A Wedding Week in Wales

First official trip because Zoe got her own seat on the airplane. There was the occasional screaming down the plane for milk, mini-tantrums because she wanted to run up and down the aisles and oh the seat-belt light. Each time it lit up, she did the opposite.  But all-in-all, I considered the 8 hour flight there and the 13 hour flight back a great success. Busy bags help.

Spending six days in Wales was more relaxation than we've had in a long while. Being from the city we don't get the silence, the clear skies to see the stars, or the space/time/energy to take it all in and enjoy. Our neighbors, three horses and a field of white, black and speckled sheep were routine stops on our daily walks.

Zoe made the most of our amazing accommodations including the in-room tub.

And we were sure to stroll the "walking" beach, just down the street, past the forest. The same one that Prince Will and Princess Kate walk...cause they live here! Yes, I'm easily starstruck. I didn't even have to see them. 

In the days leading up to the wedding, the event unfolded as it would in a pop-up book...with the turn of a page...the tent, the flowers, the decoration and all the hand-picked details sat on a gorgeous lawn outside the house facing the mountains on one side, a hillside on the other and the most charming cottage just a stone's throw away. 

All the flowers were DIY...(imagine bathtubs brimming with soaking hydrangeas)...the flowers, the bouquets and the buttonholes (boutinneres, as they're called). I've replaced it in my vocabulary already.

(a little blurry but too cute not to include)

The wooden candle holders were hand-carved by the groom's father and so adorable. I smuggled some back for myself, seen here keeping calamari company.

I was happy to contribute a small part with my rock calligraphy. But these stones were extra special and from the beach where the groom proposed.

With so many personal touches including their favorite dessert, cloth napkins sewn from fabric acquired during their travels, favorite signature cocktails, personal readings at the ceremony; the entire day was such a great reflection of Andy and Erin. The food including fresh oysters (like literally 5-minutes fresh), roasted lamb, and a ridiculous spread of local cheeses was just an added bonus.

Zoe captured the day from a 2 year old's perspective. Amusing additions to our family photos and not bad at all, I might add...

It was an unforgettable affair. And the backdrop so picturesque. I'm so grateful I could be there. Thank you for hosting and CONGRATS, Andy and Erin. We love you!

Don't you just love reliving moments while editing photos? :) 

Three post-vacation take-aways:

1. I like that my husband thinks I'm an actual and literal super-mom. Carrying a 50-pound suitcase with a toddler on my hip up the subway stairs, he says "You can do it!" so I did.

2. We REALLY love cheese all kinds and from all places...but especially from the smokehouse next door.

3. Zoe has my sleeping genes...or lack of.