Wedded bliss!

Life after travel was full of transition, planning, road trips, fun and constant motion it seems. After returning from our travels in Asia, we jumped into summer in Seattle with both feet. My step-brother Tyler married a wonderful woman named Marcy in Winthrop, WA and it was beautiful. Then, my cousin Alissa married Curtis who is hillariously funny, smart and will be a great husband! As our family grew bigger, I proposed to Simon on the shores of Lake Washington. He happily agreed and we began planning our wedding that took place 6 weeks later.

I consider myself to be a bit of a procrastinator, but with only 6 weeks to plan means no time for being wishy washy. We quickly put our wedding together and I depended on a few previous skills developed as an event planner. We also enjoyed a few weeks in California and Nevada to celebrate Simon's first road trip in the US. We drove to Northern California to pick up Daniel, Simon's brother in San Francisco, visit friends and see a bit of the city, then meet up with our larger group to pick up RV's and caravan to the Nevada desert for Burning Man. (Pictures coming soon! :))

Burning Man, is a huge art and community event that takes place in the desert of Nevada. Our camp, Camp Baggage Check (which checks people's emotional baggage then burns it at the end of the week), built a 30 ft. geodesic dome and we camped in the heat, strong winds and light rain for the week. Bring the kiwi brothers to the playa was great fun and we enjoyed a week of discovery, bike rides, dancing, art, community, people, friends (old and new) and an escape from the regular life we've grown accustomed to on a daily basis. It's difficult to explain what Burning Man "feels" like, but imagine a city with overe 35,000 people, where capitalism doesn't exist (and money can only be used to buy coffee and ice), people's creativity, motivation and initiative go far beyond the imagination and where your mind can explore an energy that is unique and beautiful. This was my 5th year and each time I participate, the feeling and the change within myself is different. It was a gift to be a part of Simon and Daniel's first burn.

After Burning Man, we drove back to Seattle for our last week of planning and family before the wedding. Returning to life after Burning Man, plus meeting Simon's family, as well as returning to work and tying up any lose ends before our wedding was busy and at times chaotic, but still fun and exciting. Simon's Mum, Margaret, his auntie, Ann and cousin, Trudi, all arrived the week prior to our wedding and helped us so much. Kiwis don't like to sit around and they were constantly asking to help with projects, errands, etc. It was a lot of fun and my family loved having such a full and bustling home.

The wedding took place in West Seattle at Mark and Debbie Peterson's home. Mark and Debbie are best friends with my mother and my brother and I grew up with their children. Mark officiated our wedding and to have such a special person in my life marry me and Simon was truly a gift. The wedding took place on their patio deck, overlooking the Puget Sound just a few moments before the sun set. The short reception following took place in their backyard and the entire area twinkled with lights, as our close friends and family dined on delectable treats catered by my friend, William. We enjoyed sushi, Thai spring rolls, tandoori chicken, potato pancakes, and other yummy treats. Mum brought a wedding cake from New Zealand and it was similar to our version of a fruit cake, but even more delicious from what I understand. She also brought flowers made of frosting as a decoration. Additionally, Simon made a gluten-free, orange almond cakes with different kinds of frostings.

After the reception, we went to an after-party in Capitol Hill. Our friends Melissa, Adrian and Kristine hosted a private party, where we danced the night away to house music with friends. The entire day was really special and just flew by. I feel so blessed to have shared our special day with so many friends and family members. I truly feel that a supportive and caring community surrounded us with love and gave us so much help and energy that carried us through our special day.