From the minute John and I met Joe, we knew he would be the perfect addition to the Thomas family. In fact, I don’t know about anyone else, but I took it as a foregone conclusion that he was going to be a permanent addition from that first meeting! (Which was actually at Marget’s wedding, and the way he charmed, chauffeured, and danced with random family members he had never met before told me all I needed to know!) He and Natalie, my sister-in-law, fit together beautifully. I am SO lucky to have these two in my life, and lucky to be sharing their wedding with you today. (Natalie graciously agreed to share a few thoughts, too!) Marget drew the most beautiful illustration of the Branford House for Natalie and Joe’s save the date, and I contributed the graphic design! Hana Floral did a beautiful job with the flowers, just like she did for Marget’s wedding! Natalie’s bouquet included garden roses, lavender, tweedia, freesia, a cafe au lair dahlia, and mini phaleonopsis orchids. Bridesmaid dresses were a little bit of a conundrum, because as you can see, Marget was the most beautiful 39-week pregnant matron of honor I can imagine! She chose to wear a Two Birds dress while Kate and I wore J.Crew dresses in rich peacock. I love that color SO much! Jennie Fresa made everyone look good! Joe chose the same tuxedo John wore for our wedding, and has worn many times since – I can’t recommend it enough! From Natalie: Joe and I were married in July before a group of close family and friends at the Branford House at Avery Point in Connecticut. Being the third and last of my siblings to wed, led to some benefits and challenges! Among the challenges was finding a

My sister-in-law is married, and I have a new brother-in-law! Natalie and Joe’s wedding was this weekend, and it was truly marvelous. We had great weather, delicious food, so much good time with family, beautiful New England surroundings… some of my favorite things, and such an emotional high that coming back to real life is a bit difficult! I mentioned on instagram that the groom’s aunt had pulled us aside in the dancing portion of the evening to tell us we looked like such a happy couple, and to remind us to enjoy each other. First of all, I was so touched by the unexpected kindness and generosity of her going out of her way to encourage us – always a great reminder to me as I go about my days and interact with people who might need encouragement of their own. Second, her words have really been resonating with me over the last few days. When you find the one you love, don’t forget to enjoy each other. To the best of your ability, don’t hold grudges or get annoyed over little things or get so absorbed in what you’re doing that you ignore the person in front of you (speaking to myself here, mostly). As much as you can, just enjoy the time you’ve been given with him or her. More photos to come, as the lovely and talented Meredith Perdue was on hand to capture the day’s festivities!

I wanted to share a tiny little living room update we accomplished last weekend: we finally got around to framing and hanging two pieces of art! The top piece is a painting of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a gift from one of John’s sisters. The bottom was also free to us – it’s the letterpress Christmas card our friend Meredith sent us! I thought it was too cute to throw away. If you love it, too, you can pick up a card in Sarah Parrott’s shop!