Chapel Hill, NC through the lens of my phone

It is the start to a new week yet again.  I am still recovering from a wonderful weekend in Chapel Hill, NC with my in-laws, husband and the rest of his extended family.  We drove down Friday (breaking up the trip) and got back yesterday.  It's amazing how much driving can wear you out!

It was a beautiful weekend!  We went down for husband's cousin's wedding.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  A perfect 75 degrees with NO humidity.  That rarely happens in NC after April 1.  As I mentioned in Friday's post I had never ventured to Chapel Hill.  I was just excited to spend a weekend in the south surrounded by southern accents and boys dressed in pink shirts, khakis and boat shoes;)  This weekend was the first time I spent a longer period of time with husband's extended family.  And for the first time, I knew what it was like to be in husband's shoes when we spend time with my extended family - overwhelming! (in case you didn't know/I haven't already mentioned, I am pretty close with my extended family and make it a point to see them at least once a year.  We are kinda obsessed with one another and I wouldn't have it any other way).  Husband's extended family is the opposite and they rarely see each other (they are kinda spread out all over the place).  But everyone was so sweet and nice!  I hope to see them all again if we are able to make a trip to Denver for the next family wedding.

Of course I had my camera with me but wanted to share the photos I took with my phone while the trip is still relatively fresh in my mind.  Who knows when I'll get the time to sift through the different photos I got!

We stayed at The Carolina Inn right in the heart of the city.  Gorgeous hotel!  The wedding and reception was actually held there as well.  

Post lunch walk around the city.  I love pillars!  So southern. 

Sunday morning brunch.  Loved the windows and tall ceiling.  

Entrance to the Cocker Arboretum. We spent about 45 minutes walking the grounds and reading the descriptions of the different plants and trees.  This kinda reminds me of The Secret Garden.  If I had more time I would have brought my book here, found an empty bench and read while I enjoying the fresh air and greenery. 

Fresh air view from the back of the hotel. The Cornmans and I sat outside to enjoy the beautiful North Carolina afternoon while husband slept. 

View while waiting for the Bride to walk down the aisle.  

View from our hotel window

I absolutely fell in love with the Bride's dress.  Isn't it/she just GORGEOUS?!?  I think it may be my favorite wedding dress yet (and I have seen a lot of wedding dresses)! 

It was so great to finally meet everyone this weekend.  Thank you for including me and being so welcoming, Cornmans!  Hopefully see you again in August.  

Self-Portrait

Week 4's Photo Challenge was to take a self-portrait.  I was really not looking forward to this week's challenge as I really hate taking photos.  After all, we are our own worst critic.

Even though I was not looking forward to this weekly photo challenge I definitely knew how I wanted to photography myself.  I got married a year and a half ago and fell in love with my wedding dress.  Such a shame us girls rarely get the opportunity to wear it again.  There's isn't much to the dress.  Just a simple off white sweetheart neckline dress from Nicole Miller.  It was perfect for our beautiful outdoor wedding we had in July.  It has been sitting in our guest room closet since I got back from the cleaners and I have been dying for an excuse to put it on again.  This week's photo challenge gave me that excuse I have been looking for:

Yes, I know it's blurry and has some ghosting.  I'd even say it's a little overexposed but that is why I like this photo.  Adds a dream-like quality to it.  The fact you really cannot see my face (because it is blurry) is just an added bonus!  

Hope everyone had a great weekend.  Cheers to yet another week!