Engagement Photos - Take 1

Our engagement pics are finally here!  We met our photographer at this great spot in Boulder and as we stepped out of the car it started down-pouring.  (Great day for white pants)  Our photographer Steve Stanton couldn't let a creative moment like that go so he kept us out there shooting in the rain.  And I mean, LOTS of rain.  At one point Nick looked at me and was like 'ummm, I think your makeup is bubbling' - cute.  We tried to warm up with some wine we brought from Kuleto Estates, the winery in Napa we got engaged at and enjoyed ourselves as much as we could until it became so insanely cold and wet we decided to wrap it up.  If you can get past the whole wet hair look these pictures came out pretty great!  Below are a few of my favorites from our first attempt...

Jackie's Bachelorette Party!

In honor of the beautiful bride-to-be, Jackie we celebrated her over a weekend getaway in Galena, IL.  We rented a house up in the territory and did what us ladies do best: eat, drink & laugh LOTS!

Friday night we anxiously awaited everyones arrival and got the party started with a little mexican fiesta and some games.

A bottle of tequilla later we decided it would be a good idea to throw Palmolive in the tub in the master bedroom and all sit in it.  This picture is before the bubbles - I will keep my bubble pics off limits to protect those that may or may not have had their pants off :) 

Saturday we enjoyed a delicious champagne brunch and opened gifts.  It was such a beautiful day we were lucky enough to spend most of it outside.  We'll take that any day in November in the midwest!

Getting ready to head to Galena Vineyards.

At Galena Vineyards - Kristine, Marcelina & Lauren

Stephanie & Stephanie :)

Cousins!

Jackie & the Aunts

The ladies!

We came back to the house after wine tasting and dinner in town for some sippin' & paintin'!  We all had to bring an 'inspriational' shoe and Kristy's friend who leads the Smock parties came up to the house for some painting.  For the record, it's a good thing I have a day-job because painting is clearly not my strong point.  I'm still finding paint on my body in places that a paintbrush really doesn't belong. 

 

Such a great weekend celebrating one of my favorite ladies ever, I can't wait for the big day on December 15th back in Chicago!

Welcome to the World, Baby Cornejo!

Cruz Joseph Cornejo has arrived & everyone is healthy and happy!  I can't wait to meet the little fella!  

*7lbs 1oz 19.5 inches long*

Congratulations Josh & Cole!

Pumpkin Carving Time

We hosted our annual pumpkin carving last night.  'Annual' as in this is the second year in a row we've done it. For those of you who don't know, pumpkin carving is serious business. 

 

My carving inspiration?  Mr. June.  Thanks to numerous votes from family and friends Moe made a spot in the 2013 Denver Dumb Friends League calendar.  I mean, not coming as a giant surprise as he is the cutest cat I've ever seen, but I thought it was only appropriate that I take my stage mom levels to new heights and carve a cat face in the pumpkin. 

 

Brittany's family was the judge of our pumpkin carving competition and it was a tie for first between Nick and Elliot.  My cat face took last place but I still ended up a winner because I ended up with a ton of my favorite Halloween treats: pumpkin seeds!

Showering Jackie with LOVE!

Last weekend brought me back to Chicago for my cousin Jackie's bridal shower.  Jackie + Mario were surrounded by a room full of love from family & friends.  I am so excited for J+M, they truly make a wonderful couple, and I can't wait for their BIG DAY this December.  I took some good notes home from this shower as well...I learned of kitchen items that I never even knew existed!  Nick is in for a treat when it comes time to register ourselves, I can't wait!

The lovely shower invites that I designed :)

The happy couple, Jack you look B-E-A-UTIFUL! 

 

Kate + I with the hosts, my Mom + Aunt Laurie!

 Kate and I taking a break between decorating

 

Bridesmaids!

And finally, we had a few extra pictures pop up from Chris + Katie's wedding so I just had to share.

The LETT sign back in action on the dance floor

 Sister + Brother

LETT'S Party

It's been a busy past few weeks of Iowa football, family weddings & wedding planning of our own!  I feel like I barely have time anymore so below is a recap in pictures!

Iowa/Iowa State game with my Iowa girlfriends @ SpoCo

 

Back in Chicago for my cousin Chris' wedding.  First stop to visit Brian & Lindsey for a night out with a delish dinner, great convo, a piano bar, and let's not leave out the basketball shootout @ Shenanigan's.  Unfortunately this was the only  moment of the whole night that was captured.

 

 

Wedding dress shopping... I said YES to the dress!

  

Wouldn't be a trip home without a little father/daughter dance party.  Clearly this part was my solo & I'm sure it was a Whitney song :)

 

 On our way to Indiana for Chris + Katie's big day!

Chris.... how handsome! 

Row of my few favorite cousins + my favorite man! 

The adorable flower girl & ring bearer came down with a 'Here Comes the Bride' sign...and at the end of the ceremony when they turned around the back of the sign said 'Let's Party' which as you'll see later in the post got turned into 'LETT'S Party' with a Sharpie (my mom's side's maiden name is Lett) that was used as our prop on the dance floor.

  

Katie was stunning!

 

Reception @ The Lighthouse

 

Chris, Kate & I - with Joe the professional photobomber

LETT'S Party!!!

Kate & Joe on the dock

Nick & I

The Future Mrs. Makar & I!

 Post wedding family gathering @ Blackfinn to visit my cousin Lauren @ work

Lauren & I - love you!

Jeanne & Neil - miss them!

The Lett Ladies :)