My Best Friend's Wedding

Here are a few photos from my bestie Paula’s wedding day in Brooklyn last Saturday (10/19).  She was an absolute vision!  The wedding was beautiful and the reception at the Dumbo Loft was one classy affair.  We won’t talk about the dance routines that may have been fueled by one too many margaritas consumed that night.

I am beyond grateful for Paula. She is my dearest friend and has been since freshman year of high school. She has always been there for me and I certainly hope to be that kind of friend in return.

 I’m soooo happy for you and John.  Love you, boo! XO

Seven.

“To love another person is to see the face of God.”

― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables    

Today is our seven year anniversary.  I kind of can't believe it.  Time has flown by in the blink of an eye.  My bestie Paula got married this weekend and the priest at their ceremony truly moved us with his words.  He compared the love two people share throughout marriage to wedding rings.  When you first get your wedding ring it is perfect and shiny.  Throughout the years it may get nicked, scuffed, and scratched, but you can always polish it to make it sparkle like new again.  I thought that was pretty awesome. 

Chris thank you for making my heart smile.  I love you!

Life Lately

 Happy October! I absolutely love this month for so many reasons; our wedding anniversary, the official start of fall (in my mind anyway), pumpkin everything, soups, stews, and slow cooked comfort food just to name a few. Sidenote, how AMAZING was Breaking Bad!? That was an epic show from start to finish. Perfect ending unlike other shows (writers of Dexter, I’m talking to you). Anyway, check out a few photos of what’s been going on around these parts lately…

Jada & Josiah can make the darkest of days bright/Cupcake sliders I made for my cousin's bday/"The Gatekeeper" at an art show we attended/The chorizo black bean soup I LOVE to make as soon as the weather cools down/Jada has mastered using chopsticks, no kiddie sticks here!/Fig smoothies taste so much better in a mason jar with a paper straw

Cesi & Ben's Wedding

 {The bridesmaids were toasting it up with mini bottles of Verdi before the ceremony}

 

Happy September!  Here are a few photos from Cesi & Ben's (my sister and brother in law) wedding last Saturday.

Congrats, guys!  Here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.  God Bless!

{the beautiful bride} 

 {our gorgeous bouquets}

 {the bridal party}

 {how dapper was Josiah?!}

 {absolutely LOVED their cake topper}

 {partying it up with my boo}

 

{congrats, you crazy kids! XO}

Life Lately

 {My cakepops got mentioned on the radio during Elvis Duran’sbirthday celebration.  How cray is that!?}

Hola!  This summer has been crazy busy, hence my lack of posts.  

Here's what's been going on lately in a nut shell...

 {a girls only beach day was just what the doctor ordered}

 {with my bestie at her Alice in Wonderland themed shower}

{“We’re All Mad Here” Madeleines I made for the shower}

 {Truly blessed to be able to call these amazing young women my sisters}

 {co-hosted my sister-in-law’s bachelorette party this weekend}

 {Cheers B*tches!}

Birthday.

My birthday was a little over a month ago, but as mentioned here it was a pretty great one.  The hubbs put together this beautiful video of our awesome day.  Highlights include our visit to the Met, the Cloisters, The Jonathan Levine Gallery, and my birthday dinner at La'Mezza.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Duke Farms

Sometimes you just need to break out of your old routine and switch things up.  This Memorial Day Chris and I decided to finally visit Duke Farms.  The fresh air and beautiful scenery were exactly what we needed.  They even had a free bike share so we were able to tour the grounds via some really awesome cruisers.  Before we ended our visit we checked out this little farm stand they had.  We went home with some freshly picked radishes and mizuna (Japanese arugula).  Yep, our little adventure was definitely what the doctor ordered.

 

 
 

Happy Friday

{a snap shot from our time at Liberty State Park on Sunday}

This week was a trying one to say the least.  I have decided to avoid watching the news all together.  If these tragic events have taught me anything at all it would be to appreciate what you have because you never know how quickly it all can be taken away from you.  Life can be such a crazy thing.  I hope this weekend is filled with nothing but positivity, love, and happiness for all of you. XX

Scenes From The Weekend

 

{hot date with the hubbs}

It’s great to be able to spend quality time with my husband and family especially since during the week we are all so busy and on different schedules.  Friday Chris and I went on a little movie (we saw The Place Beyond The Pines, Ryan Gosling was the best part of the movie and not just for obvious reasons) and dinner date.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out that our favorite taco place in Jersey City was back in business after being closed down for months due to the extensive damage hurricane Sandy caused.   Carnitas tacos from Taqueria definitely hit the spot.  Also, they now have chips and guacamole, thank you, Baby Jesus!  Sunday after church we went to my mom’s for our traditional family lunch and after that Chris and I wanted to continue to enjoy the rest of the day so we decided to go to Liberty State Park.  We even filmed a little video of our time at the park, which I’ll share with you guys later this week…

 {made these for a birthday party.  Please follow my dessert business on Instagram @duchessdelights}

 {hooray for the best tacos ever!!}

 {spring blooms}

{it was a great weekend}

More Love, Kindness, and Compassion…

{via}

...That is what we need. 

My heart is so heavy.  I cannot even image what those poor parents are going through right now.  Please keep the victims of the tragedy in Connecticut and their families in your prayers.  Prayer is powerful.

Six.

"there is no greater risk than matrimony.

but there is nothing happier than a happy marriage."

--benjamin disraeli, 1870

Today is our 6th wedding anniversary.

Happy anniversary, my love. 

 

photos via Maggie McGill photography

Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies

I am a huge fan of peanut butter, but was never really a fan of peanut butter cookies.  This recipe has given me a change of heart.  It requires no flour so the result is a light cookie full of the classic flavors of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, only way better!  In honor of Valentine's Day I made the traditional thumbprint into a heart by crisscrossing my thumb.  When packaged in these little boxes from Martha Stewart they make a perfect gift for your Valentine(s).  Hope you have a beautiful day full of love!