On September 1, 2013 I married the man of my dreams. This cute college boy I fell in love with 6 years ago on the campus of East Carolina University became my husband!! We said our vows at the Stone Chapel in Wake Forest, NC, followed by dinner and dancing at The Cotton Company. The day and weekend was everything and more I have ever dreamed of. To have all of our family and friends in one room to celebrate was just an indescribable feeling that I don't deserve. I kept tearing up just seeing who was there to support us and I tried to savor every sweet moment as it passed...
This was probably my favorite moment of the whole weekend. I don't get to see my extended family often (the negative side of being a military brat, family is scattered across the country)!! I felt so blessed and special to have family and friends from Texas, Washington, Florida, Illinois, New York come to celebrate our special day. I enjoyed having all of my family members and best friends from childhood, high school, college, etc in one room for my Bridesmaids' Luncheon. Each one of these beautiful women have helped shape who I am today and I am so grateful for your love and support <3
together. I hope that he always looks at me like this.
We were Costa Rica bound as husband and wife!! We chose Costa Rica because 1) September is hurricane season, and we weren't about to chance that on the Caribbean 2) We both love being outdoors and wanted an action packed week but at the same time we did not to be on a schedule3) It was off season in CR-which meant we saved a lot of $$$!! We couldn't have picked a better option for our first trip out of the country together!!
"Pure Vida" is a characteristic Costa Rican phrase that means "pure life", and also translated as "full of life", "this is living" or "real living". This phrase sums up this country perfectly, as I have never felt so full of life!! Costa Rica was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here are some things we did that were on my bucket list...
"Pure Vida" is a characteristic Costa Rican phrase that means "pure life", and also translated as "full of life", "this is living" or "real living". This phrase sums up this country perfectly, as I have never felt so full of life!! Costa Rica was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here are some things we did that were on my bucket list...
About to take on Class IV Rapids with Kenny Walters
It was (obviously) a great time!!
my first Pacific dive!
Kenny's first dive ever!!! He was able to get basic training and this was his favorite thing we did in Costa Rica. He plans on getting officially licensed. Woohoo I gained a husband & a dive buddy!!!
Costa Rica borders Panama, which is actually where I spent a fair amount of my childhood when my dad was stationed there, 1992-1995. It brought back A LOT of memories that I had while living there-the climate, the animals, the food, the people-everything! Considering I am an "Air Force Brat" and moved every 3 years, I don't get the "comfortable" feeling of my childhood or past very often, so I take advantage of the opportunity when it comes. My favorite part of the trip was watching my husband-it was his first time out of the country! I loved watching him experience everything! The people were beyond friendly, the food was outstanding, the country is so diverse with so much to offer.
Costa Rica borders Panama, which is actually where I spent a fair amount of my childhood when my dad was stationed there, 1992-1995. It brought back A LOT of memories that I had while living there-the climate, the animals, the food, the people-everything! Considering I am an "Air Force Brat" and moved every 3 years, I don't get the "comfortable" feeling of my childhood or past very often, so I take advantage of the opportunity when it comes. My favorite part of the trip was watching my husband-it was his first time out of the country! I loved watching him experience everything! The people were beyond friendly, the food was outstanding, the country is so diverse with so much to offer.
Kenny Walters has his passport & colones and he's ready ready to go!!
PERFECTION!!! Our first hotel in the Arenal Volcano Region. It was a quiet & quaint boutique hotel near the town of La Fortuna. It was the "off/rainy season" so VERY quiet. It was perfect because this part of the trip we were up at 6am and in bed at 9pm, with activities that packed our day. The restaurant was expensive and we actually needed more social interaction, so we drove to the nearby town for dinner and to hang with the locals every night.
Arenal Volcano after a rain storm <3
Zip lining
Waterfall Repelling
Repelling down a 200 foot waterfall! It doesn't look that high from this angle, but notice the little white dot at the end of the rope. That's the guide's helmet! This was a huge adrenaline rush and my favorite thing that we did on our honeymoon! It wasn't on my bucket list, but only because I didn't know this existed! We drove from the Arenal Volcano Region towards the Pacific coast, Guanacaste Region! We stayed at the RIU Guanacaste Palace, an all inclusive resort. This part of the trip was more relaxing as we primarily stayed on the resort grounds for all their amenities and nightlife. I have never been to an all inclusive resort before-but man this is the way to travel! Talk about relaxing-I never had to carry my wallet or think about how much money I was spending! If I wanted two filets, I ate two filets. If I wanted another pina colada, I had another pina colada. We definitely ate and drank more than our money's worth. We met several people who said this was the best all inclusive resort they had ever been to. I have nothing to compare it to, but highly recommend this place if you ever go to Costa Rica!!
http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/costa-rica/guanacaste/hotel-riu-palace-costa-rica/
Hotel RIU Palace in Guanacaste Region
We enjoyed every moment in Costa Rica. Here's to Happily Ever After and "Pure Vida!!"
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