Stoli, beach sunsets and a new D300: A perfect wedding celebration

My brother-in-law got married last weekend, and Jeff and I made the trip to Clearwater, Fla., to celebrate Casey and Kristina’s big day. I was going to write a huge post about love and how apparent theirs is, how they clearly can’t wait to spend their lives together, and how inspiring and touching they are. However, their wedding was full of fun and laughter; everyone was relaxed and at ease and having a great time. In my opinion, that’s the ultimate compliment to the bride and groom: We had fun. Really. Thanks, guys, for putting on such a fabulous party to celebrate your happily ever after. And in Kristina and Casey spirit, I bring you highlights from the big day (ok, the big weekend):

= The rehearsal dinner tone was set when a bunch of the guys (and Caroline!) did oyster shooters. I looked over at their shots and saw something solid in there, and was soooo glad it wasn’t me!

= My mother-in-law is the classiest person I know. I’ve known this for years, but I really saw proof of it during what could have been an awkward situation and she handled it with all the poise I could ever wish to have. Point for Suzie!

= The day of the wedding, for us guests at least, was wonderful and relaxing and fun. What a great vacation, guys.

= The vows were not traditional (Casey, did you guys write them yourselves?) and they were beautiful. Certainly words to live by. I can’t remember them all, but I do remember them concluding with a promise to help each other be the best that they can be. (And no, they weren’t straight out of the 80s Army slogan. That’s me muddling them up, I am sure.)

= The sun was in my eyes during the ceremony. That’s why I was crying. Not the touching vows or music or the look in Kristina’s eyes as she experienced the happiest day of her life. Nope, it was the sun. For sure. My other brother-in-law, Travis, said he had the same problem.

= The bartender had Vanilla Stoli, my favorite. Bartenders at weddings never have Vanilla Stoli!

= I had lots of Vanilla Stoli.

= I didn’t get to dance with my father-in-law. I’m bummed about that one. I forgot about his early bedtime. John, you owe me a dance!

= Jeff’s new camera is the same one as the wedding photographer’s. They had a great time talking shop. Can’t wait to shoot Amanda’s wedding in March!

= Casey’s friends are awesome fun. I’m horrible with names and don’t remember any of them (sorry, guys!), but we had so much fun together dancing, doing shots, telling stories and causing a ruckus.

= In lieu of traditional wedding favors, Kristina and Casey made a donation to the Lance Armstrong foundation in honor of Casey’s father, who passed away from cancer very recently. I think that was the perfect way to honor his father in such a touching way.  (For the record, my father-in-law is Casey’s stepfather, lest anyone get confused.)

= The night concluded perfectly with a boy in the girls’ bathroom. And a picture to prove it.

 I was talking to Casey at one point and he said to me: “I just have one question.”
Me: “What’s that?”
Casey: “Is this going to make your blog?”
Me: “Of course!”
Casey: “Yessss!”
(yes, that might have been my favorite part of the night!)

Aren’t weddings fun?