It's That Time of the Year Again...

...time to celebrate!

This time last year I was preparing for graduation. Now, the proud playing of "Pomp and Circumstance" is canceled out by "I Left My Heart in San Fransisco" and "Walking in Memphis", and the diploma is replaced by wedding bands and birthday shots.

Two weeks ago my family headed up to Alexandria to spend Easter weekend celebrating my cousin Whitley's wedding. Before the evening wedding, my family spent the morning exploring Old Town. In between trying on shoes and picking out purses, dad somehow escaped from us and found a farmer's market. Imagine our surprise when he reappeared with the most adorable cookies for our pre-Easter celebration! Not only is Old Town beautiful, it has everything you could ever need!

It is no secret that I am in love with Alexandria, so the fact that I thought Whitley's wedding was absolutely beautiful should not come as a surprise. The ceremony and reception were a balanced mix of traditional and modern, incorporating family traditions from both the bride and groom (have you ever seen a Norwegian wedding cake? I have!). Oh and the location was so beautiful (as was the bride)!


Shelby and I before the wedding

The wedding weekend flew by and, before we knew it, my family was on their way back home early Sunday (we wanted to avoided the traffic). This meant mom and dad were headed to Hampton, Katie to Roanoke, and I was headed back Richmond...which also meant I was orphaned for Easter day. Or at least I would have been if the Fernandez family had not graciously invited me to partake in their Easter festivities. Jon's mom prepared a wonderful (and delicious!) spread, and even had taken the time to make me an Easter basket for when I arrived. It was all so sweet, and a perfect way to spend the holiday.

Two short days later, Mom and I were on a plane headed to NYC.  Since we usually go to New York at Christmas, it was strange to be there without the "fashion or frost bite?" debate, but I was more than happy to embrace the warm weather.

We started out at the Plaza, where Mom and I received a free glass of Veuve Cliquot in honor of Mom and Dad's 26th wedding anniversary (I know, I know, I am a terrible daughter for stealing my Mom away during the anniversary BUT trust me, the trip was so worth it)! One delicious meal and glass of champagne later, we off to hit up the major shopping stops, as well as the venue of my dream wedding: St. Patrick's Cathedral.
 

Celebration at The Plaza

 

Inside of St. Patrick's Cathedral

Thursday morning we woke up bright and early to attend the Fast Company Innovation Uncensored conference. Let me tell you, this was by far the best conference I have ever been to/will probably ever go to in my life. From the decor, to the food, to the speakers, it was amazing. How many events can you meet executives from Starbucks, the NBA, Hulu, OWN, and the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation all in one place? Not to mention the vast array of other companies represented. I am still in complete amazement.

beautiful food display that greeted us at the conference

Speaking of amazement, after the conference Mom and I headed to Sister Act on Broadway. Imagine our surprise when Lea Michele, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer as well as other members of the Glee cast, came and took their seat right next to us!! They were by far the most down to earth and appreciative celebrities I have ever spoken to, so now I am a proud supporter the Gleek community! I am also a full supporter of Sister Act...the show was outstanding! Even though no show will ever compete with my love for Lion King, I would say this one was definitely in the top 3. Between the laughs and vast display of talent, I could not have thought of a better adaption.

When I left NYC on Friday, I had a slight sense of that terrible feeling in my stomach I so often get when amazing trips end. However, this time that terrible feeling quickly subsided because I was about to spend the weekend celebrating the birth of my best friend!

As I mentioned, Jon and I had a few surprises in store, so when Concetta and Will arrived we whisked them off to Bobby Mckey's in National Harbor. This dueling piano bar is the perfect celebration destination: singing, wine, glow necklaces, amazing company....what could be better? Once we all of our favorite songs has been played we headed over to the bar next door for a traditional birthday bull ride! A few bruises later, Concetta was a record holder and we were off to continue the celebration.

The Birthday Girl!

The rest of the weekend was filled with a visit to Old Town, lazy relaxing/catching up at Jon's, Whole Foods visits, a game night, and of course a ton of laughs. I could not have imagined a better way to spend the weekend, and I am already counting down the days til our next double date.

All and all (after the longest post ever) there has been so much to celebrate recently and I am so happy to be a part of it all.

And of course, HAPPY (now belated) BIRTHDAY CONCETTA!!! I love you!!