Family in LA for Monica & Tyler's Wedding!

My entire family came out to LA in July for my cousin, Tyler and his fiancée, Monica's, Wedding in Newport and a week of celebrations!  We all grew up in Wisconsin but family came from Texas, Connecticut, Japan, and all over.  It was a really wonderful week with family and I wish we could all see each other more often!

My Dad, brother, Bobby, and his girlfriend, Melissa, got in late Wednesday night, and were here until the following Wednesday.  On Thursday they came into Irish Times while I was Bartending and had Dinner and hung out.  On Friday I had to film an Audition for a Hosting job in Lake Tahoe the following weekend (unfortunately I didn't get it, but I made it to the Top 4.  Thanks to the Casting Director who kept me in the loop and let me know I beat out over 1200 submissions to get to that level, hopefully I can get the next one) and after that we were on our way to Newport for the Rehearsal at the Church and then the Dinner after.  I got to meet my Goddaughter, Alina, for the first time at the Wedding, along with the rest of the Wedding Party.  At the Rehearsal Dinner our family was able to catch up with everyone and they all got to meet Rutherford too!

Bridesmaids...dressed and ready to go!  On time too :)

The Wedding day was sort of a whirlwind; I had gotten ready at the Hotel before heading to Monica's house in Cypress for some Wedding Photos with the Bridesmaids.  Then we all went to the Pacific Club to do some more photos with the Wedding Party before heading to the Church and doing some finishing touches.  The Wedding was beautiful and I know Mom was shining down on all of us.  We had some more photos after the Wedding with the all the families and the Wedding Party got to have some cocktails and snacks in the limo between everything.  Tim and I had planned what we were doing for our entrance into the Dinner and I definitely think we won that with our 'Dirty Dancing' lift and dip!  By the time we got to Dinner I was famished, and the meal was so elegant!  They have a Live Band that sang popular songs and were seriously awesome.  We all danced the night away, took pictures, and had fun!  It was an incredible Wedding...congratulations Tyler & Monica!

My Goddaughter, Alina and I, at her Baptism here in LA <3

On Sunday I was up really early because I had to get ready and prep for Alina's Baptism at my Church here in LA.  I was Reading in Church and they were going to say a little something for my Aunt & Uncle's Wedding Anniversary.  Father Joseph set up a really wonderful Baptism and even did a Ceremony for my Aunt and Uncle that was so special!  It was such a wonderful day and I was so glad we were able to do all of this at my Church!  Dad, Bobby, Melissa and I all had Brunch at Cafe Laurent, one of my favorite places and then went back down to Anaheim to hang out by the pool with my family and just hang out.  We had a family get-together at Monica's parents house that night, with cocktails, a Mariachi Band, and an incredible Mexican feast!  It was also a send-off party for Monica & Tyler who were heading to Mexico for their Honeymoon the following day!

Read more about the wild week in Part 2 below!

Wisconsin Wedding (Part 1)

I had a really wonderful trip back to Wisconsin a couple weeks ago!  Just a few days before I headed back home, it was hotter in Wisconsin than it was in California but the weather decided to change as soon as I landed and it was definitely Fall back home!  I was able to spend a week with my family, celebrating my cousin Matty and his wife, Becky's Wedding, and just relaxing for a few days. 

The adventure started at LAX on my way back to Wisconsin.  I'm deathly afraid of birds and sure enough a bird got into the airport and flew right onto my arm and scared me pretty good.  Thankfully, as soon as I got on the airplane, I ordered a glass of Chardonnay, listened to some 80's rock, and started looking over my script for 'Thenardier's Inn' since I'm now playing Madame Thenardier in the show!  I started working on my Cockney accent as well as memorizing my lines and songs during the flight; what a perfect way to spend the four hours on the plae.

Congrats Becky & Matty!

Once I landed in Milwaukee, Mom and Dad picked me up and we drove to Elkhart Lake to celebrate with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and Becky's family.  We went out to the Brown Bear, marveled at the expensive Elkhart Lake prices (compared to Plymouth) and all caught up and even got every one to try Hula Hooping!  It's been years since I've done it and I was really happy to see my Mom was really good at it too!  On Thursday it was the Rehearsal at the Church and then we all had a nice Dinner at Becky's family's house complete with a fabulous Italian meal!

Bobby got into Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon with his girlfriend, Melissa, and we all went to the Church in St. Cloud for the Wedding.  Becky's dress was so pretty and the back was beautiful.  Matty looked sharp, dressed in his Naval uniform and obviously so excited to see Becky coming down the aisle.  I loved the Bridesmaid dresses; they were a gorgeous shade of purple.  Monica did one of the readings and I did the petitions and we both felt very fortunate to be a part of Wedding ceremony.  The Reception took place in Elkhart Lake and I was finally able to have my first Old-Fashion of the trip.  Wisconsin is one of the few places I have my Old-Fashions because they are made the best back home :)  The best part of the Wedding (aside from my cousin Tyler's Best Man speech which was heart-warming, special, and hilarious) was all the dancing; even my little second cousins stayed and danced the night away.  Everyone was dancing and having a blast, it was so much fun!

Schamberger's, Wittkopp's, and Wegner's on the Dance Floor with the Groom!

Sunday started out a little slow for me after a night of family and whiskey but we did get to watch the first Packer game of the season which was nice to see at home.  A trip back home isn't complete without a Steak Dinner at St. Anne so we had to go there that night!  Later, we had a game night with my cousins and aunt and uncle and Monica, Tyler's fiance, asked me to be in her Wedding!  I gladly said yes and their Wedding and am thrilled to be a part of the festivities in July 2016.

Check out Part 2 below this!

Carolyn & Matt's Wedding

I've been living in Los Angeles for nearly nine years and although I've gone back home to the Midwest for Weddings, Carolyn & Matt's Wedding on September 20th, was my first Wedding here in LA!

Neil & I at the Wedding

Carolyn and I started working together over eight years ago at Saint's & Sinner's and she had been dating Matt for a couple years.  She's one of the most caring, compassionate, and understanding people I've ever met.  I've gotten to know Matt over the years and it's been great seeing their relationship grow and evolve and sitting at the Wedding, and hearing him do his vows in Tagalog (Carolyn's family is from the Philippines) I knew that he has always been madly in love with her.  Of course, I cried the moment that he made his way down the aisle and didn't stop throughout the ceremony.  The vows were just so incredible and touching, and after hearing them in English as well, I don't think I've ever heard more meaningful vows in my entire life.  Carolyn had kept her dress a secret so it was our first time seeing it and it was just beautiful; she was a gorgeous bride with the brightest smile on her face!  The sunshine, sunflowers, kelly green bridesmaid dresses, and everything else just had such a positive and uplifting vibe.

First Dance <3

The Wedding was actually at the Betty Ruckas Cultural Center in Long Beach with the ceremony outside and the reception in this huge ballroom.  It was a little Saint's & Sinner's reunion with so many of our co-workers over the years, some of our regulars and friends, and lots of family, and people flying in from all over the world.  Neil has known Carolyn and Matt for the past four years so it was great to have him there since we've all spent a lot of time together over the years. 

After a cocktail hour and some delicious Hors d'Oeuvres we made our way to the reception area where the tables were designated by Superhero's.  So cool and fun!   I think my favorite part of the reception was seeing Carolyn & Matt's first dance.  It was just such a special moment and I think everyone could feel the love just radiating off of them.   

There were drinks and shots (someone had to bring some Fireball to the party), plenty of food, dancing and fun.  It was nice to be able to catch up with friends in this celebratory environment and see two of our closest friends get married and start their lives together.  It was a great Wedding in Long Beach and I'm so incredibly happy for the newlyweds.  I love you two <3

An Arizona Wedding :)

Over Valentine's Day weekend I headed to Phoenix, Arizona, for my friend, Brad's brother's Wedding.  Todd and Carley were getting married on February 15th, and while it was my first time meeting Carley, I've known Todd for a few years from him visiting Los Angeles.  Plus, Carley's family is from Wisconsin and had a bunch of Wisconsinite's coming to Phoenix for the Wedding so I was looking forward to a fun-filled weekend!

Pizookie!!

I got in on Thursday and that was the night of the Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner.  Brad's parents were having it at this beautiful resort and the meal was just incredible.  Thankfully Brad's Dad, gave me the head's up on the giant cookie that was made to order and arrived in a deep dish pan with ice cream melting on top.  Absolutely amazing!!  

On Friday morning we went hiking in the mountains and got in a good work-out while enjoying the beautiful 80 degree day!  Brad was searching for rattlesnakes and we Go-Pro'd most of the hike but the only wild life we saw was a Jack Rabbit running along one of the mountains.  That night we went over to Carley's family's house where they were having a get-together so everyone had a chance to get to know one another.  A friend of mine, Ned, from college at Winona State University was actually there because he's been friends with her family for years!  I was just happy to get to hold some babies and chat with people from Wisconsin on top of eating more great food :)

Hiking in Phoenix!

Saturday was the Wedding and it was the perfect day for an outdoor Wedding at the Secret Garden Event Center.  The ceremony was beautiful and it wouldn't have been complete without some antics from Brad, offering a shot of Jameson from his flask to the Bride and Groom before handing over the rings.  Everyone loved it!  After that it was cocktail hour and we all made our way into the reception for Dinner and dancing.  They did a scavenger hunt before Dinner got started to see who would get to hit the buffet line first and I ended up being the one chosen to win it for our table.  Unfortunately, it was me against a woman from Wisconsin and I had my hands on that salt shaker but she wasn't going down without a fight and literally threw me around and I was far too worried about falling out of my dress to fight back.  It was all in good fun.  Dinner was yummy and then it was time for dancing and the usual Wedding songs that get every one up and moving.  I was sitting with a few of Todd, Brad, and Carley's friends, so it was nice to catch up with all of them!  After the Sparkler exit for the Newlyweds, Joyce, Mike, Brad and I went out in downtown Phoenix for a few drinks and I think we were all so exhausted it was nice to call it an early night before bar close.

Brad, me, Carley & Todd at their Wedding...Congratulations!!

On Sunday morning, we met up with some of the Wedding Party & Newlyweds as Brad's parent's took us out for our favorite breakfast at Waffle House!  Thanks to Harry & Nancy for letting me stay with them that weekend and taking such great care of me :)  I flew back to LA that afternoon and it was a really nice break from the hustle and bustle here at home.  Plus, the weather was so gorgeous and it was nice to see some friends and spend time with people who remind me of home in Wisconsin. 

Carley & Todd's Wedding brought a WSU Reunion for Ned and I!  Just a little bit of home makes me happy :)