Cory + Sara || A Beautiful Wedding

It's hard to believe that two months ago today my brother married the love of his life. How is it possible that two months have gone by already? So crazy! In honor of their two months together I thought I'd share some of my favorite moments captured by their amazing photographer Jose Mesa of Jose Mesa Photography. You can check out his blog post here for more pictures! And if you are in the Cincinnati area and in need of a photographer, check him out!

Photos by Jose Mesa.

The Home My Grandfather Built

As a kid I always loved my grandparents house but as I've gotten older I've learned to appreciate it more than I ever thought possible. It is the home my grandpa built not longer after he and my grandma were married. It is the home my mom and uncle grew up in. It is where every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter has been spent since I was a kid. And where I'd go for 1 or 2 weeks every summer, no brothers allowed, just me and grandma and grandpa (both brothers also had their week alone each summer). Every time I'm there I think of a new memory I'd forgotten over the years and I always learn something new while talking with my grandma. This past weekend was no different (I learned how to can corn!) and since I had my camera along I thought I'd share a few pictures of my favorite place in the whole world, the home my grandfather built.

Aunt Sara + Grace

Happy Monday, everyone!
Did you all have a good weekend?

My Saturday was super busy due to having both my [will be] sister in law's wedding shower and a high school friends wedding. Lucky for me I had zero plans set for Sunday so I spent most of yesterday lounging and resting up.

Sara asked if I could take a few pictures at her shower and while they all came out pretty great, I just had to share a few of my favorites, the ones of her with her niece Grace. The adorable flower girl helped open every gift and couldn't have been cuter with all of her oh's and ah's. Not to mention that pink and white dress and her pink sparkly sandals (not pictured).

She's pretty much the cutest and I can't wait to see her the day of the wedding!

Life Lately

via instagram

Another weekend has gone by which means it's Monday. Luckily this is a three day week for me (woohoo!).
How was your weekend?
Mine was filled with amazing weather, good friends, sports and lots of yummy food. In my book, that means a perfect weekend.
Oh, and if you're looking for a killer recipe to try the twice baked potatoes I made for my dad's birthday dinner are seriously amazing. I used this recipe. Can't go wrong with a Paula Deen recipe if you ask me ... you just might need to spend a few extra minutes at the gym!

Today.

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Simple and true.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

xo

A Special Weekend

with my future sister-in-law

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You guys, it's Friday!

Is anyone else as happy about that as I am? This Friday in particular is one I have been waiting for. Remember this post, where I shared with you all that my future sister in law asked me to be a bridesmaid? Well Sara (the future SIL), myself, and a few other bridesmaids are getting out of town for the weekend to try on dresses! Sara already has her dress [and it's gorgeous] so this weekend is all about the bridesmaids. She has planned such a fun weekend for us [a limo with champagne? um yea, count me in!] and I seriously can't wait!
My camera was the first thing I packed so be on the lookout for a few pictures next week!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
xo

Happy Birthday!

to my big brother

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Just popping in real quick to say Happy Birthday to my big brother, Cory.

We will be celebrating with good food, craft beers, cake and of course a little Buckeye basketball!

Hope you all are having a fabulous Saturday!

xo

 

A Part of The Big Day

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Remember when I posted here that my brother had gotten engaged?
Well I have some exciting news to share!
Yesterday Sara, my brother's fiancee, asked me to be a bridesmaid in the wedding!
The whole thing is so exciting ...
My big brother, who was always there for me, who I could go to for anything, has found the one girl he loves more than anyone + can't live without and I am going to be a part of the day he makes sure he never has to.
I couldn't be more excited about having Sara as a sister and I'm so blessed that my brother found her.
They really are meant for each other. 

An Engagement .... No, It's Not Mine!

 Well I made it back from Vegas in one piece, although totally sleep deprived. Which is why I was MIA yesterday.

The wedding was a blast and I must say my first trip out was amazing.

I know I promised you some pictures but those are being postponed until tomorrow.

Because while I was away I received some VERY EXCITING news:

 

My oldest brother, Cory, proposed to his girlfriend, Sara, while on vacation in Florida and she said yes!

If you can't tell I'm pretty excited to be getting a sister in law. Especially when she is as awesome as Sara.

And being a girl with two older brothers, having a new girl in the family ... perfect!

 

To Cory & Sara: Congratulations!

Love you both so so so much and can't wait to celebrate once you are back!

xo

 

An April Fool's Birthday Feast

Yesterday my family got together to celebrate my father's birthday.

 I had asked for your help {here} to decide which dessert to make.

Well the winner was chosen and it ended the perfect birthday dinner.

Appetizer: Crab Fondue

Dinner: Buffalo Chicken Burgers and Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes with a Cilantro Jalapeno Aioli 

Dessert: Butterfinger Ice Cream Cake 

PS: I highly recommend each of these recipes, especially the ice cream cake.
So easy and SO DELICIOUS!

Cory's 30th via Instagram

my frozen world saturday morning

make a wish Cory!

my cute/silly family

Cory's 30!

gift from Mary & Pat ... idea from Pinterest

oreo cookie pudding shot

the bridge to go home

my world is still frozen ... mom's bird feeder 

This weekend was a blast.
We spent Saturday celebrating my big brother Cory's 30th birthday.

He had decided he wanted to celebrate at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Friends and family checked in around 4 pm then headed to The Final Cut, the steakhouse inside the casino.

The food was uh-mazing!

After eating way too much we hopped on a party bus filled with an insane amount of booze.

The destination was Mt Adams.

We visited Mt Adams Tavern to see our favorite bartender (Cory's friend since elementary).

After we stopped in another bar then jumped back on the bus and headed back to the casino.

I'm not much of a gambler so once back I just watched everyone else gamble away {maybe win} their money.

Although I did try my hand at the slots ... I can see why people get addicted.

Overall it was one of the best weekends and I'm so happy I was able to celebrate with my brother.

And a huge thank you to Sara {Cory's wonderful gf} and Mr & Mrs Dreier for putting together the festivities!

Find me on Instagram @apattison.

30 is the new 20, unless your 20, then it's the new 40.

Happy 30th Birthday to one of the best big brothers a girl could ask for!

Can't wait to celebrate this weekend!

xoxo 

Amanda 

A Branch of the Family Tree

On Sunday I spent the day doing something with my parents that my mom has wanted to do forever:

Visit the Promont House is Milford, Ohio.

This Victorian style mansion was built around 1865 and was home to John M. Pattison, the 43rd Governor of Ohio.

He also happens to hold a place on my family tree ... kind of neat if you ask me.

The home was absolutely gorgeous: a grand staircase, intricate moldings in every room, and even 14 foot ceilings.

The home is now owned by the Milford Historical Society.
They have done an amazing job with the upkeep and decorating it as it would have looked in 1865. 

I wish I had more pictures to offer, however there was a "no photography" rule.

But I managed to sneak a few!