fathers and daughters

mothers and sons

lets dance…

mothers and sons

husbands and wives

brothers and sisters

crazy cousins!!!

a beautiful wedding ceremony

followed by an ocean side reception

the first dance

proud parents

and the happy couple, let the celebration begin!!

on a hot summer day it’s best to wear your hair up be it a braid

lovely ladies

or a lovely twist from the lady responsible for all this:

thanks aunt b for all the great updos!! love the shoes

Another of the planned events for the weekend wedding was “Beach Activities”

A family friend graciously hosted the event at their pool house and allowed for easy beach access for the day. 

Some guests enjoyed the pool.

Others were spotted in hats and movie star sunglasses, (the Clinton Wedding has nothing on this bunch!!)

Outdoor shower and putting green.

boardwalk leading to the beach

my idea of a day at the beach

Organized Sport of the day was Liberty Ball, think bocce ball on the beach.

Teams were formed..

and let the games begin…

Some officials kept score..

while others kept a cold one in the hands of the players

there were bathing beauties spotted on the beach

competition was tough but our hometown girls made it to the final 4

but they were up against a dangerous duo, father of the bride and

the groom…

it was a close game

but in the end…

the guys won…

The Final Four, (did the girls let them win?  we’ll never know..I say rematch at the next wedding!!

all in all it was a great day at the beach!

Their home overlooks the beaches of the island. 

Proud Father & the Bride

Mother of the Bride and fabulous caterer!

 Now I know normal people take pictures of other people, but sorry folks I’m a chef and in the words of food networks,  Alton Brown (I’m here for the food) haha!! 

  

A Mexican themed evening was a huge hit and a favorite cuisine of the bride and groom to be.  Good choice it was all delicious!!  Whole roasted red snapper with salsa verde, black beans and shredded pork, fresh corn salad and more..   

Tortilla Bar set up in the kitchen was quite a hit, with queso and assorted toppings.  

  

  

Sopas with chorizo and goat cheese

   

 

homemade oreo!!

Tres Leche Cake with fresh fruit, peaches of course

   

   

   

   

   

 Sorry if these pictures are a little out of focus, did I mention they were serving Margaritas too, hence the blurry picture!

  

  

I did manage to get a few family shots in too, here the bride and groom to be were having a song preformed for them by those crazy family cousins, (every family has them!! and we love them)  

Sister Act I

   

and the aunt, who's like a sister

   

and a mother that could pass for your sister

   

 

 

welcome wedding bag

Bag complete with a schedule of the weekend events and some Kiawah Island essentials

I was lucky enough to be part of a family house share in an incredible house!!

A day trip to Charleston proved to be a sweet experience, with our first stop at the Charleston Candy Kitchen.

Old City Market is an open air market with local vendors showcasing their goods.  Running from the waterfront to the main building Market Hall.

 Amazing baskets crafted from sweet grass are woven before you eyes.  A tradition handed down from African slaves.   Well worth the money. 

Time for lunch @ Sticky Fingers

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Lots of great Charleston Restaurant to choose from…

and lots of sights to see…

heading south

After a fun day in DC, we head south again towards North Carolina.  But not without stopping for lunch first.  If you are heading down I-95 through Richmond, Virginia at lunch time you have to stop at Sally Bell’s Kitchen ( www.sallybellskitchen.com ) since 1924 these southern ladies have been putting out boxed lunches to hungry passersby.  It’s worth the stop and not too far off the interstate.  

Pimento Cheese Sandwich

Virginia Ham on a sweet roll

 Lunch consist of your choice of sandwich, potato salad, pickle, deviled egg, cheddar pecan cracker and an upside down iced cupcake of your choice, chocolate and caramel shown here!! Yum 

signature upside down iced cupcakes

samwiches!!

Those Damn Yankees

A quick stop at South of the Border,  supplied us with the cowboy hats we needed for the themed ” Wild West” night!

Lizards

Big Hairy Spiders

Alligators

unidentified wild life, proceed with caution!!

An artisan crafted hot dog from Neal’s Deli in NC.(www.nealsdeli.com ) On a pretzel roll with kim chee, red onions and hot mustard with a pickle. After reading an article in the New York Times about this popular local hot spot I knew I had to try it and so glad that I did. 

Don’t you just love chalkboard menus.

Now after dropping off the dog in VA and the kids in NC, I am off to the airport to pick up one of my favorite Aunts and then head down to SC for a weekend long wedding!! 

lunch on the go