Part 5 takes us to the Welcome Party at The Graduate Auburn, a newer Hilton property that deserves a little praise of its own. www.hilton.com/en/hotels/aubgagu-graduate-auburn-al/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-GU-AUBGAGU
In early June, Auburn reached out to me about hosting a casual welcome party or meet-and-greet for the many out-of-town guests who would be arriving by Friday afternoon. We already had a block of rooms reserved at The Graduate and had heard wonderful things about its rooftop venue, the War Eagle Supper Club. With sweeping views of Jordan-Hare Stadium, Samford Hall, and Auburn's impressive new College of Engineering building, it offered a uniquely Auburn backdrop for welcoming family and friends.

The alternative was to suggest everyone gather at local favorites like SkyBar or Moe's Original BBQ. While those would have certainly been fun, the bridal party would be arriving directly from the rehearsal dinner dressed in cocktail attire. A sophisticated rooftop setting simply felt like a more fitting choice for the evening.
Kaylie and the team at The Graduate were wonderful to work with. With a little negotiation, we were able to reserve the rooftop space with a cash bar and a simple pub mix placed on each table. By 8:00 p.m., we knew most guests would have already eaten, so our goal wasn't to host another elaborate event. Instead, we wanted to create a welcoming place where travelers could relax, reconnect, and visit before the excitement of the wedding day. Since the rehearsal dinner was reserved for immediate family and the wedding party, I completely understood Auburn's desire to extend hospitality to our out-of-town guests in this thoughtful way.

​The Graduate itself is a destination worth exploring. Every corner celebrates Auburn's history and traditions through carefully curated memorabilia, vintage touches, and playful mid-century modern décor. It feels nostalgic without being dated, elegant without feeling stuffy, and perfectly captures the spirit of a college town rich in tradition. Its location—just a short walk from our VRBO—made it even more convenient.

Around 10:30 that evening, Ron and I met his mom and aunt back at the VRBO before driving together to the Main House at Auburn Oaks Farm. It was finally time to get a little sleep before the biggest day of all.
The wedding morning would begin bright and early with hair and makeup appointments starting at 7:15 a.m. Auburn had thoughtfully arranged a shuttle to transport all nine bridesmaids from The Graduate to the Main House, allowing everyone to relax and enjoy the morning together.
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And that full-glam experience? It definitely deserves a post of its own. Along with beautiful hair and makeup came a few unexpected lessons that every future bride—and mother of the bride—might appreciate. Stay tuned!

Following our hair and makeup trial at Torie's Artistry Beauty Bar, Auburn and I grabbed an Uber back to our VRBO near Toomer's Corner. While we were enjoying a little mother-daughter pampering, Ron and several wonderful helpers had been hard at work transporting décor, beverages, luggage, and countless wedding necessities to Auburn Oaks Farm.
The venue features two homes: The Main House and The Lodge. We chose to rent the Main House for both Friday and Saturday nights, even though it is typically included only on the wedding day. The extra investment proved worthwhile, giving our family a comfortable gathering place throughout the weekend and allowing us to be much closer to the venue. It even became the perfect solution for our youngest wedding guests, as my niece Lindsey—an Auburn University graduate—arranged for two friends to babysit several of the little cousins there during the reception.
On the wedding day, the Main House serves as the bridal suite where the bridesmaids prepare, while The Lodge is reserved for the groom and his groomsmen. Although the venue is called Auburn Oaks Farm, it is actually nestled in the rolling countryside of Notasulga, Alabama, about 25 minutes from Auburn. The peaceful drive only adds to its charm.
As practical as our lodging arrangement sounded, it created one small logistical hiccup. I still needed to shower, finish packing up the VRBO, change into my cocktail dress and heels for the rehearsal dinner, and somehow get back to the farm. Since Ron had already driven out with supplies, he made yet another 50-minute round-trip shuttle to retrieve me. Between all the moving pieces, arriving promptly for our 4:00 p.m. rehearsal became a bit of an adventure—a fitting preview of the organized chaos that often accompanies a wedding weekend.

​With Auburn living in Dallas, Texas, our family in Wisconsin, Josh's family in Birmingham, and the wedding taking place in Auburn, Alabama, coordinating all the moving pieces required an incredible amount of planning. One of the smartest decisions Auburn made was investing in a wedding coordinator.
Blaknie had been recommended by one of Auburn's Chi Omega sisters, an event planner in Birmingham. Although she had assisted with many weddings, this was one of her first serving as the lead coordinator. You would never have known it. From the moment we met her, she exuded calm confidence and quiet competence. www.instagram.com/blakniecarlileevents?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Long before the wedding weekend arrived, Blaknie became an invaluable resource to Auburn, answering questions, offering guidance, and helping navigate countless details over the course of nearly eight months. During the wedding weekend, she seamlessly handled the behind-the-scenes tasks that most guests—and often even the bride and groom—never realize are happening.
For example, the dinner plates and flatware Auburn rented came from a company in Birmingham, so Blaknie personally transported them to Auburn. As a notary public, she was also able to notarize their marriage license. Throughout the rehearsal and wedding day, she kept everyone on schedule, guided the processional and recessional with confidence, and never appeared flustered, even when the unexpected arose.
When it looked as though the wedding cake might not stretch quite as far as anticipated, she quietly cut additional servings without anyone noticing. She made sure the catering staff cleared the tables efficiently, and after the cake cutting, she carefully stored the crystal swans that had adorned my own wedding cake and the sterling silver cake knife my parents had used at their 1965 wedding. Those heirlooms are priceless to our family, and I never once had to wonder if they were being cared for.
Those are just the details I happened to notice. I'm certain there were dozens more that escaped my attention because Blaknie handled them before they ever became problems.
As the mother of the bride, one of the greatest gifts I received that weekend was the freedom to simply be present. Instead of answering questions or solving problems, I could soak in every moment with Auburn, our family, and our friends. The rehearsal and wedding unfolded beautifully because Auburn surrounded herself with capable professionals and then trusted them to do what they do best. It was a lesson in wisdom that I hope every future bride considers.

By 4:00 p.m., everyone had arrived at Auburn Oaks Farm in Notasulga for the wedding rehearsal. Seeing our family and friends gathered together in one place after months of planning was both exciting and surreal.
The bride-to-be looked absolutely radiant in a modern white maxi dress she had ordered from Revolve. It had a whimsical flair that reminded me just a little of something from Whoville—in the very best way! Rather than carrying a traditional bouquet, she proudly held the creative masterpiece she had crafted earlier that week using gift bows, a paper plate, and a hot glue gun. It was delightfully "Auburn"—resourceful, playful, and full of personality.
The bridesmaids arrived in colorful summer sundresses, while the groomsmen wore sport coats, all dressed appropriately for the rehearsal dinner that would follow at the beloved Amsterdam Café in downtown Auburn.
Leading the rehearsal was Rev. John Woods, pastor of music at the Wallace's family church in Pelham, Alabama. Along with his wife, Lindsey, he had spent nearly two months walking the couple through premarital counseling, helping them prepare not just for a wedding day, but for a lifetime of marriage.
Rev. Woods brought a calm presence and genuine joy to the rehearsal and, the following day, to the wedding ceremony itself. One of our friends from Florida later remarked that his message was so thoughtful and Christ-centered that every married couple in attendance left with a stronger appreciation for their own marriage. I couldn't agree more. I'm looking forward to watching the wedding video so I can listen to his message again without all the emotions and distractions that naturally accompany such a memorable day.

Following the rehearsal, our group made the drive back to downtown Auburn for the rehearsal dinner at the Amsterdam Café. Open since 1991, it has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Auburn. The warm, low lighting, rich mahogany booths, and timeless atmosphere make it feel both elegant and inviting—a place that naturally encourages lingering conversations.
The rehearsal dinner was held in the downstairs wine cellar and bar, where seating for nearly 70 guests had been thoughtfully arranged. It was no small feat to accommodate that many people in such an intimate space, but it came together beautifully. Gorgeous floral arrangements adorned the tables, while the entryway welcomed guests with framed photographs capturing some of Josh and Auburn's most treasured memories together. Josh's mother, Jill, also created a wonderful slideshow that followed each of them from childhood through the many milestones that ultimately led them to one another.
As delicious as the meal was—and it truly was exceptional—the evening belonged to the speeches.
Like many mothers, I found myself wishing I had recorded every word, especially my son Trey's heartfelt tribute to his sister. He spoke about Auburn's incredible work ethic, the funny confusion around a scratch on the car (who was guilty?), and how grateful he was that Josh had welcomed him to Auburn University, treating him like a younger brother from the very beginning.
One story,  Trey recalled visiting Auburn and Josh in Dallas, where he noticed Josh intentionally positioning his vehicle behind Auburn's on a busy highway, shielding her from an aggressive driver who had been tailgating. It wasn't a grand gesture or a dramatic moment—it was simply an instinctive act of love and protection. Trey shared that it was in that ordinary moment he realized Josh loved his sister every bit as much as he did. As her brother, he said, he could ask for nothing more than a man who would cherish and protect her for the rest of her life. Trey said it all with his dry wit and low-key affability with the occasional pause to move through the emotion.
Then came one of the evening's funniest moments. Family friend Megan Lemke began her toast by turning to Trey and saying, "Trey, I was really hoping you would bomb your speech to make my job easier, but I've got to say...you absolutely nailed it!" The room erupted in laughter, instantly lightening the emotions while perfectly capturing the affection everyone felt for the couple.
It was an evening filled with heartfelt words, joyful laughter, delicious food, and the unmistakable warmth of family and lifelong friends gathered to celebrate two remarkable people. Tim and Jill were gracious hosts, and their hospitality helped create a night that none of us will soon forget. Looking around that room, I couldn't help but think how richly blessed Auburn and Josh are to be surrounded by so many people who genuinely love them.

The wedding weekend officially began with a 10:00 a.m. bridal brunch at one of Auburn-Opelika's most unique destinations--Botanic. shopbotanic.com/

Botanic is the creative vision of Stacy Brown, the renowned founder of Chicken Salad Chick, and her husband, King Braswell, a respected horticulturist, agronomist, and longtime owner of Blooming Colors and Crepe Myrtle Cafe'. Together, they have created far more than a restaurant. Botanic is a beautiful blend of lush gardens, a thriving nursery and landscaping business, a fresh bakery, charming gift shop, and an award-winning restaurant—all seamlessly woven together into one unforgettable experience.

We had enjoyed several meals at Botanic during previous visits to Auburn, and over the years it had become one of our daughter's favorite places. It seemed like the perfect setting to gather the women who had traveled from near and far to celebrate her.
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One of the restaurant's most distinctive features is its atmosphere. Lush tropical plants separate the dining spaces, creating the feeling of wandering through an elegant greenhouse. Much of the restaurant is open-air, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while dining. In the middle of an Alabama July, however, "open-air" can also mean "warm-air!" Thankfully, plenty of fans kept the celebration comfortable enough that no one seemed to mind.
It's easy to understand why Botanic has become a popular venue for weddings and receptions. Everywhere you look feels like a photograph waiting to happen, making it a fitting place to begin one of the most memorable weekends of our family's lives.

Months before the wedding, I connected with Botanic's events manager, Angela, and together we decided the Jasmine Room would be the perfect setting for approximately 30 women to gather for a buffet brunch.
It was a bit warm and sticky that morning—typical for an Alabama summer—but the staff thoughtfully arranged fans throughout the room. Besides, those from the South know exactly how to dress for July! Cute, breezy sundresses were the attire of the day, adding to the relaxed elegance of the morning.

My sister graciously co-hosted the brunch and prepared a heartfelt devotion titled "How to Grow a Marriage." It was a beautiful message that intertwined biblical principles of marriage with the process of nurturing a healthy plant—from rich soil and abundant sunlight to regular watering and faithful care. Just as a flourishing garden requires intentional tending, so does a thriving marriage. As a lasting reminder of her message, Auburn received a charming potted plant to take home and enjoy.
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One person who was missed that weekend was my dad—known affectionately as "Poppy." Although he remains remarkably independent at home in North Carolina, he decided it would be best to celebrate from afar, enjoying the photos and videos rather than making the long journey. While he wasn't with us physically, his presence was certainly felt. He wrote a touching tribute to his first grandchild, that Aunt Shannon shared, reflecting on the joy she has brought to his life from the very beginning. 

Next, Auburn gathered her bridesmaids to present their gifts and share a few heartfelt words about what each woman has meant to her throughout the different seasons of her life.

Her friendships stretched back to preschool with Megan, through middle school with Rachel, and into her college years with her Chi Omega sisters—Julia, Ella, Chloe, Caroline, and Payton—as well as her beloved "little sister," Ali. Completing the group was her matron of honor, Caroline, who also happens to be her new sister-in-law. Looking around the room, it was a beautiful reminder that life's greatest blessings are often the people who walk alongside us through its many chapters.

Each bridesmaid received a lovely pair of Victoria's Secret pajamas along with handcrafted pearl earrings Auburn had discovered in a small Etsy shop. The gifts were beautiful, but it was Auburn's words that everyone will remember. Speaking without notes, she shared personal stories and sincere gratitude for each woman, celebrating the unique role each had played in shaping her life. It was genuine, thoughtful, and unmistakably Auburn.
While I remembered to record the touching tribute that Poppy had written and Aunt Shannon shared, I didn't record Auburn's reflections for her bridesmaids. At the time, holding up my phone during such an intimate moment felt intrusive. I wanted to be fully present rather than viewing the morning through a screen.
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Ironically, those unscripted speeches are now some of the moments I wish I could replay. We had an exceptional videographer for the wedding itself, but the bridal brunch devotions, bridesmaids' reflections, and rehearsal dinner toasts exist only in our memories. They were priceless.

So here's one small piece of advice for future mothers of the bride (or anyone celebrating a milestone): designate someone—a sibling, cousin, or trusted friend—to quietly record those unexpected speeches and heartfelt conversations. The professional photos will beautifully preserve what everyone looked like. Those simple phone videos will preserve what everyone said. And years from now, those words may become the greatest keepsakes of all.

The bridal brunch concluded with Auburn and me heading to The Artistry Beauty Bar for our hair and makeup trial. Not only would it prepare us for the rehearsal dinner that evening, but it would also help finalize the look we wanted for the wedding day.
When Auburn first asked if I wanted my hair and makeup professionally done for the rehearsal dinner, my initial response was, "No, I don't really need that." But then I realized it wasn't really about the makeup. It was another opportunity to spend a few uninterrupted hours with my daughter during one of the most meaningful weekends of our lives. It also gave us a chance to make sure there would be no surprises on the wedding day.
As it turns out, the trial was worth every minute. In fact, when my husband saw me at the rehearsal dinner, he did a double take! The trial allowed us to make a few subtle adjustments so that on the wedding day I felt polished and glamorous—but still looked like me.
Stay tuned, because in a future post I'll introduce you to the incredibly talented Torie and her team at The Artistry Beauty Bar. They were warm, professional, remarkably gifted, and played a much bigger role in helping everyone feel beautiful and relaxed than I ever expected. They were truly one of the highlights of the weekend.

And while the gals were enjoying breakfast and getting glam the guys were hard at work purchasing and delivering beverages to the wedding venue!  We overbought a bit and fortunately were able to return the extras.  Thank you Gabe and Gil plus Uncle Beau, Uncle Mike, and Brian for your game-day help!

I floated on cloud nine all week. I was thrilled to finally be with my daughter in our beloved college town of Auburn, Alabama, eagerly anticipating the arrival of family and friends from across the country. The excitement was palpable, and every day felt like another step toward the celebration we had been planning for so long.
Despite surviving on very little sleep, I made it a point to attend the 6:30 a.m. Lux Lab Xformer class every Monday through Thursday. The Xformer is a low-intensity, full-body training machine inspired by the Lagree Method. While it shares some similarities with Pilates, it has its own unique feel, featuring heavier spring resistance, standing platforms at both ends, and endless possibilities for slow, controlled, muscle-shaking movements. The studio is intentionally kept dark, the music is upbeat and energizing, and in just 45 minutes I left feeling stronger, refreshed, and ready for another busy day of wedding festivities.  The best part, they offer a discount for new members; 3 classes for $45 total!
Sleep may have been in short supply that week, but between a good cup of coffee and my morning Lux Lab sessions, I had all the fuel I needed.  www.luxlabstudios.com/

Thursday, July 16, was a day of welcoming. We delivered gift bags to the hotels and prepared our VRBO for a casual open house where family and friends could stop by, reconnect, and begin celebrating together.
My son, Trey, flew from Milwaukee to Atlanta accompanied by his grandmother (my mother-in-law) and his great-aunt. Both women are in remarkable shape, but anyone who has traveled knows that air travel can present a few unexpected challenges. It was reassuring to have Trey along to manage luggage, navigate the airport, and troubleshoot the inevitable surprises that arise.
In this case, Aunt Sally's ticket had been issued with an incorrect birth date, requiring extra time at the ticket counter, and my mother-in-law's luggage prompted not one, not two, but three TSA searches. The culprit? An outfit packed with a built-in underwire bra! Thankfully, the flight itself was uneventful, and they arrived safely in Atlanta. Trey arranged an Uber, and together they made the 90-minute journey to Auburn.
Once they arrived, Trey and his sister, Auburn, immediately headed to one of their favorite college chicken finger restaurants: Foosackly's. Returning to Auburn University for the first time as an alumnus was meaningful for Trey. As students, we often take those years for granted, but distance and time have a way of deepening our appreciation. Now that he is back in the Midwest and fully immersed in adult life, I think he treasures his Auburn experience even more. And perhaps that is one of life's gifts—the places that shape us never really leave us; they simply become sweeter in memory.

It was especially meaningful to have Grandma Larson, Aunt Sally, plus Wisconsin and Texas cousins visit Auburn University for the very first time after years of hearing our family talk about it. Some places simply have to be experienced in person, and Auburn is one of them. Words never quite capture the beauty of the campus, the charm of the college town, or the unmistakable spirit that makes so many people fall in love with it. Auburn has become woven into our family's story. My brother and sister are both alumni, my niece and nephew are current students, and my brother even serves as chairman of the Auburn Alumni Club in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area of Florida.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, our VRBO became a revolving door of family and friends. We kept the menu simple—yes, Wisconsin cheese curds made the trip south!—and welcomed everyone with an open-door policy. Members of the wedding party began arriving, some after driving straight through from Wisconsin and others flying in from Texas. For hours, people drifted in and out, catching up on life, swapping stories, sharing hugs, and filling the house with laughter. It was exactly the relaxed beginning to the wedding weekend we had hoped for.
Summer in Auburn is hot, humid, and often punctuated by surprise afternoon thunderstorms. Being only a few hours from the Gulf Coast makes those quick-moving squalls part of the landscape. Fortunately, we managed to duck and dodge the rain all weekend, and none of the storms interfered with the events that mattered most. They may have shortened a little browsing downtown, though, where the boutiques, art galleries, and locally owned shops are some of my favorite places to explore. Earlier in the week, Auburn and I had wandered through Main Street, and she found the most adorable dress for just $26—a perfect bargain and the ideal outfit to pack for her honeymoon in Curaçao.

Tomorrow I'll share one of my favorite discoveries in the Auburn area. Just a few miles away in the charming town of Opelika sits a stunning plant nursery that is home to The Botanic, the beautiful venue where we hosted The Bridal Brunch.
The Botanic is the vision of Auburn, AL resident Stacy Brown, founder of the wildly successful Chicken Salad Chick franchise.(We need these in Wisconsin!) I first learned more about Stacy through her inspiring interview on NPR's How I Built This, and her story stayed with me. She built an iconic restaurant brand from humble beginnings, endured significant health challenges, experienced the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Kevin, and somehow found the courage to begin a new chapter. Together with her husband, King Braswell, she transformed a former nursery into Botanic—a destination that celebrates nature, hospitality, exceptional food, and community. It was the perfect setting for our bridal brunch, and I can't wait to share more about this remarkable place. www.npr.org/2018/06/29/624713103/chicken-salad-chick-stacy-brown

Writing has always been one of my favorite ways to process life's biggest moments. It's good for the brain, and after the excitement, anticipation, and beautiful whirlwind of our one and only daughter's wedding, I think I could use a little brain exercise! These reflections are written especially for my daughter. My hope is that if she ever questions how deeply she is loved, she can return to these words and remember this extraordinary weekend—when family and friends traveled from California, Canada, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, and beyond to celebrate her and the love she and her husband have found together.
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And for me, this serves as a journal of a milestone that passed far too quickly. The biggest moments in life have a way of becoming a blur, and I never want to forget the joy, the laughter, the tears, and the overwhelming gratitude we felt as we watched her begin this new chapter.

​Ron and I pulled out of Wisconsin bright and early on Saturday, July 11. We make an interesting road-trip team. Ron is an average driver but an exceptional navigator and passenger. I, on the other hand, consider myself an excellent driver...and that's about where my talents end. More often than not, I'm behind the wheel while he catches up on his "farming" (if you know, you know), curates the playlist, and sneaks in a nap or two.
To avoid Chicago traffic, we programmed the GPS to take us through Rockford, Bloomington, and Champaign, Illinois. What we didn't realize was that we'd also avoid just about every major city—except Nashville. Instead, we found ourselves traveling nearly 250 miles on a two-lane highway through endless cornfields and soybean fields. At one point we were cruising down a road actually named Angling Road, wondering where in the world the GPS was taking us.
These little adventures have become part of our road-trip tradition. Previous detours have led us through places like Po-Dunk, Kentucky, and Frasier's Bottom, West Virginia. We still laugh about getting "stuck in Frasier's Bottom!" On this trip, there were even stretches where we had to ease onto the shoulder so oncoming traffic could squeeze by. As long as the gas tank is full, though, we find these scenic detours far more entertaining than another monotonous stretch of interstate. We often quote John Candy in Planes, Trains and Automobiles: "Nothing to see on the interstate but interstate!"
And yes, our Toyota Highlander was absolutely packed—but not with beer and cheese, despite our Wisconsin roots. In the months leading up to the wedding, our daughter had shipped countless boxes to our house filled with décor, bridesmaids' gifts, guest books, party favors, and all the little details that would make the weekend special. By the time we arrived in Birmingham, it was nothing short of a miracle that we still had just enough room for her—and her wedding dress!

We made it to Athens, Alabama, that evening and, naturally, stopped for dinner at Buc-ee's. I'm not ashamed to admit that we often plan our road trips around as many Buc-ee's stops as possible! Ron enjoyed one of their legendary mega pork sandwiches while I opted for a fresh Cobb salad back at the hotel.
The next morning, we returned to Buc-ee's for breakfast before heading to the Birmingham airport to pick up our daughter, Auburn, who was flying in from Dallas, Texas. We arrived with plenty of time to spare—enough for me to get in a five-mile walk around the airport! We were simply so excited to begin the wedding week and wanted to eliminate any unnecessary stress for her arrival.
To Auburn's credit, she had spent the previous months balancing a full-time job while planning a fairly elaborate wedding nearly 700 miles away in Auburn, Alabama. In many ways, it was a destination wedding, requiring countless decisions and careful coordination from afar. Throughout the process, she remained remarkably intentional with her budget, thoughtfully selecting photographers, videographers, florists, a wedding coordinator, and a DJ who aligned with both her vision and her finances.
One of her smartest cost-saving decisions was choosing Chef Nick as the caterer. Well known among the fraternities at Auburn University, his team regularly serves both my son's fraternity, Sigma Chi, and Josh's fraternity, ATO. The food was outstanding, featuring delicious appetizers followed by a Southern-inspired buffet that guests raved about.
She also discovered that many talented wedding professionals who are newer to the industry offer exceptional quality at a more attainable price point. These weddings help them build their portfolios, gain exposure, and grow their businesses through referrals and social media. It was a win-win, allowing Auburn to create the wedding she envisioned while also staying financially responsible.

My responsibilities were quite limited thanks to her judicious recruitment of wedding vendors plus a group of bridesmaids that were constantly by her side the past 10 months.  My primary job was gift bags for hotel guests!  I made stickers on Zazzle and then created an emergency kit of safety pins, electrolytes, advil, stain remover, mouthwash, Kind bars, and tissues for happy tears. In addition, I connected with "The Cake Lady" In Auburn, Alabama who is popular for home-made baked goods. In fact, when my daughter was a freshman, in 2019, "The Cake Lady" baked her a birthday cake. It's always comforting to know your kids are being celebrated across the miles.  So together, as a treat for the hospitality bags, "The Cake Lady" and I agreed upon AU themed cookies, one with "War Eagle" and the other a "W" for Wallace.  They turned out beautifully! And interesting sidenote, when I picked them up, we were talking about Coach Pat Dye, his relationship to the wedding venue, Auburn Oaks Farm, and at one point "The Cake Lady" said her sorority sister, Wanda, was his daughter. And I said, "You are a Chi Omega!??"  And it was Cindy McNutt who was a few years younger than me! Quite the coincidence. If you are in the Auburn area, I highly recommend Cindy, "The Cake Lady." www.facebook.com/p/The-Cake-Lady-Auburn-100057175609898/
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We created an assembly line Wednesday evening at our VRBO. My niece is a rising senior and spent the summer in AU working at a pediatric clinic. It was a delightful reunion as Lindsey is from North Carolina so growing up it was challenging to spend quality time together. Once again Auburn University connected family and friends from across the miles.

For the wedding week, we rented a VRBO that was ideally situated just a block from Toomer's Corner and next door to The Graduate Hotel. It was the perfect home base, giving us several extra days together to enjoy one another's company while checking off what seemed like an endless to-do list before the big day.
Auburn was busy printing bar menus, wedding programs, and itineraries at OfficeMax (she is amazingly talented with Canva!), while we assembled party favors, hospitality bags, and gathered all the finishing touches. Her sweet friend Caroline designed the custom matches and cocktail napkins, and Ron was in charge of stocking up on water, soda, and, of course, the adult beverages.
One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing that, aside from the beautiful venue itself, virtually everything else had to be coordinated, rented, purchased, or delivered—tablecloths, flatware, dishes, décor...the list seemed endless. Perhaps it simply shows my age, but when I got married, weddings were typically held in a church with the reception in the fellowship hall or a local restaurant. Today's venues are absolutely beautiful, and Auburn Oaks, with its rustic elegance and charming Southern backdrop, was the perfect setting. Still, I came away with an even greater appreciation for the incredible number of details my daughter thoughtfully managed while planning a wedding for nearly 175 guests.
In the days ahead, I hope to share more about our experience with a July wedding in Auburn, Alabama. We began the celebration with a lovely bridal brunch at The Botanic on Friday, July 17, followed by the rehearsal at Auburn Oaks and a rehearsal dinner at the always-popular Amsterdam Café. The meal was delicious, the company even better, and the weekend was just getting started. More to come!

Through the years I try to share when I discover helpful people and strategies for living well.  Whether physiologists providing DEXA scans, programs to monitor glucose levels, the Prolon Fast, or simply a great yoga class, I love to share when I stumble upon someone or something that makes a positive difference in my life.  Stacie Barber, DPT, is one of those individuals.  A superb physical therapist, owner of The Physio Fix and the Physio Fix app she has developed a thriving business in Arizona but also online.  I recently invested in her online Stronger Aging Fix and am delighted with the ease of use and variety of exercises demonstrated via video with excellent form and instruction. There are nearly 20 different programs, whether you suffer from back or neck pain, need strengthening for hip, knee, or rehab of an old Achilles tendon injury, there is a program for you.  In addition, she offers many athletic strengthening programs and one specific for core function and strength. thephysiofix.com/

 I started following Dr. Stacie Barber on IG when I noted frequent posts of her helping her husband Logan rehabilitate from a massive stroke.  Like Stacie, he is quite young and fit. Stacie was by his side constantly for the months he was in the hospital as his recovery was also complicated by a severe case of pneumonia with adult respiratory distress. If you watch some of the videos from 18 months ago, you will see what a force she was plus the tenacity he demonstrated to enable a significant recovery. Initially, he was essentially paralyzed throughtout the left side of his body.  Their one child was also only 8 months old.  Though the process they added a detailed Stroke Fix program to the Physio Fix app and many of the exercises feature the sequence of Logan's arduous yet successful recovery. He returned to work and fast forward to this past month Stacie shared beautiful maternity pictures of her family as they prepared for the birth of their second child, a son, River. ​

Little River was born about 2 weeks ago and Stacie proclaimed, "He is perfect."  Within 24 hours of discharge home however, Stacie astutely recognized his labored breathing, inability to feed, difficulty managing secretions...a host of concerns and they were re-admitted to the hospital only to be emergently transferred to a pediatric special care hospital and the NICU.  Through multiple tests the specialists identified two holes is River's heart that will be surgically repaired tomorrow.  Upon further testing he has a retina problem in both eyes, colobomos (holes in the retina) that compromise his vision. Sadly, there is no surgery correction for this issue. He also failed his hearing test.  The doctor's suspect a rare chromosome abnormality called CHARGE syndrome.  

Just 18 months ago Stacie's community rallied to support her husband Logan via a GoFund Me site.  Now faced with another incredibly challenging situation, her community is again seeking to assist. If you listen to Stacie's videos you will immediately recognize she is a helper, a servant, a giver, a healer.  While she appreciates the monetary support, it would be of greater benefit to her family and business if you invested in one of her many strengthening programs.  I paid $50 for The Stronger Aging Fix and am delighted by the program.  It's a symbiotic relationship, as Stacie's family and business benefits from the investment and I get stronger from her professional teaching and experienced physical therapy background.  The app is useful whether you train at home or a gym. Check out her business, programs and social media sites.  While a GoFundMe donation would be helpful, Stacie emphasizes her preference is that if you wish to give, that you would gain benefit as well through a program to strengthen your body.  The app is easy to use and quite detailed with options to add  a meal tracker, benchmark measurements, daily check-ins with a coach, connect to your Apple Watch etc. This is the first time I have connected with an online coaching program and thus far the experience is one definitely worth sharing.  Check it out! 
​www.facebook.com/thephysiofix
www.instagram.com/thephysiofix/
 thephysiofix.com/ 
​www.instagram.com/docstacie
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