Earlier this week, my friend Steven stopped over for a night en route from Texas to Wisconsin. Steven and I have been friends since high school, and he was even a bridesman in Matt and I’s wedding last year. So we took advantage of his visit to get into the city and meet up with our dear friends Matt and Christie, also longtime friends. The result? A fun night in our new city :)
Button up: the Gap
Tank: Target
Jeans: the Gap
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Necklaces: vintage; Target; Target
Earrings: Kohls
Bag: Urban Outfitters
I typically prefer to be a bit overdressed when we go places (not like crazy overdressed, but just a tiny smidge more dressed up than most people might get.) This usually means a dress of some sort, but since I can’t wear jeans to work (unless they’re our stores), I took advantage of a chance to wear them for a night out. Also, I know some people might think that arrow necklace is a bit suggestive, but silly naive me didn’t think about that until the 12th time I wore it when someone suggested it. Grrr. But since it was my great aunt’s (and I’m fairly certain she wasn’t a hussy), I like to think of it as a unique treasure (not a suggestive hussy necklace.) And if other people thinks its weird, well, then, that’s their deal :)
Tomorrow Matt and I are headed to Ohio to see my sweet grandparents. Chicago is A LOT closer to Ohio than Texas is, so we’re taking advantage of the shortened distance and headed for a visit to see my Grammy, Grandpa, and Namaw :) Have a fabulous week, and if you didn’t enter my giveaway, don’t forget, its easy!
I adore 
Every girl needs a fabulous travel companion, and 
Though the site has 
Friday morning, after an insanely fabulous wedding, we were rested and pumped to head into the city. How many people does it take to buy a train ticket into NYC? 
Once into the city, we hit the pavement, and I started furiously snapping pictures. Matt thinks I have a serious picture taking problem and need an intervention, but I swear its just a few 
After some mandatory partaking in New York style pizza, we headed to Times Squares for some touristy pictures. The girls thought it would be fun to have a “jumping picture” in Times Square. Clearly that did not go so well, as after 5 shots, this was the most air any of us got. (And no one’s feet are actually off the ground.) In fact, I’m actually closer to the ground than normal. I like to think it was all in an effort to spring up into the air like a puma. Yeah, I said it, like a puma.
While heading down Sixth Avenue, we stumbled upon the LOVE sculpture, and I was super excited, because we hadn’t been able to see the one in Philly thanks to the horrible weather 
:)
One of my favorite things about big cities (though for some reason, not big cities in Texas) is the flower stands all over the place. Its always such a sweet surprise to see a cart of beautiful blooms in the middle of concrete, smog, and honking cabs.
That night for dinner, our group ate at a cute little Italian spot in Tribeca. The food was good, though I failed to get any pictures because the place was so intimate and quaint, I felt a little touristy snapping pics. (I do have some dignity left you know.) But on the way home that night, I was delighted to find some gelato in Penn Station. Nothing like a little chocolate hazelnut delight to make a train wait more bearable :)
Saturday morning, we said goodbye to our friends they all flew back home Saturday morning and afternoon. We’d decided to stay an extra night so we could see Matt’s brother who was driving in from New Hampshire later that day. So Matt and I set off for some city exploring of our own.
Our hotel was in the financial district, so after checking in early and dropping of our bags, we headed to see the New York Stock Exchange. I don’t really comprehend (or care to comprehend) all that goes on there, but it was cool to sit outside and marvel at the building and the people nearby. I’m a bit of a people watching fanatic (but in a non-creepy way.) Please tell me I’m not the only one!
And finally, after three long days of waiting, I got my giant New York pretzel. And ps: after looking through all these pictures, no freaking wonder I’ve put on a few extra pounds! Slightly disturbing that I posed with both gelato and a gigantic pretzel within a 12 hour period. Sheesh.
I had a Sex and the City tour scheduled for later in the day (more on that later) so we headed over towards Fifth Avenue where the tour started. Since we had some time to spare, we waltzed around the area, enjoying views of the Plaza Hotel (actually, now the Plaza Condominiums) and Central Park.
Enjoying a moment (and a much needed bench) in Central Park. For all those non-creeper people watchers like me, this is a fabulous place for you :)
So about the Sex and the City tour…last month, Kristina at 
The tour was a little over three hours long and took you by various spots where the show was filmed. We got out at a few of the stops and then in between stops and point-outs, clips from the show played, particularly of the places we were seeing. Very cool. Here we are outside of 
Here we are inside of Buddakan, at the bar, where Big gave Carrie her “last single girl kiss.”
During the tour, we passed the Diane von Furstenberg store, where I proceeded to shriek and tap on the window, explaining that’s where Whitney Port worked on the first season of The City, something to the effect of, “that’s it, right there, look!” I snapped a quick pic only to be met with a few dirty looks from other bus riders. Apparently they were strict enforcers of the SATC material only rule. 
The third big stop the tour was 
Here we are grabbing a drink at Scout, Aidan and Scott’s bar. (In real life, it’s a bar called O’Nieals.) The tour asked the group a trivia question and yours truly was the only one who knew the answer. Amateurs, those other tourists. If you’re a SATC fan, give it a go. “What gift did Carrie bring Aidan to celebrate the opening of his bar?” For extra credit… “What was the meaning behind the gift?”
That night, we met Josh (Matt’s brother) and Anthony for a fabulous dinner at 
Me and my man :)
Anthony and Josh. Anthony is a producer for one of the morning shows in NYC, so he gets the VIP treatment wherever he goes, and we’re just lucky to tag along :)
Josh and Matt. I’ve told you about how much I adore my brother in law before. Remember 
Such a memorable spot! 
A group shot as we left Tao. Thank you SO MUCH, Josh and Anthony, for a fabulous night!
In the cab. I am a creeper and thoroughly enjoy snapping cab pics, what can I say?
We had plans for a small little concert later in the night, but since we had some time before we had to be there, we headed to the Wine Bar at 
After a glass of yummy, we headed to 
Walking into Hill Country was like walking into a fabulous barbeque joint in Texas. The owner has family roots in Texas and has created a place that is so true to the roots I love, it made me cry. Literally. Not boo hoo cry, but definitely tears welling up because I was so overcome with warmth and memories of home. I know it sounds super weird, but everything about this place and the concert had my heart full of Texas love, thinking about family, friends (especially my college roommate Kristin who is a die hard Texas country fan), and the soul that lives in Texas. It was so unexpected and so fabulous. They had a framed Texas flag when we walked in, which had me first sight. For those Texans reading, this place ships in Texas post oak to smoke their meats over, 
Josh, Matt and I enjoying some fun. Oh yeah, did I mention their margarita had a jalapeño in it?! Sounds crazy, but it was the best margarita I’ve ever had. Yum, yum, yum.
Favorite picture of the night! You know those pictures, that when you look at them, you can remember everything about the moment inside? The way you felt, the surroundings, the sounds…this is one of those pictures. I love love love it, and am so grateful to Josh and Anthony for showing up such a fabulous time in NYC.
The whole reason for us going to New York was for the wedding of Liz, a good childhood friend of Matt, and her husband Nitin. (Liz is pictured in the middle in the fabulous dress and belt. The belt that I I loved so much I considered ripping off her waist and making a run for it.) Matt and Liz, along with the other peeps in this picture, grew up together in a teeny tiny town in Arizona and even after everyone moved and went to college, the group managed to stay in touch and stay close. (One of more of gang is missing due to a delayed flight.) So the night before the wedding, Liz joined her hometown group (and 3 added significant others, including moi) for a nice dinner at our hotel.
Me and my man at dinner :) I can’t believe its been almost a year since our own wedding. Eeek!
Ok, I know I’m a huge weirdo for always taking pictures of my food, but when its this good, I can’t help it. I mean, how can I keep halibut crusted sea bass all to myself?!
The gals after dinner. And no idea why I just typed “gals.” Weird but whatevs. Rebecca wasn’t able to make dinner thanks to Continental Airlines, but luckily she made it in time for the pictures :)
Thursday was the wedding day, and wow, it was definitely a day to remember. Before you look at all these pics, I should tell you that this wedding was like something off of Platinum Weddings. (Please tell me I’m not the only wedding crazed looney that watches that show?!) Everything was breathtaking, over the top, and the best of the best. For realz. It was in-credible! Here are Matt and I outside of our hotel waiting for the chartered bus to take us to the groom’s home for the ceremony.
Rebecca and I about to head down to the tents. Check out that gorgeous view behind us!
The beautiful home (and lawn) of the groom’s family. Their home is in Oyster Bay, New York, and though its a bit of a trek from the city, it is insanely gorgeous. The picture was taken from inside the tents where we were seated for the wedding. Like I said, incredible! PS: Thanks RA for letting me steal this pic :)
The BEAUTIFUL bride and groom. The ceremony was a traditional Hindu ceremony, and though I couldn’t understand most of what was going on, it didn’t matter because I was overwhelmed by how beautiful everything was. Seriously. Check out Liz. Gorgeous. And check out the freaking flowers. Insane yall!
A full view in case you weren’t yet overwhelmed by the beauty of this mandap. I mean, for realz, gorgeous.
Alaina and after the ceremony. Alaina was a bridesmaid so she and the other bridesmaids wore traditional bindis on their foreheads. Very cool.
Woo hoo, time to celebrate! After the ceremony, the family bussed all the guests into the city for a fabulous reception…on a yacht! Matt and I were super excited (as was Foster judging from that little smile on his face in the top corner of the picture!)
And here we are aboard the yacht. It was so beautiful, no picture or words can even describe.
A great shot of the whole group (5 hometown friends and 3 spouses/significant others.) We get a little crazy when we’re all together, but its a rare occasion, so we make the most of it!
A required sassy shot of the girls :) (PS: I am apparently a giant. Its a wonder I have any friends.)
Kari and I at the back of the ship as we left the pier.
Matt and I inside the second level for cocktail hour. I made a point to make friends with a server who found me whenever he brought a new hors d'oeuvre out. Lol, a little pathetic I realize this, but it was so worth it as the food was so stinking good :)
Once the boat left the dock, we grabbed our drinks and headed to the top of the boat for an insanely fabulous view of New York. And to make it even more magical, Jay Z and Alicia Key’s “Empire State of Mind” was playing through the speakers. I mean, seriously, it was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.
It wasn’t even my wedding day, and I felt like I was living in a fairytale!
:)
Watching the sun set off the other side of the boat was beyond breathtaking.
After enjoying some fabulous views, we headed to the main floor for dinner and dancing. We were met with these two beautiful pieces at the bottom of the stairs. I stood and oogled for about ten minutes, until I realized people were staring at me. Oopsie :)
The only two pictures I have with the bride are blurry. Dang it!
Table 4 was the place to be! (And yes, every centerpiece was this incredible.)
After an insanely delicious dinner, we headed back up to the top deck for some NYC nighttime views. Thankfully, I have a thoughtful husband who lent me his jacket once it got chilly :) Though towards the end of the night, they gave all of the women shawls to help us keep warm. Shawls we got to keep, a woo hoo!
After a sparkler exit (my favorite type of wedding exit)…
…the bride and all the guests were met with an ice cream truck! Liz is obsessed with ice cream, so we were treated to any frozen creation of our choice. I wasn’t quite as ambitious as Liz and went with a chocolate malt :)
Hahahah, clearly we were excited for our Mr. Softee delights :) It was such a fun ending to an incredibly fabulous night!