Seattle for Ray and Robin's wedding :)

This weekend we were so happy to celebrate Ray and Robin's wedding in Seattle, Washington. Same sex marriages are legal in Washington and we were so happy to be able to celebrate with family and their wonderful friends. It was the year anniversary of Mom dying so that was of course on my mind but I believe she was there celebrating with us. 

We arrived Friday night into Seattle to beautiful weather. We went by the hotel and then went to the Pyramid brewery. This was one of Mom's favorite drinks which she often enjoyed with Ms. Alicia (and myself!). 

Cheers to Mom! 

 Mom's fav apricot ale

Friday night we went to Rockbox, a karaoke bar. Ray and Robin reserved 2 rooms and we sang possibly every Cher, Whitney, Brittany, Madonna song in existence. Everyone was dancing and singing so loudly regardless of talent...I LOVED it :) 

 Robin singing "love of my life" to Ray. 

I wish I took more pictures but I was simply having too much fun :) 

Saturday morning we got up and after a trolley mix up, some mixed up walking, and a cab we finally arrived at Pikes Market.. along with every other person in Seattle. After walking around we went to Steelhead diner.  We were there during a "heatwave" (hilarious) and enjoyed the humidity free 75 degree weather all weekend. At the diner we sat on the roof and enjoyed people watching, cocktails and delicious brunch. 

After brunch we took some more pictures. We had such a clear day we were able to see so many more mountains than we were the first time we came. 

I didn't bring my big camera and my phone didn't do it justice.

After brunch we planned on leisurely making our way back to our hotel and getting ready for the wedding when we received a tad stressed call from Uncle Ray. There was a miscommunication with the caterer and they thought the wedding was next week.  Ray told us we needed 10 bags of ice and to stop what we were doing and get to his house. Of course the obvious answer is yes, we are on our way. The reality is we are across town, in awful traffic and still need to get ready. We got back to the hotel quickly and Ben got ready in literally 2 minutes and went on a search for ice. The rest of us got ready quickly and arrived at their house where other family and friends were helping. The house looked beautiful and someone had already called wholefoods and brought prepared trays of shrimp, meatballs, cheese and other delicious food. 

Their view... Frazier has NOTHING on these guys!

The couple "walked down the isle" to Diana Ross' "I'm coming out", I mean what else?

Loved their socks :) 

They wrote their own vows and one of the grooms may have needed a bit of help. I do not consider this cheating rather being prepared. He is the ultimate boy scout. 

Somehow the caterer hustled and got there late and Tim Gunn style made. it. work. The food was flawless and Robin's biggest fear of having to use plastic was avoided. 

They were even able to bake and create the deconstructed wedding cake they wanted. All in Ray's and Robin's kitchen. Even Tom Colicchio would have been proud. 

After the beautiful festivities, Ray suggested we go to this park (I cannot remember the name, this new mommy enjoyed not feeding a baby and remembering what champagne (who am I fooling, lots of other spirits) tasted like). We went there the first time we went to Seattle but the sunset was amazing so I was so happy to go back so Shari and Dad could see this view and sunset! 

 Look at the mountain on the right.

 

Note to self: Tipsy selfies are really never a good idea. 

We were SO happy for Ray and Robin and thrilled we were able to be there and celebrate this wonderful couple :) 

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne. 

Lindsay and Andrew's wedding weekend

I was so happy to celebrate my dear friend Lindsay's wedding to our favorite Canadian, Andrew. Philip and I left for Thursday for NYC. We were so excited to celebrate Lindsay and also happy to get away for a weekend. We were unable to take a vacation this year so a weekend away felt amazing!

Thursday we arrived in NYC around 3PM and checked in our hotel. Philip worked his magic and we were able to use points. Here is our view! Such a nice home for a long weekend!

We quickly met with our sweet friend Meagan and later walked around Little Italy and the East Village.

The last 2 times Philip and I went to NYC, he tore up Chinatown. I mean, spent hours, bought all things possible. This time surprisingly, I was the only one who spent anything. I talked this guy into selling me a bottle of my precious Dior for $20.00 Finally we left to the East Village on a huge pilgrimage to find one of the "best" crepes in the city. (the only one I had, but I would give a limb for it)

must be worth it, look at the huge lines

So delicious! I could have eaten 1,000 of these.

Friday I was finally able to see the beautiful bride and some more friends. Mollie planned a gorgeous brunch at The Train Bleu in Bloomingdales. It was inside an old train car and such a great location.

After lunch, Mollie, Nelson, P and I went on a long walk of 5th avenue and Central Park. After getting off the wrong subway station, and walking 30 extra blocks, we arrived at the rehearsal dinner at Dinosaur Barbecue in Harlem.

Of course we had to play some prom pictures.

PROM!

Saturday morning P and I went walking around Pier 17. These people were attempting trapeze flips and it was so fun watching! It reminded me of that Sex and the City episode and I believe Carrie did this here!

After Pier 17, we went to Chelsea market and walked around for a while and then had lunch.

How often do you eat a whole lobster for lunch? We saw it and just decided, why not? After lunch we went back to the hotel and got ready for the big event, Lindsay and Andrew's wedding!

The wedding was at Blue Hill at Stone Farms in Terry town. It was so gorgeous and such a fabulous location. Everything was perfect and so much fun.

This meal was so amazing. I knew Andrew and Lindsay were obvious foodies and they did not disappoint! It was so delicious!

After the amazing wedding, we went home on "the party bus". If I learned one thing from this weekend, I learned that Canadians know more songs and drinking cheers than I knew were possible. As Tom Campion said, "Canada is the frattiest country ever".

Sunday morning Philip and I went to breakfast in the West Village. It was SO good and such a great way to end the weekend!

And last but not least, we stopped by Magnolia Bakery and somehow managed to share a cupcake and even brought some home for Sharon and Ashley.

We went home tired and happy. We had so much fun and felt so lucky to be included in Lindsay and Andrew's special day. They are such a fantastic couple and we couldn't be happier for them!

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.