A Formal Affair

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The Notes clan took our first family trip down to Maryland two weekends ago to celebrate the nuptials of our dear friends, Teri and Charlie.  It was a beautiful weekend to celebrate a beautiful couple.  The bride looked absolutely stunning, and she carried the most unique and amazing bouquet I have ever seen!  Made completely of brooches, many of them were passed down from her family members to add to this masterpiece.  The best part is that she can save this bouquet forever in it’s original form.  I could see it making a beautiful decorative piece for their future dining or living room.  Her lace dress was exquisite, and her cathedral veil was perfect considering their wedding was held at the Baltimore Cathedral.  Teri and I have been friends since high school, and I was lucky enough to be chosen as a bridesmaid to stand up with her on her special day.  My only regret with these photos is that I was unable to capture anything from the ceremony, since I was in the wedding.  Typically, if I’m in the bridal party, my husband will play second shooter to capture photos of the ceremony, but he was on baby duty and was unable to play photographer.  I am looking forward to seeing their professional photos, because that cathedral was just phenomenal.  During the reception, our little one stayed with my mother-in-law at the hotel, and we are very thankful to have had our first adult night out since having a baby.  It was also great to catch up with so many of my best friends all at once.  Congrats to Teri and Charlie!  Wishing you both lots of love and happiness for many many years to come.

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Hope you are all having a great week so far!

XO,

Gina

Friday Favorites

1. Favorite Summer Drink – The Smoothie

I have been downing one of these almost daily.  They are super refreshing and hydrating for my prego body, not to mention tasty.  I love to mix it up with different fruits including watermelon, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, and more.

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Photo from KristenHadeed.com

2. Favorite Recipe – Beer Can Chicken

My husband made this receipe from Bon Appetit Magazine last week, and it was absolutely delicious!  In the middle of cooking, the chicken actually ended up falling over on the grill, and he was convinced it turned out burned and terrible, but I beg to differ!  It was juicy and flavorful, and I would definitely request we have this again!

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3.  Favorite Wedding Hairstyle – Beautiful Top Bun w/ Headpiece

My beautiful cousin, Alex, adorned this stunning hairstyle on her wedding day last December courtesy of Creations-a-la-Nikki.  I love how super-chic and classy her look is, captured by the wonderful photographer Abby Grace.

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4.  Favorite Blogger – Keiko Lynn

I have been following Keiko’s blog for awhile now.  I absolutely love her retro-yet-modern, punkish-yet-feminine chic style.  Her blog is definitely one of those that I go to for inspiration.  And her make-up tutorials are phenomenal!

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5.  Favorite Funny Video – Dad Life

This video actually reminds me more of my own Dad, than of my husband, but who knows, it could only be a matter of time once Zack starts rockin’ the Dad Life style as well!  Haha.

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Hope you all have a fantastic weekend.  We are headed down to Maryland for one last quick trip (before we hibernate in NY until the baby gets here) for my sister-in-law’s baby shower for my future little nephew!  We are so excited our boys will be born right around the same time.  It reminds me of growing up with my cousin, Marisa, and I hope our boys create the same type of long-lasting friendship that we did throughout the years.

Happy Friday!

XO,

Gina