The Art of Traveling and Love: My trip to England
Almost a month ago, my guy and I travelled across the pond to a faraway country called England. Newcastle to be exact. And it was pure AWESOMENESS, a word I don't use to loosely. In all senses of the word, Newcastle was beautiful. And it now has a small piece of my heart.
We went to Newcastle to get away, enjoy a nice vacation, and celebrate my first time ever leaving the U.S. But mainly and most importantly, to celebrate the love between two souls who waited for more than 10 years before finally coming together again. It was just like a movie in where two people fall in love, fall apart, and then years later meet again by fate, destiny, or pure awesomeness (there I go using that word again, this story deserves it). Whatever the case may be, this love story makes my heart smile. It shows and proves that love, no matter when or how or with whom, is worth everything.
Oh how I loved every part of England. Our first night there was spent with me hanging with the ladies and Andrew hanging with the fellas. I stayed in the most stunning home I've ever seen. It was heaven on earth for a gal like me. I felt like I was in a home straight out of the pages of House & Garden and I was filled with pure excitement.
A very special thanks must go out to Stephen & Danielle, one of the nicest and most hospitable couples I've ever met. They helped us with everything, gave us a place to stay, and transported us around many places. They are simply the best.
When I woke up the next morning, I peaked outside my window and saw the whitest snow covering the entire land. It was like waking up on Christmas Day to nothing but snow outside, but better. I smiled a big smile and laid back in bed, consumed by the beauty that surrounded me.
I spent the whole day hanging out with my new pal Lindsey, shopping at Eldon Square and taking in the amazing architecture that lurked in every which way I turned. I soaked everything up and walked back to our hotel as the snow began to fall. I smiled the whole way there.
Later that evening, Andrew and I headed to a beautiful little Italian restaurant for Jason and Natalie's rehearsal dinner. Everyone they loved was there and I felt special. Laughter filled the air and I looked over at my guy who was simply, radiating with happiness. His best friend was getting married in just one day and he was so happy to be there for him. They are true friends and it fills my heart with joy to see them together.
The wedding day came and we all boarded a van and waited anxiously for the ceremony to begin and to see the lovely bride. Once Natalie walked in with her dad, I could already feel my eyes start to water. I ALWAYS cry at weddings, but especially at the ones where the people getting married are truly special. She looked stunning and I couldn't wait to see Jason's reaction.
Jason was the second person I met when I got to Las Vegas. I met him even before I met Andrew. And I chalk it all up to him, that Andrew is in my life. If I had never met Jason, I know I would've never met Andrew. And that is something I am so immensely grateful for. He's like a brother to me. And he's definitely Andrew's brother. So watching him marry the love of his life, was priceless. Andrew and I stood in joy for Jason and Natalie.
The reception was held about an hour outside of Newcastle, in a remote village where Danielle and Stephen's country home, the Hole House, stood. Everything was held in their barn, which was amazing as well. I think by now you can get the jest that everything about our trip was amazing. More tears were shed during all the speeches and I smiled because I was surrounded by joy. At the end of the evening, fireworks went off in the night sky in celebration of the lovely couple. Awesomeness times three now!
The next day Andrew and I went shopping at the Metro Centre and then rushed back to the hotel to leave for Sunderland, where the big party was taking place at the Roker Hotel. A lighthouse overlooked the hotel and I knew I was in another incredible place. I had so much fun. I smiled a whole lot. Danced. Smiled some more. And laughed the whole night. But most importantly, I felt loved. I felt even more blessed to have Andrew in my life. I felt incredibly honored to be included. And I just felt the love deep in my heart, grow even more.
My favorite part of the evening was seeing Andrew and Jason performing together again as The Hornzmen. They were sensational and I say that strictly unbiasedly. They sounded better than ever and I couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. And again, I felt lucky.
Our last day in Newcastle was spent with Andrew and I looking around the village a little bit more. Our hotel was lovely and it overlooked the Tyne Bridge, a small part of the Gateshead Millenium Bridge (which winks ;)) and the River Tyne. I looked out our window and took it all in. It was peaceful and serene. And I was happy.
I was sad to leave. I didn't want to come back to Las Vegas, where people drive like jerks and the hustle and bustle of the Strip is exhausting. I didn't want to come back and go to work either. But once we boarded the plane, I was ready. I missed our little pup Jeeves, our bed, and the quiet comfort of our home. It's the greatest feeling in the world to travel and return home to a place where love and happiness exist as well.
All in all, Newcastle was incredible. The people there are some of the most friendliest and accepting people I've ever met. And everyone was super nice, even the taxi drivers. Everywhere I went, people were happy to help. And that's something you don't see very often these days.
I'm so lucky to have who I have in my life. I'm so lucky that I don't need Valentine's Day to know that I am loved and wanted in life. And I'm so lucky that I was able to go out of the country for the first time in my life, with my most favorite person. It was a dream come true for me. And one in which I will forever be thankful for.
To all the people of Newcastle, I adore you. To Jason and Natalie for being extraordinarily awesome and loving. We love you two very much. And to Andrew, for taking me there. I'll never forget it.
Till we meet again England, xoxo.
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| Sunrise from the plane, almost there! |
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| Heaven! |
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| On the plane, ready for England! |
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| One of a kind love. Photo taken by: Andrew |
A very special thanks must go out to Stephen & Danielle, one of the nicest and most hospitable couples I've ever met. They helped us with everything, gave us a place to stay, and transported us around many places. They are simply the best.
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| The awesome Danielle & Stephen |
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| My morning view at D&S's Brackendene House |
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| Day of shopping |
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| Grey's Monument at Eldon Square |
Later that evening, Andrew and I headed to a beautiful little Italian restaurant for Jason and Natalie's rehearsal dinner. Everyone they loved was there and I felt special. Laughter filled the air and I looked over at my guy who was simply, radiating with happiness. His best friend was getting married in just one day and he was so happy to be there for him. They are true friends and it fills my heart with joy to see them together.
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| Andrew & I at the Rehearsal Dinner |
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| BFF's, Jason & Andrew |
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| Views from the van |
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| On the way to the ceremony |
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| Lovely, gorgeous buildings |
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| Cathedral |
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| The lovely bride and her dad |
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| My pal Lindsey |
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| The bride and her mom |
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| Grandfather love (one of my favorite pics) |
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| Husband & Wife |
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| I had to okay! |
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| Nat's dad Michael. He's awesome! |
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| The fellas |
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| Love this one of us |
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| Happiness |
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| Nat & Andrew |
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| Beginning of speeches |
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| MaryAnn! She's a saint! |
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| Friends |
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| After Andrew's speech |
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| Fireworks show |
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| Vineyard at the Hole House. Photo taken by: Andrew |
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| Hole House. Photo taken by: Andrew |
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| Land all around the Hole House. Photo taken by: Andrew |
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| The Hole House |
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| Hole House river |
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| Hole House. Photo taken by: Andrew |
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| Our table at the Roker Hotel |
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| US |
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| Cake cutting. Photo taken by: Andrew |
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| Andrew & Stephen |
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| Amigos |
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| Josh and Kate!!! |
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| The Hornzmen |
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Our last day in Newcastle was spent with Andrew and I looking around the village a little bit more. Our hotel was lovely and it overlooked the Tyne Bridge, a small part of the Gateshead Millenium Bridge (which winks ;)) and the River Tyne. I looked out our window and took it all in. It was peaceful and serene. And I was happy.
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| Views from our hotel |
I was sad to leave. I didn't want to come back to Las Vegas, where people drive like jerks and the hustle and bustle of the Strip is exhausting. I didn't want to come back and go to work either. But once we boarded the plane, I was ready. I missed our little pup Jeeves, our bed, and the quiet comfort of our home. It's the greatest feeling in the world to travel and return home to a place where love and happiness exist as well.
All in all, Newcastle was incredible. The people there are some of the most friendliest and accepting people I've ever met. And everyone was super nice, even the taxi drivers. Everywhere I went, people were happy to help. And that's something you don't see very often these days.
I'm so lucky to have who I have in my life. I'm so lucky that I don't need Valentine's Day to know that I am loved and wanted in life. And I'm so lucky that I was able to go out of the country for the first time in my life, with my most favorite person. It was a dream come true for me. And one in which I will forever be thankful for.
To all the people of Newcastle, I adore you. To Jason and Natalie for being extraordinarily awesome and loving. We love you two very much. And to Andrew, for taking me there. I'll never forget it.
Till we meet again England, xoxo.
Squeeeeeee! I have been waiting and hoping to see England photos. Looks like you had a lovely time with your lovely guy. :) Miss you!
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