René of the Day // 10.13-15.11 // RT+KP=RKT

I love the hot Tomalia's!

The girls

Or something like that... What I can tell you it does equal is a wonderful love story. Three years ago one of my best friends, Kristin (KP) was living in Jacksonville, Florida, sick of the "scene" and enjoying some wine after a long Monday. She saw a commercial from Match.com and with the courage of her wine glass, decided to give it a shot. A handsome gentleman named Mr. René (RT) (yes, I am officially Miss René) from Michigan made a similar choice. They chatted... they dated... I'm abbreviating this story but they moved to Cincinnati and were engaged months later on the night of her birthday. As I sat at the bar waiting for them, an hour past their due, I caught on to the surprise. We enjoyed a bottle of champagne and celebrated. I was honored to be René #2 in their wedding. And seriously, I was so anti-online dating but look at these two. I mean, they're models. Alas, even hot, uncreepy cool people meet on the interwebs.
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Since many of the wedding guests were visiting from out of town, we held Kristin's bachelorette party the Thursday night before the wedding weekend. We reserved the private dining room upstairs at Via Vite and stocked the girl's place setting with little candies that said "Mint to Be," tissues with a monogrammed "T" and penis straws that Miss Kristin (yes MOH has same name as bride, do we sense a trend?) and I trekked around town to 4 stores to find, including The Party Source, Hustler Hollywood, Party City and the gold mine - Spencer's Gifts. Had a great time planning the party with her (hello, Sundays at Coffee Emporium and Cafe De Wheels burger truck with bloody marys at Dutch's.) After a deliciously stuffing dinner of authentic Italian pizzas and great wine, we went to Scene Ultra Lounge for a free bottle of bubbles and played a hilarious card game that's similar to Never Have I Ever. We followed with another complimentary bottle of champagne at the new(ish) Luxe and then to Bartini for dancing with British men on a business trip - successful weeknight bachelorette party in Cincy!

The rehearsal and subsequent dinner the following night were wonderful. The Peaks are phenomenal entertainers - Kris' mom specifically designed the house for entertaining with the architect when the moved to Cincinnati from Miami, Florida in the early 90s. We enjoyed the food, company and beverages, including the fabulous apple cinnamon-infused vodka Mr. René homemade and adapted from the Bee Knees martini recipe from Bonefish Grill.

The wedding day was absolutely beautiful - an early October Saturday with bright skies and a slight breeze. We had a fantastic time getting ready with the girls and I took a video opening her lovely gifts from Mr. René. We watched "Father of the Bride" (her fav) as we waited at the church and took photos in the gorgeous garden courtyard at the church. The ceremony was lovely - Bruce was a fantastic priest and he made it fun and engaging.

The reception was an absolutely ball - wonderful food, an open bar and a great DJ - evidently MR asked them how much cash it would take to keep them going until midnight - $600 was a little high for his bid. And I loved how they had the cake toppers from both of their parents weddings on the table with their cake. It was a nice I'd love to live over again!

Congrats to you, Mr. & Mrs T - on your marriage, your new place and new jobs in Indy - can't wait to visit! Thank you for including me in your special day - it truly was perfect. I love you! xoxo

Bridal party