Christine and I met day one at Smith College.  From the boardwalk in Wildwood to the parking lot of a Masspike tollbooth, we have been on too many adventures to count. She is a dear friend, a true world traveler and a fellow foodie. Without her, I would have never met my husband. In turn, D also helped Chris find a new job in Stamford, where she met her husband-to-be, Ryan.

One of my early memories of Christine is of her family’s farmhouse in Bedford. My first visit was a snowy night, we had just finished our first round of (self scheduled) finals and were celebrating with tickets to the Nutcracker the following day. Over the years, I made many more trips up Long Ridge Road. Navigating the long driveway to farmhouse, you had to keep your eyes peeled. There were always guinea hens or other animals wandering freely around the property. Though her family longer lives on this idyllic property, it was absolutely no surprise to me that Christine chose to get married on a farm. Welcome to Candlelight Farms Inn in New Milford, CT. This is my bridesmaid’s view of Christine and Ryan’s wedding day.

Christine’s mom’s family hails from Kansas.  Here’s Christine and Ryan’s new monogram branding iron, made by her aunt and uncle.

And the denim quilts each were made by different aunts who brought them all the way from the Midwest.

I wondered if these were a throwback to our Morrow House dining hall days. Mondays were occasionally grilled cheese and tomato soup day at Smith. While I was excited enough to take a picture of the grilled cheese and tomato soup shooter… I was not smart enough to grab one on the spot. By the time I was done with wedding party photos, there were none left.

Chris and Ryan love to entertain. Visit their home in Stamford and you’ll likely be presented with a cheese board! Accordingly, there was a lavish spread during cocktail hour.

Christine’s aunt and uncle showing off their great moves before the dance floor fills up.

Little sister, MOH Lynnie.

The Best Men (or 3 Wise Guys)

Little man Cole, hitting the dance floor with mom and grandma Carolyn.

Cole’s coming for me!

Isn’t Christine’s nephew the cutest?

Deanna and Lynnie

I love bold colors: especially when it comes to shoes and nail polish.

D’s checking out the branding iron, while E gives her new camera a workout.

The happy couple with their photographer, Maggie Conley from Stonington.

Dinner served family-style.

Fried chicken at a wedding? I’m a fan.

It’s a Morrow House reunion

The obligatory Smith College photo (Photo courtesy of Eunice from Adventures by the Shore)

Time to fire up the dance floor

Even years later, Chris S is unmistakable on the dance floor.

Christine and her dad. The closeness of their bond is beyond words.