After my divorce I really did not know if I would get married again, but then I fell in love. I did not want to have a big formal wedding - I had that all ready. I was ready to run away and have a small destination wedding. One issue though, my fianc� had never been married. We both love live music and the beach so we compromised. We had a tropical beach wedding in our own back yard on the Coast of Carolina.
We asked all our guests to come in tropical colors and clothing. My dress was a tropical bridal sarong and he had a matching tropical shirt. We were both barefoot for the wedding. The day of my wedding did not come without obstacles. The second knotties helped me get through the planning and the wedding.
First we were paying for the wedding ourselves, however our parents all had ideas and had to share and question our plans. We wanted to celebrate our new life together in a casual fun style by the water so that is what we did. The rehearsal was a disaster. Nothing seemed to go well, including my fianc� getting sick, family and catering issues.
On the day of the outside beach wedding, we woke up to a cold dreary day. I remember praying all morning for it not to rain. It was unbelievable but at 2:55, the clouds disappeared and the sun came out to a beautiful day. The photographer had to quickly change the lens on the camera.
It was such a great day. We had an informal reception in the palm garden of a tiki bar & cafe across the street from the beach. We enjoyed the sounds of a great live band and danced under the sun and stars. The day went by so quickly, but was great.
When little things went wrong, I heard the second knotties telling me to enjoy the day and have fun. In my opinion - Weddings should be a celebration of love and the happiness of starting a life together and not about the event itself. This is what our special day was like.