William, Laura & Wally Patrick

Wally loves juice tops? Go figure?

2010-01-30T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wally loves when Will gets home from school!

2010-01-30T16:08:00.000-08:00

West Coast Bad Boy

2010-01-25T16:07:00.000-08:00

Wally got a package in the mail - and FREAKED OUT!!! He spent 15 minutes eating through the envelope and then found his own West Coast Chop-Shop Shirt. What a bad boy! Thanks MacKenzie, Shawn and Elsie!!!

Package from the West Coast

2010-01-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

We love our puppup

2010-01-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Wally is such a great puppup. We are having so much fun watching him grow and learn. He waits by the door for us to get home and is all bouncy and excited when we come through the door. He has really started to get our routine down and at night we curl up in bed, tell him good night and he does a few spastic sprint laps through the apartment then curls up in his own bed and sleeps through the night. Morning time is our new challenge. We are retraining him to go to the bathroom outside instead of the wee-pads. The second he wakes up - he's gotta pee. So we hurriedly put him in a sweater and rush down 3 flights of stairs and get him outside.

Wally is rowdy and so playful at home with us, but a bit of a wall flower at the small dog park. He's still getting used to the gravel and all the butt sniffing and the "New York-weird-dog-culture-people" all up in his/our business. It's a good time, and fun to see some of the same dogs over and over.

Wally is getting HUGE!!!

2010-01-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

Wally in NY

2010-01-13T13:24:00.001-08:00

WALLY at Alligator Point New Years

2010-01-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

WALLY in Tallahassee

2010-01-13T13:14:00.001-08:00

Newest Family Member!

2010-01-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

Enter: WALLY!!!!!

He is such a smart, stubborn, sweet boston terrier. Total score.

While in Florida for the holidays, Will and I visited his mom in Sarasota. Just as we were heading back north to Tallahassee on I-75, Will started frantically honking - I was like "WHAT????" He'd seen a sign that said "HONK IF YOU HEART PUPPIES" And we do!

We looked at each other with wide eyes, then did a u-turn and that's where we found Wally! We three got to spend some time in Tallahassee and Alligator Point, then flew back

up to NY with him. What a sweet little family! BIRDY, BUTTERS, and WALLIESSS!!!

Brunch & Tubing with the Newly Weds!!!

2009-09-20T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning the Kennetts, Dee Lea and Mom and Dad hosted a Breakfast with the Newly Weds. Will and I showed up a little more than fashionably late, but just in time to chow down on some delicious fruit, beach pound cake, breakfast treats, egg casserole, hot brewed coffee and juice.

Greg brought his boat over and William took us one after another until we were all black and blue! Such a fun day!

Making it Official

2009-09-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning Bill got to put his notery public stamp to good use and made our beach wedding official. Mom and William as witnesses, we are now William and Laura Patrick!

Sunset Wedding

2009-09-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Sunset Wedding...

2009-09-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

Sunset Wedding...

2009-09-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Sunset Ceremony!

2009-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sunset Wedding!

2009-09-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Hour at the Grahams

2009-09-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Hour at the Grahams!

2009-09-19T17:30:00.000-07:00

5:30 - 6PM was cocktail hour at the Grahams deck... beer, champagne, wine, rosemary skewers with sausage and sweet potato, cuc sams, shrimp salad, cheese and tomato skewers etc. YUM! Everyone mingled on the deck and got ready for the festivities. Will and his friends hung out in one room and I was hurried onto another... ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! We are getting married!

SATURDAY!

2009-09-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

With so much love and help from the entire family and our friends, our wedding day has come! This was a VERY busy day. The dance floor was set up, the streamers tied, lights stapled to the path and house and tent, the tent tables set up and decorated with photos and books and bottles and candles, the bon fire wood moved and prepared, the cloth and lace for our huppah tied in place, the ceremony chairs put in rows, the generator set up, the flowers arranged, the birds and doilies pinned to the lattice, the electricity, hair appointments made, bubbles bought ... and on and on and on...

Will and I snuck off and went for a swim together. It was wonderful to have a little time to take it all in before the evening began. Then we showered and he ran off to the cocktail hour and me to my appointment at "Salon Perfect" with Lindsay.

Shrimp Boil!

2009-09-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

What an enchanted night! Beautiful, breezy weather, filling, delicious seafood, family and friends... There is only one thing I regret, and that is not formally thanking each of you for all you did to make this evening so perfect. Thank you for your love and work and time and energy.

Thank you Shawn for cooking this delicious meal, Mom for making our slide-show, Granna for the wonderful poem, will for setting up the speakers and running the slide-show, Jon for the original music mix, Lisa for the banana pudding and table cloths and Sydney for the ice.

Brittney, Carrie M., Cheney, Kelly, Laura W., Laurie and MacKenzie - you are such beautiful friends and I am so thankful for YOU... thank you for hosting this evening and giving so much of yourselves to Will and I. We are eternally grateful.

Shrimp Boil!

2009-09-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY!

2009-09-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

Inga and I crashed at mom and dad’s (so fun for us to have it all to our selves) then hitched a ride with Svenni in the morning. Ladies and gentlemen… the sky is BLUE!!! We made it down to the Point and immediately took the kayaks out for a spin. Inga and I paddled down to the Rosenberg’s and back and my arms were pumped!

By 9 am, dad and mom had already intercepted the port-a-lets and were putting the finishing touches on the erected tent. Julz and mom were on a roll with set up and Wil V. and dad were a construction team made in heaven. They worked to line the dock and tent with lights and constructed a box for the generator, a platform for us to be married on, and lattice for the bathrooms.

Back in town, Will had a lot of back and forth going on with the fellas – roundin’ ‘em up and getting them heading in the right direction to the beach. When Will made it down, I was SO happy to finally see my groom. We got situated at Endless Summer and ran over to the Grahams for the rehearsal. As we rehearsed on the beach, the Shrimp Boil gals hurriedly put together tables, chairs (thank you Henry), decorations, beverages, desserts and all the fixin’s for our rehearsal dinner. Shawn prepped the food, Jon prepared the music and Wil V. set up the projector. I had a quick cry and got some much needed hugs from my sweet girlfriends before gaining composure and beginning the night!

Tent Set-up!

2009-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dad and mom drove straight down to the Point after the Welcome to the South dinner. Late night for these two. They volunteered to meet the tent and rentals fella at the Grahams at 8AM that next morning. Well... morning came and brought with it another wave of storms. Mom cheerleaded the tent guys into setting it up - promising them rainbows and enough blue sky for a Dutch boy's britches? Anyways - it worked. Dad, and two rentals guys unloaded all the rentals and set up the tent on the beach in the rain. The area we'd raked on the beach just two days before was now a small swimming pool. Yikes!

Air boat Rides and GATORS!!!

2009-09-17T19:37:00.000-07:00

We are positive the air boat rides pretty much blew our friends minds. AND THEN THERE'S THE GATORS!!!! Dallas, the tours of your beautiful lake are full of memories and laughs our friends are sure to hang on to for a long time. Thank you for being so giving! It was AWESOME!

Welcome to the South!

2009-09-17T18:29:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful night! Thank you Stricklands for welcoming our friends and family into your home. The rain cleared, the sun set, and the adventurous ones set out on the air boat to pet a few gators. We had grilled, stuffed pork tenderloin (thank you Syd!), baked sweet potatoes, white acre peas, okra + tomatoes over rice, marinated, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers and delicious, warm fruit cobbler. We all slept like babies after this fun-filled evening. Will and I couldn't believe all this was for US!!!!

THURSDAY!

2009-09-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

RAINING. Will and I met Bill at his office bright and early and did a walk-through of our ceremony (which is 99% complete). We are thrilled to have Bill officiating our marriage! I enjoyed showing Will Bill's office and neighborhood - man are the people of Tallahassee friendly! Will took off for the golf course for "MAN DAY" with Ryan, Stan and Matt (who has just arrived from Cali), and I headed out to Lisa's with mom to set up decorations for the Welcome to the South dinner.

Man have the Stricklands been busy. Syd has already preped the meat, Dallas had cleared the yard, and Lisa had the white beans already bubbling in a pot on the stove. Plants had been bought, the house looked amazing, and the drive down the long driveway was enchanting as ever. Burlap, greenery, tables, airboat rides and a deliciously thought out menu... fabulous. We wiped off chairs and tables and moved them all inside to avoid the rain. Covered them in cloth and wrapped the plants. Everything was set for a wonderful evening with family and friends.

I ran home and showered as Will met Darren, Charles, Inga and Svenni at the airport and led the convoy out to the Stricklands.

WEDNESDAY!

2009-09-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

Where has the week gone??? Rain, rain, a little sunshine and MORE RAIN in Tallahassee. Ahhhh! (My hair does love the humidity - it's looking lovely and full of body!) I took off in the mroning with mom for a little decor shopping. We got some tent light globes and candles, assembled a thoughtful, fresh, hand-bagged tea and monkey mug gift for Cyndy. Then searched through Target for "wrap-arounds" - no luck. I made it back to Willy with Chic-fil-a in hand... a special treat for the Yankees.

Will and I got to work on our ceremony and then we headed to Red Eye to meet Denny "the Wedding DJ" for a music chat. Denny was great, in control, and it seems we have a little more work to do on music! I took off for a September Bday Celebration at Kool Beans with the ladies and Will was off for some shopping and famous speghetti at Ryan and Lindsay's. So fun to eat well, drink well, and have some great laughs with Laurie, Kel, ML, Maria, Holly and Kris. Go! Go! Go!

TUESDAY!!!

2009-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:00

Willy’s 32^nd Birthday. We made it in from the stormy beach just in time to grab Will at the airport.

The two of us wisked away through the drizzly rain and off to the Tallahassee Court House where we got our marriage certificate! Then we drove off to COSTCO and loaded the Malibu full of wine, wine and more wine. The ol' Malibu, filled to the hilt with beverages, cups, plates, cutlery, etc., was transformed into an enviable low-rider which barely cleared speed humps. We headed to mom and dads where a bday partay was in the works. Delicious apps, grilled chicken, veggie skewers, and red velvet cake! YUM… we stuffed ourselves, Will opened gifts, and we all enjoyed each other’s company and one of Granna's special Bday poems (We'd love a copy of that!).

After dinner we visited Ryan at the Fire Station, got a tour and practiced our best judo chops, then sleepily headed back to Ryan and Lindsay’s for a much-needed, sweet sleep.

MONDAY!!!

2009-09-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

I woke up at sunrise, with that "first-day-of-school feeling", and headed down to the Point to join mom and dad for some pre-wedding prep work. Mom and dad had already seen rain, blue skies and a rainbow... good weather omen?

We marked the ground for the streamer poles, cut hundreds of polyester and vintage lace ribbons (thank you Senior Center), built and erected a flag pole, divied up gifts, raked and cleared shells and sea weed from the tent spot, funneled sand into glass canisters and 45 empty wine bottles (thank you family for drinking and Freddy for soaking and scrubbing all the labels off), and melted and melted and melted candles (dripless candles no less) until the wine bottles had that “romantic feeling”. You know the one. We sorted all the things and things that dad and mom had taken down the night before and fell onto the couch for a delicious shrimp and couscous dinner.

These happen to be action photos... but the real raker was Freddy. I'd like to have seen his biceps BEFORE and AFTER our wedding weekend!

The next morning came early and brought a typhoon with it. The fate of our beach wedding was up in the air! I drove back into Tallahassee at 20 mph the entire way home, windshield wipers at full speed, praying for all the rain to pass on through the Point and bring on the sun.

Salon Perfect, Vamps, and Home-made Chili

2009-09-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

I flew in to Tallahassee Sunday and had a lovely evening of “Salon Perfect” and Vamps with Lindsay and Carrie. The girls practiced my wedding day doo as Ryan and Chase got caught up on some serious deer hunting videos. After we perfected the half-up-con-veil-with-room-for-laurel, we settled into the lush couch for some delicious, hearty, home-made Chili, crackers, cheese, and red wine and cozied up for some Eric and Sukie action.

Svenni's a PRO!

2009-09-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you Svenni for staging a pro photo session! Will carted a wicker chair over to Washington Square Park, plopped it down in the wet grass and Svenni climbed on top with his super-sonic wide lens camera. Will and I, in our finest attire, rolled around on the ground as Matt directed us. We came up with some pretty sweet pics! Wedding CD, here we go!

NICE Handy Work!

2009-09-01T17:23:00.000-07:00

Freddy did a little master crafting with the router on a few beautifully constructed pieces of wood, creating this one-of-a-kind wedding sign! Thanks Dad!

Lost and Found!!!

2009-08-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

We got Matt's birdie today! (Will's best man). And my oh my, this is a beautiful and interesting piece of art. Thanks Matt!

Pleasant Pheasant Surprise!

2009-08-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Darren's chick-a-dee came in the mail today! What a pleasant surprise... we didn't think we had any more birdies coming our way - and he appeared! Little birdies make the mail 10x's more fun. If there's any other birdies out there (hint hint) it ain't too late!

¡Uno! ¡Dos! ¡Tres! ¡Cuatro!

2009-08-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful family. Will and I are thrilled this family of 4 will be able to make it down to the Point for our nuptials and celebration. I can't believe how big Alden and Carson have already gotten... can't wait to see you!

Tables and tables and tables...

2009-08-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

With great success, Will and I completed the table seating. Man... this is one tricky task. We think you will like the possey you are sitting with! This is so special to have all of you together under one (technically three) tent.

Commence construction!

2009-08-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

We are excited to have Wil building our alter! He worked with Dallas to pull out some cypress trees perfect for the construction. Thank you for your hard work and talent. This is really special to have you play a big part in our ceremony.

One last birdie...

2009-08-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Our very last little birdie made it to NY! What a beauty! Carrie and Chase sent this masterpiece, complete with professional shading and bright colored feathers. We love it!

Go Freddy Go!

2009-08-22T13:20:00.001-07:00

Dad's been busy scrubbing the labels off tons of wine bottles we're going to use as decorations. I think the current count is 43!!! Tell me... where in the world did all that wine go?! Vino time at the Varn House!

McKARA blue bird!!!

2009-08-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dear McKara, Your McBird is McBeautiful! A little McBlue bird. So McHappy you will be a part of our McSpecial day!

RY-FI and LIZZLE's birdie!

2009-08-18T14:29:00.001-07:00

We got Ryan and Lindsay's bird in the mail today... and it was well worth the wait! Thanks for holding out you two -- he's sharp!!!

Toale birds!

2009-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Three little birdies came in the mail today... Michael, Richard and Sarah's all flew this way. One from Atlanta, one from Chicago, and one from Orlando. We got a parrot, a mix between a bird and a F16 with missiles, and one stork with a polka-dotted egg and nest!

Change of Plan...

2009-08-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Slight change of plan... we are moving the Rehearsal Dinner Shrimp Boil down the road to the gorgeous "Endless Summer" beach house. Thanks for being so flexible! Bring on the Boil!!!

Busy Bees at the Beach!

2009-08-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

Bill, Julz, Freddy, Gena, Steve, Lisa, Jackson, Sophie, Camille and Duncan all headed down to the Point for an "assess and repair" mission last weekend. What started as a "take the screen out and re-plank a little", took a turn for the better... the WAY better! These busy bees worked together all afternoon for a total home make-over. First the screen was removed.

Then some planks, more planks, why not all the planks!? Fred and Jackson took a sledge hammer to them.

Steve backed the truck up to the house, and Lisa unloaded new lumber.

Then the rebuilding began.

They added lattice in place of the screen.

And worked under the watchful eye of these contractors!

By the end of the day, the crew had revamped the deck to an open and inviting space.

And just in time, as Hurricane Claudette is quickly approaching!

"bird's" EYE VIEW

2009-08-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

We think we've found the beach house from a satellite view... can you?

Whooo???

2009-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Whoooooooosssseeeee bird is this???

It's Charles!

SSSSSSSSSSCOOPER!

2009-08-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Look who we have again! While Mom, Dad, Lisa, Steve, Bill and Julz are busy at work on the beach house this weekend - replanking, tearing down screen and throwing around lattice, Will and I are "Scoopa sitting". We spent the morning in Washington Square Park... coffees, Cooper, the news paper and a good book on a park bench. It's now early eve and we're going to do a little finance check in and see how the ceremony's taking shape.

fancy feathers

2009-08-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

Three birdies flew our way with the post today. These are fabulous! A color pencil cardinal, an ink chic bowing and three silver fancy birds - nice line work ladies. (order we received the birds: Laura Darling Whittington, Leah, Cyndy... can you guess whose is whose?)

SUPER-SIZED birdie blow out!

2009-08-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

We hit the birdie jackpot today! Ah, hem... one tiny envelope, with THIRTEEN birds enclosed! My my my what an artistic family. There is a happy chic in neon, some sort of dodo, a turkey in top hat giving the eyebrow, rainbow mohawk baby bird, florescent orange square chic, the "snoot", the "sneet", dragon breathing fire and turkey in a palm tree, three little owls and Dennis Rodman-Bird. Quite and interesting compilation! (order we received the birds: Bill, Julz, Julz II, Jackson, Sophie, Sophie + Duncan, Camille, Camille II, Nanny/Val, and Duncan... can you guess whose is whose?)

love birds!

2009-08-10T17:55:00.001-07:00

We received a FLOCK today! The mail man has no idea why I stand over him like a vulture as he distributes our mail... it's all these wonderful birdies! (order we received the birds: Inga, Lisa + Steve, Sydney + Sara, Nathan + Nikki... can you guess whose is whose?)

SCOOPERRR! POOPEEER! COOPEER!

2009-08-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Cooper-cooper-cooper!!! We have the pleasure of dog sitting this weekend. Will and I are great at getting Cooper all rowdy and wound up. Will gets him to box with him, and I put him IN a box. He shows us who the master is on walks... There just ain't no budgin' "Agent Dale Cooper" when he ain't budgin'. He is helpful, however at ceremony planning. It has finally started to take shape! Bill, Will, Cooper and I just might have come up with the final final final version last night. Hoo-rah!

birdies galore!

2009-08-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING getting the mail these days. Birdy art galore! Keep them flying our way. I do believe there are a few birds down in Florida and several in NY that need to fly this way! (order we received the birds: Svenni, Gina + Mike, Kelly + Simon... can you guess whose is whose?)

birds with attitude!

2009-08-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

We've had a few little birdies fly this way with some real attitude! Our bird art collection is growing. Thank you for your creativity! (order we received the birds: Laurie, Dee + Mike, MacKenzie + Shawn... can you guess whose is whose?)

Rehearsal Dinner Seafood Boil

2009-08-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

We received our Rehearsal Dinner Seafood Boil invite in the mail today - looks great! Thank you Britt, Carrie, Cheney, Kelly, Laura, Laurie and MacKenzie for putting on our delicious slow country boil. Mmmmmmmm. We are so thankful for all that you ladies are doing to make our wedding so special.

ALMOST Mr. Patrick!

2009-08-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Will has been down to the courthouse and in front of a judge to put the name-change-ball in motion. Yesterday's NY Post published the request... so in just 4 more weeks, he will officially be William Patrick! The timing is impeccable!

sweet tweets!

2009-08-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

What wonderful sweet tweets! We love your creativity and all the personality in each of your birds. This is such a treat to receive... we look forward to the mail more than ever. (order we received the birds: Granna, Fred + Fred, Caroline + Bradley, Kim, Greg + Justin... can you guess whose is whose?)

tweet-o-leet!

2009-08-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

Tweet tweet! Tweet-o-leet! More birdies have arrived. Your artwork is wonderful! (order we received the birds: Fred + Gena, Carrie + Clint, Dallas + Kirsten, Wil... can you guess whose is whose?)

tweet! tweet!

2009-07-30T13:15:00.001-07:00

The little birdies have begun to show up on our door step! We are loving your creativity. tweet! tweet! (order we received the birds: Brittney + Henry, Alyssa + Ryan, Cheney + Jon, George + Sandi... can you guess whose is whose?)

Once upon a time...

2009-07-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

... a little 21 year old gal wandered into Old MacDonald's Market on Church Avenue in the deepest, darkest part of outer Brooklyn. (Little Pakistan) What a steal! 12 wine glasses for $12, the sign read. The sturdy, foggy wine glasses served her well, dwindling off one at a time. She drank vino, oj, seltzer and ate cereal and yogurt out of the glasses; one by one, they broke into pieces. Eight years later, this gal now 29 enters into holy matrimony, and thanks to friends and family, begins a NEW collection of beautiful wine glasses, goblets and flutes fit for a Queen. How lovely!

Welcome to the South!

2009-07-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve for hosting our 'Welcome to the South' dinner! We are looking forward to introducing our city slicker friends to our sweet family, some home cooking, mother nature, and perhaps a few critters!

Oh, Do say I DO!

2009-07-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhh! We put the invites in the mail. I designed, Will stamped the golden stamp, Mom addressed... and off they went. The 2 month count down begins. Don't forget the birdies!!! We are getting married!

Our first 8th Street house guest!

2009-07-26T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sophie Baxter Graham! We wish to adopt.

Rested feet and happy eyes, NYU campus, lost in Central Park: fountain, trees, boats and naked lady, MET sculptures, mummies and chocolate cake, Guggenheim Frank Lloyd Wright, shopping on 5th Ave, Tiffany's, Prada, photo with half-naked man at AF, Rockafeller, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Radio City, Pizza with Inga and Will, live music in Washington Square Park, J Lo movie at Grays Papaya, Breakfast at Tiffany's, walked the Brooklyn Bridge, breakfast at Yaffa in the East Village, SOHO, China Town, ships at the Sea Port, paintings with Matt and Will, Italian Dinner with the fellas, Wizard of OZ, West Village pancakes at Gray Dog, top of the Empire State Building, Natural Museum of History, walked the West Side Highway, Magnolia cupcakes with Cooper and Cheney, Mama Mia, Time Square at night, more pizza at Famous Rays, hot subways: A, C, E, F, B, D, elevators, a wedding and chocolate cake and cocoa at the Plaza, FAO Schwartz piano and candy, LOVE sculpture, lunch in Bryant park, 42nd Street Library, tired feet and sleepy eyes... I cried and Soph flew away!

Tallahassee'll do you good!

2009-07-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Tuesday to Tuesday in Tallahassee was jam-packed with lunches, coffees, babies, dinners, Bunko, Cole Couture shopping, vino, seafood, beaches, swimming, girlfriends, family, much more vino, YA-YA's, presents, lace, lingerie, cucs and wedding prep work! What a fantastic week filled with non-stop fun. Thank you Linda and the Bunko babes for a fabulous first time. Wonderful to see everyone, swim, eat, drink and gamble!

Dinner at Linda's with the Waltons, Rosenbergs and Varns was delich. (I need to make that prune chicken - so good.) and so lovely to have a slumber with Kelly and Collin. We still know how to stay up till 2 gossipin' and swapping bathing suits. (PS - love the navy. Did laps with mom and it stayed ON!)

This weekend was the most time I've gotten to spend with Carrie, Lindsay and Nikki - and it was oh-so-lovely. Mexican, Seafood, Grapevines, Lasagna, Casserole, Champagne, Prosecco, Spinich Dip, Twin Bed Slumber, and long beach t-walks - I loved it. Very special indeed. Cheney flew in from NYC for the weekend. She, Alyssa, Leah and Kelly joined Saturday for some evening shenanighans and gossiping in rare form. Send me your PICS!!!!

Then came the Vamps with Ryan and Lindsay and a little Face book researching until midnight! Dillion - great to see you and share your bathroom. Monday brought a much needed Red Eye rendezvous then babies babies babies at Holly's. Gosh all the babies are getting HUGE! I was inducted into the YA-YA's!!! What great fun with toilet paper, seafood paella and spiked punch. The YA-YA's know how to throw a party! Cake tasting, rental payments, ceremony meeting with Bill. A delicious lunch with the Graham gals, Val, Mom and Granna... then it was back to NYC. I'm counting the days till we return... Tallahassee'll do you some good!

All You Need Is LOVE!

2009-07-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for a performance... Freddy has been practicing playing some Beatles and even bid and won a baby blue accordian. He's ready to start off an evening of stories and music around the camp-fire. Anyone else???

Beach BOMBshells!

2009-07-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lindsay for throwing a delightful beach/bach weekend with some of my very favorite gals. Thank you Carrie and the McNeills for opening your beach house to this rowdy bunch of beauties. And many thanks to the out-of-towners that are making the hike to St. Teresa for one fantastic weekend! (Kinda sounds like a toast??) The invite goes a little something like this:

"Please join us for some fun in the sun before Laura says "I do" to her honey bun! Saturday, July 18th & Sunday, July 19th. The McNeill Family Beach House at St. Teresa Beach, FL. Please bring Laura something lacey, racy, feminine, or fun so her honeymoon shopping is already done!"

I CAN'T WAIT to hit the beach, take a swim, have a little vino, try on some lace and have a TON of laughs with you ladies! Ya'll da bomb(shells)!

EXTRY! EXTRY!

2009-06-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our engagement announcement hit the stands Sunday the 21st. (Sunday proved to be quite an interesting day. A rainy dog walk with Cheney, Ash and the ever maturing Cooper, a happy Father's Day for Freddy, an exciting 32nd Birthday for Ryan, a park rescue by dear 6' 6" Officer Palmer for Laura, rain rain rain across the North East, and a delicious Indian dinner and apartment admiring in Brooklyn Heights with sweet Willy!) Behold, the clipping:

Laura Elise Varn and William Patrick are pleased to announce their engagement. Laura is from Tallahassee, Florida and is the loving daughter of Fred and Gena Varn. Laura's siblings are Ryan, Nathan and Wil. She is the granddaughter of Nancy and the late William Graham and the late Wilfred and Betty Jean Varn. William Patrick is from Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida and wishes his late grandparents George and Amorette Toale could have had the pleasure of meeting his beautiful fiance. Both Laura and William live happily in New York City. A September beach wedding is planned.

WE DID IT!

2009-06-06T16:59:00.000-07:00

Will and I accomplished our very first Central Park Race! We celebrated with delicious muffins and fierce tattoos.

Dom Dom Da Dom!

2009-06-01T17:12:00.000-07:00

I got my dress!!!!! (at exactly 3:15 this afternoon!)

I HEART the panhandle

2009-06-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely time in Tallahassee last week -- packed it full, but it was not nearly long enough to see everyone and do everything. After a terrifying, chair gripping, turbulent flight into TLH, we joined mom, dad and Ryan for a Hopkins lunch and a couple of slices of FGF cake. YUM. Then we were off to the Cake Shop where we were "helped" by a less-than-friendly cake girl... prompting us to consider Cheney's chef skills?? (she bakes a mean carrot cake ya'll) Then we were blessed to meet Taylor, Warren, Anna and new baby Addilyn Grace in the hall way at TMH. Man is Addy cuddly! We got hugs and hellos from MP and Porgie and then had a really special chat full of many many "I love you's" with sweet Gramps. We left the hospital famished and headed to William, Josie and Nikki's to crash.

Ryan and Lindsay brought us delicious dinner, Carrie M. cuddled up on the couch and Chase provided us with a few hours of entertainment! Will and I introduced the Nuggets vs. Lakers and the Cavs vs. Magic's: LeBron, Dad, Pharaoh, West, Soccer Girl, Jason, Russian, Big Bird, Lip Neck etc. to Will and Josie and spent a few hours yelling at the TV. (Man! Soccer Girl is useless! -- GO MAGIC!)

Wednesday was wonderful! Will stayed home and played in the pool, practiced his best cannon ball and did some light reading (1776) while I tried on some dresses with mom and a possie of gals. Laurie, Carrie, Lindsay and Nikki joined mom and I to yea or nay my choices. SO great to see ALL of you. After hitting up Chick-Fil-A with mom and LaLa (and the stick on bra haha), we set out to find my momma a dress! SUCCESS! With a little finagling, a helpful lady at Macy's (mom, did you fill out that survey?) and lots of mall powerwalking, mom found a beaut. I look forward to her unveiling in Sept. Then we hurriedly searched for our lost car, trying to beat the rain and headed off for Granna's bday surprise. We met the Strickland family and all the little kids out at McCord park, and mom and dad brought Granna blind-folded to 3 planted flower bushes and a plaque in her honor. Pizza, kids in the pool, family time and rich chocolate cake followed.

And then we headed to the beach...

Will took FLA pics the entire ride down: a karate van, boiled peanut stands, old houses, and massive 4x4's. We bought "American Pride" koozies, fireworks, Dorritos and as many sweet tea bottles as we could carry. We popped in to check out Syd's handy work, then were off to the Rosenbergs "Mansion by the Sea". Heaven.

Thursday and Friday were chillax days. I collected shells and walked to the gator. We visited the Graham's house and measured out the tent and mocked up a ceremony. We even did a little dancing on our "dance floor". We set off ALL of our fireworks and fancy sparklers on the beach and did the wedding dance and chant around them. "This is the wedding dance, oh yeah, oh yeah." It goes something like that!

William joined in the morning and the fellas took kayaks out over past St. T and did a little fishing as I had a girl day and baked in the sun. William mowed the yard, Willy napped in the hammock, and I attempted a yogg in 90 degree weather!

Our vaca came to an end way too quickly! I heart the panhandle.

Dear Ocean, you and I have a date...

2009-05-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

Tallahassee here we come! We've just missed Memorial weekend and all of it's glory... (White Trash Bash, I do think of you often) ...but I'm so happy to have a relaxing weekend in Tallahassee signing some checks, tasting cake and trying on dresses with mom. We are both looking forward to a few days at the Point soaking up sun and scoping out the terrain of the big day. I can not wait to SWIM - Bring it on!

Eight...

2009-05-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mack, this is for you!

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Traveling with Willy and girlfriends (Iceland, South of France, Greece, Africa, Tahiti, Australia, India on and on...)

2. Having a JOB!

3. Getting nice buns

4. A spacious home

5. Kids, tons and tons of little kiddos

6. Naming these tons of kids

7. My race with Will in June

8. Our Wedding (of course!)

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Ran the West Side Highway

2. Had Thai and Gossip Girl night with Cheney

3. Ate delicious strawberries and chocolates Will brought home

4. Drank 4 cups of coffee... ?

5. Wore my lime green thongs (otherwise known as flip-flops)

6. Tried to track down Ruben... no luck

7. Shaved my hairy legs.... oh yeah.

8. Booked an appointment to try on wedding dresses! AHH!

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Speak French, Spanish, Italian - speak many languages fluently!

2. Go to work in the morning at an awesome, well paying job

3. Then come home to my dashing husband, charming children, a hot healthy meal, huge home, and swimming pool. Do a few laps then sit in the sauna. Have a man massage out the day's tensions, then drink chilling lemon water through a straw as I sit next to my man and read stories to my kids...fire roaring, glass of wine in hand and the dogs snoozing at our feet.

3. Bend like the Cirque du Soleil contortionists

4. Pop in to visit my family and friends daily - go fishing with my brothers

5. Rollerblade fearlessly

6. Sew and wear my own clothes - dress like a 50's lady

7. Drive a stick shift - sorry Granna, the lesson didn't stick? Har Har

8. Communicate flawlessly

8.5. Entertain friends more, host fabulous dinner parties that go into the night

8.75. Sing, Dance, Ride Horses, Wear Dresses everyday, Fly, Travel

with out flying... just BE there

(To be continued...)

8 Shows I Watch:

1. True Blood

2. Gossip Girl

3. Tim and Eric (only with Will... 10 yr old humor)

4. Anything Audrey Hepburn (I guess these are movies though)

5. Grays

6., 7., 8... not much of a tv gal

Tone Time!

2009-05-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Will and I are participating in a race in Central Park on June 6th. That's right, we will be running a race as philanthropists in an effort to raise money for the National Institute for People with Disabilities (I'm also running to get my late 20's wedding body put back together and to enjoy the endorphins that come with being an early riser with a positive mission).

We're breaking in new shoes and greeting the morning exercise crowd on the West Side Highway. If you'd like to join, or just wish to tone up your buns, let me know and I'll send additional info about the race or where to meet us for a morning yoggg!

I been gettn' crafty ya'll

2009-05-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have finally learned how to work my sewing machine (thank you m+d) and have been sewing up a storm. I'm telling everyone... "I think I can make that." Today I've cut up some old brides maid dresses and made them into pillows! Ain't that economical!?

Bottles Galore!

2009-05-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Merci beaucoup a ma famille for so much collecting!

Playing "Dress" Up with Mack

2009-05-09T15:42:00.000-07:00

On a special trip out to CO to meet my new little love, Elsie Anne, I was treated to a night with the girls (EA, Mack and Laurie) and a LOT of Laurie's "better than sex" pie. At the end of the night, I got to play "dress" up... MacKenzie pulled her wedding dress out of storage and I jumped into it... yes, it's still got that magic. Beautiful, comfortable and one of a kind! Now all I gotta do is find MY dress!

EXTRY! EXTRY! Save the Date!

2009-04-24T08:34:00.001-07:00

The Save the dates have made their way into the mail and across the US of A. Hoo-rah! with a little doodling from the bride and groom, this pretty creation was born, printed, stuffed (in fancy silver envelopes) and mailed with a little help from Poe. Oh, do say you'll come!

We've Set the Date!

2009-04-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

Pack your bags and book your tickets... We have set the date! We are excited to get busy planning the details and are looking forward to a super small eclectic wedding September 19th, 2009 down at sunny Alligator Point beach Florida. We can't wait to share a romantic September evening on this woodsy, magical beach. Hoping for plenty-o-sunshine and am inviting zero no-see'ems. Stay classy Alligator point, and until September, hugs and kisses.

THE Binder Takes Shape

2009-03-29T12:24:00.000-07:00

THE Binder creation has begun! This is one of the best parts of planning a wedding... binding. Full of ideas, our changing visions, magazine tear outs that evoke a special feeling, lighting, dresses, colors, poetry, and all of the other bridely/groomish odds and ends. Mom, I am definitely looking forward to diving into this with you!

Practicing cutting the cake

2009-03-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

For my extended birthday celebration, we made a delicious Devil's Food Chocolate cake with Milk Chocolate frosting and coconut shavings on top. Let me tell you... it is DELICIOUS. Upon Will's suggestion, we got some practice cutting the cake! But decided to save the "feed it to each other" part for the future...

Spain, On a cliff top and a man with a mustache

2009-02-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

I get buzzed down to sign for a package and grumbled under my breath at Will for ordering from MY Amazon.com account. (I didn't order anything, did I?) I sign for the package and not waiting to get back upstairs, I claw at the tape with my keys. A book on Spain? Hummm? And then I read the note and burst into tears.

"...Thought you could use these books just incase you decide to fulfill your dream and elope to Spain to get married on a cliff top with a Spanish speaking priest... [with a mustache]"

Thank you sweet Kel. My heart is full of joy...and my stomach is hungry for some Spanish cooking!

He said YES!

2009-02-26T12:09:00.000-08:00

Will read the blog for the first time tonight. When he came across the part about HIM getting a ring, he turned around to find me on one knee with a little black box in MY hand. His eyes lit up...YESSSSS!!!! He said and we were laughing and jumping up and down saying YES! YES! YES! So, I guess now we are BOTH engaged!

His and Hers

2009-02-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

Will is not yet home... but when he gets here, his lady has a surprise in store! Yes, his very own engagement ring. He says, "I think I'd like a ring too. I would wear it every single day!" Stand back. Voilá! A man's engagement ring appears. Handsome, shiny, and large enough for a man hand. Enjoy birdy.

Dress Shopping With Mom

2009-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Mom and I spent the afternoon after Valentine's wedding dress shopping. Super special to get to spend this time together and to share the wedding spirit! Princess showed us to our room and after I was thrown into a bustier, she reluctantly showed me 4 or 5 dresses. Mom and I instantly fell for the champaign "try-on" shoes... and may have to get a pair. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner: Dress No. 4! It was so fun to have immediate luck once we'd narrowed down the difference between what I LIKE, versus what LIKES ME... to wear it! I am definitely looking forward to round 2 and hoping mom will be able to make a trip up to NY... hummmm???

Wedding Site Scouting

2009-02-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

Will and I hit the north Florida beaches for a little recon. The Mission: get a little R&R while scouting out some potential beach wedding destinations. We flew in to Tallahassee and after a lovely tail-gait Hopkins lunch with mom and dad, we drove straight down to the Graham's beach house on Alligator Point. The weather was absolutely beautiful: sunny and chilly. We spent a night here then in the morning we walked to the rocks, collected shells to bring back to NY and explored the vibe. At dark, we packed up and headed over to St. George Island. I dodged a massive coyote that slinked across the road glaring at our Sentra bulleting towards him at 60 mph.

It POURED. From the moment we got there, the rain came down non stop. We enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner and tons of sweet tea, curled up and went to sleep. The next day we had a great time exploring the beautiful and untouched State Park, the beachy mansion D&K were married at, the bike trails, and many potential houses we would want to rent. We had a wonderful time. We headed back to Tallahassee completely relaxed and so thankful for the mini-vacation together and the thoughtfulness of mom and dad, the Graham Family and Linda and Tom; it was so special to get to share the beaches and so many memories with Will. Mission completed.

The Proposal

2008-12-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

We woke up all cozy, recovering from a fun Christmas Eve dinner with friends. Will ran out to get some "last minute gifts" and used this time to sneak in a call to my dad and mom to ask for their blessing. He brought back some long stem roses and little goodies. We had a lovely little Christmas morning opening the gifts under our very first tree (I got Will a great ratchet set and a lumber-man vest) and enjoyed hanging out together in the quiet, empty wintery city.

When we finished with the gifts, Will told me there was one more gift I'd forgotten to open. I crawled around looking under the tree and there was nothing. I was frustrated and as I stood up, my eyes met the gleaming diamond ring he'd sneakily set on the star fish at the top of the tree. My jaw dropped, my eyes blurred with tears, and I went into shock. He got on one knee and said something really sweet... twice. And then I said YES! We hung out all day in the apartment smiling at each other. And at midnight, I asked him to do it all over again.

How We Met

2008-12-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

Officially, we met at my parents Stiles house in the kitchen. A few years later, both in NY, we began a promising friendship spending a lot of time together. We had our first non-official kiss at a little party in the West Village (Leah, you were there). And then a few days later, we had our first date at Tartine in the Village. After a delicious French dinner and vino, we kissed! With a smile from ear to ear, I skipped all the way home to Brooklyn.

About Will

2008-12-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

Will grew up with his three siblings (Michael, Will, Richard, Sarah) in sunny Sarasota, Florida. After pursuing a Business degree at Florida State University, he took off for the big city on a contract to model with Ford. His fashion career lead him all over the world meeting fancy people and gracing the covers of many a mag. Back in New York, his career took a turn into the acting sphere where he debuted on screen, Broadway, and television. Now, back in college, Will is loving the challenges his pursuit of a degree in Political Science is presenting him. He is planning on Law School in the near future, and afterwards, pursuing a career where he hopes to make a positive contribution socially, politically, and environmentally.

About Laura

2008-12-25T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am one of four children (Ryan, me, Nathan, William) born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida. After graduating from Florida State University, I moved to Brooklyn, NY and began my search for love and art. For six years I worked for a little design boutique, traveled the world, hung paintings in coffee shops and roamed around taking classes in search of myself. For the past year, I have happily worked as a freelance artist/graphic designer. I am currently taking a pottery class at the Y. I met Will in tallahassee at the ripe 'ol age of 19 and have courted him ever since. Late September 2006, we sprang up our relationship again and have been living and loving in NY together ever since. I am thankful for my friends and my wonderful, supportive family. I am enjoying creating and living the life of my dreams with my sweet fiance, Willy.