wedding

Happy Birthday Day, Ter!

/ Cate Spader / Leave a comment

It’s my brother from another mother’s birthday! Happy Birthday Merman Ter Ter B! And most importantly, “SMOOCHIES!” 😗

Ter and I have grown closer over the years, and he is truly the older brother I never had but always wanted. Even before I moved, we talked on the phone every morning (7:15ET… 6:15CT!) and seldom missed a weekday check in with each other. We’ve cried together, laughed together, sat and did nothing but be in each other’s presence together, and built each other up in recent years—especially when I needed it most. ❤️

Ter is and HAS an incredible light that is one-of-a-kind. This talented human (and merman!) has the largest heart, soul and presence, yet is the most humble and grateful person I know. I can’t get through this post without crying, because he is and always has been a blessing to me. He sure knows how to live in the moment, and is the most giving, creative and hilarious fella I know! 😀

Thank you for making me laugh, crying with me, giving me the best hugs, wanting to take a million selfies with me (while spinning me around!), always knowing what to say and for making me feel unstoppable in an instant. You’re the bestest!!! 🥰

Love always,
Cate 💛

Third Anniversary

/ Cate Spader / 2 Comments

Nine years of knowing each other, eight years of schooling combined, seven job changes total, six states visited, five countries together, four years in Saginaw, three years of marriage, two homes and one cute pup!

Best. Wedding. Ever.

/ Cate Spader / 3 Comments

As I currently lay in bed with puffy eyes, a clogged nose and a sore throat, I try to reflect on the good of 2019.

2019 was by far the most challenging year I have under my belt. It was the epitome of struggle and adversity (especially when it comes to family and work). But 2019 has also brought many unexpected blessings, which shouldn’t be overlooked.

One of those blessings (perhaps THE best thing that happened this year) was the honor of standing by my best friend’s side as she married the man of her dreams.

Looking back at these photos makes me feel nostalgic and homesick in a way, because Carolyn, Ryan, their friends, family and bridal party all made me feel welcomed immediately. I might attend nice weddings in the near future, but none of them will ever top this feeling…

Celebrating Carolyn

/ Cate Spader / 2 Comments

My best friend married her best friend on Saturday, September 28 in Morristown, New Jersey. This was hands-down my favorite weekend of 2019 and honestly one of the best nights of my life.

I’ve been in a couple weddings that have turned out to be disastrous. Let’s just say that I have a little PTSD when it comes to being a bridesmaid…

However, I’m blessed that she asked me/trusted me enough to be her matron of honor.

Carolyn looked beautiful as always on her big day and we all had a great time together. No drama, great music and dancing, and we even took some pictures with horses!

Stay tuned for more photos in the coming months. I cannot stress this enough: this was the best night I’ve had in a LONG time.

Why I Left Social Media (Part III)

/ Cate Spader / 3 Comments

Thank you for reading about this and for all of the support! I really appreciate it, and I appreciate all of you.

The final part of this series has to do with privacy. Even though I’m too extroverted and social for my own good, I am a very private, guarded person. I have had my fair share of fake friends, bullying and criticism thrown my way to be as open as I once was.

On social media, I chose to share about my engagement. To my dismay, tons of people came out of the woodwork: old friends who I’ve grown away from, old friends who I’ve had a falling-out with, and even judgmental family members who haven’t ever treated me or my husband with respect.

With all of that said, however, I received a lot of support from my parents, in-laws, true friends and Juan. We had our parents and pup at the wedding, that’s it!

Immediately following our private ceremony, we had 60 of our closest family members and best friends join us for dinner, dancing and pool. Our venue was small and life was good; it was truly a night I will never forget, with those who have supported us every step of the way.

What does this have to do with deleting Instagram? If my own wedding ceremony and reception were private, I’d like to keep my personal life this way, too 🙂

All wedding photos were taken by David Lucas at dsphotomi.com!

November 16, 2018: Wedding Photo Essay

/ Cate Spader / 1 Comment

Juan and I went on our first date Friday, November 16, 2012 and were married Friday, November 16, 2018; it was truly a night to remember.  Being his wife is my biggest and best adventure yet…

All photos were taken by the lovely David Lucas at http://www.dsphotomi.com/index2.php#!/HOME

My husband is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.  He has shown me love since the beginning, as others did not.  He has taught me to feel confident in myself, even when I have not.  Juan is my best friend and I am incredibly proud of the man he is today.