The past few days were really incredible. John & I were in Kansas for Josh & Jul’s wedding. On Saturday, we flew in to Kansas City, MI’s airport. Josh & Jul’s brother, Alex, picked us up. The airport was very odd. You get off the plane and exit right into the public waiting area! There were also lots of Tornado Zones to run downstairs to if needed. Thankfully, we didn’t need to head down there 🙂
Jul’s family’s home is about 30 min from the airport. They have a beautiful house! Her family was so welcoming and fun to spend time with. It was truly a home away from home! Her mom made such amazing meals too! My favorite was the spinach lasagna for dinner and banana bread for dessert! Yum!
Somehow, I convinced Alex to buy and download Pokemon Puzzle League. We all spent many waking hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday playing this. We also played quite a bit of Brazilian Canasta. It’s a super fun game, and I can’t wait to play again!
On Sunday, John & I slept in. Then, Alex took John, Josh, Jul & I into Kansas City. We wandered the plaza for a bit, then drove around the wealthy area to look at pretty houses. After that, Jul and Alex went to pick up Michael & Steven. We had another great dinner, then hung out talking for a few hours.
Monday, we got up, had breakfast, packed up our things, played some Puzzle League, then headed to the Circle S Ranch. It was in Lawrence, KS (aka: middle of nowhere). It was incredible to be out in the Kansan wilderness: hills, buffalo, horses, farms and a beautiful night sky! We settled into our rooms, then explored the grounds.
Josh & Jul had rented out the entire Ranch! It was nice to have everyone we saw be part of the wedding (guests or party) or Ranch staff. John & I had the Fishing Room, equipped with lots of antique furniture and fishing items. All the rooms has their own theme – lots of floral and cowboy type themes throughout, all in their own form.
Rehearsal was at 6pm on Monday night. We went over everything twice, and everyone was quite comfortable with the flow. We then had a great dinner filled with veggies grown locally on the Ranch! Dessert was great and plenteous too! After dinner, we had some wine and made smore’s at the firepit out front. It was really fun! The wine continued, and most of the 20-somethings ended up in the jacuzzi in the silo til after 11pm.
Tuesday – I woke up to the smell of food. I didn’t sleep too well as the room was freezing. John wasn’t feeling too well either (too much wine); so, after breakfast, I decided to take a nap. John skipped breakfast and slept. Most of the group went to see the city of Lawrence. I heard we didn’t miss much.
After a shower and late lunch, I began to photograph the pre-wedding events (hair, make up, dress, etc.). I also did a Maverick cowboy photo shoot with Michael. Pix to come!
The ceremony was at 6pm, and it was beautiful! The lighting was nice and the weather was perfect! After the group shots, Josh, Jul & I wandered the grounds taking photos. The reception followed. We partied til about midnight, ending the night with a loud singing circle dance of We are the Champions (Queen). It was great fun!!!
Wednesday – woke up at 3:15am, got a ride with Neil (best man) to the airport to catch a flight back to LA. Neil’s flight was earlier than ours, but not by much; so, it was easier to go with him and rest in the airport for a bit. The flight take-off was delayed, but we arrived a few min early in LA. LA was so overcast when we got in. Yuk. It was nice to be home though! After a 45-min flyaway bus to Van Nuys and 25 min drive to Glendale, I napped with the kitties for a bit before heading in to work.
Tonight – John & I are going to stay in and relax. It’s our 2nd Anniversary! We’re quite tired, and don’t really want to expend much energy. We’re going to go to the Melting Pot and try to see Wicked this weekend if possible.
Tomorrow night – watch the DNC and edit some pix!