Mr. and Mrs.

 

 

 

As promised, the photos from our photographer have come in and I am sharing them here for one last wedding post. There are many, many photos, so I tried to pick only my favorites.

We love that she captured the day in such a beautiful way and especially love the candid shots. There is so much emotion in these photos. They highlight the details, but also capture the love and joy. If you are planning a wedding, make sure you splurge a little on the photographer. It's worth every penny.

All photos by Carrie House Photography. Locations: J.W. Marriott Grand Rapids, Basilica of St. Adalberts, Blue Bridge, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Grand Rapids Downtown Market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

In case you missed it: My Daughter's Wedding Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

 

 

Fall Reading List

 

 

It's hard to feel fallish when it's still in the nineties outside (hottest day of the summer yesterday!), but I know that finally, after a long hot stretch, the the humidity will begin to drop, afternoon thunderstorms will stop and picture perfect fall days are almost here in Florida. I think of fall reading as an opportunity to get cozy and maybe even wrap up in a blanket, but unfortunately, that doesn't apply to me right now. But, I'm still here for those of you with leaves turning, a nip in the air at night and the chance to cuddle up with a good book.

There are a lot of interesting books on my Fall list; some new authors and some old favorites. Some of these come from some of you, some from browsing Amazon and some from random websites I come across. I used to stand and pull books from the library shelves, read the book jacket and hope for the best. I miss that a little bit.

Isn't it nice though to have a virtual world of book recommendations right at home on your screen?

 

A pick by Reese Withersoon (she seems to be the new Oprah Book Club)

 

Love her books (usually)

 

Nonfiction with rave reviews

 

As good as Brooklyn? (I loved the book and the movie.)

 

Mary Bennett's point of view

 

Always very happy to have V.I. back and on the the case in Chicago

 

Rumor had it this series was done, but I was happy to see that was not true

 

Happy Reading!

 

Late Summer Night in Michigan

 

 

 

 

Bayview Yacht Club (that's Canada across the Detroit River)

 

St. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church

 

Grosse Pointe War Memorial

 

 

 

Another trip to Michigan (a very quick one) and another wedding, but this time I could sit back and relax as a guest and it was lovely.

My good friend's son was married on Friday and even though I had just been back, I knew it was a life event I couldn't miss. My husband held things together at home and I flew in and out in two days; breakfast with my daughter, the wedding and a visit with my parents, the only things on my itinerary.

The wedding mass was at the oldest Catholic church in Detroit ( established in 1848) and it was a beautiful ceremony. So many of my good friends were there and it made me happy to walk in the church and see all the familar faces, so dear to me. After the ceremony, since the weather was picture perfect, we were spontaneously hosted by friends at their yacht club on the Detroit River, for a quick drink before the start of the wedding reception. It is one of my favorite spots and shows off an aspect of the city that those not familar with Detroit have no idea exists. Sailing and boating are an important way of life in Michigan. The beautiful Detroit River and adjoining Lake St. Clair, with Canada on the other side, are a stunning example of that, on any summer night.

The wedding reception was held at The Grosse Pointe War Memorial, also on the waterfront and the ballroom, with its wrap around windows, afforded gorgeous views of Lake St. Clair. When we walked in the room, the early evening sun was sparkling on the water and it was breathtaking. For me, it was a wonderful night catching up with friends. Having just experienced our daughter's wedding last month, the whole night brought back so many memories and emotions, as well. I know now how much it means to have friends and family by your side and share in your joy. I'm very happy I could be there for my friend.

Happy Monday!

 

This and That

 

 

 

The photos are starting to come in from our photographer and I couldn't love this one more. It just captures all the emotion of being a mother of the bride and making sure your daughter looks just right on her wedding day. This will be going in a frame.

 

 

A little hot and sweaty at the end of our round, but we had a fun morning on the golf course for my husband's birthday. Golf in Florida this time of year is an adventure and you learn to get your round in early in the day to beat both the heat and the inevitable late afternoon thunderstorms. We had a nice lunch in the clubhouse grill, followed by ice cream from an orange grove farm stand nearby. Low key, but that's how he likes it.

 

I forgot to take a photo, but last night I helped to start a Bunco group in my neighborhood. A little different from my old group, because we play in our clubhouse and different people may sign up each month, but it's a great way to meet people. I had to teach the group how to play during the first few rounds, but since I've been playing for about 25 years between 2 different groups in two different states, I know all the ins and outs.

 

Watched on Netflix over the summer:

 

 

Marcella season two is a show I had a love/hate relationship while watching. It's a great British police show (my favorite) and the acting is amazing, but it's oh so dark and twisty. The finale lost me for a while, but they reeled me back in at the end and I want to watch season 3.

 

 

There is a new season of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix, even though an older season was just shown on PBS. Confused? Me too! But, the Netflix season is the newest version from the UK and the new judge and hosts are not bad. It seems like a softer version of Paul and I don't mind the new judge, Pru. The new hosts are a strange choice and do not seem to go together personality wise, but they grew on me as the season went along. Still the same amazing bakes and sweet, quirky contestants.

 

 

The last book in the Shetland series was available on Amazon this month and I read it with both enjoyment and sadness. I think this police series is one of my all time favorites and I knew while I was reading it, I would be saying goodbye to the characters at the end. Luckily, there is still the television series to look forward to and I hope it continues for some time. I'm not ready to leave DI Jimmy Perez and the beautiful Shetland Islands.

 

 

I did buy one thing from the Lilly sale, but I waited until the last day to avoid the madness of waiting in a virtual line. I didn't want anything specific, so while a lot of items had limited sizes in stock at that point, there were still plenty of choices. Also, I used a gift certificate, so it was practically free :-)

Happy Thursday! When you read this, I will be packing and getting ready to leave for the airport and a quick trip to Michigan for a good friend's son's wedding. I'll be seeing a lot of other friends too, so it will be a great time. I also get to see my daughter, Melissa, albeit briefly, but I'll take what I can get.

 

Happy College Football Season {Throwback}

 

 

 

I don't know about your house, but here, we are so excited that college football season has started. We will be cheering on our Spartans from Florida, but for years and years we were season ticket holders and loved our game day tailgates with family and friends. It's one of the hardest things this time of year about living away from Michigan and hopefully soon we can fly up for a football Saturday.

I miss everything about being on campus, especially now that the calendar has turned and those beautiful fall afternoons in Michigan are oh so close. The leaves will turn soon and the air will be crisp and cool. The atmosphere in the stadium is always electric and brings back all the memories of our days as students.

Here are some throwback photos from several years of tailgate fun as we head into week two, with a 1-0 record. You know what we will be doing on Saturdays from now until November - our Spartan flag will be proudly flying, cocktail in hand, and MSU football on the big screen. I'm also hoping for a good season and maybe a fun trip to a bowl game in January.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a bonus today, two recipes perfect for football watching.

 

Chicken Enchiladas

A new recipe that comes pretty close to my favorite Enchiladas Suizas from our college town (East Lansing) go to Mexican restaurant. I made this for game day last week and with a margarita (or two) they were perfect.

 

Slow Cooker Beer Brats

I'm making these on Saturday and I think this is a great recipe for either a football Saturday at home or to take to a tailgate, as an alternative to grilling. (Edit: I made this and would not make it again. I discovered I only like brats grilled. Maybe with another type of sausage?)

 

Have a wonderful weekend and Go Green!

 

{ Linking with these friends}

Savvy Southern Style

Between Naps on the Porch

21 Rosemary Lane

Stonegable