A Charleston Wedding

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Gregg!

May 11, 2013

My Best Friend's Wedding, Part II

(BOLO -"Be on the Lookout"- for the bloopers post to come)

When me and my 4Runner pulled into Columbia, South Carolina, in August of 2004, the only person I knew in the entire state was my dad. He was with me. He left and I voluntarily threw myself into a gym of 700 other freshman girls so that we could voluntarily weave in and out of hundreds of other girls who were clapping and handing out coffee filters (to wipe off the August heat).

On the last day of the madness that is "rush," 50 of us lined up outside the Chi Omega house in alphabetical order. Wouldn't you know it: "Alliman" was a few girls in front of me. From that day forward we were wing-ladies. We lived in the super cool small and quiet out-of-staters dorms which led to copious amounts of socializing. Sometimes I credit our friendship to the fact that I would often say, "Peace be with you," to friends instead of, "Goodbye," and Laura was the only one who would respond, "And with you." We get each other like that.

During our pledge retreat in the fall of 2004.

While this was happening...

...this was happening.

Fast forward about 5 years...

Preface: The following Goggle chat takes place between Rhett and I on May 16, 2009, 

while Laura and I were traveling around Costa Rica.

 8:59 PM me: on another note, what do you think about laura and tyler having a summer fling?

 rhettcraig: who knows

 me: i mean they know it cant be anything serious because they both have law school to go back to in the fall

 rhettcraig: once again, who knowstyler's in town now by the wayme: ooooh yea. lucky yourhettcraig: yeahhe thinks that laura is a hottie

If you haven't already asked me this, you're probably thinking, "What took so long for these two to get together?!" At any given point during college, one or the other was involved with someone else...until that fateful summer of 2009. Fast forward about 3 years... they married! And here is that story:

Kickoff Thursday happy hour with my mom at Rooftop Bar at Vendue Inn

and getting lobster-faced with a steamed/tempura/ravioli trio at Peninsula Grill.

Friday morning mani/pedis at Aqua.

Champagne served with or without bagged hands.

Friday rehearsal at St. Luke's Chapel

and rehearsal party at the Harbour Club.

There are a hundred photos of them like this.

I could cry. #bromance

Perfect, 75 degree wedding gift from the man upstairs.

Putting on our faces and teasing the wedding mullet Saturday morningwith the mother of the groom's first look.
Taping up the feet for the marathon that is: wedding day.
Upstairs at the reception site, the Governor Thomas Bennett House.
Mother of the bride dressing her other daughter in a wedding gown for the second time inside one year.
She finally took a moment to look in a mirror :)
Surprise! We fixed the mullets.
Sneaking in a birds-eye first look shot.
The Greggs.
The ladies.
The Craigs.
Dipping into the banana pudding on the grounds of the Thomas Bennett House.
Kentwool strikes again!

Mrs. Gregg.

They had to leave. They had to catch a flight to Greece.

(honeymoon photos are up on Facebook)

Sunday King Street bliss.

Mother's Day brunch, bellinis, and bloodys at 82 Queen.

Sunday Funday with friends at Red's Ice House.

A boatload of thank yous to the Lee/Alliman/Gregg families for the entire weekend. It was perfect. We laughed, we cried, we plucked dusty millers, and the bride was breathtaking. We are lucky BFFs. 

My Best Friend's Wedding, Part I: A Seattle Wedding

[photo source: Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Vail, Colorado

"America's top ski resort by practically any standard."

Frommer's

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Alan Caplan

April 23, 1982

My parents took the plunge in one of my favorite places on God's green earth. I hate to use the word "breathtaking" because that's such a commonly used word. It's more like Vail knocks the wind out of you with its beauty. Wherever I am, if sun is shining, humidity is low, and people just seem like they're enjoying the day, it reminds me of our summers in Vail.

Champagne welcome for guests exiting the gondola on their wedding day.

Their gondola had a "Just Married" sign on back.

Note: Unfortunately they are the only couple ever allowed

to get married at the top of Vail Mountain because, since dad was a city official, it was the only time Vail allowed the gondola to be used after the mountain closed.

I spent a handful of summers in Vail before I ever skied Vail Mountain and to be honest, I thought Vail in the summer was what it was all about. Turns out all of the marked paths and mountain routes are ski runs turned bike paths for the summer. At a young age I had one of those "genius" moments. I still have those from time to time. Life's pretty cool like that.

All things considered, Kansas is spitting distance from Colorado so even though I knew my parents worked, met and married there, when I was young it just made practical sense we headed that way at some point during the year. It takes time and a certain level of maturity before one can understand the meaning of not just people and things, but places. We'd get our bikes, 'blades, and do our annual tour of town. First stop was the Vail Public Library to see dad's name on the wall.

My sister at the library.

In my humble opinion, the best way to get to Vail is to fly into DEN, rent a car and drive an hour and a half through the most beautiful mountain passes in the U.S. That's a "to do" in and of itself. EGE (Eagle) is a bit closer, but more expensive and you miss the winding drive. Before I go into my personal faves and raves, I should note that it has been since 2003 since my last visit, so this by no stretch of the imagination is a comprehensive overview. Fortunately my picks have stood the test of time and I am happy to spotlight the following tried and true highlights:

Southeast of the Midwest's 

Vail Review

Summer
Bike: Either Vail Pass or any of the mountain trails, this is Vail's summer version of skiing. Vail Pass is Colorado's only mountain pass with a bike path the entire distance. Go all out by biking up then down both ways or take a shuttle to the top and cruise down into Vail Valley.
Swim: Don't be silly. The river is melted snow, but when the sun is shining, the resort or condo's pool (or hot tubs) are lovely.
Rodeo: Check their local listings for their regional calendars. Just thinking about Colorado rodeos makes me homesick because they embody Colorado summers: BBQ, boots, and poop in a hoop (kids buy a hula hoop and when they let the calfs run, the kids win a prize if a calf, well, poops in their hoop). You simply can't make this stuff up.
Horseback Riding: There are a few ranches that do 1 to 2 hour-long rides through the mountains and will usually take you close to the cliffs so you can see views of the valley.
River Rafting: Again, depending on your hopes and dreams, a few different companies can take you down the Colorado River passing through all levels of rapids.
Picnic: Grab sandwiches and drinks from a store or restaurant and take the gondola or chair lift up the mountain. It's picnicking at its very best.

Winter
Ski: I would be kidding myself if I even tried to say a few words. Just get yourself to Vail, look up, and if there's snow, find a way up and ski it. It's that easy. And fabulous. And these days it's probably a great way to spot celebrities. Note: A lift ticket on Vail will also give you access to neighboring Beaver Creek.
Spa: If there's snow and you're not skiing, eating, drinking, or sleeping, there's always the loyal hot tub or spa.

Eat, Drink, Shop
Ore House: Soooo this may be my favorite place because it's the first time I had a steamed artichoke, but the location is smack dab in the center of town with outdoor seating. It's been a local favorite for decades and has remained as Vail has changed through the years, which speaks for itself. Menu is a crowd-pleaser.
Apres Ski: If you ski, you must apres ski, or "after ski" in French. This can, and should, apply to biking as well. In other words: happy hour for the skier/biker when lifts close (around 3ish).
The Golden Bear: "The symbol of Vail Valley," The Golden Bear is the Tiffany & Co. of the Rockies. Stores have come and gone, but this one is here to stay. My mom has worn their signature "Papa Bear" necklace for as long as I can remember and when we got older, we got a "Mama Bear."

I wore my golden bear during our engagement photos as a surprise for my parents.

Rafting down the Colorado River during our 

"were not twins but my mom dresses us like we are" years.

I literally have dreams about rollerblading along Gore Creek
and walking across the rocks until my feet are numb
(remember: melted snow).

The aforementioned Gore Creek I roller blade in my dreams.

If I'm being completely honest, sometimes my dad and I would 

rent a tandem bike and I would pretend to pedal. 

Obviously still carrying guilt. Sorry about that, dad.

My parent's first home and where my sister spent her first years of life.

When the roads were bad, this driveway was the first plowed. Can't manage a city without the city manager.

My brother-in-law in front of the tree my parents

planted when my sister was born. Just like my sister,

the pine has grown to be an educated and creative Texan.

Now that I am sufficiently chomping at the bit for a visit, I hope if you haven't gotten a chance to go to Vail- or anywhere in the Rockies for that matter- such an adventure finds its way into your life. Be responsible: don't neglect your bucket list.

[photo sources: Cox Photography, Google, Mrs. Caplan, Mrs. Cornelius, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas. My hometown and fifty percent of my blog's namesake. I swear I'm not making this up, but the first thing the person giving my college campus tour said to me after I said I was from Kansas was, "You're not in Kansas anymore!" I could retire at the ripe old age of 27 if I had $100 for every time someone in South Carolina told me that I was the first person they've ever met from Kansas. I take it as a compliment.

My parents raised Sadie and I under the "give your children roots and wings" philosophy. My mother's side of the family is from Kansas and she somehow successfully convinced my dad to move from Napa to the middle of nowhere to raise a family. Located in the northeast corner of the sunflower state, it was indeed the best place to grow up and I am grateful. Muddy "beaches" at Clinton Lake, rats in the locker room because our school was in the middle of a corn field... they may be crazy roots, but they're my roots.

Lawrence is like the little unknown family/college town oasis in the middle of all those "square states." A town that takes pride in small shops, local restaurants, and is home to the cathedral of basketball, Allen Fieldhouse. Dorthy doesn't actually live there, tornadoes don't actually plow through town, and there are actually hills... big hills. Although I haven't physically called Lawrence home for nearly nine years, it will always be home and the Kansas Rock Chalk Chant will always equal March Madness.

My sister and I living the simple life out on the farm. 

We didn't have chickens, or a farm,
but we had friends that lived in the country
and those are most definitely our coveralls.
(1988)

Rhett in Lawrence where the buffalo roam (state animal).
(2006)


Kansas summers are hotter than yours
and the winters are colder than yours
except if you live in Canada or Russia or something.
This was taken last week during a winter storm in March
which ended up dumping 6 inches or so.
NBD.

Also taken last week, my first time watching March Madness at home since high school.
Kansas basketball is magical, impossible to understand unless you've lived it,
and is Lawrence's #1 import.

Quick! Trivia question:
Who invented basketball?

Answer:

James Naismith in 1891 with a pair of peach baskets.

Naismith also founded the Kansas basketball program.

Allen Fieldhouse, home of Kansas Jayhawks
and Mecca to basketball fans everywhere.


During a recent hometown progression lunch at some Mass St. favorites.
Mass St. (Massachusetts Street) is where everyone gravitates for
food, shopping, and adult beverages.
First course: Spinach and artichoke dip at Quinton's.
Second course: Wings at Jefferson's.
Third course: Pizza "as big as your face" at Papa Keno's.
Dessert: Darts at Harbour Lights.


An institution in every sense of the word:
Free State Brewing Company.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Photo featuring the menu art with description below,
infamous bottle in the wall at the entrance,
and the man himself: James Naismith.
The place smells of hops and their infamous cheddar ale soup.


If you don't know this saying, you don't know Lawrence.
The back of Free State's t-shirts.
Excuse my small edit.

"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam

Where the deer and the antelope play.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word

And the sky is not cloudy all day."

-"Home on the Range"

State song of Kansas

Funny story: my aunt Sandy Praeger has been in the politics scene my whole life, including the Senate, Mayor of Lawrence, and she's currently insurance commissioner. One year at a statehouse dinner, the main course was buffalo. Rude.

[photo sources: My Hero, Mrs. WRCIV]

A Savannah Bachelorette Party

The bride's favorite holiday is St. Patrick's Day. 

The groom proposed the day before St. Pat's in 5 Points. 

We had no choice: Savannah for a St. Pat's Bachelorette!

The day after their engagement during St. Pat's in 5 Points 2012.

Along the Georgia/South Carolina coast lies a little leprechaun haven known as Savannah. Millions of visitors come each year for its architecture and history. It is the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America, home of Paula Deen, and downtown is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the US.

Savannah also boasts 364 days a year of planning to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. For the 189th time, Savannah held their annual parade and festival and we headed south to see if the rumors were true. In four words: yup, and then some...

Straight from the car to a pre-shower spin around downtown.
The streets were overflowing with green plastic.
I gladly spent $3 on the above item.

The Friday night left-work-early crew at Garibaldi's.


A pre-piano bar cocktail to stimulate the senses.

Singing a little number into a femur bone at Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos.


Safety first.
Shout out to the fantastic Savannah law enforcement team.

Sarah's pantie game: Everyone bring the bride a pair and she guesses who bought which.

My mini bottle exchange game*: Everyone chooses a number out of a cup.

Number one picks a mini bottle first, then number two can steal number one's or pick from the pile.

So on and so forth until everyone has one.

Wait until everyone has theirs, then choose blindly out of a cup either:
"Chilled", "with a chaser", or "straight up".

*For optimal enjoyment, please play responsibly and in the afternoon/evening.

Not over the moon about "gin" + "straight up."

Showtime.

For breakfast, it was hot dogs.

Fully benefiting from Savannah's no open container laws.

Laura's Bachelorette Party! (minus Sam)

For lunch, it was a walk-up window McDonald's.

Different strokes for different folks.
I give the people-watching an A+ for originality and creativity.

Afternoon delight at B&D Burgers with our new best friend, Torri.

Saw a ton of people, but no burgers.

For dinner, it was Vinnie Van Go Go's.

The hardest working guys in town: valet.

Bonus points for finding Tyler's keys in less than 15 minutes.

To polish off our weekend of under-indulging. 

Stay far, far away from the Hardeeville/Jasper Highway Burger King.

Among the many things they did not have during our 30 minute wait,

ketchup packets were one of them.
Ketchup packets.

We did it. We planned, we executed, and we're back in the office with the only evidence being no voice and chipped hot pink nail polish. It was a McAmazing O'Fantastic time and more pics will come soon on Facebook. In closing, the main takeaways from the weekend would have to be:

1. The buddy system is 100% successful when used properly.

2. Don't assume you'll see more than 4 blocks of Savannah-  or the river - just because you're in Savannah.

3. Remember the power of the "Bachelorette" sash. 

Once our sunburns have healed and our energy levels have stabilized, Savannah St. Pat's: The Reunion planning can commence! (Please message for details; serious inquiries only).

Love you, Laura and Tyler,

and thank you to all of the ladies for your enthusiastic participation!

A Charleston Wedding

...coming in May!

[photo sources: Holy City Catering, Saint Patricks, Mrs. Chermely, Mrs. WRCIV]