hey ya'll:

One of my dearest friends recently got married in Austin, Texas. Yeeehaaa, what an amazing time we had at the wedding! Luckily we missed all of the SXSW traffic, so I truly got to enjoy exploring the city without the [hipster] crowds. The weekend was crazy fun for a few reasons besides the obvious festivities:

1. Coming from Chicago I immediately gained 40+ degrees in temperature. What a tease.

2. Mexican food. All day. Everyday. [and late night].
3. Salt-Lick BBQ and all the sides that come with it. Mmmmm dipping bread in BBQ sauce.

4. College friends who live all over the country, but still party like they're 21 when brought together for special events.

5. The Mardi Gras celebration on Stubbs and 6th St that we stumbled upon. Refer to #4.
6. Food Trucks galore. From your standard truck food that serves tacos to one where you can buy coffee and donuts, you name it, they probably have it.
7. The beds at the Four Seasons Hotel. And L'occitane toiletries [that later mysteriously appeared in a pocket in my suitcase].

8. The artsy fartsy boutique stores on Southern Congress.

View of downtown from Zilker Park

The first dance

My wedding gear: Akira Black label maxi dress from local Chicago Akira shop, Michael Kors clutch, F21 costume earrings

Shops on South Congress

Loved the themed decor in the lobby of the Four Seasons!

Treat from a food truck

Mardi Gras!