I was able to rest up enough to doll myself up for my cousin’s wedding on Saturday night. I wanted to make sure I didn’t look as terrible as I felt, so I got my trusty hairdresser to make me look pretty. I wanted a simple updo, but I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know how to do it if it isn’t fierce. So I got myself a pretty rockin’ do to go along with my awesome dress (it had pockets!). Thankfully, I started feeling better as the day progressed and by the time the wedding rolled around, no one could tell that I had been on my death bed for several days. Ten points for Meli! The wedding was gorgeous and my cousin made a beautiful bride. The reception was at the Epic Hotel, which totally lives up to its name. Her cocktail hour took place on the pool level, which boasted a stunning view of Downtown Miami. But my favorite part of the wedding? The photobooth sitting outside of the reception!!! I am completely obsessed with photobooths so having one I can play with for free made me feel like a little kid in a candy shop! The hubs and I were even brainstorming on how to make our own! How bad ass would it be to have one in our home?? Amazing, me thinks.

Sunday brought a late wake up call for the hubs and I, but we scrambled out of bed as fast as we could to get to our photo date! We had been planning this date for awhile now but something always got in the way. We were determined to actually make it happen this time! We drove up to Delray Beach to have lunch at the newly opened Brooklyn Water Bagel Company, which my hubs stumbled upon on one of his favorite foodie blogs, Serious Eats. This place prides itself on making authentic New York bagels, so much so that you will swear you have been transported to Manhattan. Being big fans of bagels, we had to make the hour drive up north to check this out. I must say, we were not disappointed. Although I didn’t grow up in NYC on these bagels, I could still recognize an amazing one! I had a egg salad on a rye bagel, while the hubs had a chunky chicken salad on a salt bagel. So so yums. I know it may be a drive for some of my local readers, but it is definitely worth it! Trust my belly

Then we shot over to the Morikami Gardens, a beautiful Japanese garden and museum. There the hubs taught me some photography techniques and tips on how to better use my Canon 40D. We also had some quiet romantic time, which was really really nice. Unfortunately, it seems like they tore down a big portion of their bamboo trees, which made me pretty bummed. It was my favorite part of the gardens – I loved the tranquil sounds of the bamboo creaking in the breeze. Despite that one upset, we had a great time wandering the grounds together taking photos. I just wish it hadn’t been so hot. Is it really October because it still feels like summer time here in South Florida! Definitely makes fun outdoor activities less fun.