Ahhh, Destin

Destin, Florida. One of my favorite vacation spots, due largely to the fact that my family has gone there every summer from 4th grade until the summer I was pregnant with Justin. I haven't been to the place where I have so many memories of the Blevins, Lundy, and Smith escapades in three whole years. Step in a NYC broker that Derek's boss does a lot of trades with, a recent fiancee, and a beach wedding that we just could not miss.

After a miscommunication of sorts, a group of us got to the rehearsal dinner an hour and a half late. Let's just say organized Shani was not running this weekend, and I just had to give up at some point.

My family in recent years had stayed at Hidden Dunes. I never really would go past the shops at SanDestin. But this weekend we actually stayed at the Hilton in Sandestin since all the wedding festivities were there. The resort was awesome, but it didn't feel like Destin to me. Probably because Derek and I over the years have found that we don't enjoy eating out for every meal. I start to feel just full, fat, and bloated. I'm used to having a kitchen where we can prepare other meals. I used to whine about not going out-to-eat for every meal growing up - I now thank my parents for making smart choices! Here's the view from our balcony in our room.

I brought my own tea bags, so I made some tea, got my Bible, and had my quiet time on the balcony while looking at this. It was overcast the first day we got there, so we rented bicycles and rode all over the place. Great workout. Here was our welcome package from the bride and groom.

The water was Destin beautiful, very cold. Which is typical before July - it rains a lot in June, and I could barely get in the water at all. But it was pretty to look at.

There were sand dollar pieces everywhere. I tried to look for one that was close to being whole but to no avail.

Derek played golf both days so I went and rented a chair on the beach. I loved watching all the swim suit coverups with their matching suits. Gone are the days of a random T-shirt over your bathing suit. Now the dress, and I noticed the 3/4 length sleeve dress, is always worn as the latest accessory. It reminds me of the gym and how no one wears baggy cotton tops anymore.

All day Saturday we watched the hotel crew put this tent together right past the Hilton's boardwalk. Some of the other co-workers kept wondering what the common bystander would do when they passed by.

To the right of the red curtain you can see the security officer. But people just pulled up a towel and watched as if they were invited.

The row we sat on was angling down towards the beach. I literally felt like I was falling backwards in my chair. Derek help my up while I stood on my chair to try and catch a photo of the bride.

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lombardo

They frolicked to the water for photos, where some of us decided to get some photos of us taken as well.

Only we seemed to kept getting the bride's bouquet in the back of us (look to the left of Derek). I had brought an old dress to wear, but after going to the outlets I found this dress on super sale. So I got to wear a new dress after all. My other dress was more formal, but for a beach wedding where we were going to sweat and be wind blown, I opted for the more comfortable one.

Sarah & Mike

Megan & John

Sarah, Elizabeth, me, & Shawnna

I didn't realize how windblown I looked until I went inside before the reception.

After the first dance....

...Jodi changed into a long purple strapless number.

Being a purple lover, I really wanted that gorgeous purple necklace. But I just took my piece of cake as a consolation prize.

Pretty much want to go back to Destin asap. It was just too much of a teaser to be there without all the family and friends from years past. We'll have to make that happen again!