Our Family Is Growing — The Perfect Engagement!

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Happy Sunday!

My heart is absolutely bursting this week — I have the most joyful news to share! Our Reis and the beautiful, kind, and amazing Jordin are engaged! 💍 We couldn’t be more excited to officially welcome Jordin into our family. Reis couldn’t have chosen a more special person to share his life with, and I know in my heart that their journey together will be filled with love, laughter, and countless memories around the family table.

As many of you know, Jordin isn’t just family to me — she is also my right hand in the Sunday Supper Movement. She runs our social media, manages our emails, and is the creative mind behind so many of the videos and posts you see. (Hi everyone! Haha - Jordin!)

Truly, I don’t know what I would do without her! Around our home, we often laugh that little by little, Jordin and I act more alike every day. So yes, the running joke is that Reis is marrying his mother — LOL!

A Picture-Perfect Engagement

Reis planned the most beautiful surprise at the Clearwater Beach Hyatt. At first, the skies were gray and we worried about the weather, but in perfect fashion, just minutes before he got down on one knee, the sun broke through the clouds and lit up the beach in the most magical way. It felt like the heavens were blessing this union, giving them the perfect backdrop for such a life-changing moment.

Our dear friend Marianna set up everything so, so perfectly. Her talent is just jaw-dropping, every single detail was pure magic. Truly, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

To make the day even more special, both of their families were there —Riley, Alex, Shamus, the boys, Ronnie, Julia, and Reis’s grandparents, and Jordin’s mother, grandmother, and aunt! Friends who have known them since kindergarten helped with the details, it honestly took a village, and every bit of it radiated love.

Food, Family, and Celebration

And of course — what’s a family milestone without food? In classic Family Foodie fashion, I brought along my trusty pulled pork recipe. This dish is nostalgic for so many of these kids, who grew up piling it onto sandwiches and tacos at our gatherings. Let me tell you, when I saw plates being piled high six and seven times, I knew it was a hit.

But I couldn’t resist experimenting, too! I wanted to make Reis and Jordin’s favorite saucy shrimp, but I worried about transporting it. Instead, I “flung it” with a lighter Portuguese version — garlic, parsley, wine, butter, and lemon all came together perfectly. Everyone at the party became my recipe testers. I love a good opportunity to have feedback on my new recipes, and the verdict was unanimous: it’s a keeper! I’ll be sharing this recipe with you very soon.

Overflowing With Joy

This moment reminded me why I love what I do. Food brings people together in the most magical way. It’s not just about recipes — it’s about creating memories, celebrating milestones, and weaving love into every bite.

As I sign off, my heart is so full. I am over the moon for Reis and Jordin, and I know their life together will be filled with moments just like this —joyful, shared, and surrounded by love.

Here’s to love, family, and the meals that make every celebration sweeter.

Isabel

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