First of all, THANK YOU to Jasmine Bridal for my beautiful wedding gown! I didn’t really know what I was looking for when I started but I absolutely LOVED my dress.  It fit perfectly and looked stunning!  I loved the train and how it flowed back from the dress!  I felt like a million bucks in it!! So thank you Jasmine Bridal for not only making be feel wonderful in your gorgeous dress but also for providing the dress for my sister and my mother-in-law!  They both looked amazing !!!

And of course I would like to thank all those at Coconut Bay resort and Spa for helping to make our special day INCREDIBLE!!  There are FAR to many to list in this short space.  Stephen has done an amazing job so far!  But just a couple of quick  thank- yous to two people who made this ALL possible!

We were able to meet the owner of the resort a couple of nights after the ceremony  while on our way back from dinner.  He was just such a sweet and genuine person….we just wanted to thank him for allowing this contest to take place.  Without this contest we never would have been able to have gotten married in such an incredible way.  Not only do we have memories of our wedding but so many amazing stories to tell on top of  just  “I DO”!  Thank you!  We are honored to be a part of Coconut Bay Resorts friends and family!   And if you thought like we did that “NOBODY ever wins these things” then your wrong!!  People to win them and we’re proof!  Thank you!

 To Natalia:  We understand how much time, energy, and “stress” you put into this whole “Lighthouse Wedding” and we are NOTHING but appreciative for it all.  It was something that required a lot of coordination and (above all…) PATIENCE!  Thank you for putting up with two people from PA that were there just to become husband and wife and start a life and family together!  You were amazing and we can not thank you enough for thinking of all the little details that go along with a true dream wedding!!  Your work is flawless.  Thank you!!!

Of course there are so many others that contributed and made this whole dream come true.  You ALL know who you are!  I just really dont have any other way to say it but thank you one and all!! Thank you.  Thank you!  THANK YOU!   

Sincerely…THE VAJDA FAMILY!!!

Thursday continued with an amazing drive to our next adventure – snorkeling and a boat cruise around the majestic and famous Pitons.  As we headed out on the boat, you could not have asked for a better day. Not a cloud in the sky, the Crystal blue sky was only topped by the crystal blue water.  As we sailed around the Pitons – my eyes grew excitement, with just how beautiful the landscape was!!!  As we made our way around the other side we dropped anchor in a very cool cove–it was now time to snorkel–Yipppppppppeeeee!!. WOW simply amazing, the crystal clear water let you truly see everything and anything–including that SEA SNAKE – - the boyz had a blast–Hunter especially, he dove right in and loved pointing at all the different fish,seeing the different coral and rocks, it was a great time.  We could have stayed out there for hours—it you ever go to St. Lucia, you must take a boat ride along the Pitons and spend a few hours snorkeling–it’s an amazing time.  It was now time to head back, the boat ride back was just as amazing, some fresh fruit and just laying on the bow of the boat, letting the sun warm your skin—my words probably do not do it justice, just how amazing it was.  So it was back to the hotel, as our guests were now starting to arrive at Coconut Bay Resort and Spa for our very special day.  First to arrive was Wanda’s sister Katrina with her two girls (yes two of the three flower girls)- Mya and Taylor – they are soooooooooooo cute, and can’t leave you out Brian (Katrina’s husband).  They had a long flight in from NY so we grabbed some dinner and then off to bed as Friday had even more surprises to come.

Day #3 – Friday

Started out the same with some great FRENCH TOAST!!!!!!! Today we were zip-lining thru the rain Forest’s.  Our drive there was so much fun as all of us had become so close in just a few short days.  Our drive NERV was the best–as we arrived at the zip-lining center the boyz just could not wait. Down the hill they went as they were so excited….We checked-in, and then started to get ready…must say the hair nets were styling.  The boyz went onto their special section and the rest of the crew headed up the the first line.  So guess i gotta go into a little more detail on line #1.  In total we did 11 lines, it was a BLAST…earlier i said if you ever go to St. Lucia you must snorkel / take a boat trip around the Pitons, also MUST add zip-line.  amazing time.  OK so back to line number 1.  Wanda and I were the last 2 to go.  As she got ready i took a quick little video, off she went flying thru the trees…so up next Stevie…I get hooked in, and get the signal to , so off i go-the view from up here was simply out of this world, then about mid way thru the run, i sort of got a little backward…YES flying down backwards—think Audi even got some video–sure i looked pretty funny…line #2 – #11 were much better than line #1.  It was a great time, even got a good little workout in…a lot of steps .  Got to do it!!! I can’t wait to do it again.  Take some friends, trust me you will all have a blast, make sure to take a camera / video –it is a great experience you will truly cherish.  After our zip-line adventure it was back to the hotel and tonight was our Rehearsal Dinner.  As we arrived back at the hotel–we saw my parents (Cindy and Steve), brother and best man (Jason) and his kids Jackson (ring bearer) and Olivia (flower girl), they had just arrived. After a few of St. Lucia best rum and diet cokes it was off to get ready for our rehearsal dinner.  As you may or may not have known, our wedding would be taking place up at the lighthouse, and that was probably the only thing we had not seen.  So we got dressed, dropped the kids off  with family and headed up to the lighthouse.  As we drove up to it, we knew it was going to be special, but had no idea just how special.  Once we got out of the car, only 50 steps kept us from seeing were we would be tomorrow, hand by hand becoming one…as we got closer the view just kept on getting better, and better, and better.  We were both speechless as we stood next to the lighthouse. we were truly on top of the world….its not a sales pitch, but if you decide to get married in St. Lucia – choose coconut bay and select the lighthouse – -it is a memory you will have forever. It is such a unique venue. The view is , well i can’t even describe it…take a peek at the video Lighthouse Wedding Coconut Bay Resort and Spa again —WOW!!!

As we headed back to see all our friends we just could not believe that our day had finally arrived.  We were a little late, but do not think our friends and family really even noticed as they loved our bartenders – - So we arrived to a warm reception of all our closest friends and family.  Can’t even explain what it felt like having everyone there.  The Rehearsal Dinner was out of this word.  First the location, right along the beach, you could hear the waves behind you….torches lighted the way and as they reflected off the coconut trees created a venue you simply just had to see.  THE FOOD——OMG the food was out of this world—-my brother who i love to death, but is a picky eater could not get enough, from the chicken, to the mussels, to the grilled shrimp, to salmon, the grill corn and then the steaks–yep think we both left St. Lucia a few pounds heavier, but hey that’s what fun times  are for right?

As we sat and talked all our guests just could not stop talking about the resort – the views, and of course the food. It was a great time, great food, good wine – o and the local RUM create conversation. It truly was a perfect evening.  It was getting late and yes, tomorrow is the big day, so we all said our good byes and went our ways as Saturday September 4th was just about here.

We departed Philadelphia airport – yes 5:40 in the am (boys fell asleep the whole way to Miami – well so did Wanda and myself), with a quick stop in Miami, it was off to St. Lucia.  As we started our decent into St. Lucia we were simply taken back by the breathtaking views of  the island–from the air it was amazing, so we only could image what it was going to be like once we were on the ground.  Through customs we went, Hunter and Logan were so excited as they got their passports stamped for the first time—

The greeting we got was amazing………a short ride to the resort (ps gotta thank the driver, he let the boys each have a banana – thanx again), ok back to the short ride – in less than 5 minutes we were at the resort.  As we pulled thru the gates and started up the drive toward the hotel – thru the coconut trees you could see the ocean–what an amazing view, you could hear the waves crashing against the rocks…it was so calming and all our cares went out the window…as this was going to be memory that would last a lifetime.

As we pulled up to the resort lobby at coconut bay it was amazing—-totally open, and you could see right thru to the ocean- -

Coco and Loco (Coconut Bay’s mascots) were on hand to greet the boyz–they had such a blast getting their pictures taken…some Champagne for my bride and myself and off to our room we went.

The first few nights we spent on the splash side—the rooms were beautiful — with a perfect view of  the ocean…the colors in the rooms were amazing and really added to the local flair…of course the first thing the boyz saw was the pool–so off we went for a quick dip.

As the boys, swam and splashed away (yes we knew they would sleep good tonight) we thought how funny it was that just 12 hrs ago we were back home in PA and that how in a few short days we would begin our journey as one.  As the boys continued to play in the pool we looked back on how lucky we both were to find each other and how blessed we both truly were.  It is funny how one can look back on life and think they are happy, but when you truly find love and happiness it is undeniable,  it captures all of you, your heart, your mind, your soul—it is the most amazing feeling!!!! ok did not mean to get all Dr. Phil but Wanda without a doubt has shown me what true love is–she has given me life and to know I get to walk thru life with her as my wife is the greatest gift I could ever r/c..She is truly the most amazing person–beautiful inside and out–I love you Wanda

Ok back to our journey….After a long day, a little dinner, a walk around the property and a stroll down the beach – it was off to bed to get some sleep for Day #2 of our amazing journey…..

Day #2

Started with some breakfast – the french toast was soooooooooooooo good!!! Today we were heading out to tour the island – botanical gardens, volcanoes, waterfalls, then some snorkeling, a boat ride, some dinner–it was going to be another amazing day.  As we arrived in the lobby we got to meet, what turned out to be an amazing group of people from the press—not only did Wanda and I leave this amazing time as 1, but we left with a great group of friends, who shared our special day and made it truly special on every level.

So back to day #2…on the bus and off we go.  The drive and views were incredible…it was a little different driving on the other side of the road It was great to learn the history of the island and its people, the culture was amazing…..After a stop at a local craft store it was on to the Volcano..we were actually allowed to walk up to the volcano..it was an amazing, the boys were taken back, they enjoyed everything, (well minus the smell, kept asking why it smelled like eggs …….next stop Botanical Gardens and Waterfall.

As we pulled up to the gardens, if someone was to ask me what was going thru your mind it would have been how “lush” and “green” everything is.  the gardens were out of this world, as we walked by the vast array of flowers and trees – including Wanda favorite “Sexy Pink” yep, that was the name on the sign.  As we arrived at the waterfall, you simply had to just stand back and admire…Logan and I ventured in the water and got as close as we could, feeling the mist of the water hit your skin, the roar of the water –it was like you were in a dream…Wanda and Hunter followed and we got some really cool family pictures.

Day #2 still had many more surprises to come…I’ll be back in a few to continue the story of our amazing wedding in St. Lucia and Coconut Bay Resort and Spa…..

My dad loved “Naked Lady rum”, my brother loved the bartenders as he said “They know how to made a drink, the kids loved the pool and swimming up to the bar for “Banana Strawberry” smoooooothies.  They dark slide as the kids called it was a blast—sooooo fun,

Off to do a little kite surfing, but will be back tonight to catch you up in more detail as to all the specifics from the day we landed, from the boat ride to our photos on the beach, the reception dinner to the amazing day at the lighthouse….every second of this trip has a memory that will last a life time.

a special thanks to all our friends and family who joined us on our special day.  We hope you had a great time

Til later

St. Lucia is the most beautiful island!  We have been able to go visit the Botanical gardens and volcano!  We went for a boat ride around the Pitons and then snorkeling just below them…it was incredible.  Hunter LOVED the snorkeling.  He was pointing out all the beautiful fish underwater although a sea snake was spotted and that was my cue to exit the water!  We all got to got zip lining which was a BLAST!  There has been so much to say about being in “Paradise” that my thoughts are moving much faster then my fingers!

But the most prominent memory was turning the corner as I walked down to Stephen and thinking “There he is.  There’s my best friend.”  After spending the night without him and the morning getting ready, my heart jumped into my throat as I caught his eye and knew that I was finally filling the missing piece in my heart forever….

So I’m sorry if I have jumped around and my thoughts are unorganized right now.   Once I get them together we will start again from the beginning and  let you know every detail…ok maybe not EVERY detail!  ;0) 

Signing off for now….the new MRS. VAJDA!!!

 I wish I could say more now but I” m a little short on time (as has been the case now for about the last week or so) But I’ll talk with you once I reach “paradise” !  All I really have to say right now is…

I have truly been blessed!

We also got our “special” surprise for our welcome bags….they look great!  Cant wait for everyone to see them!  Its gonna be great!

Well gotta run…hopefully Stephen will remember to blog tonight!

So I will post after I get home tonight and let you know how it all went today.  The boys are going to daycare an extra day today so I can attempt to get things done without going crazy.  But its a great day for them….all the “preschool” graduates are going bowling and getting ice cream.  I don’t think they’ll miss mom a bit!!!   TTFN!

Well things are moving moving and I’m trying to keep up.  The programs are done despite my aggravation with my printer and wanting to throw the thing out the window!  The favors look AMAZING (yes there is a little Martha Stewart in me after all!!) The welcome bags look just awesome if I do say so myself…such nice little surprises for our guests. Cant wait to share them!

Tomorrow I go pick up my wedding dress…just can NOT wait!  I had a great session at Sephora with my makeup but spent too much $$.  Unnecessary if you ask me so back ALOT of it will go.  Just can not justify spending so much on makeup…especially since I don’t usually wear makeup to begin with!!! 

Got my shoes today!!  LOVE EM! 

Got the towels….LOVE EM!!

AND to top it all off I’m juggling work and getting two little 5 yr old to kindergarten orientation for their big FIRST day of school!! 

I often wonder at this point what it is exactly I will do once this wedding is over….LOL!! 

Talk to you tomorrow!