This year's summer vacation was a visit back home to St. Louis for not only my brother's wedding, but also for my best friend's wedding the following weekend! On the journey over, we had also scheduled for a long layover in Cincinnati so that we could squeeze in some time to see Ron's Ohio family as well. After a quick catchup and some Skyline chili, we flew onward to St Louis, where our first chore was to get some Taco Bell. Ron also decided to re-take his driver's test, as his license had expired while we'd been away. Yes, he passed :)
That night was Matthew and Brittney's wedding rehearsal! My sister and I were both scripture readers for the ceremony, so after some practice and instruction, everyone headed off to the rehearsal dinner together. And before we knew it, the wedding day was upon us! It was so beautiful to be there, seeing Matthew beam with happiness on his big day.
Since this was also my first time being home for Father's Day in 2 years, we surprised dad with a breakfast in bed the next morning (complete with waffles and a blended piña colada). Ron and I also decided to eat our leftover wedding cake topper from last September, since we wouldn't be home again for the 1-year anniversary when we'd traditionally enjoy it. (I think mom ended up eating most of it anyway!) And finally, I was so thrilled to squeeze in a visit with my friend Gina and her beautiful new baby, CJ!
With wedding #1 in the books, we headed off to Columbia to visit with Ron's family for a few days! We spent a day golfing (correction: they golfed. I supervised over a bloody mary), laid by the pool, BBQ'd, had a lovely Pierce family photoshoot, and also went out for dinner together to celebrate Ron's sister's birthday.
Finally, it was time to head back to St. Louis and prepare for wedding #2! This time I was a bridesmaid, so I was on duty for all the pre-wedding festivities: a final bachelorette dinner, the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding-morning prep, the ceremony, reception, and of course all of the group photos! It was an absolutely perfect and stunning day (despite a drizzly good-luck start!) and I was so so honored to be there beside my best friend on her big day. My heart was full!!