10.26.2010

35 to 5...Parents

with football season underway, i can't help but think of this year's anniversary in terms of a sports game. my parents have been married 35 years, yesterday (congratulations mom and pops!). my hubby and i mere rookies, bringing up the rear with 5 years under our belt . i feel so proud of my parents. they've put in dedication, passion and effort season after season. they do it all while remaining friends and executing their team challenges with grace. i aspire to face the future matches with my partner in life, with the same fervor. none of this chip eating, couch slouching, empty yelling approach, but instead a get-up-on-your-feet, chest pumping, hand slapping - tackle each day with gusto, kind of lineup! i look forward to the next 30 years and 30 years after that...married to the love of my life. and hats off to all the other long standing records we're surrounded by.
T: together E: everyone A: achieves M: more.
we celebrated 5 years this month at bouchon restaurant, downtown santa barbara. i have longed to try this cuisine for almost a decade. often recommending it to visitors, but never going there myself. i thought this to be the perfect occasion. (brides take note, they have a private dining room, the "cork room" that is so intimate and perfect for a small rehearsal dinner). our meal and wine were outstanding and the service exceptional. they even greeted us with rose petals on our table for our celebratory dinner. we were so satisfied from dinner that we couldn't possibly have dessert, so our waiter brought out a complimentary and delicious fruit plate complete with a candle. above and beyond! thank you bouchon.

10.11.2010

поздравление adrea + alan


what a beautiful site to see, my dear friend adrea and her debonair beau, alan tied the knot yesterday. from the perfectly chosen date of 10.10.10 to mother nature's sublime weather of 85 degrees, it was truly special. set inside the mural room at santa barbara's county courthouse and a reception following at the covarrubias adobe, the setting (and the couple!) were easy on the eye. dinner family style, with long tables partly under a grapevine covered trellis allowed guests to feast in the filtered afternoon sunlight. grapefruit margaritas to quench the insatiable. string lighting and moroccan lanterns hung from the trees and lit the intimate space as the sky turned to night. the adobe door open leading to a small cool space where the desserts and delicious cake were on display among a candle lit mantel and cocktail rounds. a sweet speech by dear ian, father of the bride, with an emphasis on just how "happy" he was for this special day, his adoring daughter and his new son-in-law (it brought joyful tears to the eyes of many). amy, the maid of honor covered all the bases in an eloquent speech recounting the history of her friendship with adrea. a great dj, brian, that spun old lp's allowing me to reminisce of yesteryear shared with those close friends i was celebrating with; neneh cherry - buffalo (!) remember that one? or the goodies of pulp fiction's soundtrack. more than anything, what stood out most was being with dear friends, my sisters and husband as we joined in celebration for adrea and alan's santa barbara nuptials! congrats my dear friend! i'm so happy the two of you found each other and love!