The Story of My Life: The year of the wedding: Los Altos/Palo Alto edition

This post goes out to a very special bride, a former Miss Laurie Gregg, now the proudest Mrs. McClure on the planet (second proudest, I suppose, because her mother-in-law seemed pretty darn pumped about the nuptials). Lo was so excited to become a Mrs., she could hardly wait to change her facebook status to "married," swap profile pics, and switch her last name. She even stopped mid-"...you may now kiss the bride" to take a pic of herself and her new hubby smooching. It was classic Laurie.

Laurie is one of the phenomenal friends I made while in college. We have a truly special group. The majority of the ladies were Coug swimmers, and whenever we get together, it's as if we just left each other. We always pick up right where we left off. I have fond memories of Sunday mornings in our disgusting party house on D Street, sitting in our Cougar-issued gray athletic sweats, sipping some seasonal Starbucks lattes (pumpkin spice or gingerbread?), chatting about the night before and all its happenings. We made some memories in college...oh, let me tell you. This wedding weekend took me back to those good ol' days, and it was exactly as I imagined: nonstop partying!

Laurie comes from an abundantly happy, loving, and generous family. They love sports, vacationing, and making sure no one enters their house without a receiving a full glass of wine and a hearty hug. I doubt anyone has left their home without a side-ache from laughing. You can tell they enjoy each other's company and living life to the fullest.

The wedding was a three-parter. We got picked up from our hotel in Palo Alto in charter buses and were transported to the country club for the ceremony. We were met with glasses of champagne and a glimpse at the open bar and glorious buffet awaiting the conclusion of the ceremony. No one sat down for the wedding, but instead, we gathered around the patio while Lo and Jus exchanged vows. It was probably the quickest ceremony I've ever encountered, and as soon as it was sealed, the bride and groom grabbed glasses of champagne and toasted to the crowd.

After an outstanding dinner and many glasses of some pretty fine wine, we were again shuttled in those luxury liners to the Gregg home. What a perfect setting for a reception. Rows of white globe lights stretched from one end of the yard to the other. Lo's parents completely redid the flowers in their backyard to match the colors of the wedding, and they covered their pool with a giant dancefloor. The DJ, bar, snacks, and gorgeous cake had their own special nooks, and Laurie threw her bouquet from a balcony off of the guest room. Framed photos of past family weddings, Laurie trying on her mother's wedding gown, and some pretty funny Justin mementos decorated the hallways and bathrooms. The house and yard smelled beautiful, and much like other weddings I've attended this year, it seemed fit for a magazine spread. The Greggs thought of everything. We even got to take home green or beige pashminas to keep us warm after the sun went down.

And, just when we thought we couldn't boogie any longer, the charter buses showed up and escorted us to a Palo Alto watering hole where we watched many of the wedding guests and the bride attempt to ride a mechanical bull. Yep. We sure saw it all.

Before I end this post, I guess I should rewind back to the bouquet toss, because I forgot to mention I caught said bouquet. I'm a bit embarrassed, and for once not for myself, but for another of Laurie's friends who attempted to catch the flowers and accidentally toppled into the cake instead. Rumors circulated that I pushed her into the cake, but I'm sure there are some photos out there that prove I was in front of her and in no way could have committed such an act. (Sidenote: At the Sunday afternoon post-wedding barbecue at the Greggs' house, I had the chance to chat with this friend of Laurie's, and I assure you, there are no hard feelings. Second sidenote: I can't believe the Greggs hosted a post-wedding barbecue. Too gracious!)

The next morning, in true college rewind fashion, we woke up and went to breakfast to discuss every part of Laurie's wedding. It captured Laurie's spirit and her infectious love of celebrating just perfectly. She and Justin seem as happy as they were way back when they met. We are so thrilled and thankful to have been a part of such an amazing weekend. Cheers to the newlyweds.

The Ivy girls (AKA inhabitants of a really grimy duplex on D Street senior year of college): The bride, Katie, Em, and me.

Laurie's brother, Robert, and her cousin Chad from Texas. Chad and I go way back to 2008, when Laurie came to Austin for three hours. I will never forget the Sixth Street shenanigans with Robert, Laurie, and Chad.