Wednesday, January 14th - Our Wedding!

Riding to Magens Bay

Today was our big day. We had decided to get married in St. Thomas. We were so laid back however we didn’t book a wedding coordinator until about a month prior. It was hard to pick someone based solely on internet communication but we finally choose Cheryl from Wedding, Set, Go. We went back and forth between Magen’s Bay and Lindquist Beach. Lindquist Beach is a smaller beach that we’ve never been to but had heard good things and seen nice pictures. Eventually we decided on Magens Bay Beach where we had been on our first Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2012. We had gotten engaged on that cruise so it seemed like a fitting location. It can be busy and today was no exception. We got up early and showered and threw on regular clothes before heading to the dinning room for a sit down breakfast. We then headed back to the room to change and head to the gangway. As we walked down the stairs to the first floor everyone who was waiting for the gangway to open  started clapping. They offered to let us cut in line and since we had a tight schedule we did accept. As soon as we were out of the secured area we met our driver. He was a very nice gentleman who provided us some history behind why different countries drive on the right or left side of the road. It was very interesting although I can’t remember all the details. Anyways, he was responsible for taking us to the courthouse to pick up our paperwork and then on to Magens Bay. The courthouse was interesting. Anikka had read that they had a strict dress code including no shorts, sandals or bare shoulders so we came prepared in dress clothes, shoes and with a shawl. The policy however is not enforced. They did however take our cell phones which was amusing as the “security” was right next to the window for marriage licenses. Our wedding coordinator had taken care of bringing the paperwork ahead of time so all we had to provide was our ID and swear that the information on the form was correct. After that we hopped back in with our driver to head to Magens Bay. Once there we met Cheryl for the first time, Kelli the photographer and Steve the officiant. Anikka went off with Kelly to take some photos while Jason set up a live video stream for our families. The ceremony was simple and sweet. Steve our officiant had a nice speech and it seemed well fitting despite the fact that we just met him that day.  At the end of the ceremony strangers on the beach applauded. Jason and I, naturally, turned around like a “regular” ceremony and kind of waved. Cheryl and Kelly thought that was funny :). Anyways we spent a bunch of time with Kelli after the ceremony taking more photos. They all departed and then we changed into our suits. We also grabbed some overpriced frozen drinks at the beach bar and had ourselves a little toast. We hung out for a few hours, swimming, taking pictures and just goofing around. We then got a taxi back to the ship. It was a  beautiful day!

Just Married!