In Love With My Friends Being In Love

I recently got to catch up with an old friend.  I learned that she's loving her new life she's made out west, making new friends, going to school, and holding many jobs.  On top of all of that, she is also dating a boy that she is falling in love with.  Hearing her tell me about him and about their times together just brought a huge smile across my face.  I love hearing people I care about are either in love or falling in love.  It's such a great and exciting feeling to be going through.  I told her that I was so happy and proud of her, and I really am.  Even while writing this post thinking about all the happiness she was sharing with me is bringing a smile to my face.

Love is definitely hard, but if it was easy it wouldn't be worth it.

After the recent events that I have gone through with a relationship myself, you would think I would be spiteful or upset to see my friend glowing with such happiness.  However, my feelings are the exact opposite.  My experience with love was and is wonderful.  My first love was one for the books, it didn't have a fairy tale ending but the journey that was shared was indeed wonderful.  And to see a friend that I truly care about go through this journey of love with someone she cares for can only bring happiness to myself also.  

I hope for her that she has the absolute best journey with him, whether it ends in happiness or ends in disaster it's how you deal with the journey that makes it all worth it.  I hope that you all get to experience a journey with someone you care for also... I'd like to end this post with some of my favorite lyrics from Avicii - Wake Me Up.  

Wish that I could stay forever this young

Not afraid to close my eyes

Life's a game made for everyone

And love is the prize

Glatfelter Wedding

I'm sure everyone has that one couple friend that is just absolutely perfect for each other and well, Mike and Jeanine are that for me.  I've known them for about 4 years maybe (has it seriously been THAT long) and since then I've planned to find someone who complements me the way they complement each other.  Last December on Jeanine's birthday, Mike asked her to go grab her cake out of the oven so it wouldn't burn and as she took it out the words "Will You Marry Me" were written across the cake.  He picked out a flawless perfect ring for her and the next 10 months were spent planning their very special day.  I was lucky enough to be asked to be a part of their special day as Jeanine's Maid of Honor.

October 12, 2013 was the day!  I arrived on the 11th at the venue, The Emerson Resort, to help them set up and with anything else they would need.  They had planned this day down to a T - that setting up was easy and after that there wasn't much more to do.  We did put together the brides and bridesmaid bouquets that Jeanine made out of flowers from Price chopper.  That Friday close family and friends arrived and we rehearsed for the big day tomorrow and then it was off to celebrate at the rehearsal dinner at New World Home Cooking.  Everyone had a great dinner and got to reminisce about old memories with Mike and Jeanine or share new ones!  After dinner we headed back to the resort and went to their "Lodge" to the bar to hang out with everyone for a couple more hours then it was off to bed for the BIG day tomorrow.

The morning of their big day, I met with Jeanine, Karen (Mike's sister and the other bridesmaid), the mother of the bride, and Jeanine's aunt to get a little spa treatment - mani and pedi time!  This was the perfect thing to do in the morning, get pampered! - who doesn't love that!  After our nails were done and dry, Jeanine and I headed back to do some last minute adjustments on decorations and make sure everything was in place for when all of her guests arrived.

Then before we knew it was time to get ready.  Our friend Casey arrived early to help with make up and hair and she did a phenomenal job.  The bride was beautiful and I was so honored to be standing next to my two very best friends as they exchanged vows.  I luckily only shed a couple tears as she was getting dressed and was able to keep it together for the ceremony.  After the ceremony guests were sent next door to the lodge for a cocktail hour while the rest of us shimmied around for pictures.

Then it was PARTY TIME!  The hotel staff transformed the reception area into a ceremony area in what felt like seconds.  Food was served, drinks were flowing and laughter and music were heard all around.  Their very good friend Chris Jordan (who was also their officiant) and his band Mr. Toad's Wild Ride played and they were a huge hit.  The night was perfect and the bride and groom were glowing with pure happiness.

Now they're off on their honeymoon in California and I hope they are having the time of their lives.  This is only the beginning, you two have many years left to put up with each other!  And don't worry I'll be there along the way to make sure everything is running smooth :-] Trike4life.  I love you both very much and thank you again for inviting me to share in your very special day! xoxo