Palm Beach Festivities

Please excuse my absence! I was gallivanting Southern Florida last Thursday through Monday where I spent time in the gorgeous locales of Boca Raton, Palm Beach and Manalapan. This trip to The Sunshine State was to attend my cousin Carly and Cutler's wedding!! But it was so much more than just "attending" a wedding. I was honored to be a bridesmaid along with Carly's two sisters, Cassie and Cayla, and my sister, Leah. The entire weekend saw festivities in abundance. Here is a look from the beginning.

Leah and I departed from Logan Airport early Thursday morning with a quick layover in DC. where we sipped a Swedish Mary. Not to be confused with a Russian Mary (Stoli), a Dutch Mary (Kettle One) or a French Mary (Grey Goose). Yes, they really distinguished all the different types on the menu. Once we boarded the flight to Fort Lauderdale we ordered Margaritas! (We heard the people behind us following suit. "Ooo yea a margarita sounds good".) What can I say, we're trendsetters. US Airways even provided us with fresh limes. And how great is the mini Stirrings mixer?! Upon arrival we tooled over to the Boca Raton Resort & Club on Carly's golf cart. I sipped a Kiwi Colada which blends kiwi with pineapple and coconut and is topped with a float of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum. Along with tropical frozen drinks the Gazebo Poolside Bar & Grille serves up salads, burgers and sandwiches. My Mediterranean Greek Flatbread Salad containing romaine, hummus, olives, dolmas, tabbouleh, roasted peppers and feta cheese in a lemon vinaigrette was a generous portion of fresh ingredients. Golf cart adventures ensued, including a trip to Boca Nails for mani/pedis. That night we ordered Mexican takeout but the highlight was eating dinner with baby Jett.

Those cheeks!! That face! I miss him!

Check in the next day at The Ritz Carlton, Palm Beach in Manalapan began with drinks at Stir, where I sipped Coronas and enjoyed taking photographs of the luxurious lobby. Tastefully decorated with exotic ocean paraphernalia, sophisticated furniture and grand chandeliers; the refined and graceful spaces makes you feel content to linger. Eventually we retreated to our suite to prepare for the rehearsal dinner. Some nice folks provided us with a bottle of Cakebread Cellars wine to sip and a fancy cheese and cracker platter to munch on. Brie, blue and goat cheeses along with grapes, cashews, marcona almonds and pecans; these are a few of my favorite things!

And these are a few of my favorite ladies.

For the rehearsal dinner we made our way to Carly's Step-Aunts house on the water.

The backyard party scene was set with cocktail tables in blue and white striped linens topped with flickering candles.

A Calypso band awaited and dancing most definitely ensued after dinner. The bartender poured us some strong drinks. The raw bar was incredible.

Here is a look at the grand dinner buffet:

grilled vegetables / conch fritters and crab cakes / red onion salad / steamed clams / chicken wings and thick cut steak fries / roast beef.

All the food was delicious. As was the dessert bar, the company, and our gracious hosts.

We woke up the next morning to a little rain.

But a gorgeous view all the same.

Wedding Day is up next!