Gold medal wedding

Not too long after I met Taylor, my friend and roommate at the time, Mariel, met her match: Mike. 

And, they just said, "I do." 

Mariel and I spent many-a-night sitting in her living room talking about our dream dudes. Who would have guessed the next guy each of us met when living together would be "the one? I can't believe that was years ago now. 

I remember how tough it was coming to terms with the fact that we were growing up, spreading our wings, and moving on in life with another person. Mariel was my support system during a tough transitional time in my life, and even though I moved out to live on my own before I got engaged, I had a hard time adjusting to my life without my constant companion. It was the end of a two-year era in which we created countless memories.

I felt like my brain was flooded with so many of those memories and moments the week of her wedding. As laughable as it sounds, I felt like seeing her get married gave me this closure, peace, and sheer joy for her new chapter in life.

She and Mike are sure to have a lifetime of laughs and love. We couldn't be happier for the two of them and were so proud to be a part of their day. Congratulations, Mar! Love you! 

Site 1 of 2 for the wedding: Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Beautiful! 

Third from the right is Matea and Katie's on the far right.

Two Kates and a Kelley...Kate W.'s about nine months prego with baby Teddy.

Cake Brigade was called into service at the last minute as Mariel didn't think her main bakery cake would feed everyone at the wedding. Since Katie was in the wedding, Kelley and I had to hold down the fort...and I think another one or two additional people helped with the auxiliary cakes. They turned out well. 

Location 2 of 2 = Elysian Ballroom in downtown Portland.

Their main cake was rainbow striped inside! 

Quite possibly THE most unflattering photo of moi...but beyond that, this is a great snap of the five of us friends from freshman year of high school. I love you girls. Friends forever!