Jeff gets married-- April 4, 2009

I've just recently returned from beautiful Florida where Jeff and Diana tied the knot! I just wanted to share my "trip report" of their wedding and hopefully get a nice thread of comments going for them to see upon their return home from their honeymoon :).

Saturday Steve (gatorchomp83) and I made the drive from Orlando to Fort Meyers in just over 2 1/2 hours. I would say it was a beautiful day for a drive, but all I saw was the inside of my eyelids the whole way.

We made our way to the amazing Sanibel Harbour Resort and scoured the pool area to find J Pizzie and his band of loyal followers having a great time. We enjoyed some pre-game drinks poolside and I was "forced" to participate in what can only be described as a sausage party on the dock. The Florida sun was beaming and so was the groom-to-be.

After a quick shower and change, we met up with Jeff and his Best Man Tim (aka OldTimerTim) for a typical round of trying to talk him out of it at the last minute. Kidding-- Diana should've been the one getting that talk ;)! Most of the guests gathered in the air conditioned lobby until it was time to hit the beach for the ceremony.

The secluded side of the beach was set-up perfectly for a nice, intimate beach wedding. JP took the stage up front (barefoot) and we patiently awaited the bride's entrance. Diana made her way around the corner and down the aisle looking absolutely beautiful! They exchanged vows with the sound of the waves crashing in the background and were pronounced Husband and Wife. They couldn't have picked a better location-- and I'm happy to report the weather was awesome as well. The ceremony was nothing short of perfect.

While Tyler (aka Neuski) kidnapped Jeff and Diana to take photos, most of us gathered in Charley's-- the hotel bar with a picturesque view of the bay. We were there just long enough to enjoy a drink and then were off to board the Princess, the 100-foot private yacht where the reception took place.

The reception started off with a cocktail hour where some yummy combination of fruit juices and rum was served, as the boat sailed off into the sunset. Before getting too inebriated, I took a turn at the wheel driving, but the Captain foiled my plan to do donuts and throw everyone into the water. After taking in an awesome sunset on the water and giving a moment of silence to Gonch who couldn't make it at the last minute, we made our way downstairs to the banquet area where Tim gave some awesome words with a champagne toast. We all NOMed on the spread of authentic Italian food and tasty Key Lime pie for dessert.

After dinner was open bar and dancing where fun was had by all. Steve and I explored the boat and spent time on the stern watching as the waves crashed against each other from the wake with land in the far distance. We chilled on the bow and enjoyed the sounds of Jeff's greatest hits playing on the speakers. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to the dock and the three-hour tour on the boat was over. We all headed back to Charley's for the after-party.

This was hands-down the best wedding I've ever been to and I'm sure Diana is to thank for that (Jeff...did you do ANY wedding planning :)?). Seriously, I am so glad I was able to be a part of it and the fun memories of that day will surely be with all the guests for a long, long time to come.

I want to end by saying a big CONGRATULATIONS to the newly-weds and wish them a very happy life together! They're off enjoying a wonderful honeymoon that doesn't involve roller coasters or interwebs (the way it should be, folks!) in Hawaii.

Feel free to check-out my photos from the big day here -- although I don't have that many as there was a rediculous amount of photography going on as it was :).

Thanks for reading!

Kara (car-uh)