Last week was a busy one...After Nick and I arrived home from Indy, I had two days to unpack, do laundry, and re-pack. I also snuck in a doctor's appointment to make sure that we were good to travel. My conversation with Dr. Anderson went a little like this: "I am traveling to El Paso tomorrow, any objections?" He chuckled and told me that I was cutting it a little close (36 weeks is the travel cut-off), but being that this pregnancy is low-risk he said I should be ok. That's all I needed to hear!!
I was so touched that my girlfriend, Taylor is an equal-opportunity bride and graciously allowed me to strut my stuff in a maternity bridesmaid's dress as one of her matrons of honor. Kris was matron of honor (MOH) #2! I flew to El Paso last Wednesday morning to offer up my services (although, I'll be honest, between being unable to lift heavy things or to last long on my feet, I'm not good for much these days :-P). Taylor met me at the airport dressed to the nines (Taylor's sense of style is unmatched by most) to whisk me away to lunch and manis and pedis (something my nails haven't gotten to experience in, um, years). We finished off the night with a delicious welcome dinner at Taylor's mom's house for those family members and bridal party attendants who were in town. It's been a few years since I've spent time with Taylor and her family, but it felt as if no time had passed at all :-).
Taylor, Betsy (one of the other bridesmaids) and I kicked off Thursday by picking up Kris, Alisha and Adam from the airport! So good to have the gang all together!! We grabbed some authentic Mexican food for lunch at a local hotspot and started preparing for the Bachelorette party that night! Of course, Taylor's Bachelorette party was nothing but super classy! The large group of ladies enjoyed yummy drinks and a delectable spread of appies and lots of good laughs at Taylor's mom's house! We capped off the evening by toasting Taylor's Bachelorette-hood over "wedding-cake martinis" and such at a nearby lounge. Fun times were had by all!
My Nick arrived on Friday morning! After picking him up from the airport and tucking him into bed at the hotel (I booked him on the earliest flight available and therefore robbed him of adequate sleep), Kris, Alisha and I were off to the Bridesmaid's luncheon. The event was just beautiful! We enjoyed a catered lunch poolside and opened Taylor's thoughtful bridesmaid's gifts. She had picked out the perfect accessories to go with our dresses :-). We then changed for the western-themed dress rehearsal and dinner...After running through the ceremony, Kris notified Nick that he should start saving for Emmy's wedding now, because she went NUTTY during the rehearsal (and also the actual wedding). She clearly shares my love of weddings ;-). We had a huge celebration dinner at the best steakhouse in El Paso! JP arrived from the airport just in time to join in the fun and put away some serious food!! Adam very observantly noticed that I had the giggles that night, despite my non-alcoholic Shirley Temple drinks. I just love it when we are all together! There is nothing like spending time with old friends...
Saturday was the big day! The boys left early to make their tee-time at a super-nice new golf course in town...Unfortunately, I was not up so early being that I had over-indulged on my steak dinner the night before, leaving me with a bit of heartburn and nausea. Not the day to be feeling crummy....but Lish and Kris came to my rescue! They gathered me food and meds and patched me up in time for our hair appointments! Taylor had thoughtfully arranged for (handpainted) boxed lunches to munch on as a bunch of us girls took over the salon! After getting beautiful, we headed to the church to put the finishing touches on the former Miss Taylor B and then to send her down the aisle to her hubby-to-be. They shared the most beautiful and emotional vows, and before we new it, they were Mr. and Mrs. Danny and Taylor Moreno! Hooray!! We celebrated their union with an exquisite party at Ardovino's Desert Crossing :-). Taylor has the midas touch, which was very apparent with the stunning decor...Best of all was seeing the gigantic smiles plastered across both she and Danny's faces!
The next morning Nick and I joined Taylor and Danny and all of their family and closest friends for a delectable Mexican brunch and to say our goodbyes. I hate that part of traveling. We then jetted off to the airport to head home :-). We are looking forward to holing up here in Clarksville and getting everything ready for Miss Emmy! Next project: Christmas preparations!
The Bride and her maids! Betsy, Kris, Alisha, Taylor, me & Kyleigh
The celebratory kamikaze shot that made Kris' legs tingly :-P
Bridesmaid's luncheon...I'm taking notes on the beautiful decor ideas!
Kris and Taylor with their champagne-based beverages (not too much longer & that'll be me!)
Kris, me, Taylor & Lish
Kris' hair looking as if she'd stuck her finger in an electrical outlet...but still manages to look beautiful along with the giddy bride!
So great to see Lish so happy in a hair stylist chair! ;-D Her hair looked beautiful!
The dress fit! Getting big at 36.1 weeks!
Laughing away any pre-wedding jitters!!
The blushing bride :-)
Our fun multi-colored shoes--courtesy of Taylor!
Emmy getting kisses from Auntie Lishy and Auntie Kristi :-D
Go Team Horn!
JP, Kris, Adam, Lish, Taylor, Danny, me & my Nick...can't wait until we're all together again!
The head table...only Taylor and her mom would dream up such an awesome concept.
MOH speech...it didn't take long for the shoes to come off :-P
Taylor and Danny sharing their beautifully choreographed first dance.
Taylor dancing with her grandfather with the help of her brother, William. One of my favorite highlights of the night...
Ali - your blog made me cry. I miss you already and cannot wait to see you again. Please promise it will not be another marathon before we see each other again.
ReplyDeleteLooks like SUCH a beautiful wedding, a super fun weekend, and ONE CUTE MOH!!!!! You look awesome Ali!!!!! Way to go out (or stay in) with a bang!
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