It was our last day in Jamaica. My sister-in-law, Missy, and I were waiting to board a shuttle for our ride back to the airport. As I glanced down at my swollen ankles, I realized my “situation” didn’t even qualify as sunburn. More like, actual-fire-touched-my-feet, and that fire was called the SUN. As Missy sipped on one last piña colada, I looked her way and said, “Am I going to die?!”
Following a few moments of shear panic, the newest couple in the whoooole world walked by — Dyan and Chris. “How are your ankles?” Dyan asked as she stole a glance toward the floor. Cringe … I felt like an idiot. No, a fool. Nope … I felt just plain RIDICULOUS. I had sunscreen on, I swear. The Caribbean Sea stole my SPF 50.
Dyan pulled out her BlackBerry. Dr. Google to the rescue! “Sunburn and swollen feet.” For the next 90 seconds, I read 10 or so threads on a Yahoo message board, which mostly consisted of other fools telling the same, sad story: “OMG, it happened to me too! My feet are the size of elephants!!” SIGH. I’m not going to die, I thought. Yay for me.
Now THAT’S a bride for you: Assuring me I’ll make it to see another day. Heading into Jamaica, I worried about everything UNDER the sun … just not the sun itself. 🙂 Will my cameras function OK in the humidity? Will the outlets be the same as ours to charge my gear? Will the TSA agents steal my cameras? Will my carry-on fall out of the overhead bin and seriously injure a small child? Do I really need 15 memory cards? Never once did I think … will my swollen feet actually FIT into my sandals the day of the wedding? Owie. But alas, the start of the wedding was the perfect prescription: I didn’t think about the burns again for a good five or six hours.
Dyan and Chris, I can’t thank you enough for entrusting me with your special day. Jamaica was soooo gorgeous, and the two of you are an absolute inspiration. There may have been a few bumps along the way (silly slow hair stylist!), but here’s the deal: I’ve witnessed perfect ceremonies and imperfect couples. I’d MUCH rather see a perfect couple on an imperfect wedding day. Who cares if you’re a few minutes late to the chapel? It’s the love that matters. On time or a few minutes behind, Chris didn’t doubt for a second that Dyan eventually would walk down the beautiful path to the chapel in her lovely white dress. So thank you both, again: I have memories from your day that will stick with me for a lifetime.
Now for some photos! I’ll start with one of the water. Love love love this water … so clear, so blue, so green, so dreamy. And yes, I could see the ocean from our room. Hate me, I dare you.
Next up is a photo I snapped while Dyan was getting her hair and makeup done. The maid of honor was waiting patiently in the chair next to Dyan, keeping all clocks and watches out of the bride’s sight. 🙂 This photo may or may not have been taken 15 minutes before the scheduled start of the ceremony … I won’t tell.
I just loved Dyan’s curls … and I’m always impartial to veils. 🙂
Hair and makeup, check! The next photo makes me laugh. To me, it proves, there are no rules on your wedding day. As Dyan and her maid of honor are walking away from the chapel to get dressed, two of Dyan’s friends are walking to the chapel for the ceremony. “You’re going the wrong way!” her friends yelled as Dyan hurried past. I smiled wide …
The following photo is of Dyan’s dad, taken shortly before Dyan arrived at the chapel. Truth be told, I have a soft spot for parents of the bride and groom. All too often, we forget how special of a day this is for them, too. He waited patiently and peacefully for Dyan to arrive. I can only imagine the thoughts going through his mind as he was about to walk his little girl down the isle.
The first kiss, A.K.A., the photo I better not miss. But fear not, Chris’ dad got the shot, too. 🙂 I love how wide he’s smiling behind his camera. So, so proud of his boy!
And one more parent picture — I couldn’t resist. Dyan gave her mom the sweetest hug immediately following the service.
After the ceremony, we headed down to the water for a few beach photos. I’m not exactly sure what Chris is always whispering in Dyan’s ear, but whatever it is, he makes her laugh. The real McCoy kind of laugh … adorable, isn’t it. Maybe they were talking about my ankles? Doubt it; they’re too nice.
As Dyan and Chris went up to grab a drink, my lovely assistant (uhhh-humm sister-in-law) and I stole their rings for a moment or two. I took the photo while Missy guarded the rings from waves and … sharks.
Goodbye for now, Jamaica! I hope we meet again. 🙂
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