Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic

It's now been almost 2 weeks since Andrew and I returned from our honeymoon, and I'm missing the beach and fresh Caribbean air. We were fortunate enough to be gifted an amazing honeymoon as our wedding gift and we are so thankful for it. We chose to go to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and stay at the resort Shannon and Ted stayed in for their honeymoon. They had rave reviews and nothing but positive comments, so it sounded like a fit for us!

We decided to leave first thing Monday morning so we could get there early. Unfortunately catching a 9:45 flight from Atlanta meant leaving Birmingham at about 4:00 am. Yea. This is after a crazy busy weekend where I had almost no sleep, and Andrew was pretty exhausted himself. We got about 3 hours of sleep the night after the wedding, so we were pretty spent and ready for a week in paradise. Andrew drove for about an hour and started getting heavy eyelids, so we pulled off for donuts and switched seats. Of course once I took over it started sprinkling, but whatever, Andrew got to nap for a bit and I got us right into Altanta city limits before I woke him. After a slight disagreement in where we were going and which parking lot we were supposed to be in we finally made it.

Turns out our flight boarded at 9:00, and thanks to a very friendly and fast Delta employee we made it through security and got to the terminal just in the nick of time. We boarded up, got going and I fell asleep pretty immediately. I slept until we got to the Dominican shoreline and then I was wide-eyed with excitement.

The Punta Cana airport is really cool. It's modeled after straw-roofed tiki huts with outdoor boarding and a 3 man band playing music as you walk in. Very cool. Customs wasn't bad and we were on our bus and on the way to the resort within about 30 minutes. Yay!

After arriving at the resort, checking into the 'Elegance Club' (adults only side of the resort), and getting a tour from our butler, Orlando, we made it to our room to settle in. Andrew likes living out of his suitcase, but I like to unpack and get comfortable.

Honeymooners!!

The room! 3314

View from our balcony

We decided that after a crazy, busy weekend and a long morning of traveling we would have lunch and take a nap. Great plan. We ordered room service (included in our all-inclusive package!) and watched tv for a bit then vegged out on goodies. After eating I don't think it was more than 5-10 minutes before I was in a deep slumber. It was probably about 6:00 when we laid down. At 3:30 am I woke up haha! I could have gone back to sleep but in getting up to use the restroom Andrew woke and he could not go back to sleep. So we got up, showered, got dressed and decided to watch the sun rise on our first full day in paradise.

This is what it looked like as we were first walking outside

 

 

 
















After the sun was up we walked the beach a while, decided to have breakfast, and then headed down to the pool. This is where things get hazy. Since we were up at 3:30 am, by 10:00 we were ready to go. So we had a few drinks in the pool. And then a shot of 'Mama Juana' or Dominican Power, as the locals call it. This shot consists of: rum, red wine, and honey that then sit and soak with tree bark and herbs. Guys, this was one of the nastiest tasting things I've ever drank. But it's a local thing and we gave it a try. I learned about 10 years ago that I cannot drink rum. It just does not agree with me and I get straight up black out drunk. Off like 3 drinks. We don't drink a whole lot, but my tolerance is higher than 3 drinks. Not where rum is concerned, unfortunately.

So we meet a few other couples on honeymoon, have fun, hang out, I got locked in a bathroom and thought I was going to die in there (it was a pull, not push situation), and by about 11:30 I was done. I inform Andrew that I'm wasted and need to go pass out. Technically I don't remember anything past being locked in the bathroom. I'm told that I stumbled my way upstairs, face planted on the bed and was snoring within minutes. Sounds about right. Andrew wasn't so straight himself after drinking in the heat like it was no big deal either, so we both passed out and woke up about 6 feeling a little worse for the wear, but sober.

Up we were and decided to eat at Asadito Steak House, one of the 7 restaurants on the property. We still didn't feel all that great so we had dinner and went back to the room.

 

 Wednesday was pretty rainy and overcast so we took it pretty easy. Got up and had breakfast, explored the resort. We found some pool tables in desperate need of repair and decided to play a game. I beat Andrew (woohoo!) but he will talk all around it about how the stick sucked, the table was uneven, whatever he can think of to try to discount it. I think it makes it more of a win b/c my stick was just as bad and I still won!

Wednesday night we set up our 'romantic dinner for two at Sea n See' that was part of our honeymoon package. Since it had been rainy we weren't able to eat on the beach, but they had a few tables set aside away from the rest of the business and we had a quiet, 5 course meal. The outdoor, semi-rainy weather was not kind to my hair.

Main course from Sea n See

After dinner our butler set up the hot tub with bubbles, flower petals and candles. So many bubbles.

Thursday was Halloween and the Majestic decorated to suit the theme. There were weird, creepy statues all over, the staff wore hats, everyone played their part. I had a little fun with a few of the statues. Grandparents, please disregard the Medusa picture. ;)

After posing with a few statues we headed out to the pool for a little sun. We swam around, relaxed a bit, then I decided it was now or never if Andrew was going to be able to golf while we were there. We hadn't planned on doing any excursions, but he was really hoping to play golf. The weather had been hit or miss and Thursday was just beautiful. So, we ended the pool early, met with the consierge and arranged to be picked up at 1:00 to go golfing! Turns out the summer tank top I was wearing was inappropriate for the golf course, so some fast thinking by the driver led to me wearing Andrew's undershirt for the afternoon.

The course was 18 holes of beautifully manicured golf. I'm not a golfer, so I drove the golf cart while Andrew did his thing. I played some music through my phone and worked on my tan and watched my handsome husband sweat his butt off in the hot sun. It was hot, but perfectly sunny and beautiful.

Wife as caddy, workin on my tan!

I think he enjoyed himself.

Sweaty after golfing, but happy :)

After we returned we took our daily, afternoon nap. Definitely a requirement when you've been out in the sun all day! We awoke rested and ready to try out the Japanese restaurant, 9 Doors.

Our Hibachi chef made us a beating heart of rice, and a flaming pineapple. He also set the entire area on fire (on purpose) and had me scooting back in my chair. This was one of our favorite restaurants.

Not the most beautiful meal, but very tasty.

Friday came and while the weather was decent, we were pooped. We ordered room service and stayed in bed for almost the entire day. We watched the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a few episodes of wildest police videos, took a nap, watched another movie. It was a totally lazy day and it was awesome. We may have been in a beautiful setting, but it was still vacation and a lazy, do nothing kind of day was right up our alley.

Rocking the purple robe Shannon got me :)

After a day of laziness we decided to get up and clean up to go try the Italian restaurant, Il Botaccio. I had a lobster ravioli and Andrew had a carbonara pasta of sorts. The food was ok, but it wasn't very filling and we ended up ordering room service again :) After dinner we caught a magic show in the theater. It was terrible, but got us out of the room and gave us something to do for a bit.

Saturday we woke up to beautiful weather and our last full day in the Dominican. So, we got ready and headed down to the pool. We found our usual spot open, dropped our stuff off and got comfy at the swim up, pool bar. Saturday was pretty slow since lots of couples were leaving, so we had awkward conversation with the bartender who didn't have the best English. No worries, part of the deal.

We got back to the room to find our towel creation for the day was a swan heart (I think?).

 And because he's a good sport he let me get some pictures of him with it after I moved it from the bed. He tries :)

We had one restaurant left to try and that was the French place, Limited Gourmand. We had our reservation for 6:30 so we would be finished in time to watch the Florida State vs Miami game. This was definitely the fanciest of the restaurants, so I did not break out my camera mid dinner. haha.

After dinner we came back to the room for College Football Saturday as it's called in our house. Florida State killed Miami and I had a happy husband.

Sunday came and we were up and eating breakfast earlier than I'd have liked. But, we got a good meal in, took a nice long walk on the beach, finished packing and headed to the lobby to wait for our bus.

 
Last pictures in the room before heading down stairs

We had such a great time and loved our stay. As much fun as it was though, it was time to go home!
 The return trip wasn't nearly as smooth and we even got to see the Homeland Security office of the Atlanta airport. Yea. 

A big thanks to Peggy and Chip for making our trip possible!! And another thanks to Mom and Kristina for watching our Sidney Lou!!

Rehearsal & Dinner

 We had our rehearsal on Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 since there was a wedding booked at our venue for Saturday. Friday was very cold for Alabama (think 45 degrees!) and we were shivering in our heels. I was so worried it would stay cold for the wedding and that all of our guests would be freezing and leave early. (Spoiler alert, thankfully that didn't happen and it warmed up just in time for our wedding day!)

The bridal party, parents, my coordinator, Callie the photographer, Andrew and myself suffered through the cold and got all the details worked out for Sunday. We were there about an hour, and I'm so glad we went b/c it made Sunday go a lot more smoothly. Sadly I didn't take any pictures, but Mom got a couple. (Callie was there to scope out scenery and photo spots for Sunday).

 After the rehearsal we all met at Bernie's on Main in Columbiana, AL for the dinner portion of the night. Andrew's dad & stepmom, Howard and Tammy, graciously hosted this for us and our guests. I am so thankful for them for many, many reasons, and this was so kind of them.

We had a private room at the back of the restaurant, specially printed menus just for us, our wonderful friend Joe gifted us his dj services for the evening, and my best friend and Matron of Honor, Beth made us the most amazing slideshow. It was perfect. We got there, mingled and talked and had a few drinks, then sat down for dinner. Each guest had an option out of of 5 entrées, 2 desserts, as well as salad and rolls. The food was wonderful and we had a very good server.

After dinner was finished, Joe pointed our attention to the big screen for our surprise slideshow. Andrew and I had NO idea this was happening. The only person who did know was Peggy, and that's because Beth had to get the pictures from her. (My mom has countless pictures both old and new posted online, so Beth just raided her facebook page!). So here is the wonderful slide show she made us.

After the picture show, it was time for Family Feud, wedding edition. This pitted the bridesmaids and groomsmen against each other. Andrew and I had answered 4 questions for Joe, each giving about 6 possible answers. Stuff like, "If Andrew & Kassie went out for a night on the town, you might find them here ______". Sadly I didn't get any pictures of this either b/c I was too busy laughing my butt off. The girls won this one!

After the excitement we hung out a bit longer, gave out of bridal party gifts and said our goodbyes.

I only got a few pictures, and they're actually ones Mom took and sent me later. We had such a great time, and definitely a night to remember. The staff at the restaurant said we had one of the coolest rehearsal dinners they'd have hosted there. Score!

Heading to the rehearsal

Me in front of our slide show presentation before I knew what it was

At Bernie's on Main at the end of the night

The happy couple <3

This is one of the coolest gifts we've ever received. Howard made us a memory box with 100 year old wood from his families old home. This was after dinner at their hotel.

My husband sure cleans up nicely!!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

My mom rocks. She's super awesome for a lot of reasons. She's taught me so much over the years, and it's been so cool how our relationship has changed as I've gotten older. She's consistent and has always played the right role at the correct time. In childhood she was a protector and a playmate. In school she was a hardass keeping me in line. Now as an adult she's a friend. And I could not have asked for a better friend and mother than the one I got. Love you Mom. Happy Birthday!!

She taught me my love for cats.

Sleeping Beauty! ;)

She's a wonderful Grandma

Loves the baby

Group photo

Loves good music

And knows how to have a good time!

Homecoming Queen - such a beauty!!

She's an absolutely brilliant mad scientist! And makes smart sexy! ;)

She taught me the value of a good hairdo. And pants :)

Mom and her girls!

She cooks holiday feasts without an oven!

Years in a row

Dotes on her maple tree

She taught me how to be a strong, smart woman. 

And for that I am eternally grateful.

Just a Note to Brag

I want to take some time to celebrate this guy-- Andrew Boggan. 

He is my love, my best friend, my chef, my everything. He wears so many hats without even being asked to. There's no pressing reason to talk about him today, I just feel it needs to be done. His good deeds should be acknowledged for others to see. I try to always say thank you and make sure he knows that I understand and appreciate how much he does for me and us. But he's not the type of guy to talk himself up. So I'll do it for him :)

He's a wonderful son.

A great friend.

The best fiance

A great place to lay your head.

Perfect movie date. He lets me ask questions and usually doesn't get annoyed.

Gives the best kisses and therefore receives many in return.

He loves the furbabies. He rescued this dude from a certain death.

He's passionate and intense, but only when the time calls for it.

A wonderful cook who enjoys not only cooking, but providing for friends and family.

You may or may not be familiar with mine and Andrew's story. We've known each other for a little over 5 years now. We met at Outback and made fast friends. We were young (I was 22 and he was 19!) and going with life and lived as roommates (totally platonic) for about a year and a half. Life carried on, he moved out and we were always friends with a special connection. Then about 2 years ago life changed. Crummy situations ended and new, better doors were opened. He gave me space and time and let me know he was there when I was ready. 'But why risk such a great friendship?!' I thought. He knew well before I did that this was it, and it was real. I was content in our strong friendship, the many nights we spent together playing pool, watching movies, cooking dinner, just hanging out. I was older now but still so naive. Deep down I knew it was more than friendship, but for some reason I wasn't ready to take it all in.

Months passed with us spending nearly every night together, growing closer. One day I took Sidney to the dog park and she drank some stagnant water and hours later became grossly, violently sick. In the midst of dog yuck every where, all I could think of was 'I wish Andrew was here. I need Andrew. A hug from Andrew would make me feel better.' For some reason, my dog being sick was my breaking point. In that moment everything changed. I knew he was the person for me and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I met him at Bumpers later that night and pretty much from there on out we were a couple, and the happiest that I believe either of us have ever been.

From there, I guess the rest is history. We had already been roommates and had known each other so long it was like hitting the fast forward button on our relationship. There were no weird, awkward get to know you dates. I didn't have to pretend to always wear makeup or act like the perfect lady. Because of our friendship he already loved me for who I am. And for that, I love him more than some little blog will ever express.

So here we sit, a little over 2 months out from our wedding. We are neck deep in plans, centerpieces, meetings, fittings, tastings. I'm starting to stress about the little things (and the big ones), wondering and worrying how things will all play out. Then I take a step back and remember that it doesn't really matter. It doesn't matter how the party plays out, how the dancing goes, how the food tastes, or any other details. 

The only thing that matters at the end of the day is this man and our marriage. I will be his wife, his partner, his chef, his love and his best friend, forever. And personally, I couldn't think of a better way, or a better person to spend my eternity with.