The Big Day - Sunday June 27, 2021

 Two years in the making...the wedding day finally arrives.  Today's events are quite unconventional, but reflect David and Amanda's love of all things aquatic!  The agenda is as follows:  a cruise on a catamaran, The Blue, out to Lighthouse Reef, where the wedding ceremony would take place, followed by snorkeling or just enjoying the water or being on the boat, back to dockside, photos on the beach, followed by the wedding dinner at The Whale Harbor.

We are scheduled to walk down the dock to the boat on the right around 1 pm

Bob and I will follow Chelsea and Emily who will be escorting Brooklyn and Bella, the dogs of honor.

The family begins to gather...Cheryl's dad, Bob, her cousin, Cinda, and her sister, Robin.

David sees Amanda for the first time in her wedding gown after she boards The Blue.

Heading out to oceanside, we'll go under the bridge on the Overseas Highway.  It does bring back fond memories seeing the beautiful waters of the Keys.

Although David and Amanda have made many visits down here,  today will be one of the most memorable for them.

Lighthouse Reef comes into view.  We hope the storm clouds will drift away.

Bob and I move from inside the boat to the benches near the bow before the ceremony begins. 

Andrew reads the vows.  At one point, he forgot to pause when reading what David was to say, and David had to ask him to repeat parts of it, much to everyone's chuckles.

Brisk winds cause too much feedback noise, so Andrew cuts off the mike.  Amanda uses her "teacher's voice" to be heard.  Andrew says her vows are more convincing when she is yelling them, causing even more laughter from the guests.

They then literally tie the knot.

and seal it with a kiss.

And we all join in a champagne toast to the new Mr and Mrs Kicklighter.

The captain announces that he will move to a different coral reef for snorkeling.  David and Amanda have changed into bathing suits, and having figuratively taken the plunge now literally do it by holding hands and jumping off the bow into the ocean.

Then other guests don snorkeling gear and enjoy the coral reef scenery...

...others enjoy  bobbing on floats...

...and others enjoy a cold one aboard deck.

After an hour or so, the captain announces we need to head back in.

Cheryl and friends entertain with a lively rendition of Sweet Caroline

Back on land, we gather on the beach at The Islander Resort for more photos.  The weather stayed windy, but no rain to ruin the day.

After the photo shoot, everyone went to Whale Harbor for the wedding dinner.  Here is the head table, but all in all, there were about 60 guests in attendance.

So, now it is official....and there truly are...