Eat Drink and Be Married: Leslie and Charles’ Big Day

IMG_3684Yesterday Bo and I had the honor of attending Leslie and Charles wedding yesterday. The fact that the wedding was at Villanova, where Bo went for graduate school, made the day even more fun!

IMG_2305 (640x478)Our group cleaned up very well for the wedding and in record time, considering that there were six of us who had to shower and get ready for the event.

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Before we left, Meghann and I had some fun with Sabrina’s baby belly and baby blocks.

IMG_3615 IMG_3619 Clearly, I’m more than a little excited for Sabrina and Philly Boy’s bambino.

We even travelled to the wedding in style! Bo and I rented a Tahoe yesterday so we could all ride to the wedding and reception together and not worry about drinking since Sabrina volunteered to be our designated driver.

As soon as we arrived at Villanova, it was clear that Leslie’s anti-rain dances and planning paid off. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, the temperatures were perfect, and the sun was shining!

IMG_2290 (640x478) The Villanova Cathedral was simpler than other cathedrals I’ve been in but that simplicity added to the wedding’s beauty. The bright white interior was warm with excitement and glowing with happiness as we entered. IMG_2291 (640x478)We were all commenting on the church’s simple decor and beautiful flowers as the organ music began.

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It’s time to get the wedding started!

IMG_2297 (640x478) We were in the back row which ended up being a perfect position to see everyone enter and leave. Leslie’s mom was already in tears before the wedding started but Charles and his parents looked happy and calm.

The bridesmaid’s dresses were adorable on each and everyone of their shapes and sizes. The bright blue was the color of the flowers and hydrangeas and the neckline meant that the girls didn’t have to worry about necklaces or much other jewelry. Instead, the each had simple pearl drop earrings and matching floral heels. This little attention to detail and feminine touches were so very Leslie!

Within minutes, the doors opened and Leslie’s glow filled the church.

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Within minutes, Charles and Leslie went from best friends to husband and wife!

Another added detail was the bubble and mascot exit that greeted them when they left the church!

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After the new couple exited we took advantage of the sunshine for an impromptu photo opportunity!  IMG_3670IMG_6273 (427x640) (427x640) IMG_6278 (640x427) (640x427) Since their wedding was at 1:30 and the reception didn’t begin until 5:30, we decided that getting a light lunch was the best way to kill time. Luckily, Bo and I were more than happy to show the gang around Wayne!

IMG_6283 (640x427) (640x427) IMG_2319 (640x478) IMG_2314 (478x640)We tried Matador, a new restaurant in Wayne which features delicious Mexican food and drinks. We also decided that the best way to continue the celebration was to toast to the new couple!

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After great debate, I chose a lighter dish, the traditional gazpacho, enjoyed with a side of fresh chips and guacamole.

IMG_2317 (640x478) IMG_2315 (640x478) The food was absolutely delicious but unfortunately, the service upstairs was a little slow. Regardless, I wish Matador had been around when I lived in Wayne. The one thing the area was always missing was a delicious Mexican restaurant.

At 5pm, we headed down to West Chester for the reception. None of us knew what to expect since Leslie hadn’t shared many reception details but we knew that it would be classy and definitely fun!

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We were breathless as we drove up the long dirt road to the Greystone Hall. We started the cocktail hour off with one of their signature cocktails.

IMG_2321 (640x478) IMG_2323 (478x640) I tried the Something Borrowed which was supposed to be a mix of an Arnold Palmer and mojito but I wasn’t a fan of the mix unfortunately. It was a little too sweet for my taste.

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The grounds were gorgeous and gave everyone plenty of room to socialize.

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Unlike most weddings, the bride and groom were able to enjoy their cocktail hour due to the time between the ceremony and reception!

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I loved seeing Leslie in all her glory and having a chance to spend time with the lovely blogger ladies: from L to R Melissa, me, Leslie, Sabrina, Lauren, and Meghann!

The dinner was seated and Leslie was kind enough to put us all together at one table!

IMG_2333 (640x478) IMG_2329 (640x478) You can be assured that there were plenty of pictures, food conversations, and laughs that took place with all of us at one table. It’s also amazing how well our men got along since it was the first time they were all hanging out together!

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Dinner started with a spinach salad adorned with red onions, cucumbers, and a crisp.

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I enjoyed the salmon for my main course which was perfectly cooked and topped with a sweet mango salsa! It was definitely one of the best wedding main dinners I’ve enjoyed!

IMG_2336 (640x478)Bo chose the steak which was better than expected though it took three tries to get one that was medium or medium rare versus well done.

IMG_2337 (640x478)After the speeches and toasts it was time to get the party started! The next three hours were filled with picture booth fun, dance floor singing, and lots of laughter.

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IMG_6446 (640x427) IMG_6456 (640x427) IMG_6463 (640x427) IMG_6467 (640x427) We may not have looked good doing it but we enjoyed every second of the evening. Their band was fabulous and kept the energy high and dance floor filled.

Before we knew it the bouquet was being tossed. Unfortunately, my favorite single lady didn’t catch the bouquet but luckily she was okay with the outcome.

IMG_6481 (427x640) IMG_6483 (640x427)This wedding could not have been more perfect. Each family was smiling ear to ear and beaming the entire night while the lucky couple were in each other’s arms as they greeted guests. Bo and I saw Leslie and Charles in every detail of the reception and ceremony.  We couldn’t be happier for our friends who are so perfect for each other. Leslie’s humor and outgoing personality complements Charles’ calm and loving nature. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Brinkley!!

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Back in the City of Brotherly Love

Good morning Philadelphia! The sun is shining, there is blue sky as far as the eye can see, and not a cloud in the sky. I’d say Leslie is pretty luck with her wedding day weather; especially after the week of weather we’ve had in the Mid Atlantic and Northeast!

IMG_2262 (640x478)This weekend is a reunion weekend of sorts as we not only get to see Leslie and Charles say “I do” but we also get to spend time with Sabrina and her husband Trig, but also Meghann and Derek!

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It’s been more than three months since we hung out in Vermont together which is way too long in my opinion! Over the past year we’ve spent time together at Healthy Living Summit, New York City, Disney World, and Vermont!

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We arrived in Philadelphia last night around 8:30pm after a stressful afternoon. Bo had to work later than planned, we both had to finish packing at home, and the cross town traffic combined with the difficulty of getting a cab had us on edge for a good two hours! We literally made it on the bus with one minute to spare.

We chose the Bolt Bus over Amtrak due to the price and comfort level. The bus is really inexpensive and based on when I bought our tickets, we only paid $7 per person this time to get from New York City (8th and 34th street) to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia!

IMG_2256 (640x478) Bo spent time watching movies on his iPad while I slept for most of the two hours and fifteen minute trip. We were worried we would be really late based on the traffic leaving New York but once we hit New Jersey it was smooth sailing.

As soon as we made the stop in Cherry Hill, I knew we were close. Did you know I lived in Philadelphia for 3 years? My aunt and uncle live near Cherry Hill so I know that without traffic, the drive into the city is about 30 minutes. As soon as I saw the skyline and bridge, I couldn’t contain my excitement!

By 8:45 we had joined the gang at Jack’s Firehouse. Jack’s is a neighborhood restaurant near Sabrina and Trig’s home which is known for upscale comfort food and good beers. It didn’t disappoint and I was excited to try it after seeing it on Leslie’s blog multiple times!

The boys quickly started deep conversations on their side of the table, clearly getting along better than we could have ever imagined! It was the first time Bo had the opportunity to meet Trig though they’ve each heard a lot about the other. In addition, Bo and Derek clearly enjoyed catching up.

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While the boys laughed an caught up, I focused on spending time with Sabrina and the little bambino! I had so many questions and was curious to hear how she is feeling at 22 weeks!

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One thing is for sure, she is the most radiant pregnant woman I’ve seen in ages. Look at that smile and glow! You can barely tell she is pregnant from this picture but in real life she had an adorable baby bump!

I was starving when we finally arrived and happily dove into one of their warm biscuits with preserves as I enjoyed an unpictured summer ale.

IMG_2257 (640x478) The menu was filled with heavy comfort food with a definite Southern influence. Rather than go with barbecue or the ribs, I chose one of my standby favorites: salad and mussels!

IMG_2258 (640x478) IMG_2259 (640x478) The salad special was popular with our table due to the waiter’s delicious description! Grilled squash, eggplant, and zucchini mixed with endive and goat cheese atop light greens and drizzled with balsamic and olive oil. Holy yum! The salad was light and delicious though I should have asked for the dressing on the side.

IMG_2260 (640x478) IMG_2261 (640x478) The mussels exceeded my expectations and the sausage and garlic gave them a delicious, rich flavor even though I didn’t eat the sausage.

I left dinner satiated but not stuffed, exactly the way I like it.

The company was the best part though as the conversations and laughs continued non stop throughout dinner and beyond!

We returned to Sabrina’s house for some delicious salted chocolate chip cookies and a relaxing evening catching up while the boys headed out for one last beer.

imageThe perfect Friday night!

Now I’m ready for Meghann to wake up so I can give her a running tour of Boathouse Row and Kelly Drive before a busy afternoon!

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