Maia + Caleb Wedding

We just got to be part of the most amazing wedding weekend—Maia + Caleb got married! They are such a great couple, and we are just so excited for them and the life they are starting together.

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner, with pizza and popsicles at the community space where my sister lives. It was such a fun and relaxed way to kick off the weekend and get everyone together before the big day.

Then came 9-26-26—the wedding! And honestly, it was pretty much perfect in every single way. The weather was incredible, the wedding venue was charming and gorgeous, and Jacob did an excellent job officiating the ceremony. Everything felt so special.

The reception was at the country club, and they did such a great job. It was a fun evening filled with lots of celebrating, good food, and, of course, plenty of time to enjoy this wonderful couple. Maia looked absolutely stunning, and Caleb looked very handsome. They were both so happy, and it was a really special day.

We were especially thrilled that Hudson was able to make his schedule work and be there to celebrate with us. The one bummer was that Cole wasn't able to attend. The timing couldn't have been worse for him, and he was really crushed to miss it. Unfortunately, sometimes those things happen. 

After the wedding, we spent the night at my parents' house, which was fun in itself. And the next morning, they hosted a post-wedding brunch to wrap up the weekend before we all parted ways and the bride and groom got to take off for their honeymoon. 

It was such a wonderful weekend celebrating Maia and Caleb, and we couldn't be happier to welcome Caleb to the family. We are so excited for these two and everything ahead of them!

E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 03 + 04

Time for the big day! Mel is fortunate to have some incredibly creative friends. From the flowers to the stage the ceremony was going to be held on, to the draperies around the room to the graphics on the tables and entire army of friends were there to make this day special for everyone. It was incredible. I helped with the table settings, which were something I've never seen. Mel had resourced all the antique plates (some of us even had specially picked out ones), the flowers were stunning, and their friend Sue designed the cards that Emma and Toby wrote personalized letters on talking about what that guest meant to them. They did this for every single person -- I've never seen anything like it. What a special touch. Afterwards, I headed back, Brian ordered falafel and chicken shawarma, and we got to rest a bit before getting ready for the big day. Hudson was supposed to fly in that morning, but woke up devastated to have gotten food poisoning and needing to cancel. We were all heartbroken, but it was nothing he could have controlled. He and Cole had roles in the wedding, so Cole stepped up and took over Hudson's usher job, and guest book responsibilities. Finn was the officiant. He was funny and sincere. He did such great job. At the end of the ceremony a second line band came to escort Emma and Toby to cocktail hour. The Bomb Squad (what the high school friend group calls themselves) was there, as well as the Bubble (the Oak Park group). Other friends of our from Oak Park were there -- even someone I used to work with that Toby's family is friends with but our friend group didn't know. I also got to spend time with Ed, who is a mutual friend of Leif and Mel's but someone I've known since high school, making him the person I've known longest in the room,. That's so crazy. We had a great BBQ dinner, and afterwards, danced the entire night. Seriously, I personally didn't sit down once. It was amazing. What a fun party. 

The following day, Hudson had to pass through Chicago on his way to training in Phoenix, and he was feeling well enough to catch an early flight and come to the brunch Toby's parents hosted. Such a great surprise for everyone! I hate that he missed out the night before, but so glad he was able to see most everyone. I also got to take a couple photos I missed the night before -- with Ed, and one with the bride a groom. The funny thing is, as we were getting ready to leave for the brunch, I put in the directions and it ended up that our rental was on the same block as Toby's parents. So that was convenient. Anyhow, we are back home now. It was great to see Hudson for a couple of hours, but now he's busy training for the next couple of weeks. Cole left this morning for Minneapolis after a really fun month together, and just let us know he arrived safe and sound. I'm feeling a little sad, missing our kids and my friends -- but also beyond grateful. We are so lucky to have such incredible people in our lives. Other people comment on it all the time, and truly it is something unique and very special. Emma is one of our favorite people. The first of the Bubble kids to tie the knot. We couldn't be happier for them. What an incredible weekend. 

E+T Wedding Weekend :: Days 01 + 02

We've been looking forward to Emma + Toby's wedding for awhile, and can't believe it's actually over. Seriously, it was the most amazing time from start to finish. We are exhausted, but also, never wanted it to end. Since almost everyone was traveling from other places, the weekend was jam packed with celebrations. Cole and I drove up Thursday morning. He dropped me off in Chinatown for Emma's dim sum bridal shower, then drove into the city to visit Zoe. Emma and Toby live in NYC, so don't have a ton of space. In lieu of gifts, we all made flowers to represent Emma. I've known her since the minute she was born, so dug through my archives for photos over the years and made a rose. The entire bouquet turned out terrific. Such a clever idea, and I think Emma was very touched. Afterwards, I went to Penny's house, my home base for the night. We relaxed a bit, then went over to Leif and Mel's apartment to give them a gift our group had made them -- a vinyl record that we also put together for Emma and Toby as a surprise. We had some snacks and ate their leftover pizza. Having a few quiet moments with them was perfect. While we were there, the kids were all celebrating with a bachelor/bachelorette party. Cole was also staying at Chris + Penny's. It was funny hearing him and Mia coming home from their night, giggling away. The next morning, Mia, Penny and I went to Core Yoga, then picked up pastries, while Cole left to visit his North Central friends. In the afternoon, Brian came to the house, then it was time for us to check in to our rental. We stayed near the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. After living in a different area of Oak Park for years, it was kind of fun being in a new area. We got to walk around a bit, then Chris + Penny came over and we went out for dinner at Amerikas, a perfect choice. It was so delicious. Can you believe all we've done, and the big day isn't even here yet? So much fun.