This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting little baby Max and his wonderful family. This time is wasn’t just mommy and daddy  - it was grandparents and aunt and uncle!  The whole family was in town for the weekend so Max’s grandma thought about bringing me in and taking some family photos. I’m so glad she did!

When I got there I was greeted with smiles and conversation. What a wonderful family! We had such a good time taking photos of Max and everyone else. What a fun group of people!

I hope you enjoy the preview!

It was Max’s turn first!!

So cute!!

Everyone wanted their photos with Max!

A little grandma and grandpa time.

Have to have one with mommy!!

And, of course, some with mommy AND daddy!

<3

Time for everyone!

Some couple time

The dogs are a part of the family too!

The girls and boys

Had to end with just a little more cuteness.

Thank you to this wonderful family for allowing me into your home! I had a fabulous time meeting you all!

All images courtesy of Amy Carroll.

Words honestly cannot express the love, warmth, generosity, kindness and faith I felt on my wedding day. Everyone says that the day goes by in a blink of an eye but I didn’t believe them. I was going to make EVERY single second count – but it came and it went – in the blink of an eye.

Every single moment of May 7, 2011 was perfect. Now that it’s come and gone, I can admit that – It. Was. Perfect.

It was the single most important day of my life. I was marrying my soul mate, the love of my life. We made a commit to each other for better or worse – sickness and health – we are now bound together.

The ceremony was incredibly special. We married where my parents got married and that made it even more special.

But before I get ahead of myself I want to start at the rehearsal. What fun! The rehearsal went smoothly and then we got to go eat at La Marsa (my favorite restaurant). We had a big crowd and I honestly wouldn’t have had it any other way. Everyone got along so well and Adam and I got to spend some quality time with some of the people we love the most.

I had no nerves. The night before the wedding, once home from the rehearsal, myself, my mom and Kellie all cuddled up on the couch and watched Say Yes to the Dress (clearly appropriate). I went to bed early and had a wonderful night’s rest (the first time that week). I honestly had a sense of peace the night – no worries – no fears – no nerves. I was marrying the only man that I ever fell in love with – the only man that I ever dated or that I brought home to meet mom and dad. I knew this was it – there was no doubt in my mind.

I woke up the next morning with a “Happy Wedding Day” from my mom. It was a very calm morning. I took a shower and headed to the hair dressers. I was really looking forward to getting my hair and makeup done – it’s the girly girl in me.

I surprised my hairdresser with telling her that I now changed my mind – I wanted my hair down instead of up (like she did in my trial). She was thrilled! She was actually the one who made me change my mind. I am SO happy I decided this – it just looked more like me.

One by one most of my bridesmaids came to the salon to get their hair done too. Poor Cindy walked in with the champagne and chocolates and threw out her back! She ended up being OK but I felt bad for some of the pain she was in.

Once all the hair was done we all made our way back to my house and had a wonderful bridesmaid luncheon!

It was time to make our way to the church! We did some last minute putting together and the girls all got in their dresses.

As this point the photographer (Amy Carroll) had made her way in to document the rest of the day. We all went into the bathroom and got me in my dress! Funny story – during the whole getting in the dress moment, Jewels was asking me if she could walk down with her little dog. Being the mean aunt, I said no – she still walked down with the dog.

After getting in the dress we took our photos and the guys took theirs.

It was time to get ready to go down the aisle. This was the first time I had some butterflies in my stomach. Not because of the commit I was making but because it was THE moment.

Once the doors opened I honestly didn’t see anyone else other then Adam at the end of the aisle. I didn’t take my eyes off him. He looked SO handsome standing there waiting for me. It was a really awesome moment.

The ceremony went off without a hitch – it was beautiful and very traditional. I loved every moment of it.

Photos went extremely well (as you can see) and it was time to get introduced into the reception. We ended coming down from the stage and that was SO fun!!

Everything else seemed to go by in a blur. We had an amazing time at the reception with all our friends and family. The Armenian dancing, the food, the company, the crazy dancing – it was all a dream. Adam and I had a BLAST. We danced, we laughed, we kissed. It was perfect.

When looking back some people talk about the regrets and the things that they would change if they had a second change. But me? There is nothing I regret and there is absolutely nothing I would change.

It was perfect.

It was my dream come true.

God made a wonderful mother,
A mother who never grows old;
He made her smile of the sunshine.
And He moulded her heart of pure gold;
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars,
In her cheeks fair roses you see;
God made a wonderful mother,
And He gave that dear mother to me.

- Pat O.

** Happy 60th Birthday Mom **

My mom celebrated her 60th birthday this past week and unfortunately, I was sick for most of it.  Thankfully, we still partied. Here are a few shots from her birthday party!

Her beautiful flowers sent, with love, from Dikran and Kellie.

Happy Birthday!!

Her loves.

Gabby

Julia

Her sister.

Blowing out the candles!

And just because this wee one is soooo cute …

Happy Birthday to the world’s greatest mom!!