I’ve probably said this before, but it bares repeating, I need to visit California, specifically the area in which I used to live, at least once per year. It fills my soul in a way that absolutely nothing else can. That single week out there refuels me for another calendar year and helps me maintain my mental, emotional, and even physical balance.
The main event for this trip to California was the wedding of two of my absolute best friends, Michael and Jenna. You may recall Michael was a Groomsman in mine and Melissa’s wedding and Jenna was there with us on Splash Mountain when I proposed to Melissa in Disneyland. They have been an intricate and important part of our love story and now I theirs. So come along on this photographic journey as I take you through our wonderful week out west.
I arrived on the evening of Saturday, September 20 and right away things kicked off to a beautiful start. The gentleman at the airport Enterprise Rent-A-Car had a difficult time with his iPad and the rental process took a little longer than expected. So, to make up for this delay, he upgraded me to a Mercedes SUV. Needless to say, I was ecstatic! Immediately after pulling off the lot I started playing Britney Spears 2011 song, “Selfish” off her critically-acclaimed album, Femme Fatale. I obviously chose this because the lyrics, “boom, boom, baby pick you up in my Mercedes. I’ma be a little selfish, be a little selfish.” I basically listened to that song for the next three days, but after an upgrade like that, how could I not!?!
The first couple days were quite light on pictures and I managed a more peaceful pace than normal. After renting my Mercedes, I had a lovely dinner at Bluewater Grille with my Uncle Joe and his girlfriend, Tamara. Then the next morning the three of us went to Starbucks and just sat there talking for hours. It was wonderful catching up and sharing stories. Poor Tamara has to think our family is nuts after the download she received!
Sunday afternoon I went over to where I used to live, my California Dad Mark’s home. His long time girlfriend, Danielle, the mom of the triplets, finally moved in and the place truly looks better than ever! It was wonderful catching up with them and sharing all my stories and hearing all of theirs. From there, my California Brother, Garrett, and I went and had the best dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. Garrett is 1/3 of the triplets and there remain not enough words in the English language to describe how much I love him and his siblings, Gabby and Logan. So thankful I got to see both boys several times this trip and cannot wait to see Gabby later this month!
I actually spent Monday planning our next trip. We’re heading up to Michigan! I haven’t been since 2010 and Melissa’s never gone, so it should be fresh and exciting for us both – and Nancy! That evening I went west to Oceanside to see my other California Brother, Logan, and his phenomenal girlfriend, Izzy. We went downtown there and had a wonderful dinner and then walked along the pier. Always a great time in a great place. Love these two so much and loved getting to see where Logan lived and meeting his roommates. It was a real treat for me.
On Tuesday Garrett and I went and picked up Melissa at the San Diego airport and then the three of us went and met up with Colsen at his marina.
Colsen, who is Logan’s best friend, and doubles as the triplets bonus brother is living his best nautical life as a Marine Mechanic. He’s always loved fishing, boats, and being on the water and now he’s fulfilling his lifelong dream of living a life that entails all of that. He fixes boats and yachts and loves it, which makes me so, so happy for him. I couldn’t be more proud. He knew exactly what he wanted to do and now he’s doing it and there is no greater success story than that. We even got to see his house boat and the marina he resides in. It was definitely a peak moment in a trip full of nothing else.
We all know I’ve probably been to Disneyland over three hundred times, so when I tell you all that the day Melissa and I had with Logan and Izzy was a Top Five Disney Day I need you all to know it was really and truly one of the best. Each passing minute was more perfect than the last. I told Logan and Izzy it was a “no no’s day” and they weren’t to ask me if they could get something, but rather just tell me what they wanted and it would be theirs. We had so many different mixed drinks (non-alcoholic) and treats and snacks that it was just wonderful. Everyone got a little bit of everything and we were all able to do each and everything we wanted. Really and truly, the day couldn’t have been any better. I’ll definitely be remembering and recalling this one for all time.
After Disney on Wednesday, the rest of the week of dedicated to Michael and Jenna’s wonderful wedding. We had a Bachelor Party on Thursday night at Pechanga Casino in Temecula where I won $110! Then we had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Friday night, which was equal parts lovely and delicious. Finally, Saturday was the wedding.
I cried – a lot. Hearing Michael give his vows and mentioning Macy’s right out the gate about sent me into sobs. I was holding my breath the same way I do when I’m swimming laps! I was scared I was going to ugly cry up there! Macy’s is where I was Michael and Jenna’s leader and I knew for quite a while Michael had a little crush on Jenna, so I would always schedule them together to nudge and push this relationship along. Then in St. Louis when Michael was a groomsman in mine and Melissa’s wedding, he and Jenna officially became an item. Honestly, it’s probably pretty safe to say their love wouldn’t exist without me. *insert laugh here* Kidding, but not entirely. You know me, I’m here to take credit when credit is due.
After Michael’s heartfelt vows it was time for Jenna’s and she dropped Macy’s right off the bat too! Lord, it about sent me all over again! The ceremony was just wonderful, but the reception was on a whole other level!
I’d NEVER been to a wedding reception where approximately 90% of the attendees danced THE. ENTIRE. NIGHT. It was outstanding! Of course Melissa and I were out there with the best of them and it was just an amazing night that I’ll never, ever forget. I was a little sour at the DJ – JUST SLIGHTLY, overall he was pretty phenomenal – as he ONLY played ONE Britney Spears jam (“Scream & Shout” with will.i.am), so beyond that obvious blemish, the night was perfect. We had THE BEST time and I’m so, so thankful to have been apart of this beautiful wedding celebrating this beautiful love shared by these two beautiful people.
Sunday saw Melissa and I return to Oceanside to have lunch with my Uncle Joe and Logan. It was the perfect ending to a perfect trip and one that I’ll never forget. Thank you to everyone pictured above for making this week practically perfect in every way.
As always, THANK YOU so much for viewing! I appreciate you greatly! Feel free to leave a comment below as I love reading and responding to them! I’ll return soon with another all new post, so until then, I wish you all, all the best!
Looks like it was another great trip! Love seeing all the pictures. Thx for sharing.
Thank you & yes! We had the best time!