Thursday, June 30, 2011

Myth Bustin' Montana-Style

I just spent several days in beautiful West Glacier, Montana. There are really no words to describe just how breathtaking Montana is. The weather was a bit chillier than I thought it would be - and even cooler in the evenings. I sure am glad I made that last-minute trip to REI.

The reason behind my trip out west was to attend Meg Cary and Bennett Sumrell's wedding. Meg and I were college roomies for a year and a half at North Georgia College & State University. So myself and few other crazy college friends made the trip to West Glacier - and I sure am glad I did!

I flew out of Atlanta early Thursday morning (as in Austin and I left the house at 4 a.m.), arrived in Chicago at about 7 a.m., met up with the one and only Whitney Rice, and we arrived in Kalispell, Montana at about 12:30 p.m. After Meg and Emily picked me, Whit, Elaine and Christy up at the airport, we went into Whitefish to catch up, drink some wine and get ready for a night out on the town.

The pizza place we ate at was delicious! Liza a.k.a Lizard came to meet us for the night from Missoula, about three hours away, and Meg's friends - Rachel, Marissa, Ashley and Avid - also joined us for a fun and absolutely ridiculous night out!

Emily, myself, Christy, Lizard, Whit and Meg
After dinner, we went to a few places in Whitefish, local bars and such. Huckleberries are everywhere in Glacier, even in the beer! Watch out - it'll creep up on ya!

My Christy



Whit, Meg, myself, Christy and that Lizard
The following picture was taken on our first trip inside of Glacier National Park. Just lovely.


The next picture is of Avalanche Creek - one of the most beautiful things I saw the entire trip. I can't get over how white the water is!


On Friday, we spent most of the day inside the park and at the resort. The rehearsal dinner was so much fun. We sat around outside, talking, eating...and mostly drinking. Meg had arranged a shuttle for us crazy kids to ride in to and from the dinner. Does this bride know her guests or what?

The guys actually talked the restaurant into letting us take the keg back with us to the resort. Just picture a keg in the back of a school bus.


After the rehearsal dinner, we all went back and sat around the campfire...and yep, drank some more. Someone's crazy uncle was shooting off fireworks, Bennett's sister was lighting up sparklers. I'm just glad our chalet didn't go up in flames!

On Saturday morning, we went inside the park to take a wooden boat tour on Lake McDonald. I just can't get enough of the snow-capped mountains...our tour guide filled us in on all sorts of Glacier history, like how the mountains were formed, what makes the water so blue, and how forest fires are actually a good thing.


After our tour and afternoon inside the park, we went back to the resort to get ready for the wedding. Meg was already getting her hair and make up done. This is us standing on the front porch before heading to the wedding site. Props to Elaine for heading over early to hand out invitations.

Christy, myself, Meg, Whit and Emily
Wedding Ceremony
The wedding was absolutely stunning. It was the most intimate ceremony I've ever attended. And, speaking on behalf of someone that's witnessed quite a few weddings, I think I can say that. Meg and Bennett were only focused on each other, but imagine watching two people say their "I Do's" while standing in front of the most beautiful snow-covered mountains ever. It even brought tears to Whitney's eyes. And Christy - well, she balled like a baby. It was a little embarrassing.

After the ceremony, we walked down to the reception site, which was set up perfectly. The trout (with huckleberries I might add) and wine was delic, the band was a blast, and the photo booth was quite the hit. 

I hate that my trip in Montana trip is over..mostly because it isn't too often that I get to see these girls all at the same time. We all live in different locations - Dallas, Canton, Dahlonega, Atlanta, Gainesville, Asheville and Westcliffe. But fortunately, we all have Dahlonega, Ga. to thank for bringing us all together! I sure had some fun times with these lovely ladies in college - most of our stories can probably not be repeated on this blog - but needless to say, we've never skipped a beat when we're all together and this trip did not disappoint. I laughed, literally, until I cried...and on about 137 different times during the trip. I have sore abs to prove it!

Congrats to Meg and Bennett and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding. I hope you both are enjoying your time in Canada. 

And, I'd like to give a shout-out to Marissa, Ashley and Avid - hope to see you crazy girls again real soon (I'm guessing at our next Myth Buster's meeting?)! And in case I forgot to say this Sunday, I apologize on behalf of everyone for any crude, rude and utterly absurd behavior you may have witnessed. :) 


Photo Booth!

Monday, June 20, 2011

The Funky Paintbrush

Last Thursday evening was Girl's Night at The Funky Paintbrush in downtown Woodstock.

Blending the colors was actually much more difficult than I thought! Thankfully I had my vino :)

We first had to paint the sky...

Next came the rolling hills...


And finally..the tree!


I always enjoy getting together with these girls! Thanks Linds, Bets, Amy, Penny, Lauren and Britt for a fun evening!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Here's a little What I'm Loving Wednesday! It's been a while!


1. I'm LOVING that Ashley and Sam are looking at houses closer to me! No, not in Canton, but the Gwinnett area is much closer to me than where they are now!

2. I'm LOVING that Ellen and Mitch set a wedding date! April 14th in Dahlonega!!

3. I'm LOVING my Girl's Night planned for tomorrow at The Funky Paintbrush with Britt, Linds, Bets, Amy and Penny. Me, a paintbrush and a bottle wine = could be a disaster.

4. I'm LOVING that in one week I will be getting ready to board a plane to Montana for Meg's wedding! I am so excited to spend four days out west with some of my favorite girls ~ Meg, Whit Rice, Christy and Emily!

5. I'm LOVING that we have nothing planned for the weekend (other than hot yoga and the farmers market...lame I know). Unusual...and kinda nice for a change!

6. And I'm LOVING that Austin and I booked our plane tickets to Denver yesterday! We will be spending New Year's Eve in Colorado with the Sliger's and the Johnson's (and hopefully the Curtis')!! Austin told me it was too early to get excited...but I think he's wrong!

Happy Hump Day! Two more days 'til the weekend!

Saturday Morning & The Canton Farmers Market

I need more weekends like this past one. It was so relaxing and the furthest distance I had to drive was to the pool on Saturday and Sunday and to dinner on Saturday night.

On Friday, Austin and I grilled burgers at the house with Linds, Justin, the Rollins family and Erin Papka. On Saturday morning, I went on an early-morning walk with Lisa and her pup, Harlie. Great start to the weekend!

After breakfast and our morning coffee, Austin and I went to the Downtown Canton Farmers Market to help support our local famers. We met Erin and Linds, my mother-n-law Donna, and Brittney and the kiddo's.

I was pretty impressed with the purchases we made~

Cheddar Cream Cheese Bread

Gooey Butter Cake (to die for!)

All Natural Homemade Granola Bars (dried fruit and peanut butter)

All Natural Cran-Oat-Honey Granola

and Sweet Orange Almond Butter Lotion


I'll be going back this Saturday for more granola! Happy Wednesday, everyone, and Happy Birthday to Ashley Sliger!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Happy Birthday's!

June = many, many birthdays! Add in father's day and I'm already broke!

Every June, the girls get together and celebrate Kelly, Allison and Ashley turning another year older! In past years, we've gone to Atlanta and had cook-outs on the lake.

This year we chose to meet in Gainesville to try out a new Mexican restaurant on the square - Sidebar. Great margaritas! This particular Friday happened to be First Friday, meaning we could walk around the square, shop, drink and listen to live music.

I'm really digging the long dresses so I bought myself two at Dress Up. :)

I always enjoy getting to go to Gainesville and see everyone. Unfortunately, Austin wasn't able to make this trip but we'll be back for the next Supper Club!

So happy, happy birthday to Kelly, Allison and Ashley!

Chris, Britt, me and Whit

Whit, Alli, me and Britt

w/ two of the birthday girls!

The Girls! Caroline, Randi, Ash, Alli, Whit, Kel, Molly, myself and Britt

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Johnson's: en route to Denver

Brooke and Andrew (and Penny) left this morning for Denver, Colorado!  

Although I am VERY excited for these two, I admit that I'm a little sad. I guess Austin and I will have to go ahead and book our Denver tickets for New Year's Eve to cheer me up!

Here are a few pictures from Brooke and Andrew's Going Away Party last Sunday in Gainesville.

Brooke and Andrew






Alyssa, William, me and Austin
Daniel, Andrew, Blake and Brannon
Brooke, me and Christy
Andrew and Ryan Gurley
Whit, Brooke, myself and Jared
Brooke and her dental friends!
Aus and Christy
Albert, Court, Brooke and Andrew

If you don't already, check out Brooke's blog about everything COLORADO!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ashley & Sam Say "I Do"

It's been almost 8 years since Ashley and Sam first met in Dahlonega. It seems like just yesterday that we were freshmen in college just livin' the dream without a care in the world. What happened?

So this wedding has been a LONG time coming! Ash and Sam said their I Do's in Madison, Ga., at the Madison Oak Inn & Gardens. It was beautiful!

The wedding party arrived in Madison Friday afternoon. The BBQ-themed rehearsal dinner was held in the garden of Madison Oaks and Clay Coley was there to play music. It was perfect.

Me & Austin
Clay Coley
Chris & Austin
Bridesmaid Pic!
Brittni, Brooke and myself rapped our own version to the Fresh Prince of Belair while the other bridesmaids (plus Calvin) danced in the background. I'll give you the last two lines...<insert Fresh Prince music here>..."So please raise your glass for them on this night. We should all be believers of love at first sight."

Sorry, that's all you get.

Yep.
Love this
On Saturday, Austin and Chris were up and out of the room at 6 a.m. to play in a Benefit Golf Tournament for Kory Potts. The bridesmaids were at the James Madison Inn Salon & Spa at 10 a.m. sharp for make-up, hair, brunch from Marti's at Midday in Athens, and mimosa's! Casey Wilbanks McNalley did most of our hair as well as Ashley's - she looked stunning!


We then headed to the Madison Inn for pictures and to wait for the ceremony to begin, which was so sweet because Ashley and Sam said their own vows. My favorite part was when Sam mentioned that Ashley used to have bleach blonde hair and wore her hat sideways when they first met.

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Sliger
After the ceremony was cocktail hour! My favorite h'orderve was the fried macaroni and cheese. Everything was perfect - my body hurt on Sunday from dancing so much! Definitely one of the best weekends ever!

The ceremony
The ceremony right in front of the Madison Inn
Here are a few pictures from the reception...enjoy!

My fav people!

Alyssa, Hav and myself



Britt, Ellen, Brooke, Christy, myself and Whit

Sparklers!

Bridesmaid Bouquets