I spent this past weekend in South Carolina celebrating my friend, Cari’s (pictured above in the middle), wedding. I met Cari when I was in nursing school, but we didn’t really get to know each other until our last semester. Needless to say once we became friends, we became pretty close and have remained friends ever since. When she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, I felt very honored. She is such a wonderful person and I loved being able to stand up there with her as she said her “I do’s!”

Her wedding was in South Carolina and several of the other bridesmaids were also great girlfriends that I met in nursing school so the entire weekend was pretty much a blast (Does anyone say blast anymore? Anyway, it was fun, you get it). So, yeah, Stephen, Alyssa (another bridesmaid) and I made the 5 hour drive on Friday morning and arrived just a couple hours before the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner was Mexican themed and the food was seriously delicious (definitely went back for seconds on the guac and queso). They had a little bar set up outside in a courtyard where we could get any cocktails from margaritas, sangria, Negra Modelo, etc. I ended up opting for vodka plus grapefruit juice (very refreshing)! I try to opt away from high calorie drinks or anything with a lot of sugar so this drink was my go-to at the start of the night (I eventually switched to Makers Mark on the rocks).

 

 

After we had a cocktail hour in the courtyard, we moved inside to a banquet hall where there was a Mexican food buffet. Seriously, some of the best Mexican food I’ve had in a while. In general, my “rule” for weekends away where I’m not following my usual eating routine is to just not overdo it. If you saw my IG stories, I definitely didn’t hold back when hitting up the buffet line, but I also didn’t gorge myself with the mindset that “I’m not tracking so what does it matter.” I tried a little but of everything and ate until I was a little bit fuller than normal, lol, but I didn’t go overboard. To put it into perspective, I think I had an enchilada, rice, beans, and a shrimp taco. Later I had 1 piece of cake, and then about 2-3 more cocktails with a couple glasses of water. Like I’ve said before, I love a good cocktail but do not like (actually, abhor) feeling hungover. Not fun! So anyways, that was how the night went! Afterwards we walked to the hotel bar for a little bit and then went to bed (it was 11pm and past my bedtime 😉 )

The next day (Saturday) was her wedding day! That morning Stephen and I got up around 7:30 and went to get coffee and breakfast, then I met up with the girls around 10:30 and we went to a bridal brunch that was being hosted for Cari. The brunch was really fun, and the cocktail they had was delicious. I’ve never had a St-Germain cocktail before but let me tell you, it will definitely be reappearing in my future. It’s basically an equal mix of St-Germain, Perrier, and champagne. Like I said, delicious. Discovering this new cocktail was clearly the highlight of the brunch for me. LOL, kidding. But, the brunch was great overall (as most brunches are). We had good food & drinks (as stated above) and all brought a picture of us with Cari and shared a memory of ours about her.

Afterwards we headed to the hotel to get ready for photos. I opted to do my own makeup, and planned on doing my own hair but after I curled it one of the hairstylist had some extra time so she put it half up for me. I ended up really loving the half up look, and am debating doing it for my wedding, but this post isn’t really about that–so, moving on! After getting ready we made our way over to the church where we took photos for about an hour and then remained there until the ceremony started. The church was really gorgeous, and the ceremony was short and sweet (about 30 minutes). After the ceremony we stayed about 45 minutes to take more photos with the groom and groomsmen and then we ventured to the reception.

The reception was at the hotel in which we were staying at so that was very convenient. It’s always nice when you don’t have to worry about driving at the end of the night–walking up to your room is much easier. The reception had great food (there was a macaroni & potato bar, need I say more?), and there was a nice outdoor patio where guests could go as well. Just my personal preference, but I always like when wedding receptions have both an indoor and outdoor space. Oh, and there was also a photo booth, which we managed to cram 8 people into (we clearly really love each other).

 

 

So yeah, overall it was a really fun weekend! Since we’ve all graduated from nursing school it is really challenging to get everyone together in the same place at the same time–when you’re living in different cities and working a combination of nights and weekends it can get a little tricky. So it was just really nice for all of us girls to get to spend time together and to celebrate Cari!

In regards to my eating habits during these weekends away or special occasions, I usually do not count macros, or track anything. In general, I eat and drink what I want–I don’t worry about if it fits my macros or about how clean it is. I enjoy myself during that time and just don’t overdo it. I eat until I’m full and have several cocktails throughout the day and night and just try to stay hydrated.

I used to get anxious about spending time away from my workouts and eating routine, but I honestly don’t have time for that anymore! What I mean by that is–my mindset has shifted where working out and sticking to my macros are important to me but I don’t let a few days off track stress me out. Life is so much more wonderful when you can appreciate these occasions and not be obsessed about if it will get you “off track.” I would much rather enjoy my weekend with my friends and not be as defined in the ab department then be fixated the whole weekend on if what I’m eating and drinking is “okay.” Just my personal preference these days as it’s what makes me happier! Bottom line is–find a middle ground that makes you happy and do whatever that may be.