The Wedding

I can't remember a time in my life when I thought about a big wedding with a big cake and a big dress. It's just not my style. In fact, at the point in our relationship that I knew Micha was the one for me, I was perfectly happy to live together forever, like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn. So when he asked me to marry him, I really had no idea what kind of wedding I might want. In fact, I've only been in one wedding and I hate going to them. Why on Earth would I torture the friends and family that I love, not to mention myself, with some over-done, over-priced affair? Then there is the waste. As a person who is trying to be more socially, environmentally and fiscally responsible, how can I justify spending thousands on a gown that will only be worn once and flowers that will wilt and die?

Am I spoiling the mood for you yet?

We decided the only sensible and sane thing to do was to elope. Well sort of. Not in that traditional sense where two young lovers run away to Vegas and, against the wishes of their parents, do something impulsive in the name of love. No, ours was a more premeditated elopement. We decided to go over Spring Break and found a planner, Aaron's Key West Weddings to take care of everything. Seriously, all I had to do was show up with my dress on. My sister graciously agreed to stay with the kids and the dogs while we were gone on our wedding/honeymoon. I went back and forth over whether or not to include the kids in the ceremony. While the event was significant for our family as a whole, I ultimately decided that Micha and I's wedding should be about Micha and I.

Plus, who takes their kids on their honeymoon?! Seriously...

Don't get me wrong; entrusting my big day to a total stranger was not without some panic inducing moments. I sweat the small stuff. I worried that the vows would be corny, the flowers would be carnations and the location would have gigantic plastic signs for snorkeling and scooter rentals in the background. I literally had nightmares about the airline losing or damaging my dress. I envisioned my hair looking big and ridiculous and my make-up rivaling Tammy Faye Baker's. In fact, everything was perfect and couldn't have been more relaxing or more wonderful.

Hair and Make-Up by Headlines Hair and Nails

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale late Tuesday night the dress in one piece and looking as pristine as the day I picked it up from alterations. Micha had rented a convertible so naturally we put the top down before we left the airport parking garage. We had no idea that it was raining. After we stopped to put the top down (we weren't the only one's pulled over) we made our way to the hotel. The next morning we set out for Key West, top down and as pale as the underside of a fish. We arrived in Key West as red as lobsters.


Micha also rented a scooter for the 5 days we'd be in Key West because he's a genius. Seriously, scooters and bicycles are the only reasonable way to get around the island. The streets are narrow and crowded and limited is an understatement when it comes to parking. The morning of the ceremony Aaron, our wedding guru, brought my bouquet by our cottage and drove us out to the spot where the ceremony would take place on Smathers Beach. He went through what the ceremony would be like, talked to us about our family and and shared a little local wisdom (We didn't pay parking on a public street the rest of the trip!). Then it was time for my hair and make-up and by the time I got back, I had enough time for a salad and glass of wine and then into my dress.

Just before the ceremony.

We arrived at the beach, met the photographer and took a few shots before getting started. At this point I was starving and ready for a beer which I mentioned to Aaron. A few more pictures and it was go time!

In the distance, some ominous looking clouds were blowing in. We finished the ceremony and the pictures just in time. As we left the sky opened up and it began to pour. There were two other weddings taking place on the beach at the time.

 

 

The vows Aaron chose for us were perfect. He talked about family and friendship.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Johnson

How do you plan a dream you never knew you had? You don't. Just let it happen. Relax. Smile and laugh.