It had been well over a decade since I last saw my cousins. We’re spread out through California, Nebraska, Oregon, and Florida, so not exactly close. It’d been so long that we were all past college, a third of us had since met and married our spouses, and most importantly, my sweet cousin Joseph was now a grown man who calls himself Joe!

To say I was excited when Joe emailed was an understatement. He and Audie were getting married in New Mexico, and as the wedding Gods would have it- It was during our busiest time of the year but we had the weekend FREE! It was so fun to make my first trip to Albuquerque and yes, Nate and I may have spent an afternoon touring Breaking Bad locations! But seeing my cousins was a favorite highlight of last year. It was so bittersweet- Wonderful of course with all of us back together, even better realizing I’d be best friends with any of these amazing people who happen to share my genes. I seriously love them to pieces, but it was heartbreaking every time I remembered how far apart we all live and how long it may be until the next reunion. :(

The best part of the weekend was meeting my NEWEST awesome cousin, Audie. She is completely stunning and talented and sweet and kind and loves my cousin so incredibly much. And my cousin is one of the kindest men I’ve ever met who happens to be really into photography and I’m determined to get them to come visit us and go to Walt Disney World sooner than later.

Audie and Joe met while in drum corps, Joe was the lead trumpet and Audrey spun flags all fancy-like in the guard. They kept in touch and yadda, yadda, yadda,  7 years later Joe surprised Audrey at Grand Central Station and asked her to marry him. <3 They held their wedding at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico!

This dress photo is one of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken. Can you believe this was the view from Audrey’s room that morning?!

I may be mistaken on one of the “greats,” but I’m pretty sure this was Audrey’s great, great, great grandmother’s button hook. <3

My adorable, handsome, sweet, all-grown-up cousin. <3

That one on the left is my faaaaaaavorite! :)

THIS VIEW, Y’ALL. <3

AHHHHH! We got to be in a family photo! Look at these gorgeous people!!!!! <3

Yes, if this were Sesame Street’s “One of these things doesn’t belong here” songs, I’d be the odd (wo)man out. But look how pretty my sister and cousins are we all are!<3 (Editor/Nate note: you’re being ridiculous and I love you.)

You’d never know the way I got them laughing was by yelling, “SMOKEY THE BEAR!” There’s a story here, but it’s kind of more fun not to tell it. ;)

My new favorite wedding tradition : The La Marcha!!!

More cousin love. <3

My cousin Haley and her boyfriend who I love to pieces, Channing. <3

Dad and Uncle Mark on the dance floor. <3

My Uncle Ron and Aunt Diane showing everyone how it’s done! :)

COUSINS! <3

Audrey and Joseph, it was such an honor. Let’s not let another decade go by between visits!!!