weekend plans

[one of my favorite wines]

last weekend was such a blast. T and i don't typically partake in going out to celebrate valentine's day, but this year we decided to switch things up a bit. after learning a friend of T's was going to perform her first musical gig that friday, we invited candace + daniel to come down for a little couple date. 

[the gals (above) and the gents (below)]

not only did T's friend absolutely kill it at her first performance, we enjoyed a great night over delicious food, wine, and beautiful company. 

[my dapper date]

saturday night, T and i set out for the classic valen-dine date where we got to check out a new (to me) restaurant, amazingly unique courses, live jazz band, and the coziest atmosphere that was perfect for a romantic rendezvous. to say we left with both full stomachs and hearts would be a huge understatement. 

[horchata cheesecake with a biscoff cookie crust, olive oil ice cream, and a chocolate + salted caramel tart with a vanilla bean crust]

sunday evening, we shared a beautifully sweet dinner with my parents and brother over freshly made pasta, wine, and loads of laughs. it was the best ending to a great weekend filled with love from friends, family, and a certain cute baldy.

[pasta carbonara...so much garlic + bacon]

cositas

[smells like fruity loops]

T and i finally got around to seeing a few movies and tv shows we'd been wanting to check out. oddly enough, each of them were thought-provoking in their own way. if you get the chance/time, please check out: 

• altered carbon - a murder mystery set in the future where people are digitized and stored (the internal selves and their body). it brought to light a lot of ideas about the concepts of death and the soul as well as a plethora of ethical issues. it was so, so good.
• colonia - emma watson plays a woman who's boyfriend is captured by a well-connected cult called colonia dignidad who are known for torturing and killing those against the chilean military coup of 1973. in order to save him, she joins the cult in hopes of finding him and escaping. this movie was incredibly intense, and based on true events that occurred in chile. it was an emotional, nerve-racking ride and i can't recommend it enough. 
• when we first met - a hilarious rom-com that takes a step off of the beaten path in learning about fate, love, and how interconnected we are. for once, a rom-com about a girl falling for the wrong guy that doesn't follow the standard formula...so refreshing, goofy, and sweet. even T liked it!

[cozy soup for cold days]

[the kindest reminder from my soul sisters]

[ice cream break]

[saying goodbye to my favorite guide dog who was retiring]

[the most delicious morning bun]

#heartingwedding

last, but certainly not least, on our trip out to portland was the wedding of our sweet friends brian and nicki. it really is so wonderful to see two kind-hearted people embark on this chapter in their lives together. plus, i just love seeing two cultures coming together - in this case, persian and american. nicki was sweet enough to explain all of the persian customs and imagery involved in advance so we could follow along during the ceremony. 

[adding sweetness to their marriage (jana and i got to partake in this as well!)]

after feeding each other sweets, the presentation of gifts by their families, and the kiss, they were pronounced husband and wife! it was such a beautiful moment and i'm so happy we were there to witness it...well, T was performing groomsman duties with michael, but you get what i mean :) 

[wives club]

[post-ceremony cocktail hour]

[the newest member of the husbands crew]

[bridal party entrance]

[the newly announced mr & mrs harting]

[saffron-flavored rock candy]

once the entire bridal party made their entrance, it was time for the newlywed's first dance...to persian music, of course. their moves, their smiles, and the music were amazing. 

[my hunky date]

the rest of the evening was filled with loads more dancing, food, cheering, a knife dance (yes, you heard me right), far too many goofy photo booth pictures, and a confetti-filled farewell to the happy couple. we couldn't be happier for you both, and are so happy we got to be a part of y'all's special day!

portlandia

last week, T and i flew out to portland for the weekend with michael + jana to celebrate brian and nicki getting married! we first arrived thursday and immediately set out to explore the area before all the festivities began.

[strolling through brian's neighborhood]

[flavorful, spicy thai food...sign us up!]

[baldy bromance]

[salt 'n straw, i heart you so much]

we first strolled around the neighborhood while brian showed us around to some of his favorite spots. so much green and extra tasty food, we loved it. 

[champagne toasts with the bride-to-be]

after checking into our airbnb, the guys split off to go on their bachelor party debauchery while simone, jana, and i had a little gals date over pasta. it was so, so good. 

[sake and sushi date with nicki and her ok-pdx friend gang]

[T turning portland]

[r.i.p maude, tree, and eleanor]

the next day, we set out to explore our neighborhood, sample the local treats, and stretch our legs. 

[feelin' mossy]

[coffee shop cozying up]

[loving this mural]

[post-bachelor party remnants]

after a day of frolicking around, we headed to the benson hotel for the wedding rehearsal. it was so cute seeing all the adorable children walk down the aisle. plus, i loved getting to see everyone practice the different persian traditions for the ceremony. 

[hey michael!]

then, it was off to the brewery for the rehearsal dinner and quite possibly the sweetest father-of-the-groom toast maybe ever (besides my dad's :) ). 

[salmon fish 'n chips...yum]

[groomsmen gifts]

the next morning, we kept things pretty low-key since tyler and michael had to head off for groomsmen duties that afternoon. there was a tasty breakfast, a walk around the neighborhood, and another coffee shop find.

[loving the colors]

[classic portland coffee vibes]

[i found my sandwich shop]

[airbnb sweet, airbnb]