Our Honeymoon

Those of you who know us know we had a few issues when planning our honeymoon. First, we couldn't decide where we wanted to go. Then, we decided we wanted to go to Punta Cana, we booked our honeymoon and then the Navy dropped a bomb on us saying we couldn't go. So a month before our wedding we had no idea where we were going and were back to square one. But as the saying goes everything does happen for a reason and we ended up at the most perfect place we could have asked for.

Every airport we went to had some sort of issue. First, Expedia sent a confirmation but didn't actually book our flights, and we found this out when we got the airport for our departing flight. An hour and a half later with nothing resolved we got to pay out of pocket and were almost on our way, and then our flight got delayed 4 hours. But we got to Nassau and had a fabulous first night. An hour plane ride on a puddle jumper later we were in cell phone free in paradise.

Part of me doesn't want to recommend Cape Santa Maria because I want to be selfish and not let anyone know about it in fear that it will become overrun. Then I remember that the weekend we spent there was the same weekend as the Bahamas annual regatta and it was booked. . and we still only saw five people at most on the beaches. Have I mentioned it was perfect yet?

We spent a lot of our time just lounging around on the beach. The rest we spent between playing Scrabble and kayaking. We saw three star fish the size of our heads on separate occasions while out in the water -- it was awesome. We also saw a huge stingray! 

The resort had a snorkeling trip that was beyond worth it. We were able to see where Columbus landed on the island, a gorgeous cove that looked like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean (some of the movies were actually filmed on an uninhabited neighboring island). We boated in and out of gorgeous areas and were able to see an abundance of fish and coral. It was gorgeous! 

It was a relaxing trip full of catching up on sleep, enjoying drinks and each others company. We both were reminded about how nice it is to sit down and actually read a book that we wanted to.

While you definitely do not have to venture outside of the resort, we decided to explore the island for a day. It takes about two hours to get from one side to the other, but there's only one main road so you can't get lost.  We ventured down to Dean's Blue Hole, the deepest blue hole in the world plunging to depths of 663ft. It was pretty, and extremely daunting.

 This was the last picture taken before my poor camera had an ill timed death from falling off of the top of a car while on a timer. A lesson to everyone: don't balance your camera on a car.

I was determined to find sea glass and we ventured to a local beach that our morning waitress told us about. The beach turned out to be a tidal pool and one of the most amazing sites I saw.

It was the best trip that we could have asked for. When the going gets tough with this upcoming move and our new puppy (our next post will be about her!) I love to look through our wedding and honeymoon photos and kick back and reminisce. We all have those places that we hold dear to our hearts and the Cape is forever going to be one of ours.

I hope you're all having a beautiful week and take some time to relax and look at all the beauty that surrounds you. 

Our Wedding: June 1, 2013

It feels like just yesterday I was sneaking glances at him in 9th grade Geometry, hoping he'd actually give me some attention. Its been over a month and I still can't put my head around the fact that Nicholas and I are married.

June 1st has already turned into a bit of a blur. For looking forward to a day for my entire life, and spending the last few months planning every big -- and little -- detail, the day flew by faster than I can imagine. We were lucky enough to have a "wedding weekend". Most of my bridesmaids were from out of town so they all flew in Thursday and Friday and left Sunday or Monday. Cookouts, crafting and a post wedding brunch brought the weekend together and let us all spend time together. 

Our wedding was honestly the happiest day of my life.  I have heard so many people say that it will "fly by" and that we need to "make sure to have a moment alone to enjoy it together".  And everyone was right, it really did fly by. But at the same time we were also so wrapped into each other that we don't feel like we missed out on getting enough time "just the two of us" to enjoy what the day was about. If anything we probably would go back and spend more time with our friends.

Our ceremony was at the United States Naval Academy Chapel and absolutely perfect. Our reception venue was half an hour away at Old South Country Club and it was the best. I loved my dress, hair, flowers, everything. It's so cheesy but I really can't say anything other than how perfect the day was. I got to marry my best friend and that's all I've wanted.

Here's some pictures from our special day!

Our flowers were gorgeous and everything I imagined. 

Nic went above and beyond in his gift. The man who isn't the craftiest fellow gave me a box with little vials to fill with sand/dirt/anything from places we go on adventures. It was such a beautiful thing to receive. 

While neither of us are fans of first looks we both wanted to be able to at least hold each others hands before the ceremony. I found a few pictures like this and during our rehearsal I found the perfect door. We were able to read our letters to each other while holding hands. I got to the third line and started to cry, so, I only half read his letter, but still, it's the thought that counts. ;)

I love this photo so much. 

The little details were important to me. While frustrating at times, they truly did add an extra "umph" to our wedding day. For all future brides -- yes, don't sweat the small stuff -- but at the same time, if you really love a detail that everyone else is calling trivial, make sure to include it! I loved the detail on our programs and while it took forever to tie the little bows, the end result was worth it!

Our fantastic gluten free cake! Anyone in the Maryland, Virginia, DC area I recommend Happy Tart Bakery!

Because it wouldn't have felt right if I didn't stunt with my bridesmaids. . and of course Nic had to spot.

Nic's Best Man surprised us by having them all waltz during the Bridal Dance

We ended our night sending wishes into the air with sky lanterns and walking under sparklers. It was beautiful.


Our wedding was perfect and magical for many reasons. I got to marry my best friend and spend a weekend with family and friends. I've never felt so much love in my life. I cannot say how thankful I am enough.