Wedding at the SB Zoo

A couple weeks ago, Rich and I attended Pam and Ryan's wedding at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Yes, I said ZOO. And you know what? It was awesome! Listen up folks, if you're looking for a wedding venue in Santa Barbara--you should totally check this place out.

Prior to heading up for the wedding, we met Rich's family in Port Hueneme for some beach action and family time. After the beach, we ate yummy pizza for dinner and played Apples to Apples back at the hotel. The following day we visited a little street fair and then headed up to Santa Barbara for some wedding fun.

The wedding began right as the park was shutting down, so there wasn't a problem with onlookers. It was a nice lush setting for the ceremony, followed by a reception on a hill with a view of the ocean (past the giraffes!). Plus, there was a lovely view of the SB countryside as well. But back to the giraffes--as part of the wedding package, guests were able to feed the giraffes in between the ceremony and reception. How fun, right?!

Obviously, I'm kind of smitten with the whole thing. Not that I didn't LOVE my wedding, but I'm totally crazy over A) animals, B) ocean views and C) Santa Barbara.

I just want to say that since I saw these pictures, I have SERIOUSLY cut my bangs. Why didn't anyone tell me I had curtains over my eyes?! Whoops. Warning to the ladies: bangs are high maintenance!...but so worth it. Thanks Em!

Since the wedding I've been craving a trip down to the San Diego Zoo. Rich and I used to go all the time when we were dating--we were even members! It was one of our favorite things to do together. Perhaps when we have little munchkins of our own we will become members again and take them to see all the animals! One day... :)

Bass Lake Summer 2011...Video Coming Soon!

In July we headed up to beautiful Bass Lake for our annual summer trip with Rich's college roommates and their wives. Despite getting a late start on our drive Friday night, we had a great time catching up with dear friends. The weekend was full of good chats, delicious food, boating and sun, and much more fun. It's weekends like this that make us realize how truly blessed we are to have such wonderful friends--life wouldn't be the same without them!

As per usual, I snapped a few pictures on my phone throughout the weekend--but the feature presentation you're all waiting for is coming soon! Hold tight while Rich works his magic and crafts a fun video.

Clearly the boys got creative with their life jackets. :) And how adorable is Wy guy? Hoping winter comes early this year--can't wait to see everyone again soon!

Bennett is here!

WOW! I still can't believe my dear cousin, Catie, gave birth to a little baby boy. It's surreal to think she carried that sweet little guy in her belly for nine months, and then brought him into this world. It's so crazy and so amazing. July 13th was such a special day--Bennett finally arrived healthy and handsome as ever. Mom, dad and baby all did a great job. Rich and I had the honor of visiting them in the hospital that first night, and made sure to get some great footage of all their lovely moments together. I can't get over how much I absolutely love MY GODSON (yep--I'm a godmother!) and can't even fathom what it will feel like to have a child of my own. 

So, without further ado, here is a little video Rich and I put together for the new parents. We love you Anaya family!

Ladies Night

For Lauren's Bachelorette party, her sister planned a Harbor Cruise in San Diego. It was a blast cruising and celebrating with Lauren and all her girls. We were pop, drop, and lockin' it like nobody's business! Well, at least we thought we were.

I only snapped a few pictures on my phone, but thankfully Lauren's friend Andrea brought her camera along to capture the fun.

Man, those dance pictures are pretty hilarious. Lauren, thanks for being SO much fun!


PS, did anyone notice my lobster legs? Some things never change...

Lauren's Bridal Shower

This post is coming a little late (especially considering these two are already happily married!) but I couldn't resist sharing about this special event. In June I helped host a bridal shower for my dear friend, Lauren. Her wedding vision was very rustic, organic and vintage--so I tried to plan with those things in mind. With the help of wonderful friends, I tackled crafts and baking for the shower while down in San Diego. The Robesons graciously opened their home the days leading up to the event, where we crafted pennant flags and baked desserts (and, of course, lots of snuggle time with baby Thatch).

The morning of the shower was a little hectic, but it paid off. It was a wonderful day--the food was delish, friends and family buzzed about with excitement, and Lauren was the most beautiful bride-to-be. The best part of the shower, in my opinion, was when we surprised Lauren with the Newlywed Video that Rich and I made with Lauren's fiance, Brandon. Lauren was genuinely surprised and the guests loved learning more about Brandon and his relationship with Lauren. 

Lauren, I hope you had a great time and that you felt SO loved! And be sure to show your future kiddos that Newlywed video--they'll definitely think their father is "the most interesting man in the world!"

B is for Bennett

Babies, babies and more BABIES! Is there a baby boom going on right now or what?! This past May, with Amber and Sarah's help, I threw a baby shower for my cousin Catie at our home in Culver City. Not only was the shower so much fun, but prepping for the shower with Sarah and Amber was a blast too. We were cookie baking and decorating machines!

[Cute decor that Catie can use in Bennett's nursery]

[Alphabet Book activity]

                                 

[Candy Bar game]

Wasn't Catie SO cute pregnant? Lucky girl! Well, in case you don't know already--that bump is gone and Bennett is HERE! And oh my, he is the cutest. More to come on that later. Thanks to Amber and Sarah for being great co-hostesses and thanks to Sayoko for taking such amazing pictures. We love you Catie and Bennett!!

Bravo! My first TV appearance...

and I was eating. Figures.

A month or so ago (can you tell I'm playing catch up?) my good friend Maggie sent me this picture with the following text message: "Am I just missing you so much I'm seeing you everywhere....?" First off, let's just reflect on that sweet text. I miss that girl! Second, she wasn't delusional--it was me throwing back some Watermelon/Tomato Gazpacho. Apparently they didn't notice my reaction when I tasted that Tomato--if you know me, chances are you know I strongly dislike tomatoes.

The commercial was promoting this year's Top Chef Tour. The footage was from last years tour, which I had the opportunity to go to with my coworkers (the perks of working in Promotions). It was pretty fun--we took pictures, ate some food and got a free cookbook.

So, there you have it. My first (and probably last) TV appearance!