Brooke's Wedding Video

All the bridesmaids

Always has amazed me how quick we grow up. Not sure when college ended and we entered the real world. But to be married just seems like we cannot be old enough for that. A lot of I cannot believe we are this old happened in 2013 and 2014 as I have watched many of my best friends get married, I myself got married. But then to be planning and knowing that my sister Brooke will be getting married- a very out of this world feeling.      

The Friday prior to the wedding was like many others. Feeling like you have all the time in the wold only to learn that the clock is moving much quicker than normal. We would all meet to get our nails done. Then a lunch down in PB. Then back to the hotel for a rehearsal on the sand. Once the rehearsal was over- everyone showered got all dressed up. Off to the rehearsal dinner down in PB. It was also great to have my in laws in town for Brooke's wedding. They came during the rehearsal dinner and we had then had a staycation with them the following week. The rehearsal was a fun night to hangout with the wedding party and family. Plus the food and drinks were great. 

Wedding Day:

Vessey Girls

Since the wedding was taking place later in the evening. We were up and off to breakfast down on the ocean nice and early. Breakfast was fun with all the bridesmaids along with my parents. Dad managed to use his magical powers to make his glass completely sheer in the middle. It was a good way to start the day with everyone just relaxing.

Once back at the hotel it as a mad dash for the shower. Eight bridesmaids and a bride with one shower. You can all guess how that went! Once showered there was a lot of time spent waiting around as we each got our hair and make up done. It is always fun to get made up. As we finished getting all dolled up, it was time to get into our dresses and another round of pictures. Pictures in the room all together. Then pictures around the hotel with all the bridesmaids. Taking so many pictures prior to the ceremony was nice, it made that we did not have a mad rush to the ceremony. Plus not to many pictures after the ceremony. Just time for Nik and Brooke to get all the photos they wanted.

Nik was very emotional when Brooke was coming down 

Brooke did a fun first look with Dad & Sean. It was time to get a ton of bridesmaid pictures taken. While the boys were also doing the same on the other side of the hotel grounds.

Brooke and Nik had a cute no look where they exchanged notes. Then a few minutes of waiting and it was go time. Nik cried while Brooke headed down the isle. It was a very beautiful back drop and ceremony.

After the ceremony was another round of pictures with family and both sides of the wedding party. We would then head to the reception. The reception was hosted on the Bahia Steam Boat. A quick walk and we were all ready for the party.

The reception started with the grand entrance where the bride and groom had there first dance. It was a fun atmosphere. We then headed upstairs to the dinning hall. It had a beautiful stain glass ceiling. We would have a fun meal, with great speeches. After the speeches we headed outside for a fireworks show. The evening was beautiful in the bay.

The Happy Couple

After the fireworks show it was back downstairs to dance the night away.  I can personally say that I had a great time. Everyone seemed to have an amazing time and danced the nights away.

The evening and weekend ended as quickly as it came. With many memories, laughs and tears!



Short version of Brooke's Wedding video

Link to official pictures

My Best Friends

With Ashlyn- cutest flower girl ever!

My hot date

Congratulations Nik & Brooke. I am blessed to have you as my sister and best friend. It was an honor to be part of your special day. It was a beautiful wedding.

Brooke's Wedding Shower

Last weekend we had a lovely Saturday afternoon spent with family and friends. There was a great turnout for Brooke's wedding shower. The shower was held at my parents home in Redlands. I really have to thank Mikayla and mom. They did basically all the work in getting the shower planned and set up. I just swooped in at the last second to help with a few details and celebrate. It was also great to have many of Nik's family and friends in attendance. Nik's mom Valeria also made all the food, which was amazing and made for some great lunches for me this week.

We had a very laid back shower. No crazy games. Just hanging out and spending time with family and friends. At my shower we had everyone introduce themselves and then give a favorite memory or something special they wanted to share. When we did this at my shower I was overwhelmed with what everyone had to say about me. Thus I really wanted Brooke to experience that. I know she was holding in tears a few times. So I think she also enjoyed the activity.

Such a cute cake

Just some of the amazing food- this was so beautiful no-one wanted to eat it. 

Mikayla came up with these super cute center pieces

Brooke with just a few of the gifts she received

Brooke & her cake.. Thankfully she had not dropped it

The girls..

I know Brooke appreciated having everyone come out and celebrate with her. It was a great afternoon. We are under a month till the big day!

After cleaning up from the shower I spent some time with the family. Then we had Coldstone for Father's day. Dad always loves some ice cream, as do I!

To see the whole Album of photos

Life passing by..

It has been a crazy last few months. As I am sure you are aware since there has been very little or no blog posts. In reality the last few months have been filled with events. Watched KK graduate from high school and leave for college. Yes my baby sister is in college! Brooke's fiance and my good friend Nik was signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is currently on IR, but enjoying being part of the NFL. Sean is loving his new place down near SDSU. My parents are attempting to live the empty nest lifestyle.

My last few months were completely consumed with wedding planning and training for another half marathon. Thankful I let Brennan talk me into the Ventura half marathon. It really kept me grounded and focused with all the planning. Plus I ran a PR in late September. Like always I was nervous about the race, but it went great. It started out and I felt super strong. I even managed to be with Brennan for the first three miles. Then he started to pull away. It was fun though cause I could see him in front of me the entire race (his bright orange shorts really helped.) The last mile sucked it was terrible as Brennan would say I was suffering, really suffering. I crossed the line lacking the smile, which was nicely pointed out by the announcer. But I crossed with a new PR and under my goal time. I quickly found Brennan who had ran under his goal. Then we just hugged and for a few minutes nothing else mattered except we had just left it all out on the road. Shortly after I also realized this would probably be the last time I ever raced as a Vessey. At least I went out with a huge bang- new best time.

 

Most of my summer weekends were spent with focusing on the wedding. Thankful for my mom who as always found time to help me with everything. She was my life savor. It is amazing what planning goes into a wedding. I have a whole new appreciation. I swear every time I checked something off my list it lead to another five things that needed to be accomplished. I will post another blog to talk about the wedding- but I can officially say it was worth all the planning. I am a married woman!

Congratulations Graduate

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of attending graduation at San Diego State. I know what you’re all thinking.  It was a pleasure to sit through a graduation? Now you’re thinking what does San Diego State do at graduation. Before you start thinking Keg stands and everyone in swim suits.  They have the same ceremony as every other college campus. A few different speakers.  A few annoying families of course sitting right in front of you in an arena for 16,000.  Then what seems like an eternity later the one person you wanted to see walks across the stage. It was a totally typical graduation.

Go Brooke!

Typical maybe but I got to see my little sister Brooke join me as an Aztec Alumni.  After a lot of long night- rough days- great memories she became an alumni.  I like to think I had a large role in Brooke choosing San Diego State.  In reality it was probably just so she could get more playing time then me and prove that she was the more athletic one.  I may have been a small part in her decision to attend San Diego State but I can tell you I hold a place in her heart and many memories from college. 

I realize we are very lucky. Not many siblings get to experience all that we have.  If you are a normal reader of my blog you have gotten a small glimpse into what we experienced together through our time in SD.  I would not change any of it.  Living with Brooke was awesome even if she can only cook one meal.  And never had the money to pay her bills- luckily her big sister is a saver.  As her boyfriend Nik always says "Break a $5 Jamie, Break a $5."  Nik if you’re reading this- good luck breaking all your $5!

I picked up Grandpa early Saturday morning and we headed the 30 miles to SDSU to enjoy graduation.  Once arriving we found Brooke. I can remember moving her into the dorm so it was exciting to be standing in front of the athletic center watching her get into the (ugly) graduation attire.  While she was putting on the gown I noticed it had the sleeves like mine did for my masters.  Since Brooke was graduating from college- I had to ask.  She replied I thought that was weird but this is what they gave me.  I of course immediately thought dang I spent another 2 years in school- all my life saving, took out student loans just to wear it and only my sister Brooke would just get it handed to her.  Luckily they did not also give her the hood (aka cape).   Needless to say it made me laugh! 

The ceremony was nice we had surprisingly good seats not too far from Brooke.  She was easy to spot with that blonde hair.  Then it would begin speaker after speaker.  I have to say she had a few good speakers.  One guy who received an honor PHD was an alumnus from a long long time ago.  Honestly I cannot remember when he graduated- but he has done a lot. Served our country and climbed the corporate ladder.  His speech was great!  He gave ten points- I wish I could remember them all.  But he told it truthfully.  That we need to be involved in our community- volunteer.  That we need to take control go out and vote. Family and friends are a great thing and appreciate them. It was refreshing to hear.

Can you find Brooke?

One of the other speakers who I enjoyed was much more graduation like.  I really only liked this speaker because he reminded the graduates that this journey was not just about them.  That many people helped them along the way.  Remember to thank these people.  At this point my mom patted me on the back and told me I had done a good job. In this moment I was really proud.  There had been some rough moments for us both through college. However Brooke was coming out on top.  She finished in 4 and half years while being a dual sport athlete.  What an accomplishment.

Finally they got to the crazy part of calling all the names.  There must have been over 2,000 students from the different major’s graduating with Brooke.  Of course Brooke was probably one of the last 200 hundred to walk.  We waited over an hour to get to Brooke.  While waiting for Brooke many people had walked across already thus their families headed out.  Since I wanted the best video and pictures Nik and I headed to get as close as we could.  It was great we got right up at the front.  Finally Brooke headed across the stage to become an official college graduate.

After graduation we headed over to the pool for pictures. I mean everyone else heads into campus- but as a dual athlete all Brooke’s time was spent at the pool.  I only wished I had thought of that when I graduated.  After getting a bunch of great photos with Brooke- mom-dad and me. Mikayla and Sean did not come for the ceremony.  Then some great photos of Brooke and Nik.  As well as pictures with grandpa. The main reason Brooke and I did not starve through college.   

Many hours spent at this pool...

I guess our family creates tradition without even knowing.  We headed into downtown San Diego to the same restaurant we eat at for my graduation.  We had a great time hanging out with everyone.  Like normal talking about a ton of fun memories.  Brooke also mentioned how walking at graduation finally made it seem real.  Since she finished in December then just started working it never felt complete.  So graduation made it feel real and complete.

Congratulations Brooke Elizabeth Vessey. I can’t explain how proud you have made me over the last few years. It is an honor to call you a fellow Aztec Alumni.  But more than that it was amazing to be your sister, roommate, teammate and coach while you got your degree.  Thank you for all the great times.  Congratulations on all you accomplished- I am so proud of you!!  

Congratulations!!!