My husband and I were in Tucson this past weekend for our third annual trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Always our Valentines Day trip! The weekend had three main purposes: 1. Gem & Mineral Show, 2. Meet with our accountant, and 3. Mom and Dad wanted to host a (second) wedding reception for us.
The party was a chance for their 60+ nearest and dearest friends — who were unable to make it to the wedding — to meet us, The Newlyweds. And let me tell you, they totally outdid themselves…
Valentines Weekend in Tucson | Meet the Newlyweds
THURSDAY / FRIDAY
We were supposed to take a 6AM flight out of DC, but it was cancelled due to a ‘snow storm’ that never happened. We still arrived in Tucson, just about 7 hours later than we had planned. Oh well. We had time for quesadillas and a margarita during our layover. So that made up for it!
Mom and Dad took us out for sushi once we landed, and then it was straight to bed for us. Hubs and I woke up super early to meet with our accountant, in an attempt to figure out our new tax situation with all the changes we’ve incurred the last 12 months. (Read: buying a home, becoming landlords, and getting married). The four of us went out for breakfast afterwards, and then off to the Gem + Mineral show! 
Mom left us, and headed to the airport to pick up her sister and nephew. We met back at the house sometime later, and then went out for a family dinner to a pizza spot. But first, more gem and mineral photos!
SATURDAY
Today was the day! Alex wanted to sleep in, and my body hadn’t adjusted to the time difference. So I was wide awake at 6AM. Mom and Dad took me out for breakfast while Alex slept. We went to LeBuzz, which is now one of my favorite spots in Tucson. They have a killer almond chai latte, and somehow, a bag of Peru blend ended up back with me… 
Once we got back to the house, it was super chaotic with vendors coming in and out to set up for the party. Furniture rentals, florist deliveries, topiaries, the baker, the caterer, the bar set up, heat lamps. The list goes on and on. Alex and I figured we would get out of everyones hair.
We met up with family for lunch, and then off to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. We had the best time. They were having a Frida Kahlo exhibit. Mexican art, pottery, and food is my absolute favorite. So you know I loved it more than life. 
And of course the Tucson Botanical Gardens had a butterfly conservatory. And so we just had to go. I may be bold when I say this, but I think Tucson’s butterfly conservatory beats Chicago’s… Even though that spot will always hold near and dear to my heart. It felt very full circle, because the last time we did this, Alex proposed. And in just a few hours, we would be celebrating our wedding (for the second time). 
MEET THE NEWLYWEDS
We were dressed and ready to greet our guests. I used this opportunity to take a million photos of the backyard that was now converted into a South Beach resort. Snaps for the event planner, who transformed the space into something magical. There was a sketch artist, a sushi bar, lounge furniture, and everything in between. Did I mention there was a DJ, photographer, and a videographer? There was a lot going on. It was so lovely, and so so so gorgeous.
SUNDAY
Alex and I woke at 3:35AM for a 6AM flight on Sunday morning. That’s roughly 3.5 hours of sleep, if you’re counting. I don’t even remember how we got home. We both slept through both legs of the flight, and then slept some more when we got home. I don’t even remember eating (which for me, is insane). And that concluded our fabulous Valentines Day Weekend!