bottlingupsunshine

This weekend, I was able to witness the beautiful union of two dear friends. It was incredible to drive through Pope Valley and watch Chris’s childhood home come into physical view. The ranch was gorgeous. I could not have imagined it being any more perfect. What made the day even more special was knowing how many hours went into preparing for this day. These friends of mine are not your  typical couple. Here are a list of my favorite handmade goods from their wedding.

1. The fenced off area was done just for this wedding. They chose a plot of land  surrounded by a grand oak tree over a year ago. 
2. The bar was handmade by Chris.
3. The wedding favors were homemade candles.

May you both live happily ever after!

Doesn’t Chris’s dad look like Gibs from NCIS? Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday, we spent the afternoon baking in the wonderful sun. Thanks to Heather for showing us the joys of people watching at Dolores Park. We had our fill of hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Thanks for another memorable weekend! = )

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For Mother’s Day this year, my mom requested a day hiking through Muir Woods. Today was just as beautiful as I remembered it being eight years ago. For those who crave a little peace, a little beauty, and a little silence, this is the place to be. If you’re looking for a place to meet God’s creation face to face, put on your lulumeon gear and head on over to this beautiful woodsy getaway.

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“…there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you may seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart…I’ll always be with you.” -A.A. Milne

I count myself lucky to have met you, Yvette. My life would not have been the same without you, during these last four years. I believe everyone has someone at work that they instantly bond with and forever after will be tied together by the memories, trials, and the successes they’ve shared. Even though you’re moving back to Chicago, we’ll continue to share in the joys of life through texts, snapchats, and annual meet ups. I can’t wait to see life uncover the wonderful adventures that await you and Ben. Love you, my redheaded friend!

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It’s one thing to meet someone who spreads rays of sunshine everywhere she goes and entirely another thing, when you meet her entire clan of sunbeams. Gina, is both beautiful inside and out and seeing her interact with multiple generations in her family today was priceless. If you can’t tell from the photos, everyone in her family was gifted with a stunning smile. It was truly a blessing to see a family so close knit and friends who care so much, come together to shower Gina with their love. The shower was pretty much a Pinterest gallery. I hope viewing these photos, puts a smile on your face!

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As I wait for the end of this week to approach, I wanted to take a look back at some of the best weekends I’ve ever had. These last two weekends were filled with giggles, spirits, and fun. I count myself a lucky girl to have such wonderful friends to share the joys of life with. 

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“But friendship is precious, not only in shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.” -Thomas Jefferson

I spent my day with Gina, who inspired the name behind this blog and my redheaded soul mate. Mission San Jose is a true, historical gem! Even now as I think back to how we giggled in hushed voices as we made our way through the church grounds, I can’t help but smile. The next time you schedule a “coffee date,” up your date a notch with a tour of a local treasure. I promise you it’s going to be one outing you’ll never forget. We all need to bottle up sunshine for those dreary, rainy days. 

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We’re back and the impact of taking a break from work has had an immediate impact on my physical well being. I’ve suffered from a month of ridiculous muscle cramping in my jaw because of stress. Had I known a trip away could’ve cured my pain, I wouldn’t have spent +$300 on a custom night guard. 0_o I am thankful for our mini getaway and ready to share a few highlights from our trip.

1. Eating Bouchon for breakfast every single day. Hello, Easter Bunny! Goodbye, Bunny!
2. Enjoying two good reads by the pool, while getting my tan on.
3. Dinner at Ichiza, my favorite little nook. It’s too bad Ken had to watch me eat all that food, since he couldn’t have any. Poor guy had a major gout attack on our trip.
4. Exploring 50 of National Geographics most memorable photos.
5. Watching “Human Nature” while singing and dancing along with the four Aussies.
6. Lunch at Grimaldi’s, where we laughed so hard sharing childhood stories, I cried.

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This weekend was my first time playing “wedding coordinator” and I loved every minute of it. I even bought something blue to make sure I fit in with the wedding colors. Here are some snap shots I took while directing their rehearsal.

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The best way to bottle up sunshine, is to bring the beautiful outdoors indoors. I woke up this morning and picked up some spring bouquets. I came home and began my spring break, by decorating the home. Happy Easter! Thank you, Jesus for the gift of eternal life.