TWU by Jeff Rehmar | Weddings, Helicopters & Garlic Butter

A year of milestones, unexpected adventures, and lessons worth sharing.

Author

Jeff Rehmar
December 26, 2024

2024 was a year where everything came together. From the joy of marrying Tori to discovering new places, sipping incredible coffee, and connecting with loved ones, this year was about celebrating life in all its forms. Here’s a look back at what stood out, what I learned, and what I’m looking forward to in 2025.

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Marriage: The Highlight of the Year

Nothing will ever top this: marrying Tori was the best part of 2024.

  • The Wedding: We got married in Kauai in February, surrounded by family and friends. It was everything we wanted—full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

  • The Day Before: We played golf at Kukilono with 15 golfers and 10 others who came for the fun and views. It wasn’t about the score—it was about celebrating with the people who matter most.

  • The Week After: On our honeymoon in Australia, I played St. Andrews Beach with Tori, Mike Clayton (the most knowledgeable person in the world on what makes a great golf course, in my opinion), kangaroos and a couple of great locals, Stu & Brendon who I’ve stayed in touch with. It wasn’t just golf—it was magic.

Family: Celebrating Austin and Lauren

July brought another milestone: my brother Austin married Lauren in Southern California.

  • The Wedding: It was beautiful, intimate, and perfectly suited to them. One of my proudest moments was delivering a speech that felt just right—heartfelt and honest.

Family weddings are rare, and this one reminded me to soak in these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Travel: New Perspectives

This year, travel wasn’t just about seeing places—it was about connecting with people and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Best View

  • Great Barrier Reef from a Helicopter: Snorkeling was incredible, but seeing the reef from above? Unforgettable. The vibrant blues, endless coral, and sheer scale of it all was a moment of pure awe.

Most Sobering Moment

  • Vanuatu’s Earthquake: I flew over Vanuatu in February and was struck by its beauty. Just days ago, the island nation was hit by a 7.0 earthquake—a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.

Most Meaningful Trip

  • Chagrin Falls, Ohio: Taking Tori to my hometown was quietly transformative. We walked along Chagrin River Road, watched the Blossom Time parade and shared coffee at Heartwood Coffee Roasters. Sharing my roots with her gave me a new appreciation for where I came from.

Unexpected Magic

  • Spur-of-the-Moment Adventure: While visiting Ohio, Tori and I joined the Thompsons for an impromptu tour and walk through Gates Mills (a very New England village in the heart of NE Ohio). As a planner, this was out of my comfort zone—but it ended up being one of my favorite memories. Sometimes, unplanned moments are the best ones.

Coffee: The Constant in Every Adventure

This year, coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a connection.

  • Melbourne Favorites:

    • Commonfolk Coffee (Mornington): Great industrial design in a fantastic area with spas, golf, and wineries (think Napa).

    • Waterfall Gully Café (Rosebud): Relaxed, unpretentious, and a great atmosphere.

    • Proud Mary Coffee (Melbourne): Known for its exceptional coffee and vibrant café culture. Proud Mary also has U.S. locations in Austin and Portland. You can check out their website here.

Favorite Stays

This year brought some incredible Airbnb and hotel stays that made our travels even better. For the record, I don’t make any money off these links—just sharing places I genuinely loved.

  1. Niagara-on-the-Lake Airbnb (Ontario, Canada): A charming stay in one of the most picturesque towns near Cleveland. Perfect for a weekend escape.

  2. Ma Mere’s Bed & Breakfast (Monmouth, Oregon): Cozy, welcoming, and a great base for exploring Oregon’s countryside.

  3. Mornington Airbnb (Mornington, Australia): A coastal gem with beautiful views and close to great coffee spots.

Food: What Are Yabbies?

This year’s best meal involved yabbies. For my American readers, yabbies are freshwater crustaceans similar to crawfish, but larger and sweeter—basically mini lobsters with an Aussie twist.

  • Best Meal: Garlic yabbies at Dundee’s in Cairns, roasted in garlic butter and served over seasoned rice. Simple, fresh, and unforgettable.

Conversations That Mattered

  1. Late-Night Chats with Matt in Bend, Oregon: In our cabin under the stars, Matt and I stayed up late talking about life, growth, and everything in between. These are the conversations that remind you why connection is so important.

  2. Every Moment with Tori: Whether it was yoga under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or taking the Maid of the Mist in Niagara Falls, our conversations this year deepened my appreciation for her and our life together.

Lessons from 2024

  1. Celebrate the Big and Small Wins: Weddings and great coffee are incredible, but so are impromptu walks through Gates Mills or late-night talks with friends.

  2. Stay Curious: Exploring new places, learning what yabbies are, or stepping outside my comfort zone—all of it added richness to the year.

  3. The World Is Beautiful and Fragile: From the Great Barrier Reef to Vanuatu’s earthquake, 2024 reminded me to appreciate and protect what we have.

  4. Connection Is Everything: Whether planned or spontaneous, the people in your life make every experience better.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Goals

Here’s what I’m excited about for next year:

  • Reading More: I want to prioritize books in 2025, exploring topics that inspire and challenge me.

  • Travel Goals:

    1. Scandinavia: Exploring Denmark, Sweden, and Norway has been on my bucket list for years.

    2. Italy: Coffee, pasta, history, and art—it’s time to make it happen.

    3. Kauai: Heading back to celebrate our first anniversary and relive the magic of our wedding.

2024’s Greatest Hits

Here’s what stood out:

2024 was a year of love, connection, and discovery. Here’s to making 2025 even better—filled with new adventures, deeper relationships, and moments that matter.

Where did 2024 take you? Hit reply and let me know your highlights—or share this with someone who could use a little inspiration for their own year ahead.

Cheers to what’s next. ☕

📚 Weekly Book Recommendation: Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan

This week’s pick is Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan—a book that inspired me to finally start this newsletter. We all have entrepreneurial ideas, those “what if” thoughts that pop into our heads about starting something new. Too often, they stay just that: ideas.

Noah’s book challenges that hesitation and encourages you to take action. It’s a straightforward guide to stop overthinking, use the resources you already have, and just try it. Reading this was the push I needed to stop waiting for the “perfect moment” and finally hit send on this newsletter. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or waiting for the right time, this book is the perfect motivator to take that first step.

Get it on Amazon
Disclaimer: I don't make any money from links—just sharing a great read.

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