Wesley and Jackie Get Hitched!

February 20, 2011, Jackie and Wes tied the knot at Mercury Hall in Austin, TX!

You know those couples that just fit together? That is Jackie & Wes. Both are quick witted with an excellent sense of humor and a lot of heart. I am so happy for them, and quite selfishly, happy for our family. I just adore the both of them as individuals and as a couple. I love that my brother has found the right girl. He is such an awesome guy and it is about time he met his match.

The wedding was creative and cute. I adored the decorations, especially the little handmade cake toppers created by the couple out of thread spools and champagne corks.

And the candy table was a smashing hit!

The venue was vintage cool, with white washed walls, dark wood floors and stain glass lined cathedral shaped windows.

Jackie's dress was gorgeous and she looked stunning.

Wesley was dapper in his black suit with white patent leather shoes.


















They were wed outside beneath a big oak tree to the music of a harp and violin.

The receptioned followed in the Hall, where a live band played while the guests indulged in spirits and had a Thanksgiving style feast of turkey and dressing.

Their first dance was a tango! I love this! I've watched it a buhzillion times and it makes me smile more every time I see it.



The night went on with more merriment and celebration, complete with a photo room full of fun accessories (I'll share those if I can get my hands on them). There were beautiful toasts and lots of dancing to a live band, The Recliners, who played modern tunes set to jazz style, with a few oldies thrown in. I would include pictures but my camera battery died after the tango :( Here's one of my favorite in-laws enjoying the party!

This little gem of a picture was taken by my brother, Michael, who was paying homage to my photo taking skills with an artful angle of his own creation.

It all just made me want to get married again! (to Jeremy, of course) Our wedding was wonderful, but if I could do it again, it would be just like this! I loved the handmade detail, the whimsy and the fun about the entire theme!

The night before my parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Carmello's in Austin. Sorry the picture is fuzzy; it's the only one I had of all of us!

The lovely couple:

Mother of the Groom:

Father of the Groom:

Who showed up but Carmello himself!

The entire weekend was a smashing good time. I hope they both know how much I adore them and that I wish the happiest of happily ever afters!

xoxo

Attention: New Yorkers

Dear Fellow New Yorkers,

The weather outside has been, shall we say, sloshy lately. Being a very pedestrian city it is necessary we get ourselves around by foot despite the weather.

Umbrellas play a very important roll in keeping us from looking like we jumped in the Hudson with our clothes on while on the way to work. However, my dear neighbors, I am begging you to reconsider, nay, consider your fellow New Yorker on our mutual plight to work.

What I'm trying to say is what the &$%^ is with the giant golf umbrellas New York?!

Seriously, are you waiting for the cabana boy to bring you drinks under that thing? I think the entire Dugger family could sip Shirley Temples beneath the giant canopy you try to pass off as an umbrella.

I can only speak for myself, but I would like to say that my eyes are quite valuable to me. Clearly you do not see as much value in my eyes as I do. Otherwise you might make an attempt to not gouge them out with your massive tent on a stick.

I'm not asking you to get soaked on the way to work merely to salvage my sight. I am simply requesting you consider some other options for staying dry while you trek around the city.

There are some really great choices out there. Take these hand less options, for instance:



Or how about a rain slicker and some wellies? I hear yellow is "all the rage" this season!!


Whatever you choose to do, please save your golf umbrellas for the golf course and get a friendlier, less eye mutilating, personal space respecting umbrella. My eyes and my patience will thank you.

Sincerely,
Your Considerate Transplant Tamara

My dog is the worst cat ever.

There's plenty to enjoy about New York living. Mice are not one of them. These surreptitious little creatures have taken a liking to our apartment that has not been met with welcome, but rather glue traps.

Listen here (hear?) mice: you may be cute, but you are also dirty and gross. (I know, so is Patton but he gets a pass on this because we have a mutually rewarding relationship, I can bathe him, and he has been vaccinated.)

You are lucky my dog is a very bad cat. He might tolerate you stealing his food, but do not mistake his complacency for mine. I mean business.

I know it's cold out on the streets, little mice. We're paying $, and working professional jobs for this shelter, how about you? Oh wait, that's right, you are little food thieving pests, who poop your tiny little mouse turds where ever you happen to be standing. Let's be clear, my house is not your toilet nor your home.

You terrorize me with your incessant little scratches and scurries that quit as soon as I move in your general direction. I've caught you in the dog food, predictable choice I must say. And your attempts to get in the lidded garbage can have been humorous at times. Today I found you in the toaster and I have to admit, I threw up in my mouth a little; well played.

Don't press your luck, little gypsy pirate mice, or we will switch from glue traps to spring loaded crushers faster than you can say "An American Tail".