Most of my summers growing up were split between the swim team and our annual trip to Ohio. We would take a family trip every year after my summer swim season ended. There was a small gap after swimming was over and my parents’ summer classes wrapped before the next school year started for all of us. This year was no exception to the annual August trip.

Last weekend I had the absolute pleasure of attending my cousin Claire’s wedding in Huron, Ohio. After flying into Cleveland, it was about an hour’s drive to the Airbnb, which my cousins dubbed Party Palace. As soon as we entered, we were met with long hugs and big smiles from the family I hadn’t seen in five years. Sportea was thrust into our hands, and my parents were drawn into a conversation about hiking to Mount Everest’s base camp. I focused on catching up with my cousins and their families.

My family briefly departed from the group to check into our own Airbnb and get ready for the farm. Zorn Farm is known for hosting a gathering for both the bride’s and groom’s families. I spent some time checking out the horses and adding my contribution to the chalk drawings. My cousin Justin catered the evening with favorites from his restaurant, Roadside ‘Que. By the time I made my way through the line, my plate was completely loaded with everything. The mac & cheese stuck out as my personal favorite.

As the evening was winding down, we gathered to take many variations of different group photos by family relation. It was special to see generations of my family come together to celebrate. As most families do, we sat around a table and kept adding chairs as new people approached to share famous family stories and boast about house parties and minivan shuttle services. The first night of this weekend was exactly what was needed to bring everyone together one last time before the wedding day.

— Fiona Stewart, account executive