I’ve only returned a few times that I could remember (less
than the fingers of one hand heed that answer).
I was in 10th grade—only a year before my sister and I began
to live with our father full-time in Tahoe—and my cousin Jenna, took Ali and I
on a car trip to visit her father (my uncle).
My visit previous to this was more than 10 years before high school. We were passing through the area to go camping at Lake Aspin.
Yesterday, however, provided me with a new memory—a memory
that I could really clutch onto without having to chase down the broken pieces of a
puzzle. This, of course, doesn’t mean
that those previous experiences didn’t hold significance in my being. I remembered those
events, after all (and one would think that the character of your soul develops
from such circumstances). My cousin, Lauren Phillips, dropped her last name,
put on the most awesome dress, turned up the music and hosted one amazing
gathering with her new husband Mike Schimke! In other words: SHE GOT MARRIED!!
What an amazing and memorable occasion it was! The Bear Valley Lodge was packed to the gills
with family and friends (and even a few people that no one knew—cheers to the
mysterious Reggae band). Trees tangled
with beautiful white lights and snowflakes cascaded from every part of the
ceiling. It was a winter
wonderland! Ryan, Elena (my cousin) and
I sat right behind my aunt and uncle. Love reverberated from person to person. Love bounced off the walls and splashed into
drinks. People stood in the back of the room and even watched from floors above—hanging
over the log banisters—to catch a glimpse of the beautiful bride and her new
hubby! The anticipation for everyone was incredibly exciting. Lauren’s dress,
of course, was a showstopper. She looked like a beautiful winter princess
standing next to her husband (who was also dressed all in white). I felt so lucky to be there to share such a
special occasion with her.
After the ceremony, my cousin and her wedding entourage,
went to snap some photos in the snow. I introduced Ryan to parts of my family
he hadn’t met, and I got to visit with my cousin, Elena (who I haven’t seen for
nearly 10 years). You always know
someone is a family member when you can pick up right where you left off—just
as if you saw each other yesterday. Time passed quickly as we ate dinner, and
listened to some awesomely incredible toasts (which you can find on YouTube by
the way). As the crowd gathered to give their blessings, in what easily could
have been mistaken for a extra large group hug, we had the option of raising a
fist or glass or hand in the air for the toast.
Man it was cool.
The music took the room by storm. Smiles plastered
everyone’s face, and dancing feet shook the room for hours. By 12:30am we said goodnight, and the party
continued for hours. Rumor has it that the DJ didn’t stop the music until after
2am; even after the last song walk through the hotel doors, people continued to
carry on until the sun began to rise.
Taking off from my busy schedule of working and wedding
planning to celebrate such a union was just right for my soul. I had the chance to reunite with Bear Valley;
I had the chance to breath in the brisk, snow-filled air; I had the chance to
party-it-up with some of the most favorite people I know! What more could you
want?
Thank you Lauren and Mike for bring together such an amazing group of people. And, of course, congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Mike Schimke! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Feast your eyes, ladies and gentlemen! Below are some glimpses of the amazing night we had:
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| Moments after the "I do's" |
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| Me, My Aunt Sandy, and My Cousin Elena Celebrating! |
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| Stealing a moment with the beautiful bride! (Lauren, Me, Elena) |
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| The morning after the wedding! All the cousins together! (Elena, Jenna, Me and Lauren) |
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| Ryan and I saying goodbye to a wonderful weekend! |
