In the Summer of 2000, I met Mark as he was sitting on the porch of a mutual friends home. We developed a friendship that lasted about a year before life got in the way and we took separate paths. Five years later, due to the meddling of another mutual friend, we met again at a dinner party. I made all the moves that night, ascetaining whether he was single, asking for the phone number, and initiating the first hug. I left him wondering if I was "for real." I was
A little over a week later, they had thier first date - with my son Michael chaparoning. Dinner at Outback with a shared bottle of wine was followed by the oh-so-romantic bowling. Every night for the next few weeks, we spoke over the phone until the wee hours of morning. Soon Michael and I began spending a lot of time at Mark's home. When graduate school began a year into the relationship, Mark asked us to come live with him. We did.
Mark proposed the morning of November 25, 2008. It was the best Tuesday in the history of Tuesdays!
We've been together for more than 3 years. Our 4th anniversary is in July. After losing touch so long ago, he is now my best friend and he says I am his. What better compliment can a woman have?
We both wanted a beach wedding. Where and when, however, was up for debate. Wanting to avoid the summer heat and have the destination within driving distance narrowed our choices. When Mark suggested his second hometown, Tampa, Florida, I began researching. I found a wonderful company, Allen/Suncoast weddings that has helped me with every detail.
Our wedding date, December 26, 2009, was chosen foer several reasons. As a teacher, I get a few breaks that are not summer: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Spring Break. The feng shui signficance/ numerology of 12-26-09 suggests "very easy longevity." In addition, 6 is a very lucky number in feng shui. The 5 p.m. wedding is just before sunset and gives us plenty of time to take pictures before our 7 p.m. reception.
The wedding will take place on Sand Key Beach near Clearwater Beach Florida. I will post a map when I get one.
We have decided to forego attendants. I have a beautiful formal dress, but Mark will not be wearing a tux. Our guests are welcome to dress as they please.
The seven p.m. reception sets sail about 4 miles from the wedding site. Yes, that's right, I said sets sail. We chose to have a dinner cruise reception. Our guests will be able to choose from 10 entrees while cruising the intercoastal waterways in Florida. The company is Starlite Cruises. You can look at the
