The View From the Alice in Wonderland Table

This weekend, one of my oldest friends got married. I met Lauren when we were in the sixth grade. She was shy, and had just moved to Texas. I had moved to the school district one year earlier and still didn't have many friends. We hit it off right away.

We don't see each other all that often, but we try to have lunch together a couple of times per year. And what strikes me every time I see her is how much adventure her life seems to be filled with. She always has the best stories. Even simple occurrences turn into epic events with her. She is the reason I try to see each day as filled with possibility and excitement — because when she tells me about her life, I think, "God, I wish I could have this much zest for the everyday."

So it really wasn't a huge surprise when she got engaged to her college boyfriend at Disneyland last year. It was just so ... her.

She got married at the Downtown Aquarium in Houston this weekend, which was an absolutely gorgeous venue. Views of the Houston skyline, beautiful ballroom with elegant chandeliers, absolutely amazing dinner and fluffy, sweet cake ... oh, and this happened.

And this too.

That's an African Serval. It looks like a cat with much longer legs and longer ears. Elliott needs a friend.

There were also carnival rides outside the aquarium, but I didn't get the chance to go on any of them.

The tables were all Disney/Pixar movie-themed, and we were seated with some old high school friends at the Alice in Wonderland table. Each table was marked with a beautiful centerpiece and a Disney figurine.

Winnie-the-Pooh was my fave.

Oh, and the groom's cake was the house from Up. It was delicious.

Her dress was so beautiful, one of the most unique dresses I've seen. And perfectly her.

Dancing with her brother. I filched this from her Facebook page because every photo I got of the dress turned out blurry.

It was everything her wedding should have been, and I am so happy for her. I hope this next great adventure brings her so much joy.