2012 - May - Wedding Daze

 

We decided to anchor at Middle Cape (Cape Sable,the southern most part of the US mainland) a place we’ve never been before. It wasn’t a bad cruise at first, but by late afternoon & as we anchored, the wind was whipping in from the West & crashing onto the beach. It was too rough to get the dinghy ashore & too late to re-locate. We were stuck there for the night & a crappy night it was.
We headed north to Marco Island on the 11th & 10 hours later anchored in calm waters. We took the girls to the beach at Rookery Bay which is the southern-most part of Keeywaydin Island.

 

 

Wayne holding w/ Scupper & holding Molly so she doesn't get stepped on

 There was hardly a place to beach the boat. Hundreds of people crowded the small beach and I’ve never seen so many diverse law enforcement officers, plus EMS, tow boat companies & food boats. We soon learned that the Naples annual canoe races were that morning & everyone comes here afterwards - who knew? We met so many nice people mainly because of them ogling over the girls.

 

We tied up at the Naples Boat club on the 14^th to get ready for the busy week ahead. Shannon, bless her heart, expertly planned the entire week of fun & excitement. Wednesday the 16^th was the bachelorette / bachelor parties. I agreed to watch Nicholas but at the last minute, they found a new sitter so I was able to join the girls - YEA!


Susan, Shannon, Sherry, Felicia, Laura, Lindsey & me

 

Sherry, Felicia, Susan, Lindsey, Shannon, me & Laura arriving @ the Mercado



 

Shannon

Our driver - what a cutie, but can't remember his name ??

David & Shannon picked us up in front of the Tavern at the marina in a 36’, school bus yellow Hummer! Well, that brought everyone out from the bar. The girls & guys met at a very trendy bar/restaurant in the Mercado - a huge new development -I was SO lost in a town I lived in for over 10 yrs. Even though it was a 'school night', the place was packed! Groom on one side of the room, Bride on the other. Appetizers & drinks galore. The guys eventually left in their own ’boring’ black limo to a girlie place in Ft Myers - we stayed put & drank & danced the night away
 Thursday, 17th pedicure & manicures then rehearsal on the beach & dinner at Café Lurcat, a beautiful Italian restaurant where David works.



My David & Wayne at rehersal

Clowning around @ the rehersal dinner



The 18th , the big day but hair styles first. We kinda took over the salon at Robert's of Philadelphia  - I have no hair to style so I just got a simple, but very needed cut. (I was one of Roberts 1st customers in the early 80’s when he came to Naples -he was expensive then & still is-but worth it)

Alexis, Shannon's sister

The wedding was at 5 - we had to be there by 4:30 for pictures. Since we spent more time at the hairdresser than we planned, I didn’t think we’d make it in time but Shannon seemed to remain cool & calm - at least on the outside.




Ed, the beautiful bride, Shannon & her mom, Susan

Shannon was a princess - my son is very lucky. Gorgeous wedding, gorgeous day at the beach & everything went off without a hitch. Back in the Hummer & onto Café Luna for the reception (Shannon is a partner)

My favorite pic: Shannon listening to Nicholas 'talk'

 



Awwww

(Both Cafe Luna & Lurcat are on high rent district 5^th Ave South & across from each other) All of David’s childhood buddies were there & I’m mom to them. It haven’t seen most of them in 14 years. An exceptional night.




On the way to the reception

 




Our family reunited again - David, Frank & me

 

Laura, Ed, Shannon & Felicia

Shannon & her sister, Alexis

Music was great

Music was provided by one guy. He could play anything & was fabulous- the best, I’m told, in Naples. Let me point out that while we were enjoying the reception the restaurant was still open to the public. It was an amazing mix of people all wanting to join in the celebration.

 It was an extraordinary day but flew by all too quickly.  

Saturday, 19^th A much needed day of rest - getting old S*@Ks! We were on the go again that night. The newly weds made dinner for the family - I was grateful but felt guilty too having them do all that work after the crazy week they had. We enjoyed the meal & the company immensely. Because family & friends were in town for the wedding, they had Nicholas's christening in the same week.

 

 

Sunday, 20th The ceremony was held right after the church service at a very unique & beautiful Catholic church. I've never seen anything like it. Nicholas slept thru the service & remained asleep until the priest poured the water on his head. The good baby that he is, didn't even cry. As part of the service, the priest said, "Nicholas David" & he whipped his head around to see who was calling his name - very cute - he's so smart. Ya think I'm a proud grandma?

 

The kids arranged for a wonderful brunch at a small, intimate Italian restaurant down the street from the church. More good food but, sadly, it was time to say goodbye to everyone. We returned to the boat for, wait for it, more rest of course. Jeffrey, one of my ‘sons’, his girlfriend, Sharon & my David came to the boat for happy hour & a lively conversation.

End to another perfect day…and that folks is the end of this family adventure. We left the dock the next day looking forward to being ‘on the hook’ (anchored) for a few days where there are no city lights, no barking dogs & you can see every star in the sky. Ahhhhh

I hope you’ll stay tuned for more stories. Thanks for reading.



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