LOL!!! Yeah, I get that.... dumb phones!I gotta get moving but your post popped up just as I’d corrected all the predicted text mistakes on mine . Stupid phone ( nothing to do with me-honest)
It was a happy day, for as beautiful as it was, it was honestly pretty low key too. There was still time to lounge by the pool, enjoy the yummy foods/meals, and everyone was just walking around the resort meeting each other and relaxing.I couldn’t resist reading your post. All I can say is Wow! What a beautiful bride ( and groom). Looks like such a love-filled, happy day. The wedding set up is simply gorgeous and while you may have felt a wee bit awkward in the family group shots I think you look beautiful and I can clearly sense the love you share with your daughter.
Thanks so much! And yes, I sure hope so! Always makes a TR more fun to see some traffic and pursue friendships.Will chat more later but just wanted to say how beautiful it all sounds and looks.
Cheerio for now
It was so over-the-top. I think what she got for what she paid (and I don't know really what that is) was a really nice wedding... far more than she could have gotten here for sure. A wedding on a beach sure was dreamy!!Holy cow! What a wonderful wedding! The venue looks beautiful and the scenery - oh my. Such an elegant affair. You really cleaned up nice - very pretty. Your room at the resort vs the Airbnb was like stepping into another world. Thanks for sharing the story and photos!
Thanks, Caroline! It was truly a beautiful event and I was so happy I could go and enjoy the day with them and meet her new family. I'm still waiting for her to send any of the official shots.What a beautiful wedding! It looks like a wonderful day and evening!
The pictures are amazing!
Aww, thanks! I loved that dress too. I don't think I got a photo of it but the back is a full lace up adding such a fun style to it.What a beautiful day! I love your dress. You looked marvelous!
I just love reading your reports and I will wait for updates when you can provide them.Hi there, Judy! Thanks for checking in! How are you?
It was really a very lovely place and they made it so gorgeous for the beach ceremony!
So was your other daughter in the wedding party? I can't remember.
I do too. Life is just WAY too busy right now to be here much at all. BUT school will be over soon and maybe things will fall into more predictable a pattern for me and I can start reading other folks' TRs again too.I miss the days when I’d time to be on the Dis more. I’m not sure why that is as I’m definitely doing less “paid work” nowadays. I do look after my grandson after school and my youngest is still at school so between pick ups there’s less Dis time for sure. We definitely had some craic with eachother in the past so fingers crossed I can pop on more often and we can enjoy some banter again. I had a wee nosey at your tour of Italy and love how many places you discovered off the beaten track. I’ve only been once, to Tuscany, and loved it there. We stayed just outside Vinci. Beautiful place. We did visit Parc di Pinocchio with our two eldest ( 8 and almost 1 at the time). Happy memories
We did indeed!You actually went to the Pinocchio PARK!?! NICE! I don't know a single other person who's even heard of it! Neat!
I suspected as much.you may be wondering if we did sleep. I’m sad to say, no. No, we did not.
Yeah... that'd do it alright.I think the AC just wasn’t cutting it, the time difference was taking a victory lap, the excitement of travel and the wedding was too much, added to it being in an unfamiliar place, and jet lag just couldn’t compete.
the ubiquitous roosters letting us know that it doesn’t matter how crappy you have slept, you WILL wake up.
I didn’t even bother to change out of my pj’s and took a walk around the little sub-division hoping to find whatever bird was making that racket. The German vacationer across the street probably thought I was nuts,
but I thought he was nuttier when he came out of the eating pavilion in his underwear smoking a cigarette.
Apparently so!I guess anything goes early in the morning while on vacation.
Whoops! Yeah... "Enjoy your vacation... have some rabies, free of charge!"I did encounter some rather scary dogs advancing at me while barking so made a hasty u-turn and went the other way.
Impressed.She hadn’t slept well either but complied when I asked her to get up at 9:00 and started getting ready.
I took her over to the little fruits I’d found and asked her if she ate them. “Oh no, I don’t think you can!” I showed her the information that I’d found, and she shrugged her shoulders, picked one, and tried it. I think she might have thrown up in her mouth a little and spit it out.
After you made her vomit in her mouth.... Also impressive.Anyway, Catherine and I are FB friends now;
Or making them puke. Either or. Everyone needs a hobby.collecting friends from all over the world is a wonderful thing indeed!
Oh dear. But nice of him to take it in stride.At this point, they told us it’d take 15 minutes, and I instantly felt horrible that the driver would have to wait. Ugh. He was so polite and understanding though and told us, “no problem at all”.
Interesting. I've heard of e-sim but don't know anyone who's used it.at that point she decided to just get some gigs with an online e-SIM vendor. There are hundreds of these companies, but she went with Nomad which is very reputable. Generally, the process is super easy, you just purchase how much data you want and activate it in minutes. It’s also super cheap and enough for the uses you’d need like navigating with Google Maps, some social media posting and scrolling, and sending emails.
It's after 5pm back in the US, right?My first picture was taken at 10:29 and I can remember that this cocktail was MUCH better than the gross marg from the day before.
That does sound good. I'd try that in a heartbeat.One of Leander’s uncles and I struck up a conversation and he was having a freshly squeezed pineapple juice with a shot of vodka. YES, PLEASE!
Huh! I bet she's in demand.Hannah, on the right end is a helicopter mechanic
Wow! Not bad!It was so filling and a family of 4 could easily have shared it- all for $6.00.
No offense, but... it really doesn't look appetizing. But I'd still definitely try it.I know it doesn't look very appetizing, but this is a dish that is kinda like the Ugly Duckling of foods. It truly was very flavorful and I'd order it again given the chance.
Was I eating 2 hours later? Yep!
This was the only time we had separate rooms for the remainder of the trip. Heck, it was one of a very few times we had our own BEDS!
Whoa!Meanwhile, the beach was being transformed by a plethora of workers into a gorgeous, and frankly impressive, wedding space. They’d started around 9:00, I was told, and were still putting the finishing touches on the set up at 3:30 as photos were in progress.
That must've been quite the sight. Did you feel like you were getting ready for a movie?It was an absolutely buzzing hive of activity with dresses being steamed, people changing, sitting in studio chairs under studio lights, others eating as they could. This was really quite the production!
I love her expression. Excited and nervous all at once.
Anara on the other hand looks cool as a cucumber.
Hair is beautiful!
Was Anara not in the bridal party? Yes or no, you all look lovely.
Beautiful shot of you.
The best part? All I had to do was show up!
Not to spoil.... but this was just the beginning...
It's a fun word that I use whenever I possibly can!
Not surprised.I think it's my favorite from the ones I got of them.
Huh. If/when I travel, I might have to look into it.It's a life-saver!!! We used it a lot this trip and I used it in Africa (Sierra Leone) and in Europe too.
More on this later, but I was actually super duper impressed with how mature and self-confident she's become.
Okay. I'll keep it in mind if I find myself back in that area again.But sorry, NOTHING beats a fresh, housemade marg in Tucson!
That was kinda what I was alluding to.And $$$$$$$
Ah! I remember Zach. Thought he was the youngest, I think?5- Andrew, Rebekah, Michaela, Zachary, and Anara.
Now that is a very good question!I wonder if it's EVER snowed in the Philippines.
Sometimes you just gotta have something right now. And that's what there is.
Wow! Sounds amazing!There were far more fresh flowers that I’d have ever expected, tons of tropical touches like bamboo baskets for light fixtures over the reception area, palm fans, a dance floor, a jumbotron TV, seagrasses for the aisles and chair backings, and a TON of freshly cut tropical green plants.
Yeah... just a little awkward.But I don’t think the photographers knew or understood that while, yes, my ex and I were her parents, they kept putting us in the same photos and then having her stepmom trade me out. It was just weird.
Your ex does look a little awkward there. I presume that's him beside you?
Like this shot.
(Dreamy, no?)
Interesting. And why not!They chose to have a Catholic-infused/influenced ceremony with a priest, but was not a traditional Mass per se either.
That's odd that they'd do that, then?and signing the document (which was fake because they were already legally married in Oregon a month prior).
Soooo many!(Those FLOWERS!)
What a wonderful, thoughtful idea.I was happy that she did choose to have her dad and I both walk her down the aisle. I felt honored and touched.
Awwww...Mikki, I think was totally overwhelmed at the moment and cried all the way down the aisle.
I agree!But she was an incredibly beautiful bride.
Interesting that her hair is down there, then up for the actual wedding.(Taken before the ceremony)
Awwww!(Don't let the smile fool you, she's crying.)
Very nice.the one thing that stood out more than anything else were their personally written vows. Both did a phenomenal job at keeping it authentic and you could really tell there was genuine love between them.
Tons of food! I was not expecting to see all that!Anara and I headed up that way and found a VERY nice spread of goodies
A really nice shot of you!
Love the lights.
I like those. Classy.(The table centerpieces)
That's odd... but... then again, you probably didn't know many people other than the bride, Anara and your ex. And I'm betting that Anara was sat with a younger crowd and you're probably not to upset with not having to sit with your ex?There was assigned seating and I was sat a table with people I’d never met and had no idea who even were.
Why?my mind was really not on the conversation to be honest. It was dreading the toast/speech I had to give.
mmmmm... looks delicious!But the real star of the show was the whole roast pig!
So... many... people!Did I mention they’d also, in addition to the small army of photographers, videographers, servers, coordinators (probably 50 or more people all told),
I don't see why you were so nervous. Sounds like it was a very nice speech.I’d written out a nice little “I love you and wish you the best” spiel and it seemed to be well received. I was unbelievably relieved when my turn was over!!!
mmmm... cake.but do remember the cake cutting was shortly after dinner.
What? No cake?They cut it for a few photo opps, but now, looking back, I don’t even know if they served it or not to guests? Maybe I just missed out on that entirely!
Really? I would have been very moved to do that.The dancing began with the Father-Daughter dance which they both thought was super cheesy by the looks on their faces.
After that, they did a Money Dance. I’m sure they loved that!!!
Awww...I used the opportunity to give Michaela a hug and tell her I loved her one more time.
Whoops... and yet...a personalized photo of the guest taken that day. Mine turned out crappy and I think I may have even tossed it.
...and yet... you'd think the photo of you would've been better. Ah well. Glad to hear the rest of the shots were really good.I could tell already that the photographers had done a jaw-dropping job for her. Truly, it was some of the best wedding photography I’ve ever seen.
Yes, you read that right! The reception ended with fireworks!
I'm glad she was so pleased with it all.She teared up and said that the wedding was far, far more than she expected it would be or that she’d envisioned or planned even. I think even they were surprised at how incredibly grand it really was.
This does not surprise me!Rumor has it that the bridal party stayed up until 2:00 in the pool doing shots and other dumb stuff that “kids” in their 20’s do.
I found some photos. Blacked out my husband as he’s shyYou actually went to the Pinocchio PARK!?!
Slowly but surely (after this time off barrage) I'll get 'er done. LOTS coming up, including some beautiful photography from Bali!I just love reading your reports and I will wait for updates when you can provide them.
I have no trips planned except to a concert in Niagara Falls, Ontario (just down the road sort of) and then I guess time at the cottage. After 42 years of working for the same company (that I also worked for) my sister is retiring this year so we will of course spend time at the cottage. We may also plan a small trip to Port Huron Michigan for some cross border shopping.
Yes the resort had the most gorgeous infinity pool ever!!! It was so fun to be in it and feel like the water went on forever.Love this photo of you. Is it in front of some type of infinity pool?
Yes, my youngest girl, Anara has the travel bug like me and wants to explore the world. She saved enough to go not just to the wedding but join me for 2 1/2 week in Australia afterwards. She's a GREAT travel partner! The oldest one is busy with kiddos (2) and had to go back to work to cover some unexpected expenses. My two boys couldn't make it over either. Just too far and too much $$$$.So was your other daughter in the wedding party? I can't remember.
It just kept coming and coming.... OY! I sadly, gained a fair bit of weight on this trip!There certainly was a lot of food both for the pre-meal and the actual meal.
She was certainly a beautiful bride. And she couldn't have chosen a better place given that her new family was already mostly all there.Your daughter looks lovely and I am glad it was the best day for her.
Maybe one more update before I start back to "work".Can't wait to read more of your trip.
We did indeed!
If I get a chance I’ll see if I can find some photos and share them with you. It was in 1998 so photos are old school when you snapped away and hoped that you got something decent when you got the roll of film developed but I seem to remember a few of them turning out ok. We were holidaying with my brother-in-law and his family. Their kids were 11 & 14 and begging to go as they’d driven past it the week before we joined them. The cousins are all close and they wanted to go together. It was a lovely wee park but I don’t remember there being much of a nod to Pinocchio except for the name. I also don’t remember stalls selling the puppets but that could be because I’d two kids, limited funds and likely directed them away from such tempting toys or they may simply not have been there . My memory is not what it used to be unfortunately .
We were there in August and a lot of smaller villages closed up shop for Italian summer holiday at that time. We didn’t know this until we got there. I loved our time there and will get back to explore more one day. Vinci was such a lovely friendly place with just a couple of eateries, a small museum to it’s namesake, a cafe with a seat swing that my two loved while their dad and I enjoyed an early morning cappuccino and not much more. I’d love to be back there now. We also took the train to Florence for the day. Such a beautiful city. It was baking hot that August and we dipped my son (11 months old) in the fountain to cool him down much to the amusement of the guard who kindly pretended not to notice. Air-conditioning was not a thing in Italy in 1998 but after quite the search we found a gelato place that had a big notice on the door advertising they had it so 8, slightly overcooked, red in the face, Irish folk heaved a huge sigh of relief and ate gelato to their heart’s content in this heavenly little place until we no longer felt like we were about to expire
The older kids were astounded when they were allowed a second cone and my baby boy had his face practically covered in the stuff but he was grinning from ear to ear. Priceless!
I’ve had quite the stroll down memory lane this morning and it’s all thanks to you
Hope you’re having a lovely Saturday.
What a fun recap of what sounds like an amazing visit to Tuscany. I would LOVE to go again someday for sure! It's so peaceful and beautiful! That must have been quite something to stay in a very small village and enjoy is quaintness. Nope, in fact, nowadays the AC is actually regulated and legally can't be turned on until a certain date- same with heat. Glad you found ways to cool off!We did indeed!
If I get a chance I’ll see if I can find some photos and share them with you. It was in 1998 so photos are old school when you snapped away and hoped that you got something decent when you got the roll of film developed but I seem to remember a few of them turning out ok. We were holidaying with my brother-in-law and his family. Their kids were 11 & 14 and begging to go as they’d driven past it the week before we joined them. The cousins are all close and they wanted to go together. It was a lovely wee park but I don’t remember there being much of a nod to Pinocchio except for the name. I also don’t remember stalls selling the puppets but that could be because I’d two kids, limited funds and likely directed them away from such tempting toys or they may simply not have been there . My memory is not what it used to be unfortunately .
We were there in August and a lot of smaller villages closed up shop for Italian summer holiday at that time. We didn’t know this until we got there. I loved our time there and will get back to explore more one day. Vinci was such a lovely friendly place with just a couple of eateries, a small museum to it’s namesake, a cafe with a seat swing that my two loved while their dad and I enjoyed an early morning cappuccino and not much more. I’d love to be back there now. We also took the train to Florence for the day. Such a beautiful city. It was baking hot that August and we dipped my son (11 months old) in the fountain to cool him down much to the amusement of the guard who kindly pretended not to notice. Air-conditioning was not a thing in Italy in 1998 but after quite the search we found a gelato place that had a big notice on the door advertising they had it so 8, slightly overcooked, red in the face, Irish folk heaved a huge sigh of relief and ate gelato to their heart’s content in this heavenly little place until we no longer felt like we were about to expire
The older kids were astounded when they were allowed a second cone and my baby boy had his face practically covered in the stuff but he was grinning from ear to ear. Priceless!
I’ve had quite the stroll down memory lane this morning and it’s all thanks to you
Hope you’re having a lovely Saturday.
I was! I'd forgotten that visiting a more rural location includes early morning wake up calls.I'm laughing, but I suspect you might have been wanting to wring a few necks!
Yeah, half naked was... odd. He was making business calls which added another layer of weird.Not something I'd have the nerve to do!
Oh sure, why not!Apparently so!
When in Rome... shuck the togas, apparently!
Speaking of which...Whoops! Yeah... "Enjoy your vacation... have some rabies, free of charge!"
You've been warned.Or making them puke. Either or. Everyone needs a hobby.
Everyone was so polite and kind there.Oh dear. But nice of him to take it in stride.
It's really going to replace physical SIMs I think moving forward.Interesting. I've heard of e-sim but don't know anyone who's used it.
15 hours... so opposite, plus 3! No wonder I was so messed up!It's after 5pm back in the US, right?
Sooooo refreshing!That does sound good. I'd try that in a heartbeat.
I kinda did.That must've been quite the sight. Did you feel like you were getting ready for a movie?
Yeah, she keeps it cool on the inside, but she didn't fool me. She was pretty ramped up. Mommy could tell.I love her expression. Excited and nervous all at once.
Yeah, she was cool as a cucumber. Honestly, it was such a low-key atmosphere. There was really no rushing anywhere or high stress anything.Anara on the other hand looks cool as a cucumber.
Or jetlagged and exhausted to the point of being too tired to worry about it.
Yes, she was. I was very glad to have had one of them in it. Rebekah wasn't asked which made me a bit sad. I don't know the dynamic there and chose to stay out of it.Was Anara not in the bridal party? Yes or no, you all look lovely.
Nope, he's #4 and lives near me in Kentucky (when I'm actually there). Anara is the youngest.Ah! I remember Zach. Thought he was the youngest, I think?
Heh, we did it when lots of other stuff was open, but it was too $$ we needed a fast, familiar fix, or was just convenient.I've done that. Once in Germany. There just wasn't anything else open.
Just a little.Yeah... just a little awkward.
Yep.Your ex does look a little awkward there. I presume that's him beside you?
Apparently, there was some legal reasons they did it in the US. I think I'd heard that the legality of it didn't stand in the US for some reason having it done abroad. So, they did that there first. Also, they had a small reception of sorts in Oregon for family that couldn't travel like aunts, uncles, etc... I wasn't there nor invited so... can't tell you much about it.That's odd that they'd do that, then?
She had 2 photo shoots of her and her bridesmaids. She wanted some in her "getting ready" outfit and more casual in addition to her in her gown.Interesting that her hair is down there, then up for the actual wedding.
It was kinda extravagant in that department. I ate like a little oinker.Tons of food! I was not expecting to see all that!
Thanks!A really nice shot of you!
I started seeing them a lot in both the Philippines and even moreso in Bali. They're really pretty!Love the lights.
Simple, yet elegant.I like those. Classy.
Yes, Anara was mixed in with some others in the bridal party and I have no idea who Mike and Kim were sitting with. I was relieved when I looked at the seating chart posted at the entrance and found I wasn't with them. I"m sure it'd been fine, but...That's odd... but... then again, you probably didn't know many people other than the bride, Anara and your ex. And I'm betting that Anara was sat with a younger crowd and you're probably not to upset with not having to sit with your ex?
Just was super nervous. I was afraid I'd get emotional and cry or just completely flub up.Why?
I was honestly SHOCKED at how many people came! I had NO idea. Mike at one point, commented to me in the small bit of awkward small talk we had that he was also shocked at the level of extravagance put into the event and the amount of people. He was concerned that the in-laws had shelled out a ton of money and was worried that we might have been seen as cheap for not having helped. I actually kinda had the same thought (although I didn't care nor was worried since I wasn't asked or really included in the planning). Anyway, I told him that I was sure that Mik and Leander actually paid for everything themselves aside from a bit of the transportation logistics and some incidentals (like the McDonalds stop on the way down there. ) But culturally, events like this are a BIG DEAL. It's a chance to show off some and show relatives that "you've made it" and are generous, etc...So... many... people!
I was so full I probably would have passed. And sadly, my wedding cake experience for the most part... it's just not good.What? No cake?
I'd be outta there. Where's my piece of cake!!
He's just a VERY awkward dancer. Very stiff and robotic and kinda goofy looking. Sorry, can't lie.Really? I would have been very moved to do that.
I just remembered, we were all told it'd be perfectly fine to change into more comfortable clothes and shoes for the reception, so I had!!! I put on a nice skort I'd bought and new shirt a friend bought me recently. But I think someone was just running around taking very quick snaps of every guest and didn't bother to really try hard at taking a nice shot....and yet... you'd think the photo of you would've been better. Ah well. Glad to hear the rest of the shots were really good.
OH my word!!! How fun and yes, retro! We saw a TON of Pinocchio statues in the little town and a giant 20 foot one on the road leading out of the village.I found some photos. Blacked out my husband as he’s shy
I’d totally forgotten about the Pinocchio sculpture!
I seem to remember a maze made from hedgerows too.
Heh. More weird if they were video calls.Yeah, half naked was... odd. He was making business calls which added another layer of weird.
Speaking of which...
This is some concerning news: https://www.kvoa.com/news/arizona/w...cle_f4cb24e6-f9e5-11ee-bc16-87f3a5b4c16a.html
I live in Ground Zero.
I think you're right.It's really going to replace physical SIMs I think moving forward.
That calls for a drink!15 hours... so opposite, plus 3! No wonder I was so messed up!
I kinda did.
Yeah, she keeps it cool on the inside, but she didn't fool me. She was pretty ramped up. Mommy could tell.
That's good. And impressive, actually. It could've easily have been a madhouse.Yeah, she was cool as a cucumber. Honestly, it was such a low-key atmosphere. There was really no rushing anywhere or high stress anything.
Maybe she couldn't go, so she wasn't asked?Yes, she was. I was very glad to have had one of them in it. Rebekah wasn't asked which made me a bit sad. I don't know the dynamic there and chose to stay out of it.
But you were invited instead to the big bash. I know which one I'd pick.Apparently, there was some legal reasons they did it in the US. I think I'd heard that the legality of it didn't stand in the US for some reason having it done abroad. So, they did that there first. Also, they had a small reception of sorts in Oregon for family that couldn't travel like aunts, uncles, etc... I wasn't there nor invited so... can't tell you much about it.
It was kinda extravagant in that department. I ate like a little oinker.
but...I have no idea who Mike and Kim were sitting with. I was relieved when I looked at the seating chart posted at the entrance and found I wasn't with them. I"m sure it'd been fine, but...
Ohhh... I understand.Just was super nervous. I was afraid I'd get emotional and cry or just completely flub up.
The money would've concerned me too. I always want to pay my share.I was honestly SHOCKED at how many people came! I had NO idea. Mike at one point, commented to me in the small bit of awkward small talk we had that he was also shocked at the level of extravagance put into the event and the amount of people. He was concerned that the in-laws had shelled out a ton of money and was worried that we might have been seen as cheap for not having helped. I actually kinda had the same thought (although I didn't care nor was worried since I wasn't asked or really included in the planning). Anyway, I told him that I was sure that Mik and Leander actually paid for everything themselves aside from a bit of the transportation logistics and some incidentals (like the McDonalds stop on the way down there. ) But culturally, events like this are a BIG DEAL. It's a chance to show off some and show relatives that "you've made it" and are generous, etc...
Well, there's that, too.I was so full I probably would have passed.
This is often true. Form over function.And sadly, my wedding cake experience for the most part... it's just not good.
You're describing... me.He's just a VERY awkward dancer. Very stiff and robotic and kinda goofy looking. Sorry, can't lie.
Ah!I just remembered, we were all told it'd be perfectly fine to change into more comfortable clothes and shoes for the reception, so I had!!! I put on a nice skort I'd bought and new shirt a friend bought me recently. But I think someone was just running around taking very quick snaps of every guest and didn't bother to really try hard at taking a nice shot.
Looks like a scene from a movie!! Everything looked just incredible, and I am blown away by all of the flowers. Just wow!!
(Dreamy, no?)
I remember when you posted this one on FB. You look like a celebrity!! Even if it isn't a perfect crisp image, it's definitely beautiful!