My Best Friend's Wedding

I cannot believe today is September 1st.  Where did the summer go?  Where did August go?  It was all a blur.  I was so consumed in wedding mania that I haven't had time to blog.  I've missed it.  But I'm back, so here's a recap from last weekend's wonderful soiree...

The Bride's beautiful wedding was perfect, held outdoors at The Historic Ambassador House and Gardens in Fishers, IN. 

All of the bridal party got airbrushed make up done by Kathy Moberly of Faces by KLM.  She did a marvelous job.  We all (and most importantly The Bride) looked like movie stars.

I found the perfect photographer for The Bride: Jeff Dillow Photography.  He was the epitome of professional: creative, playful and insightful.  I can't wait to see the results.

The ceremony was beautiful but the reception is where all the fun was had.... 

The food was provided by Edwards Catering (Edwards Drive In).  It was served buffet-style including fried chicken, potato wedges, broccoli salad and these out-of-this-world dinner rolls.  No pictures but just imagine the perfect home-cooked meal and voila, there you have it. 

The cake was made by Fefe's sister.  Beautiful!

As the Maid of Honor, I had to make a speech and toast the newlyweds.  I was so nervous but nothing a little bit of champagne and whiskey couldn't smooth over. 

I am so happy for the two of them.  I wish them many years and years of happiness.  I might've lost my partner in crime but I've gained a friend (The Groom) and a special niece (their beautiful 1-year old daughter).  I love you, sister!

So much to do, so little time!

Summer feels like it might officially be here to stay judging by today.  It's 11:15am and I'm sunbathing on my "private" deck while blogging and listening to Boyz 2 Men (oh, the memories) on Pandora.  It's supposed to be private but it's elevated 10 2 stories up in the air so the neighboring properties and the gigantic church parking lot can see me in my brand new, bright orange Vitamin C bikini.  I bought it this season from Hautelook.com and couldn't wait to put it to good use.  It's a bit on rated PG13 (minimal coverage bottoms) side and pushed me a little bit out of my comfort zone but I've done a good job slimming down about 10 pounds over the winter so anxious to show off my progress; not really by working out but by eating well, keeping myself busy, and cutting out sodas and really anything besides water -- and beer.  I still have about 5-7 pounds to go so fingers crossed the amazing food I try and all the summer time fun doesn't get the best of me.

Little Miss B woke me up at 10am.  I usually don't sleep this late but I couldn't fall asleep last night after watching the season finale of The Office and Parks and Recreation.  Once I saw how bright and sunny it was from the window, I knew I didn't want to waste the day away or the good sun.  I have a pretty busy weekend ahead of me. 

Today (Friday):

• Clean the disaster pit that is my room/dressing room.  It has a hodge podge of clean and dirty clothes strewn about.  The bathroom is a sad sight, as well.
• Long walk/job downtown with Miss B
• Going to try and make it to a friend's college graduation open house up in Fishers but a bit on the fence since I want to get up and out early tomorrow.

Saturday:

• Broad Ripple Arts Fair (running Sat. and Sun.) For more info:( click here.  I'm going with some girls and it should be a great time!  Hoping to find some pieces for the new house.
• I wanted to surprise D with a trip to Conner Prairie for the Civil War reenactments taking place Sat. and Sun. but I forgot a friend is having a huge Hog Roast (Broad Ripple) in the afternoon so we probably won't make it up to Noblesville.

Sunday:

• Going shoe shopping with The Bride and her mom. Very exciting!!  I wish my dress was in so I could try on both.
• Making fish tacos for dinner (recipe to follow)

If I could squeeze in a pool or a boat ride, that'd be the cherry on top of an Awesome Weekend Sundae!!

What are some fun things you are getting into this weekend?

Operation: My Best Friend's Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

As I've mentioned before, my best friend is getting married in August.  We're approaching the middle of May so the stress and anxiety is creeping up.  I am starting to buckle down and plan the joint bachelor/bachelorette party which is going to be the end of July. 

Sadly, can't make it there

Next best thing

We are going to have a bit of a Vegas-style adventure by taking a luxury party bus down to Indiana Live Casino in Shelbyville.  I'm hoping for Sex and the City class rather than The Hangover.  An acquaintance of mine owns the over-the-top rock star liner which will be transporting us to and from the casino.  My friends and I have used his services before and always have a blast. 

A little more of this...

A little less The Hangover

The next big item on my planning list is dinner.  I am trying to look at all my options.  I'm looking for delicious food that is economically friendly.  I hosted the engagement party at Buca di Beppo over a year ago and it turned out to be a complete disaster.  The food was mediocre bordering on bad and the service was terrible. 
For this event, I'd like to avoid a banquet style menu and go with something that is fun, easy and accommodating where everyone can pay individually and save the big bucks for the casino.  This gave me an idea to explore the many wonderful food trucks that are sporadically popping up in the Indianapolis area....I love thoughtful, delicious food, small business and Indiana so what's a better way to embrace all three?!

I am taking suggestions so please leave me a comment if you have tried any of their food or worked with any in the past.  Also, if you own a food truck, please leave a comment with contact info!