Nautical Notes

Day two, Jan 8:

Congratulations to Keith and Lara! Today they were wed on the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor state park in Key West, FL. Here’s how the day went:

We arrived in Key West at 6am. The wedding group (all 85 of us) met on the dock and walked to the train that took us to Fort Zachary Taylor. When we got to the Fort, we were led to the beautiful wedding area, complete with a harp player, flower pedals scattered across the sand, and LOTS of snap-happy relatives. Seriously, I have never seen so many people taking pictures in my life. I love it! The bride walked down the aisle escorted by her two young sons. She was radiant! After the ceremony (performed by my cousin, Cade), we all gathered for group pictures. This was a little crazy, considering there were so many of us, and we had to stand on big rocks overlooking the beach. Standing on the big rocks included my aunt Marian almost losing her life by falling backwards. Good thing Reva was there to grab her hand before she fell. Good times, indeed.

After the pictures we headed back into town for the reception, held at The Rooftop Café. This place was amazing. The weather was perfect, the food was great, and the company was entertaining. After getting tipsy on virgin Pina Coladas, we were able to watch the bride and groom share their first dance as husband and wife. It was really cute, especially when Keith started dancing with Jentri, his 9 year old daughter, and the other couples in attendance started dancing. The toasts followed the dancing, and then came the cake cutting/stuffing. By the time this was all over, it was almost time for us to head back to the ship. Reva and I stopped at a shoe store so I could buy my first pair of Crocks. Hello?! Where have these shoes been all my life? Had I known these shoes were so comfortable, I would have bought them a LONG time ago! Here’s my plug for Crocks: Go buy some.

After more pictures, we all met in the Starlight Lounge for drinks and socializing. At the end we watched a video that Keith made for their wedding. You know, that sappy video that every wedding has to show pictures of the bride and groom from the time they were babies up to now? Well, Keith did a good job, because the video was really good and really touching. Keith and Lara went through a lot before they finally met and married. Everyone in our family is so happy for them.

Dinner tonight was a formal affair. For the appetizer I ordered escargot! My uncle Dan told me I should, and I am sure glad I listened to him. I love trying new foods, and this was a good new taste for me. It’s not as bad as you think! Try it sometime. For the entrée, I ordered roast duck (which tasted like a mix between chicken and turkey). Escargot, duck, and a delicious double strawberry cheesecake for dessert. I feel spoiled!

Sometime after dinner we all met up in the Solarium and watched Keith and Lara take the plunge…literally. They both jumped into the pool in their wedding clothes. Yes, Lara in her big white wedding dress, and Keith in his suit. Lara’s brother, uncle Dan, and Cade jumped in with them (all in their clothes too). My uncle LaMont then dragged my aunt Ellen over to the pool and made her jump in with him. Needless to say, LaMont and Ellen are my new heroes. What a crazy bunch of relatives I have…good thing I’m not related to them…oh, wait…

Tomorrow we’re stopping in Cozumel, Mexico for a few hours. More to come tomorrow.