I have welcomed the slower season with open arms and an extended exhale. I had my last wedding of the year this past weekend at the Mt. Washington Mill Dye House – a gorgeous November affair with black tuxedos, wooly coats, and a very on-brand backdrop, the Domino Sugars sign. I currently sit at my desk with the wood stove crackling a few feet away, an oversized cup of chai with half a chocolate chip cookie perched on the ledge (this is the supreme way to warm your cookie in between bites), while Justin takes the kids out for rifle opener in shifts. I spent the morning in the kitchen, puttering around like I like to do, preparing for my return hunters who were exhausted and hungry.

There was more pie and cookies, a breakfast bake with last year’s venison sausage because I really need to clear out the freezer, and a proscuitto/pesto/mozzarella/arugula/balsamic sandwich on toasted focaccia that I will probably fixate on for the next several lunches. The off season – it’s not a bad place to be.

I’m enjoying leafing back through a few summer and autumn weddings I haven’t shared with you yet and it feels nice to be writing without a deadline. It feels nice to be home with Justin and the kids, to make not-in-a-hurry dinners and wearing thick socks around the house. I like that there’s season for everything and we’re entering a time of joy and rest.

Speaking of joy – I’ve got Tori and Ty for you today and their summer stunner at Citizens Ballroom in downtown Frederick, MD. I loved the contrast of the white marble with the soft, lush florals, and I’ll never complain about a crowded dance floor. This was such a favorite and you’ll see why…

Second shot for Amanda Summers