Hello, friends and good Sunday!
Iโve got a little news. A single bit of big news, actually. The kind of news I’m going to need you to swallow your sip of coffee for:ย Will and I got married!
Weโve been together for a very sweet five years, and the whispers behind our backs about โwhen they’re finally get hitchedโ started to become overt open discussions, oh, four years and six months ago. This year, with everyone already gathering for Thanksgiving, we thought, we’re already making dinner, let’s throw a surprise wedding, too! No engagement, no Pinterest inspiration boards, no bridal shower games. Just a white dress I bought online one night, well past my bedtime, and a relatively impromptu wedding right there on the front porch of the Texas Bakehouse.
My dad officiated, Willโs mom played the piano, and my family kicked it into high gear once the surprise was revealed Wednesday afternoon.ย My mom lead the charge and everyone turned into sous chefs and event planners in a flip of a switch. It was perfect in the kind of way where you look around and realize the people you love most are holding you up, literally and figuratively.
Iโll share pictures and all the sappy details soon (if youโre into that sort of thing), but for now, I wanted you to hear the news straight from me. My heart is full, my cheeks are sore from smiling, I’m done fussing people to keep the front door closed, and this year feels like itโs ending on the sweetest possible note which is a blessing indeed.ย I’m most grateful for steeping our new house in memories I’ll cherish forever.
I hope this Sunday is treating you with the same warmth and joy.ย It’s been a wild year, but hot coffee next to Christmas tree lights is a balm, right?
Letโs dig into this weekโs links together.
โขย It doesn’t matter if I’m sleeping on an air mattress in my childhood bedroom or have my family visiting me in Texas, the question remains: Why Do I Revert Back to My Moody Teenage Self Whenever I’m Around My Family? Related: sorry, Mom! (Self)
โขย Should we get matching Ring Theory and Kvetching Order tattoos? ย How Not To Say The Wrong Thing (LA Times)
โขย How To Have People Over When You’re a Clean Freak.ย Clean freak I am not, but I am a Keep The Front Door Closed Freak and apparently when you have loads of people over that particular freak will very much be tested. (The Cut)
โขย Are you a winter, a summer, maybe an autumn?ย I’m talking actual seasons, not the colors you might look best in.ย I’m a summer so this particular list is helpful:ย 9 Ways To Embrace Winter Even If You Think You Hate It.ย I really like the idea of “slow hobbies”, which begs the question:ย are we all latch-hooking rugs this winter?ย (TIME, Latchhooks)
โขย Related, I’m adding house plants to our list of slow hobbies as I currently have a growing collection of potted babies in my upstairs bathtub. Houseplants Can Make You Happier (NYT Gift)
โขย I did this fun interview with Better Homes & Gardens.ย We cover my hosting philosophy, being a laid back Californian (laid back?), and spoiler alert: I did not personally make the Cheesecakes during my time working at The Cheesecake Factory.ย Those are, in fact, made in a factory.ย Joy the Baker’s House Rules (Better Homes & Gardens)
โข ย Our friend Toby with The Best Big Kid Toys of 2024.ย Can confirm I would dabble in all of these selections. (Parents)
โขย The Kitchn has a pretty solid list The 38 Best Food Gifts For Everyone Who Loves To Eat.ย One ofย my recent flexes is gifting a hunk of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese from Williams Sonoma. It’s both random and elite and always goes over with delight.ย (The Kitchn, Williams Sonoma)
โขย I’m gearing up to dive head first into holiday cookie baking. I’ve not been my most neighborly self this year, just trying to keep my head above water putting the house together BUT – it’s together enough for me to devote a few weeks to making and baking cookies for elaborate holiday cookie tins for my neighbors. Can I just give my neighbors a dozen cookies in a reused tupperware container? I’m afraid that’s not who I am – not when I’ve spotted these cute cookie tins!ย ย I’m still nailing down the exact cookie combo but there’s more than a few good ideas in this post, the new holiday magazine has cheddar and pecan cookie/cracker (because I love a savoryย surprise in a cookie itn), and sure to be on the list is this recipe for Polkagriskola (Swedish Peppermint Caramels). (Amazon, Joy the Baker, Magazine Shop, Saveur)
โขย One thing I do miss about New Orleans is sitting at Suzonne’s kitchen counter eating a batch of her New Orleans Style BBQ Shrimp.ย To be fair, it’s basically shrimp swimming in seasoned butter but there’s such art to this dish.ย It’s a very cozy winter offering. Just tuck it in the back of your mind for next time you want to stand at the stove and swirl butter around a pan for dinner. (Joy the Baker)
โขย Our friend Timothy with a deeply satisfying bowl of Black Bean Soup.ย Have you ever added a splash or fresh orange juice to black bean soup? Game changer. (Mississippi Vegan)
ย โขย I want to say that I’m currently watching The Day of the Jackal on Peacock, but mostly I’m currently falling asleep to The Day of the Jackal on Peacock.ย (Youtube)
โขย Song of the week: As by Stevie Wonder (Spotify)
My love to you!
xo Joy
106 Responses
Congratulations! Can you post a link for the Cheddar Pecan Wafers or email it to me? I would be very grateful! (Pun intended)
The recipe is actually in the latest issue of my holiday magazine (with loads of other great recipes)! You can find it there!
Congratulations. I am so excited for you. I cannot wait to see the pictures. I wish you and Will all the happiness in the world.
Thank you so much, Roberta!
Belated but very heartfelt congratulations to you and Will! Such wonderful news! Wishing you both many years of happiness together.
Happy Days! Congratulations to you and Will!
Oh I love the people article and cannot wait to see more photos! I’m a sucker for good wedding pictures.
re: food gifts
CARROT CAKE ALMOND BUTTER shut up
Let me join everyone else here and say Congratulations!
As a fellow surprise secret marriage person I eloped and no one except my sister knew until we told everyone months later at Christmas dinner. A family gathering party to celebrate.
So much to take in from this post. My holiday baking must have list is forming and needs to be road trip stable. Cookie tins and a cooler therefore are a must.
I’m halfway through the show The Day of the Jackal. How is it a short series is taking so long? Great actors, lovely scenery, and yet the pacing lags.
Breath and enjoy the holidays.
A surprise wedding is just the best, right!? So much less fuss but with all the joy and love.
Congratulations!! What a perfect idea. I have been reading your blog for ages, and know how much you put into everything you do. What a wonderful celebration that everyone could be part of instead of just being spectators. All the very best to you and Will.
That’s really kind, Teddi! Thank you!
Congratulations from right up the road in CS! May your journey together be the kind of love story that legends are made of <3
After reading the title of this newsletter I had to go and listen to Simon & Garfunkel's America. I found it on a Spotify playlist with lots of their music, it was a sweet blast from the past, thanks for that.
Sending Joy & Warmth to the both of you!
Biggest congrats! Former dedicated Shutterbean listener and have followed you since. So happy for your happiness!
What lovely lovely news. Congratulations!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. I wish you both so much joy (pun not intended) and happiness in the years ahead.
I love the photo of you two on the front steps and, yes, I want to see more pictures!
Thank you Dottie! More pictures to come!
So happy for you!
Congratulations! Wishing you and Will so much happiness together.
Heart so full!!!
Longtime reader and this post made me teary-eyed. So happy for you!
Thank you MJ! That really means a lot to me!
I’m SO happy for you and Will. Congratulations!!
I loved this news on Instagram and I love it here – your big-as-Texas smiles say it all. So happy for you and Will and yes, duh, of course we want more photos!
Mazel tov!
As IF you still gave us a full Sunday run down after that huge news! You’ve never been one to disappoint, Joy! Congratulations to you both and wishes for a lifetime of health, love and joy. I love everything about this.
Hahhaha! Thank you Amy!
Congratulations Joy and Will!
Iโm very happy for you both, and what a great way to start your married life – spontaneous and loved, and life-loving. May it continue for many happy years.
Congratulations to you both! So weirdly happy for you even though Iโm an internet stranger!
How delightful! How fun! May you find a lifetime of joy together!
Congratulations Joy!! I’m so happy for you both. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter, good food and pure love.
So very happy for you . congratulations to you both.
I make a lot of your recipes
Joy, itโs been such a lovely thing to watch you life unfold from LA to Texas. Here to many years of successful (whatever you deem successful to look like) marriage to you & Will xx
Thank you Reannon! I can’t even tell you how much it means to have you here for so much!
Congratulations, Joy! I wish you many blessings!
From the girl whose husband surprised her with a trip to Pasadena to meet Joy when her first cookbook came out. I’m baking your cranberry orange poppyseed cookies today!!
Such happy news! Congratulations to you & Will!
Dang, you two are so cute! Huge congrats and much love.
Enjoyed seeing more pics and details in the People story you linked to, but would also love to see more from you, whenever you have time. Especially CAKE!
Congratulations! Your wedding sounds perfect and the photo is the absolute loveliest. This Texas gal wishes you and Will a lifetime of happiness together.
Hollie – thank you!
I’ve been half expecting this ever since you bought the house. All the usual congratulations to you both, but most of all, my undying admiration for the brilliant way you handled the event itself: low-key and so classy, no self-aggrandizing, no fuss for your friends and family, and you have now forever imbued Thanksgiving with extra meaning for yourselves. Absolutely brilliant. And I can hardly wait to see the cake.
Ah thank you Maggie! Did you see this one coming? :)
I have been reading and lurking around this blog forever, and just wanted to offer my tiny congratulations! Love the picture. You both look so happy.
I accept your tiny congratulations with all the love in my heart! Thank you!
????????????Congratulations! Iโm so happy fot you both. Wishing you a long and happy marriage. Looking forward to seeing your wedding pictures ?
Hi, Joy. What wonderful news to see y’all hitched. Question: how did you and Will meet? Weren’t you in NO at the time (5 years ago)? I seem to remember his name coming up in your posts then. Blessings to you both.
Suellen
Yes yes you’re right – New Orleans, 5 years ago. I have more of a blog post coming about it in the next few days!
Congratulations, Joy! This is wonderful news!
Many congratulations from a long time reader! The pictures are beautiful!
Congrats! I thought you were single? I saw a post where you joked about it. Anywhoo what a sweet surprise. Cheers to a marvelous marriage.
Congrats to the happy couple, wishing you so much happiness.
Thank you so much!
It’s about time! :-) Congratulations!
Such a happy way to start the day! Congratulations to you and Will!??????????
Ahhh! Congratulations friend! So happy for you!
Mazel! Been with you since our days in LA. I moved on like you to Charleston, SC when you went to NOLA. Marriage is a great adventures and I wish you smooth sailing.
Thank you Carie!
Thanksgiving indeed – congratulations on this wonderful news!
Congratulations on this new chapter ( challenge ?) in life! It’s quite wonderful!
Congrats you two! What a lovely & low-key way to celebrate, just thrilled for you! <3
Best news ever!! Congratulations!
Congratulations! I wish for you lots of love and a lifetime of happiness!
So surprised and yet so not surprised.
I have been following you since your Cali days. You have always been so totally emotionally honest, genuine, positive. and REAL. I guess that is one of the reason I gravitate back so often. Oh and of course…the fantastic recipes.
I look forward to continuing with you as your generously share your journey and your adventures.
Sincere best wishes to you and Will.
And I can’t wait to see all the pictures…so fun.
Thank you so much, Nancy! That’s really so kind and I’m so thankful to have you in this tiny corner of the internet for so long!
Congratulations!!!!
MAZEL TOV!!!!
This post is so SO awesome and so weird – in that I was LITERALLY just wondering yesterday if y’all were going to get engaged this holiday season . . . and you up and did even better!
I wish you both much love and laughter on your hopefully long journey together – may you have lots of wonderful adventures!
HHahahha! Thank you so much! We really did skip the fuss of an engagement. :)
Congratulations, you’re a beautiful couple! I loved the way you handled your wedding too! Perfect!
Wow!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Is it ok to admit I was wondering when (notice I did not say “if”) this was going to happen? :) May you have many, many happy years together!
Congratulations, Joy! May the happiness you felt on your wedding day be a touchstone you can return to again and again throughout your marriage!
Congratulations!!!!! ??
I loved opening your email to such happy news! Congratulations! I wish for you and your husband a lifetime of smiles and happiness.
A surprise wedding! So fun. Congratulations!
Congratulations!! I have followed you since your California days, and am so thrilled for you and Will. Funny how much joy we can feel for someone weโbe never met! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and keeping each other steady.
Congratulations!! So happy for You both. May you remember this day and the love you share for the rest of your Lives????
Well. FINALLY! Sending warm wishes for a long and healthy life togetherโฆxoxo
Yaaaaay! Congratulations! The wedding news is bonkers awesome ;) !!! Yes, I am a big sap that has been baking and crafting with you since your days in California so I want to see all the pics and news (that you and Will are willing to share, of course). Beautiful surprise although I may have been secretly hoping there would be a future zine for laid back wedding planning with the most fun shower / wedding appetizers, pies, DIY craftsโฆjust sayin, haha! Much happiness to you both! You might be a close the door freak with guests, but I am a wipe down and spray the glass shower with overnight guest freak, lol!
Congratulations! I am a long time read, sometime baker and am thrilled to read of your good news.
Joy! I have been quietly reading your newletter for years with much pleasure! This morning I screamed: Joy and Will got married! My husband said: Who? I feel like I know you both and I am so happy for you. Sending all good wishes for a happy life together!
OMG the gasp I gasped! I love how you’ve always seemed to do love in your own way…really inspires me!
Joy for Joy!!!
As a complete and utter nerd who has been following you since your “laid back” California days, this could not bring me more happiness for you. I still feel weird about being excited for a person I care about who I only know from the internet, but as this very weird year comes to a close, I am going to fully embrace every opportunity I have to tell absolutely everyone that I am so proud of them for how far they’ve come and how much they’ve accomplished.
More than anything thank you for including us in your life as well as your culinary journey. I loved your recipes when they had fun, self conscious, single girlie anecdotes, and I’ve loved growing into my forties and reading them as the anecdotes are more about the things that I too am concerned with in this strange middling time, like eking out pleasure when it feels like I shouldn’t, caring for our communities in real time, sourcing delight from old things with new twists, and finally getting comfortable in my own skin.
Anyway, enough about me, Congratulations Joy! wishing you all the happiness and true delight of both the season and the matrimony! Hugs for all!
So cool! Congratulations! Heโs a lucky man ?
Why the question mark? No, I meant to say Will is a lucky man! Thanks for sharing this big news. So happy for you.
Congratulations and so happy for you! Iโm totally into wanting to see all the pictures and every tiny detail!! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness! ???
I could not love this surprise DIY wedding more! I love how your families pitched in! Our son got married two days before you. The bride’s sister officiated, we baked cookies and scones and made tea sandwiches for a lovely tea party reception, they made a great playlist for dancing, had board games because they met in DnD club in college, and the families and wedding party worked their you know whats off setting up, taking down, cleaning…it was fabulous! I definitely team intimate wedding. Congrats and best wishes to you and Will!
Wheeeeee!!!!!!! Confession, I’m totally one who has been wondering “will they get married?” for the past 5 years, since your trips to Dallas became more frequent from New Orleans..then the move..motorcyle camping…Scottland- and to open this newletter, my heart sings for you!! YAYYA!!!!! Wishing you both the best! Can’t wait for all the sappy details and so wonderful that you did it in a totally Joy-ful way ;) xox
So happy for you, congratulations!! Sounds like a perfect wedding!
What a perfect wedding, simple and all about your love and family. Looks like major surprises will be a Thanksgiving tradition (since you are taking over Thanksgiving and setting your traditions!). Very happy for you both.
Joy! Such wonderful news!!! Congratulations to you and Will and your families!!! May your days be merry and bright, and your new life together be a continuous blessing!!
Congratulations to you and Will, and the Stevie Wonder song, sums it all up perfectly.
Your news brought the biggest smile to my face! Thank you for sharing your happiness! Will is a lucky guy!
Congratulations!!!!
I’m so happy for you both. Please share all the sappy details. This year’s has been a tough one so I try to enjoy other people’s happiness and good news as much as possible. Plus, who can resist a great wedding! I hope that you both have many blessed years together and always feel about each other like you feel right now. Bring on the pictures and the details!
Congratulations to you both! May you share many, many years of happiness and love.
What a wonderful surprise for all of us. Congratulations and all good wishes for yโall.
Oh my goodness such a great way to start the day! Thank you for sharing with us. I am so happy for you both!
What a beautiful wedding! Wishing you both all the best.
Congratulations!
Congratulation to you and Will! I, too, gasped when I saw the title. The wedding sounded absolutely perfect!
May your lives be filled with JOY!
Congratulations ???
Congratulations and is so refreshing to hear how you guys did it! My wedding to my husband was the same, no fuss, around those I loved-my husband parents were deceased, and my grandmother married us in 2001. God has kept us and I pray he does the same for you and Will
Congratulations on your wedding. Love and Blessings to you and your husband.
Congratulations, Joy!! I’m so happy for you and Will!! ?
The way I gasped when I read the title on my email! Congratulations to the happy couple! It sounds like you had the perfect celebration and I can’t wait to read more about it. Wishing you a long and happy marriage!
So happy for you two!! ???
And a Most Merry Christmas & Happiest New Year!! ??????
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!
Congratulations! I wish you and Will a long and happy life together. Canโt wait to hear all the details!!
I did a little cheer when I saw your post on Instagram! Can’t wait to hear more about your special day.
Congratulations!! What wonderful news. So very happy for you both.
What wonderful news to start the day with. Congratulations to you both!!
Ahhh such lovely joyful news! Many many felicitations! May those cheeks long be rosy!