XO

Thanksgiving is upon us and, while our families are enjoying the sunny skies in CA and AZ, we're experiencing our first snow of the season. Still, grateful. And going through the photos and videos from our wedding day only serve to remind us of all that we have and the love of the friends and family who celebrated with us that lovely September day. Thus, this post will be heavier on the viewing and lighter on the reading. The perfect treat for when you are crouched in a corner, scrolling through your phone or laptop while hiding from being asked to help with the Thanksgiving dinner dishes. Grab your third piece of pie to enjoy while you walk down memory lane with us.

This summer was a whirlwind that kicked off with emergency ulcer surgery the day before my birthday; followed by a proposal two weeks later, which led to furious packing and planning; culminating in a day filled with love, family, friends, big hair, butterscotch pudding, and our pre-reception meal of Red Bull and beef jerky purchased at a gas station in Midway. (Thanks for the bonus can, Gibby!)

For those who weren't privy to the proposal story, here's a quick recap: the first of July dawned clear and bright. The night before was a perfect date of dinner at Mamacita's, a trip to the bookstore, a surprise gift of a Harry Potter Marauder's Map t-shirt, and dessert of frozen yogurt. (Side note: while we love Cups in Charlottesville, Provo has cornered the market on frozen yogurt. The quality and variety of yogurts is incomparable, and the toppings are stacked. So, go you, P-Town. But Cups does offer Cinnamon Toast Crunch, which I highly recommend on EVERYTHING. Update: Cups has closed indefinitely. What a world...) I had booked a hair appointment with AJ's sister (she's currently attending school at The Forum and is EXCELLENT-I'm holding out for winter break to get it done and these roots are kickin'!), so of course I took the opportunity to NOT do my hair, because hell is filled with washing, drying, and styling my own tresses. Courtney greeted me at the front desk, then proceeded to take me to a room to get my hair washed. OR DID SHE?!?! As the door opened, I saw the space was filled with photos of AJ and me. The door opened wider and, as my eyes swept the room, I saw my boo standing there all handsome in a suit, while the smooth sounds of Primetime played. Below is the video. (Don't watch the whole thing, it goes on for awhile. Thanks to Skyler for the camera and video.) I was shocked. Very, very shocked. And happy, elated, overjoyed, and in ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't-live-without-each-other love.

AJ + Candice Proposal

Puttin' a ring on it was followed by lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings for the U.S. vs. Belgium World Cup game, because of course. While wings were had and American hearts were broken, texts were sent and phone calls were made to our loved ones. (Shout-out to Kirstie at Communal for picking up my dinner shift that night!) The day was wrapped up with a trip to the gym and dinner at Pizzeria 712, because every engagement day should conclude with a pile of heirloom tomatoes and hand-pulled mozzarella.

Insert two months of wedding planning, 4th of July at Payson Lake with Lee, Andrew, and Gibson; the BEST trip to San Francisco with Lee and Lindsay for the On the Run tour and delectable food (Chez Panisse, what-what?!) galore; engagement photos with Kelly; bridals with my Aunt Leslie in a beautiful dress lovingly sewn by my Aunt Teresa; packing up AJ, moving him to VA to start school; leaving the people and job I dearly love at Communal (singing Adele's "Someone Like You" on the back bench with Kirstie and Lee as we closed is one of my best memories); packing up my apartment (my brothers and their friends are THE BEST); crashing on Lee's couch for a few days; four bridal showers (thank you to Nicole, Aunt Jill, Andrea, Courtney, Angie, and the women of AJ's home ward)...and I was in Salt Lake, checking into a hotel with my BFF Andrea. She is an absolute saint for being my righthand gal those last few days, bringing me caffeine every morning, driving up and down the I-15 with me while I tied up odds and ends, and telling me to chill during my 2 AM freak-outs. There's a reason she's a Marriott Events Coordinator-the girl gets stuff done. And there is no one I'd rather be having a sleepover with on my last night as a single woman. I love you forever, lady. We'll always have TLC in our Honda Civics. NO SCRUBS.

Design by Etsy shop Printable Wisdom-she was a dream to work with and has great items! Immense gratitude to my sister and brother-in-law for gifting us our announcements.

Andrea and I swooped AJ from the airport on Friday afternoon, and he surprised me with this day-before-the-wedding shirt. He's pretty cool.

That evening, AJ's parents generously gave us a dinner filled with our nearest and dearest, where speeches were made, slideshows were viewed, and Michael Jackson (Mason DuPaix, you're unreal) made an appearance. (I think my friends are still confused...) AJ went bowling with his crew while I was able to spend a couple hours afterwards with my besties from CA, and it was basically a scene from Sex and the City...we like to think.

Cosmos and Manolos and Fendi, OH MY!

I awoke on Saturday, September 6th, refreshed and welcoming the sunny skies. Hahaha, no. I got about three hours of sleep and, as I sat in front of the closet mirror to do my hair and makeup, I heard an "Uh-oh, don't come over here!" from Andrea. So obviously I had to. POURING RAIN. (But TWIST! I managed to stay calm and, by the time we left the hotel, there was literally a rainbow arching o'er us.) My wonderful, amazing, talented, and cool-as-a-cucumber photographer (Cheneil Garrett Photography) arrived early to shoot some boudoir shots (ooh-la-la!), then we were off to the Bountiful Temple. Andrew greeted me at the entrance in all his stylish and creative glory with my bouquet and flowers for the parents, and then I went inside to see my man. Smiles times infinity.

And then we were wed.

Being surrounded by our loved ones as we were married for time and all eternity was one of the most important and precious moments of our lives. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life that has led me to this man to whom I will be with for always.

And then we partied.

First things first, we're the realest

It's turnt, but so are we

Treat yo'self

Communal's butterscotch pudding, prepared by Lindsay Blue Ivie

Birch stands by Dad, gorgeous cake by Jennie Rasmussen of Let Them Eat Cake

Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood

I literally CAN'T EVEN

                                     

Our DJ was THE BEST. Carter "King Darius" Hurst, your mixing skills are like no other. The dance floor just wouldn't quit. Find him on Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, Facebook, and give him big love. House party? Hit him up. Sweet 16? He's your guy. Opening for Tinashe in SLC? Did it.

Lindsay KILLING some Robyn

Show Me Love sing-a-long

AJ started law school at UVA (TOP TEN!) this year, a few weeks before our wedding. This meant he flew out of UT on August 17th, after a glorious few days at Bear Lake with the Jones-Swartwood crew. He and I woke up before dawn and we drove to the airport, all the while singing along to the greatest songs of Mariah Carey, Babyface, and other R&B hitmakers of the '90s for two hours. Go listen to Always Be My Baby IMMEDIATELY. And wear some cut-offs and a denim shirt while you're doing it. While we had the three weeks apart, AJ took the opportunity to choreograph (thanks for the help, Lena!) and perfect a dance for me that he surprised the crowd with at our reception. This man...143

My boo's got moves YOU'VE neva' seen

And then the skies opened up, the thunder boomed, and the rain poured. Can't stop, won't stop. This rain dance culminated in a group of us gathered on the dance floor under a tablecloth, AJ and I in the middle, surrounded by our people, while Rihanna's Umbrella played. Hollywood couldn't have planned a better ending. (But thank you to my sister Courtney who traveled all around northern UT to gather sparklers that were never lit!) 

Quick good-byes were had, my amazing family cleaned everything up amidst the downpour, my Kimisha whisked the gifts to safety, and we raced to the car. AJ and I had a late dinner of tapas at Eva in Salt Lake in our soaking wedding attire, and it was perfect. Thank you forever to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and efforts to making 9.6.14 so special and such immense fun, especially my parents. So many people came from near and far, and it really meant the WORLD to us; I am continually overwhelmed when I think of it and you. Being across the country for the next three years as AJ finishes law school and I complete my novel is allowing us to struggle, grow, learn, and love together; but this day, with everyone, will always be a part of us. 

XO

Fall Break

Fall break is a thing outside of California, and it's lovely. As our honeymoon consisted of a two-night stay in SLC before AJ flew back for school (it was actually perfect and delightful and amazing), we thought we would count this as our retreat...which we shared with nine other couples in a beach house...and a handful of small children. True romance! Thus, we found ourselves in the Outer Banks of North Carolina (OBX) enjoying the surf, sand, seafood, and all season one of HBO's True Detective while hunkered down in our room. (Seriously, sososo good. If you're a fan of Breaking Bad and looking for a quick fix while waiting for the new season of Game of Thrones, this is your solution. We are digging the excellent selection that the media section of the law library has to offer.)

While there are few places I'd rather be than the beach, I've never been much of an ocean person. Shark attacks are a great fear of mine (read Unbroken and try to not have a panic attack) and, though yearly beach trips have been had, the last time I actually got in the ocean was in 2008 in the Mediterranean while chaperoning a group of high schoolers through Greece and Italy. (I earned that trip, believe you me.) Before that, it was the south of France in 2004 with Jill and Sarah on a post-graduation trip. (HAHAHA, how annoying do I sound?!) This was my first dip in the Atlantic, and it was quite nice-much warmer than the Pacific, sand like powdered sugar, frolicking in the waves with my boo. I read Ruth Reichl (if you love food and autobiographies, read her!) and Janet Evanovich (if you want to zone out while losing brain cells and hiding the book from others out of embarrassment, read her!) and AJ cracked open The Bully Pulpit, a new one from Doris Kearns Goodwin (Team of Rivals) about Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, and journalism during the Progressive Era. And of course, catch on the beach. Gotta keep that arm loose.

We ventured further south to see the sights at Kitty Hawk, site of the Wright brothers' famed first flight. According to my personal docent, AJ, both North Carolina and Ohio claim Orville and Wilbur, as their work and flight took place in the former while they were born in the latter. Look at these two babies fight it out via state license plates:

Props to the people of Kitty Hawk who assisted the brothers greatly in their continued experiments and in building the memorial to honor them.

A tad Orwellian

Oh, Orville

We did brunch at The Saltbox, a quaint spot on the banks of a creek-thanks for the recommendation, YELP! Hearing people speak with Southern accents is still new and charming to me, and this place was packed with such voices. I had the steak salad with bleu cheese (is there a better combination? Besides a Wendy's Frosty and fries, naturally), and AJ's dish was divine: shrimp and grits with andouille sausage. For dessert we had the key lime creme brulee...mmmm...C’est comme un petit Jesus en culottes de velours! 

                                  

We were very lucky to stay in The Black Pearl, an amazing three-story beach house that we got for a wicked good deal, as it was off-season. The area is famed for Duck Donuts, a local shop that allows you to customize freshly-baked donuts. Our room overlooked the ocean, so AJ and I had the brilliant idea of gorging on donuts while watching the sun rise at 7:08 AM. This meant awaking at 6 AM, racing to the shop 20 minutes south, and heading back. We got there just as it opened and made our selections, including maple glaze with bacon (sweet and savory heaven!) and a lemon glaze with coconut. (Side note-I love coconut EVERYTHING.) AJ was sharing our sunrise plans with the proprietor, telling her where we were from, giving her our Social Security numbers-his usual interaction with complete strangers. She asked where we were staying, then queried why we drove so far to that location when there was a Duck Donuts two minutes from our house...UGH. Whatever. We made it to our deck just in time to watch the magic happen, and it happens really fast. It's, like, one minute the sun isn't there, and 20 seconds later it's high in the sky. Yeah, I'm basically your own personal Neil deGrasse Tyson with that description. No need to watch the next episode of Cosmos.

Each night two different couples cooked for the whole crew, which meant maxin' and relaxin' most of the time, then one night of running around like a crazy person to get dinner on the table for a large group of people. BIG LOVE to my back-of-house crew in my places of employment! My sous chef (AJ) and I made a corn chowder (recipe in the link below), courtesy of my favorite Food Network chef, Ina Garten, aka The Barefoot Contessa. (Sorry, Linds.) I could watch her cook in her beautiful kitchen all day, making adorable beach picnics for her friends with kids and taking gourmet packed lunches to her pals in their music studios, all the while her amazing gay chums handle the decor. Sandra Lee, sit down, girl. Governor Cuomo ain't with you for your recipes. 

Barfeoot Contessa's Cheddar Corn Chowder

Some of the guys went crabbing, so dinner was followed by a round of fresh steamed crab, doused in Old Bay Seasoning. I'm not much of a shellfish person, but AJ is all about the crustaceans and cracked a few legs.

The weather was perfect until the day we left, which made departing a little easier. We stopped at one of the state's famed lighthouses, got in some history, then headed to Cravings, a local seafood place featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives! I was a tad hesitant, as I hadn't seen this episode and I like to fancy myself an expert on reading Guy Fieri's body language, and really paying attention to what he is saying when visiting different spots, trying to gauge if he's just being polite or if he's actually Donkey Sauce stoked on the place. (Yes, I love cooking and food shows! The best? Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown on CNN. Trust me. Past seasons are also on Netflix.) Our server was excellent, and made me grateful that I never worked in a restaurant where I had to memorize multiple and lengthy nightly specials. We had the seafood platter (lobster and mahi and shrimp, oh my!) and the caprese salad (pesto on fresh mozzarella is a YES)...and two baskets of warm buttery garlic bread. (Post-vacation gym sessions are at once terrible and exhilarating.)

On the drive home, we listened to Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast Blueprint for Armageddon, about WWI and its deadly battles. Each podcast is a few hours long but so incredible; I can't recommend it highly enough. There are a variety of topics, but this might be a good choice, as the Great War began 100 years ago and Veterans' Day is soon upon us. It was an impressive reminder of the great strides and technological changes that occurred in the 20th century, for both good and bad. I can only imagine the awe and despair my great-grandparents felt watching the world completely change within their lifetime.

Speaking of changes, have you guys tried Taco Bell's Fritos Burrito? I discovered this gem in the middle of America during my trek across the country, and IT IS PERFECT. The spice of the beef with the creaminess of the nacho cheese, complemented by the crunch of the Fritos, all enveloped in a warm flour tortilla...oh, and it's on the dollar menu. So of course we stopped for a couple. You should, too.