austin and nyc

May has been a really busy month, filled with two weekends of travel and lots of writing. Here are some pictures from my conference trip to Austin and Luke and Branda's wedding in NYC.

I don't have many pics of my time in Austin. I didn't get to see too much of the city, since I was mainly in the Hyatt listening to conference papers, but I did get to stay in a really fun neighborhood--South Congress Ave--where there were tons of live music and cool restaurants.

where I stayed: Austin Motel

right across the street from Austin Motel was Amy's ice cream--yum, especially their cappuccino flavor, which had cinnamon in it!

my Mexican breakfast from the restaurant right next to our motel

Our trip to New York was fabulous, despite the dreary weather (it rained two out the three days we were there). The best part was hanging out with our high school friends, although trying so many specialty cookies comes a close second. :)

Friday was the one day we had to roam around, so we checked out several places recommended by the foodie groom.

Ippudo, a "ramen brasserie" on Fourth Ave.

ramen was definitely good, although overpriced

Next, we walked a few blocks to Amai Tea House, which is known for their many exotic teas and especially their tea-flavored cookies.

my white peony tea and Byron's green tea, plus many delicious cookies (my faves were the white tea-strawberry and the lemongrass-ginger)

I think I tried one of each of the cookies in the display case! (Plus the green tea cupcake, which you can see the lady packaging for me to take-out)

next stop: Bouchon Bakery at the Time Warner Center, which has the *best* macarons, even better than Laduree

Saturday morning before the wedding, all of us at the Burger Joint, this secretive burger place in some swanky hotel in Midtown

The ceremony was at the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. It was lovely and simple.

this is my favorite shot of the wedding--love the way they're looking at each other, and, there's a handsome guy in the lefthand corner too! :)

Byron and his buddy Andy

UCLA college roommates together in NYC

finally got to meet this cutie--Addison--who was super well-behaved during the ceremony, reception, and even subway rides

At the reception head table, Byron and I (and the bridesmaids) got to witness a pretty, uh, how should I say this, entertaining "tug-of-war" between newlywed Branda and best man Andy over Luke. Apparently, Andy and Luke have a "special" friendship that makes Branda a little more possessive of Luke. :)

yummy lamb

me and Grace

us and the happy couple

then the party really started--dancing in the back room

these wallflowers--sitting out from the action

Byron and I did finally make it out to the dance floor--not to dance, however, but just to take this pic :)

And that was our super weekend in NYC--lots of quality time with old friends, great food, and of course, the city itself. Congrats to Luke and Branda!