With life as hectic and crazy as it always seems to be (and it only appears to be getting crazier as time rolls on), it is easy to forget that everyone has a story. Our own stories can be so all-encompassing…what should I pick up for dinner, when can I get my car in for an oil change, I have an important meeting tomorrow morning, I need to pick up the kids at 4 o’clock, why can’t I find time to dye my hair (regular issue in my little world!) What do all of those statements have in common? “I”. Here’s my challenge to the world: As you go through your day trying to fit things in and get things done, take a minute to think about the people on the other side of your “I” statements. As you’re checking out at the grocery store, think about the person in front of you juggling two kids and trying not to drop the eggs in her left hand while the 3 year old removes all of the snickers bars from their shelf. What did her day look like? What are her challenges? Did she just get off of work or out of her own important meeting? Or was she home all day with the two little loveable monsters while taking care of her sick mom? What about that guy who changed your oil? I wonder if he has a family and what their daily struggles might be while he was here slaving away since 7am in a hot garage. Is this what he always wanted to do or is he just trying to get by and pay some bills while going to night school? Thinking about the other people that come in and out of our every day lives as HUMAN rather than just things making you wait in line longer, drive slower or arrive later can make us all a little bit happier as we muddle through it all. Every one of us has a backstory that led us here and a current story that will take us into our futures.

I know that was a really deep intro to a wedding blog, but Nora and Nico have such a great story, and it just got me thinking about how much I don’t know about many of the people in my life! Let’s start with the woman who was instrumental in both of their stories: Dorothy. Dorothy was good friends with both of their moms in college. So good in fact that when Nora and Nico were born (one in St. Louis and the other in Chicago) she became godmother to both. Many years later, Nora and Nico both just so happened to be living in Washington, DC after college (giant planet…what are the chances), and Dorothy took it upon herself to make sure the two finally hung out and got to know each other. I think it’s safe to say it went well! Long distance dating and a few moves later, here they are! And it was a day brimming with emotion. Enjoy this love story!

Hugs are one of my favorite things in life.

Loved Nora’s “va-va-voom” old Hollywood style!


Those eyes girl. Seriously.


Nico is this really awesome, laid back and unassuming guy that works for a little company called Google.





The sentence that summarizes it all.


There was a rather depressing song playing  down by the pool and Nora thought it was a hilarious juxtaposition with their first look. Couldn’t agree more really!







This just kind of happened on its own. :)

I honestly love it when brides have colorful bouquets! That pop of red against the black and white with green grass…perfect.


These two could not stop smiling and laughing.











We made a stop in the city at the house where Nora and her sister grew up in a row house living next to Dorothy’s family. How cool is that?!

Photos done! Well, THOSE kind of photos at least. Off to the Shrine of St. Joseph for the ceremony!

This one makes me smile.






I think a ring might have been dropped if memory serves? Love it when SMALL things don’t go exactly as planned. Makes it all the more memorable!



Down and aisle and out the door to the Caramel Room!













Nico’s family wrote their own version of Hamilton for Nora and Nico and performed it. Totally epic.









New Orleans style second line just for Nico’s mom!





Bissinger’s Chocolate martinis kept the party going strong.

Thank you both for letting me take part in your story for one day! It was lovely! With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE

Ceremony venue: Shrine of St. Joseph 

Reception Venue: Caramel Room at Bissinger’s 

Florist: Flowers to the People  

Catering: 23 City Blocks

Linens: Caramel Room at Bissinger’s 

Paper goods: Invitations – Scriptura, Menus/Programs/Welcome Letter – Casey Welsh

Cake: Costco

DJ/band: Fat Pocket 

Bridesmaids Hair: Lemons Spalon 

Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Lisa

Gown: La Sposa – Simply Elegant Bridal

Transportation: JED Limousine