<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1153" alt="carnival cupcakes" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0731.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a>

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<p style="text-align: center;">A while back, I wrote about how bummed I was to have missed the destination wedding of a dear friend of mine in the Dominican Republic.  Thankfully, she hosted a giant block party/ carnival for all of their friends and loved ones who couldn't make it to the D.R.  I'm happy to say that we were able to attend, even though it was touch and go for a little bit since my egg retrieval was almost scheduled for the day of the wedding.  EEP!  ( I attended the reception extremely bloated, with 20! eggs cooking and stone cold sober, but I'm hoping it will all be worth it.  Stay tuned for more news on that front.  Retrieval is for sure happening Monday morning.  So, keep us in your thoughts.)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1152" alt="circus cupcakes" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0725.jpg" width="379" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">I offered to bring the cupcakes (the usual vanilla and chocolate cakes with vanilla buttercream).  They were perfect, and held up in spite of the heat and the rain.  I ordered these adorable printables from Strawberry Mommycakes through her Etsy store.  She was super patient with me &amp; worked to get the graphics just the way I wanted them.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1155" alt="block party" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0736.jpg" width="386" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">It was great to catch up with old college friends,whom we just don't see often enough.  The caterer provided us with grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, kale and potato salads, and a variety of condiments displayed in adorable mason jars with rustic labels.  Love those whimsical checkerboard trays!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1154" alt="block party" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0735.jpg" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">The bride and groom rented loads of bouncy houses for kids and adults alike, decorated the street with gorgeous white lanterns, and provided plenty of booze for the grownups and carnival candy for the kids.  There was a fun photo booth, but the best part of the party was the very cheesy and very awesome 80s cover band.  It's too bad the downpour pushed back their start time because they were great!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1156" alt="block party" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0737.jpg" width="500" height="319" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This picture turned out FAR better than any of the photo booth pix.  I swear that booth was like a fun house, accentuating everyone's worst features!  haha.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1149" alt="newlyweds" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMG_3946.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Sadly, I didn't get a great shot of the newlyweds, but this will have to do.  Absolutely loved Meg's 40s-style dress and hair do.  What a beautiful bride (and a good looking groom, too!)</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1150" alt="wedding cupcakes" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/1-IMGP0722.jpg" width="331" height="500" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Thanks for letting us be a part of your fun celebration.  A lifetime of love and happiness to you, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Madel!</p>