vacation spots (cuz MI is gorgeous in the summer).  

Congratulations Kiki and Jen!  We love you and wish you many years of happiness!

Cheers!

Getting ready to set up

Alysa and Ashley worked really hard to hang this

This takes me back :)

Getting hitched! 

First Dance

Kiki's dance with her mom

Pretty barn

They look so happy

I also got to bounce with Liam at breakfast.  That was a workout!

I was so busy at the wedding that the only pic I got of me and Kevin wasn't very good.  :(  But I did get cute pics of Kevin.   

Beer and Flamingos

Last weekend I drove back to MI to celebrate Kiki and Jen's upcoming wedding.  It was a full day of shenanigans with a bridal shower during the day and a bar crawl at night for a bachelorette party, all in the fun city of Grand Rapids.  If you are ever in GR, I highly suggest a tapas dinner at San Chez followed by drinks at one of the many breweries.  End the night with singing and dancing at Mojos piano bar. 

Congrats Kiki and Jen!  Love you tons and can't wait til your big day in July!

Cheers!

The Brides

Lys and Lo trying something new at Grand Rapids Brewery

Glitter bombed.  This happened a lot that night.

Random:  giant wild turkeys at the apartment complex

Tiona's 420 Wedding

I made it through the first of two weddings I have this year!  Tiona's 420 wedding was gorgeous.  She looked amazing and I had so much fun meeting her friends from college. My best friend Kimmy was a bridesmaid too so we got to do all the fun "wedding beautification" together.  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Hayes!

Cheers!   

All ready for the wedding!

The beautiful bride

I love this shot.  The MOB and MOG holding hands while praying

Friends for 15 years...

Heelllooo Kimmyyy...

 

Hoochie Mama tradition

 

The cake

 

6/12/10

Our wedding was one of the most fun, happiest, most exhausting days of my life.  It was a year (lifetime) in the making, with meaning behind every detail...

Cheers!