Wedding

After picking up Melissa from the airport on Tuesday, we headed across the state line to Gulf Shores Alabama where we stayed at the beautiful Martinique on the Gulf. Our first day together was devoted to throwing Meris a bachelorette party. The day dawned cold and rainy so we focused instead on indoor activities (eating, shopping and watching movies). Our one outdoor activity consisted of driving into Fort Morgan where we were promptly accosted by the staff for not paying museum admission even though we had only stopped to take a picture of a cool tunnel. Melissa also did cajole us into a carousel ride which was really fun. We ended the day at Gelato Joe's, singing karoke in a bar where one of the barstools was occupied by a cat and another by a dog. We doubled the population of the bar when the three of us walked in but it was such a warm and welcoming environment that we ended up staying til closing time (9pm :) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Carousel

Bar cat

Karaoke

The next day was rehearsal day which we began with some relaxing manicures and pedicures. Jess arrived in time to join us for the rehearsal and for the first time in 8 years the ranch girls were all reunited! We have all scattered across the country since then and lost touch every now and again but us four girls who met at a dude ranch for a summer job have formed an unbreakable bond of friendship that I am so grateful for. Everyone marveled at how amazing we looked but I guess anything is an improvement over jeans, boots and flannels!

Ranch girls reunited

The wedding day was filled with bright sun but the temperature only hit a high of 60 degrees. When the photgrapher arrived, he took Meris outside for some shots and when she came back, her lace train had caught all the pine needles so Jess and I had to do some cleanup!

Pine needle cleanup

With the photographer spending time with the groom's family, we also did some candid shots of our own just for fun.

The bride and her partner in crime

We mean business

Everyone was ready on time and Meris decided that the golf cart was the perfect chariot to carry her off to her wedding!

Riding in style

Despite the cold temperatures, the beach side ceremony (performed by Melissa) was filled with love and smiles. After all the pictures, we adjourned inside to warm up and have some cake. It was also Seth's birthday so it was a combination wedding and birthday cake. We ended the evening enjoying a delicious meal at Jessie's.

Saturday afternoon, Melissa and I took a late afternoon stroll on the Jeff Friend trail in the Bon Secour refuge and it was so absolutely quiet and still that it was the perfect relaxing end to a crazy week.

Bon Secour

Bon Secour

I am so thankful that I could celebrate with Meris and Seth and also reunite with Melissa and Jess. We were also surrounded by both Meris and Seth's family who are some of the sweetest, most loving people I have ever met and they welcomed us all with open arms.