Rachelle's wedding weekend

We went to GR on Friday for Rachelle's rehearsal dinner. After the practicing, we headed out to a great dinner at Mangiamo's, an Italian restaurant in the neat old house, in East Grand Rapids. I used to pass it on my way to work at "The Blodgett," so it was really fun. The wedding is going to be at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The Gardens are beautiful and right not there is a Chihuly glass exhibit- so I think Rachelle's pictures are going to be beautiful!

The food was great at the dinner. Kraig had what may be the best mashed potatoes ever, and I had some great pasta. I am so excited for Rachelle because Nate (her husband-to-be at the time) is such a great guy, and his family seems great too. This may have been the most fun wedding I have ever been in because the entire wedding party was so much fun and laid back, plus I have missed Rachelle so much!

We stayed at my aunt's house for the weekend and got to play with her nice cats. What a nice change from Baxter's biting ways! On our way to her house, we passed the old street that I used to live on in Grand Rapids' "semi-ghetto." True to form there was police car with flashing lights down the street and the Chinese place was still there. It's nice to know that some things do not change. tear...

On the wedding day, Kraig went off on his own and checked out ArtPrize in downtown Grand Rapids. It is an art competition with every kind of piece you can imagine. There was a giant flying pig made out of barrels, blown glass, a woolly mammoth made out of shaved metal, and a family of elephants. He really liked waking around and seeing everything. 

I spent my day getting ready with the girls. The wedding went off without a hitch. I loved my bright blue bridesmaid's dress. Rachelle had everything planned so nicely from the awesome flower in my hair to her bright blue shoes hidden under her dress. She looked beautiful! The reception was great too. You could just feel how happy everyone was for the couple!

On Sunday morning, we went out to breakfast with my aunt. The restaurant was awesome. I got this loaded potato crepe. I thought crepes were only for sweet stuff but this thing was awesome. It was like an omelet without the eggs and almost all carbs. How glorious!

After heading back to Niles, we spent time visiting various family members. I think that this will be one of our last weddings to attend for awhile, and most likely the last wedding where I will be in the wedding party. Even though, I love being a bridesmaid- it will be a nice break. I also do not think we will be home again until Christmas- so it will be nice not to rush around so much.

Anyway, Congrats to Nate and Rachelle!!