Robert and Emily get hitched

Last weekend Chris and I flew to the west coast to attend our good friend, Robert, and his gorgeous gal, Emily’s, wedding. Chris has been friends with Robert since they both attended Cedar Falls high school, and then they really became best-buds when they lived together for a few years in Iowa City. And since he was my man’s roommate in college, Robert and I also got to know each other quite well. And now he’s one of my best friends too.

And this past fall, when Robert and Emily stopped in Asheville for a quick visit and we saw how googly-eyed he was over his lady, we knew it was only a matter of time before he would ask her to spend forever-after with him. And we absolutely knew we would travel to wherever they decided to become husband-and-wife to help them celebrate. And, lucky for us, they decided to get married in Santa Rosa, a town located just north of their home in San Francisco. And even more lucky for us, Chris’s mom came back to Asheville with us after Libba’s wedding and stayed with Taylor while my husband and I embarked on a five day adventure through Northern California. Neither of us had ever spent any time in that part of the country, and we were blown over by how beautiful it is. Now we understand why everyone in California is so happy all the time. It’s gorgeous there. And the wine’s pretty good too.

The ceremony was held in Griffith Woods, which hosted some of the biggest trees I have ever seen and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.

The actual site was a good ten-minute walk from our car, covering a bit of trail that made flats and flip-flops the necessary attire. Which was fantastic considering I can’t walk in heels anyway.

The wedding itself was short and sweet, with just a handful of friends and family there to watch the happy couple ring-in their marriage. Emily was breathtaking in her gown, and Robert was beaming the entire time.

After the ceremony, we walked back through the woods and proceeded to the reception for a great party. And after the rehearsal dinner the night before, I felt it best to leave my camera and anything else that was not attached to my body in the car. When you mesh together some of San Francisco’s top engineers and some rowdy Hawkeye-alumni, you can bet it got a little out of control.

I have so much more to share about our trip, and so many more pictures to go through. But for now, just let me say how honored Chris and I were to be able to share Robert and Emily’s special day with them. It was such a great opportunity to spend time with some of our dear friends that we don’t get to see very often, and also to meet new friends and enjoy the gorgeous landscape.