a wonderful weekend in the mitten.

this past weekend, mr. lesley and i headed to michigan for a weekend dedicated to love. 

new love and seasoned love alike. 

and it was love-ly.

{sorry i couldn't resist.}

it all started out in glen arbor for the wedding of mike and kristen.

mike was one of mr. lesley's college roommates and since mr. lesley was a groomsmen in the wedding, we couldn't miss the celebration! 

they picked a beautiful location and everything went off without a hitch! 

the weather cooperated, kristen looked absolutely beautiful, mike was all smiles, and they were surrounded by people who loved and supported them. 

i don't think you could really ask for much better.

the next morning started the way every morning should...a hike up huge sand dunes in sandals, jeans, and the most non-althletic shirt i could find {it had parrots on it for goodness sake.}

definitely wasn't prepared for the workout, but the views made up for my awkwardness. 

on our way to meet mr. lesley's parents, we stopped for lunch in traverse city, where i thought over and over, "yep, i could definitely live here."

{and of course i made mr. lesley pull over so i could pose in front of the world's largest cherry pie statue. i mean, how could you not?}

our final stop for the night was petoskey. another absolutely adorable michigan town. 

we explored the town...

and even got to eat in the same restaurant where hemingway hung out! 

mr. lesley was totally geeking out at that one.

then came the moment of truth.

for months the whole family has been planning a surprise 40th anniversary party for mr. lesley's parents. 

we were in charge of keeping the secret, getting them out of the house, and bringing them back in time for the celebration to begin.

family flew in from all over the place and they were completely surprised! 

it was absolutely perfect! 

his parents are such a great example of true love and commitment, and i feel so proud to be a part of such a wonderful family.

and no michigan weekend would be complete without fishing in the golf course pond next to his parents's house.

he dominated those fish.

and i caught...one.

{with dirt in my nails to prove it!}

i am so thankful for such great people and places to celebrate!

what a wonderful weekend from beginning to end.