One of the best days of my life & Giveaway

Six years ago March 31st was one of the best days of my life. Nope it wasn't my wedding, a big birthday or the day I met Kevin. It was my brother's wedding! I know I've mentioned a few times how much I love my sister in law Bethany but I love my big brother too! He is the best big brother, always there if I need him, always offering advice on important things like beer or football, inspiring my love of Star Wars and Valpo Crusaders. Heck I'm sure I could do a whole post just about my brother ... : )

Their wedding took place during my senior year at Valpo. I ended up coming home a few times for the various festivities. The show was at a fabulous tapas restaurant in Naperville, IL, Meson Sabika. Head to their website the building itself is beautiful and supposedly haunted! It was a beautiful day. I actually helped with so much of the day it was such a new experience for me. Since I was still in college no one I knew until that point was getting married so I got to help my mom make the centerpieces and the favors using vases and beautiful stemware favors (thank you IKEA for pretty glassware for good prices!). This is a photo of my mom, me, Bethany, her sister Thais & her mom Gwen.

The bachelorette provided more firsts for me. Instead of doing the typical go out, get drunk and throw penis items all about Bethany opted for a fabulous spa day! OMG it was fabulous. Manis/Pedis and massages at the spa. Now this isn't just any spa this is a high quality one where they provide you robes to walk around in the afternoon, you get munchies and fancy healthy drinks. I'm not sure I could afford to go back to a place like that again but man it was nice. It was also the start of my life long massage and pedicure addictions.

Rehearsal & dinner was pretty uneventful except for the pastor saying Louie & Betsy (eep!) and Bethany's sister bawling her eyes out the entire time. The day of was amazing. Bethany went to school to be an event planner and has a flair of being able to pull events, outfits and rooms together. The theme was browns and pink and polka dots. It was a great night of delicious food, great family & friends, and tons of dancing.

Now for a photo dump of some of my favorites!