The sunshine state

We had the opportunity last week during Micah's Fall break to head to the Florida panhandle (aka: Emerald Coast, aka: Hillbilly Riviera) to participate in the wedding of two dear friends: Christina and Darin. After eight loooong years they were finally getting hitched and my dreams of maid of honor were realized. Of course they waited so damn long I was now technically a matron.

We opted to stay with the family and wedding party at the two massive houses on the beach in Seagrove Beach, Florida that were rented for the festivities. We took in a bit of the famous sugar sand beaches the days leading up to the big day, as well as as much gumbo, BBQ, crab cakes, biscuits and grits we could muster in the four days we had there. After passing a Hog Heaven restaurant not 10 minutes after arriving at the airport, Zack conceded it was going to be tough eating in the South. The boys and I were in heaven.

Here the boys chillax in the shade:

Micah in the surf:

Levi teaching himself how to surf:

Then there was that night of debauchery at the Red Bar whereby the mystery of the missing gold slippers was solved by trekking up to the third floor roof top the next day. While I do not recall getting down from there the night before, I do (vaguely) recall being water boarded in the shower later by Zack. I was a mess. Needless to say it was not pretty.
Then the big day arrived. These photos do not give the setting justice. It was stunning and a perfect day. Sticks and sand make for happy wedding guests age 5 and under:

The groom, Darin, is accompanied down the aisle by his two older sisters, Jennifer and Kiersten (I'd like to add the dapper vest was my idea):
Bestman Nick and MOH Amy:

The ring bearers (sans rings): Micah and Kaden, aka: flower girl body guards:

Big hug to the groom from the little guys. I heard Kaden whisper,"good luck, man" and Micah whisper, "sucker!" Ok, not really.

And then the bride, Christina, made her grand entrance. Beach-goers stopped to watch and partake of the beauty:

Beauty:

Sunset photos:
Family in our wedding finery:

Best part: we all got to be bare foot! Second best thing: andouille sausage corn dogs and fried mac n' cheese appetizers waiting for us...God bless the South!