Katherine and Nathaniel's wedding

I was honored to be included in Katherine and Nathaniel's wedding on October 11. I have known Katherine and Caroline since elementary school when her family moved here. We could certainly call our friendship hand me down. 

This wedding was my third this fall (parts 1 and 2; shower here), and the whole weekend was so enjoyable.  

Katherine and her family are talented in the kitchen, and her mom treated us girls to a lovely brunch. I need this quiche recipe; it was the best I've ever had. 

We had a sweet time over brunch and gifts. I am looking forward to using my new tea kettle, and I've already tried the delicious pumpkin tea Katherine gave me at her shower. 

She's a beautiful bride, even with her tacky bouquet! I have had to explain this tradition several times lately, so I'll spell it out here. At a bridal shower (or more than one), someone collects the ribbons and bows from the presents to turn them into a bouquet. A bridesmaid, friend, mother's friend, etc. holds onto the bows for the rehearsal. Typically, we put them on a paper plate base, and we tape, staple, or punch holes and tie to attach the ribbons to the plate then make some kind of handle on the back. The bouquet goes to the rehearsal, where the bride uses it as a stand in for her wedding bouquet. 

I was expecting a reunion of old church friends, but instead, this wedding was a bit of a college reunion. Katherine and I lived together our sophomore year in college, and we were in a Bible study with other girls in our dorm. Two of the ladies above led our Bible study that year and the next. 

I enjoyed seeing Lacy, who braved Asia (1,2,3) with me over a year ago. 

My dress is Ann Taylor, pearls were a gift from my parents, and shoes are Nina, from Lindsay's wedding. 

I got to bring this handsome man as my date. 

New York weekend

My mom introduced me to New York City many years ago when she and her friends let daughters in on their annual girls' trip.  I saw most of the big sights those first couple of trips with her, so now I just want to walk, eat, and see the everyday sights when I visit.  

On Friday, Wesley and I walked around the city, hitting a few highlights.  We saw the World Trade Center tower at the memorial, we watched people ice skate at Rockefeller Center, and we walked by Central Park to Second Time Around, which I read about on Unabashedly Prep.

We stayed with my cousin at her apartment in Brooklyn.  It feels much more like a neighborhood than Manhattan, and it's only a quick subway ride away.  Also, this is her view.

The last time Wesley and I visited Maggie, one of us insisted on getting brunch.  I pored over Maggie's Zagat book and chose Penelope.  We loved it and had to go back this time!  The wait was bearable, especially with coffee.

Maggie's boy, Dave, is a talented photographer, so I handed my camera over to him for a bit.

I ate "punkin waffles," the same thing I ordered last time.  I highly recommend them.  (And if you can't make it to NYC, come over and I'll make you some ;)  The fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee were delicious, too!

Wesley wanted to see Washington Square Park.  Maggie gave us a detailed history of the park, which we then realized she totally made up.

Sunday morning, Wesley and I made it to Redeemer Church.  John Lin preached about knowing God from Romans 2:12-29.

After church, we met up with Maggie and Dave for brunch at egg.  We walked around, taking in Brooklyn, while waiting for a table.

We strolled through the Brooklyn flea market.  Of course, it was my hand me down heart's dream.  However, I took the tiniest suitcase that ever traveled and had limited room for purchases.

Before jetting off, Wesley and I stopped by The Blue Stove one last time for Dave's recommendation, warm pie.  He had apple pie, and I had pear ginger pie.  

It was a great weekend.  I've enjoyed visiting New York for a few days every now and then, but I am always ready to come home!  I love my family, oak trees, and driving on country roads.