Summer streakin' - Week 9

My last week before heading back to work...

Monday - an easy 25 minutes on the bike after a LONG day of travel.

Tuesday - noon women-only kickboxing class that kicked my jetlagged butt:

Wednesday - 60 sweaty minutes on the bike:

Thursday - one last noon kickboxing class while I can:

Friday - 20-minute bike shakeout:

Saturday - backpacked to Owyhigh Lakes in Rainier National Park:

Sunday - climbed Barrier Peak and Tamanos Mountain in Rainier National Park:

:)

Mom saves the day!

When Sarah and Joel got married in Maine, I bought two dresses for the occasion. When Jill and Maroof announced their NYC wedding soon after, I thought it would be perfect to wear those summer dresses again.

I also threw in the cheapo strappy shoes I originally bought years and years and years ago to wear to formal night on a family-reunion cruise. They looked good with the black-and-white dress, and they'd worked perfectly for the Maine wedding (the one where I didn't have to walk anywhere).

Getting to Jill and Maroof's wedding was not as simple as walking from the car to the tent. There was lots and lots of walking, and I soon realized my shoe choice was not appropriate. Then, I suddenly felt a looseness on my left foot. OH, CRAP. We were on our way to the courthouse and I realized my shoes was literally falling apart.

We were in a big group, trying to make our way through the city. Things were a bit tense, with pre-wedding jitters and all, and I didn't want to make myself the focus. So I let the group move ahead of me, and I hobbled along in the back, wracking my brain to find a solution.

Dad was toward the back of the pack, and I whispered what had happened. I told him that if he spotted a vendor selling any sort of shoe (preferably a flip-flop) in a size 8-9, buy it! Would I have to walk around NYC barefoot?? On the subway?? I can do that. BUT... they might not let me in the courthouse without shoes. I can't miss the wedding!!!

I wasn't panicking, just working it through in my head.

After the wedding ceremony, Mom and Dad planned to change clothes and hit up the Big Bus tour. "Mom, do you have a change of shoes in that backpack? Can I have them??"

Really quickly, we swapped shoes right on the sidewalk. I've never been so happy to have on a pair of shoes that didn't fit!

Fortunately, her spare pair was sandals, not her white sneakers. That wouldn't have looked so good with her dress. Still, I know my mom would have swapped anyway - 'cuz that's what moms do.

I was so relieved! We went about the wedding festivities as if nothing happened.

I later texted to tell Mom and Dad to toss my broken shoes - but not until they took some pictures. Here's what they sent me:

Goodbye, shoes!

It's good to know that Mom's always got my back - THANKS, MOM! :)

NYC reception

A small group of us joined Jill and Maroof for their Friday wedding and photo fun. Then Saturday, the masses arrived for the reception at Cibo in Manhattan.

I didn't get a ton of reception pics because I was helping with setup and such, and because Brad and others were snapping lots. Hopefully we can upload Brad's photos soon.

About 80 people helped them celebrate, including guests from around the country and the world!

During the meal, the newlyweds Facetimed with Maroof's parents in Bangladesh:

A photo for Mom and Dad:

The brunch menu was extensive, and Brad and I chose to split French toast and omelette: 

The food was very good!

This informal event didn't include toasts and speeches, but Steve did get up to thank us for coming and to explain the dessert options:

Doughnuts and cupcakes from their favorite bakeries:

Jill and one of her besties, Allison:

The restaurant was excellent! The staff was extremely attentive and helpful as we rearranged the room and added all our own decorations. Jill did a wonderful job organizing the entire thing, with everything planned down to the smallest detail. Again, hopefully I can get Brad's pics here soon so you can see all the flowers and everything.

After the reception, Jill and Maroof went for more pictures with their photographer.

Sunday, they opened their home to anyone left in town to stop by for chatting and eating. They ordered in Bangladesh food - YUMMY!! We had such a good time hanging out and getting to know our new cousins (there were LOTS of cousins!)

Finally, it was time for us to leave. One last picture of the happy couple:

Congrats, Jill and Maroof! Thanks for allowing us to invade your non-wedding :) Best wishes for a long, happy marriage!

Jill's NYC wedding

Brad's little sister got married last week!!

Jill and Maroof planned a small celebration in New York City, but when family and friends heard about the wedding, they flocked from around the world to witness the big event.

We arrived late Wednesday and spent Thursday seeing their new Long Island City apartment, meeting Maroof's brother and family, and getting instructions for reception setup. In the evening, Jill and I went for wedding mani/pedis at a place near her last home in nearby Astoria.

Allison took Jill early Friday to get her makeup done. Meanwhile, the rest of us gathered at their apartment and then made the subway trek to the courthouse in Manhattan. 

Mind you, it was rush hour and we literally crammed onto the trains. Then we had to transfer. Maroof was the perfect guide, making sure we all got where we needed to be and taking up the rear when we separated. Moving that many people was a challenge!

Jill's makeup took longer than expected, so we waited anxiously outside the courthouse. There may have been a few nervous jokes about the bride skipping town.

She finally arrived, and we all acted like the paparazzi.

Then it was time to head into the courthouse for what we expected to be a several-hours wait for our number to be called.

 

For some reason, there was almost no wait at all! Jill and Maroof took a number and were immediately called to the desk to sign their marriage certificate. 

 Then we were ushered into a little alcove where the paparazzi again went crazy.

A few minutes later, a short black woman with purple hair opened the West Chapel door and invited us in. A few minutes later, they were married!

What a whirlwind!!

A few more pics outside the chapel:

With all that legal stuff out of the way, we followed Jill and Maroof around town as their official photographers got some amazing shots. The unofficial photos kept coming, too.

It was so fun to watch complete strangers on the street, bridge and train congratulating the couple and taking pictures.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on Jill and Maroof's roof, chatting with relatives and eating pizza. What a wonderful day!

In the evening, Brad and I went to dinner with Steve, Donna and Donna's brother's family:

Debbie, Nathan, Brian, Abby, Donna, Steve, Brad, Liz

We stumbled on Il Bambino in Jill's old neighborhood, and it was fantastic!

Next up: Saturday's "intimate" reception with 80 guests :)