Smash and Grab Memorial Day Weekend Post!

Whew, what a wonderful weekend! I think the pictures probably sum it up the best so get ready for a big photo-filled post...

First off, some pictures from law school graduation on Friday

The view of law school graduation walking down from work!

Aaron with his roomate Brett and our friend Randy

Us with John and Ari

Our sweet Jerren (and Aaron's roomate of 3 years)

Aaron enjoyed the rest of his day off after graduation but I had to go back to work. Luckily, the thought of date night with my husband got me through the afternoon:) We had a very low-key dinner at one of our favorite spots on the westside, the Colony Cafe. Isn't it adorable?

We particularly enjoy dessert there...



Saturday was full of errands and just enjoying a sunny, and warm southern California day together. That night, we headed over to the beautiful Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica for our friend Tyler's graduation party. We felt so honored to be invited by her parents and we had a great time visiting with friends and celebrating her achievements. Here we are at the table:

Me and Tyler

We took this picture for my Papa because Aaron's outfit came from Papa's closet!

This last picture I have to post because I was really excited that my placecard said "Mrs. Courtney Echols"..even though you can't read it, haha!


Moving right along, Sunday morning came early for us. We left the house at 6am to catch an 8am flight to San Francisco. My parents hosted a wedding reception for us that began at 11:30 am so we were very lucky that we could even get a flight that worked. The best part was that my brother was able to get on our same flight so we met him at the gate. Everything went according to plan and we beat my family to the restaurant in San Francisco. We had about 79 guests, mostly family, but a few close friends as well. The reception was really great and I was excited to get to wear my Mom's jacket that she wore at her wedding reception almost 34 years ago. Here we are before the party:

We took lots (and LOTS) of pictures, but here's the one with us and my immediate family

As busy as we were visiting with our guests, we found time to take a "prom" picture, haha

We had a really great time and it was especially lovely to see my lovely Kate


After sleeping in this morning, Bran and I decided that Aaron needed to experience a bit of our youthhood. We all loaded into the car and headed to Irving Street, which is sort of like a miniature Chinatown. Aaron got to try "boba" drinks which are tapioca balls in some kind of milk tea or juice and sesame balls, which are traditionally served at dim sum:

What a sport!

Of course, I looked a little more natural with the Chinese goodies

After some family time, my brother and Kristi took us to the airport but not before a quick trip to the Japanese store for, you know, all kinds of useful goods:



Our flight back to LA was on time and everything went great. We're all unpacked and we even had a moment to celebrate the fact that we have been married ONE MONTH today! We have a lot of wedding cake left so we decided to celebrate by eating a small piece (but, every other month we'll get a red velvet cupcake from Vanilla Bake Shop since that was the other kind of cupcake we served) each month of this first year. Happy 1 month to us! Wow, time sure flies!


I hope that everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. The best thing after a 3-day weekend is a 4-day work week!

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13