Dear Bets is a M.R.S

snowmageddon 2k11

When Betsy and I became city-dwellers in January 2011, I had no idea it would turn into best friendship. But I soon found out - Betsy is what I call a Soul Sister in every sense of the word.

12 cups of coffee + a loaf of banana bread later... it was a very successful clothing swap.

In some ways, it's hard for me to imagine city life without Betsy in the Lily. She is one that embraces every moment of every day no matter what. I woke up to sweet encouragement notes, coffee, and chalkboard art from Betsy, then returned home to make dinner together and chat life. She loves deep & wide for those in her life & her heart is so much for others than it is for herself. {...even in the final days leading up to her wedding she was sending off gifts & cards & bday treats to friends... celebrating others is certainly a gift of hers!}

doing what we love in our favorite place : jewel.

We connect on so many levels - from the hilarious insights in the day-to-day, to the unexpected happenings, to marveling at simple city life. We explored our neighborhood top to bottom: evening froyo walks were expected, the bar & grill down the street a local hotspot, Saturday Ann Sather cinnamon roles, patio margs at El Jardin, and our fave dessert spot - Sensational Bites - was a nightly occasion. 

We thrifted and craigslisted and DIY burlapped our apt together... we seasonally decorated, baked, and celebrated... we hunkered down in the winter and beached in the summer. 

midnight dollar store run for diy decor.

When it comes down to it : Life is just better lived with Betsy.

new roomies 2k12 :)

Like so many of my best friends, Betsy showed me that when you find the right person, life is fuller lived alongside them. (A good thing to learn for my independent & solo self...)

rehearsal din!!!

There was one thing I was very aware of when we started living together : Betsy was dating the hunky love of her life - Michael - and it was clear that there would come a day when Michael would make her his. 

From serious dating, to engagement, to marriage - I saw all aspects of their wedding unfold... (highlights include: imported Chinese dresses, blog stalking, and wedding dress hunting... the only meltdowns coming from me, not the bride ;)) And in the process, I learned what a relationship looks like when surrendered to the One who invented marriage. It was the greatest honor to see the vision in play and be a part of the celebration this past weekend. 

the stunning bride.

mr & mrs drach!

the most beautiful rustic chic barn wedding won't be put under by the awaiting monsoon!

Even though Betsy is venturing into the realm of married life, I am comforted knowing Betsy is a forever friend... and her love of the city will never take her too far from me ;) I cling tight to the memories of living the last year and a half together, but eagerly await many many many more as our Chicago community takes form.

One thing is for sure: we will always share an affinity for chocolate chip cookies, Madewell clothing, chocovino, design on a budget, the bachelor, clothing swaps, puffer coats (not.), Music Mondays, breakfast, and living life in Chicago the best it can be. 

Michael sure is one lucky man!

dancing to "the luckiest" - they really are.