The best day.

Over two months have passed since our wedding day and I'm still over the moon. So many people I've talked to have said their wedding day was the best day of their lives. I've had many "best days" in my life, but none really do compare to our wedding weekend; those days were truly the most wonderful, happy, and love-filled days I can remember. Everything all flew by so quickly, despite the months of planning that lead up to it, and that's why I'm so, so grateful to our amazing photographer. Sarah Blesener's photos allow me to relive our day over and over again. She captured what I want to always remember as well as those little moments that I didn't even know were happening around us. It's impossible to pick favorites, but here are a few that I love...

We had an absolutely incredible time at our wedding, and Sarah's photos remind me of just how lucky we were to be surrounded by our friends and family on our favorite day. We can't thank you enough! 

MN Mondays: wedding week.

My sister came to MKE a week before our wedding, spent a few days here, and then she and I drove back home to MN to get everything ready for the big day. While there was a bit of running around and plenty of last minute planning, we had so much fun enjoying summertime with our family and close friends.

I was so lucky to get plenty of girl time with my mom and sister. We took Medyk for a walk, let him play soccer while watching the Blues (in his jersey!), went shopping, went to dinner...girl things. Twice, we went to my aunt and uncle's house in Stillwater to gather barvinok, periwinkle, for the place settings at the reception. Periwinkle is traditionally used in Ukrainian weddings, symbolizing eternal and faithful love, and, lucky for me, it was overtaking a corner of their garden. It turns out that my grandfather had actually planted it many years ago! My aunt and uncle's backyard is gorgeous (it's where we had my bridal shower!), and summertime has made it even better, full of green. My sister and I jumped in the pool both days, and were so relaxed and happy to savor two afternoons at one of our favorite places from our childhood. 

One of my favorite things we did was have a baba's vechir, which translates to "old ladies' evening" at my mom's. When we were little these evenings used to be more frequent; every month, a group of fantastic women (NOT old ladies) from our Ukrainian community would get together, drink wine, and cook or bake. Just for fun. Just to talk, get together, and stay connected outside all of the other activities they were already so busy with. I, of course, wanted to be a part of that group as a little girl, and looked forward to these nights just as much as the adults. As we grew up, everyone became even busier, and these nights stopped happening. I was so, so happy to be able to reconnect at our own baba's vechir before the wedding. These women have all played, and continue to play, such an important role in my life. I've looked up to all of them since I can remember, and now they have their own kids who are much more grown up than I like to admit. We had a wonderful night...perhaps Medyk felt a little too much love, but it was still perfect. 

It's hard to believe this was all three weeks ago. Time flies. We miss you all so much! 

Bliss.

{via our incredible photographer, Ms. Sarah Blesener!}

There aren't enough words to thank everyone who shared in our day, who helped make our wedding a dream come true. It was an amazing, unforgettable day, one filled with happiness. Andrew and I are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family and we're so grateful you were all there to help us celebrate. That's the thing I remember most from Saturday - this indescribable feeling of being surrounded by love all day long. 

More photos will be up soon, some are already posted to FB (confession: I can't stop looking at them; it's as if I'm seeing them for the first time every single time). I can't wait to see more! This weekend we're taking a "mini-moon" to Chicago, and enjoying our first little vacation as a married couple. 

Much love to you all! 

#nak824wedding, for those still following along! :) 

MN Mondays: Minneapolis, according to WSJ.

{Illustration by James Gulliver Hancock}

 

 

Even though this article has been making its way around Facebook and Twitter since Friday, I finally got around to reading it this morning. While there have been several, some not-so-great city guides and travelogues published about the Twin Cities lately (remember this genius advice to visit Potbelly's at the IDS on Saturday morning?!?), the Wall Street Journal's Ultimate Weekend in Minneapolis really hit all the spots.

 

Tilia, Mill City Farmer's Market, Butcher & the Boar, Lake Harriet...really, this article just tugged at my heart. It's about time that everyone else learns what we Minneapolitans already know: our City of Lakes has it all.

 

If you're planning on visiting Minneapolis for the first time, lived there all your life, or are coming back home for some time this summer, take a look at this list. You won't be disappointed.

 

Thanks, WSJ, for getting it right!

 

P.S. More fun in MN, but in wintertime! Never too early to plan ahead...

Showered.

I can't find words to express my love and gratitude for all my friends and family who were at the shower this weekend. It was perfect (no rain!). My aunt's home looked amazing, as usual, with gorgeous flowers everywhere. She, my mom, and my sister outdid themselves with all the work they put in to making the day so beautiful. You ladies are all incredible, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Here are some photos of the day; some are mine, most were taken by friends, and all are absolutely lovely.