SephandSarah.com

We woke up VERY early the morning after our wedding to catch a plane that ended up being an hour late once we arrived.  We had to RUN through the Dallas airport in order to make our connection.  We made it and we landed in Cancun safe and sound.  Despite not have reserved a van, we got on one headed south, for Puerto Aventuras and the Aventura Spa Palace.

We were greeted with champagne and a friendly welcome.  Our room was far off from the center of the resort, which worked great since it was nice and quiet.  We had a view of the ocean from the bed and in-room jacuzzi- PERFECT!

Seph got some pesos and took a few neat shots of our rings, Mexican style.

The next day we got side by side massages and spent some time in their fabulous spa.

And of course, we spent LOTS of time reading and relaxing at their GORGEOUS POOL!

Seph did a little “light” reading by the pool, including “The War Within” “Wikinomics” and “Crowdsourcing”

The other main activity at the resort was eating.  It was an all-inclusive, and although the food was somewhat average, there was lots of it and the service was out of this world.

Here we are having lunch:

One of the fun parts of going to dinner was dressing up.  We had Mexican, Asian and Italian for dinner.  We liked the Italian the best, it was a smaller restaurant and therefore more intimate.

The best decision we made at the Spa Palace was to buy the robes they use in the Spa.   Here Seph caught me reading in my robe after we ordered champagne up to the room (I love the all-inclusive!)

We returned from our honeymoon last night at about 1 AM.  We’re exhausted and happy.  The honeymoon was like a dream.  Seph’s quote from the week was “life is rough” only second to “I could get used to this.”  I couldn’t help but think of the cheesy Sandals commercials “Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this.”

The place is a mess and I’m overwhelmed by the thought of it all, but at the same time we’re excited to start arranging things in our new life.  Changing my name officially, joint checking, decorating decisions- these are all things we’re looking forward to.

Please keep checking this blog- it’s not just a wedding website.  We’ll be posting recaps fairly soon and other news and notes.

We are so thankful to all our friends and family- those who were there with us and those who were with us in spirit.  We love you all.

With that here is a parting shot and a sneak peek at our amazing photographers, Joe and Katye’s work:

It’s two nights before the wedding, all of the families are in town and I’m here alone with my dress.  I am amazed by the love of my friends and family and, most of all, in awe of the man I am about to marry.  If I had searched a thousand years I don’t think I could have found someone more perfect for me in every way.  Luck had to bring us together six years ago on a warm fall day in Boston. As another warm fall day approaches I prepare to marry him and vow to be with him no matter what- come hell or high water.  It is a promise I know won’t always be easy to keep, but a promise I would make a million times without a moment’s hesitation.  He’s mine and I’m his and nothing is going to change that.  

A few thoughts: 

1. I’m not nervous.  Seriously.  I’m not… What?  Stop looking at me like that!
2. It’s readily apparent that I am surrounded by wonderful, caring people day in and day out that provide an incredible amount of support and I don’t say thanks enough.  Sarah and I would not be starting out with such a wonderful foundation without you, and for that we’re eternally grateful.
3. Cancun has no open container laws (thanks for reminding me Ben)
4. I’m a lucky, lucky, lucky man, and I can’t believe she’s put up with me.
5. Really excited to see everybody this Sunday, and excited for the future.

Off to Annapolis to prep and enjoy some mid-day crabcakes at Cantler’s.  Call my cell if you need anything. -Seph 

Jane Austen, in my favorite novel Emma, sums up exactly how I want my guests to feel after the wedding:

“The wedding was very much like other weddings, where the parties have no taste for finery or parade, and Mrs. Elton, from the particulars detailed by her husband thought it all extremely shabby, and very inferior to her own. “Very little white satin, very few lace veils; a most pitiful business.” But, in spite of these deficiencies, the wishes, the hopes, the predictions, the confidences of the small band of true friends who witnessed the ceremony were fully answered in the perfect happiness of the union.”

- Jane Austen, from Emma

I can’t help checking!  I’m obssessed now that the weather is up for the 12th.  The worst part is that it changes every five hours, so its silly to even look.  Right now there are some showers for the weekend.  Keep your fingers crossed we get this weekend’s weather instead!

On Monday, Seph and I finally managed to get our marriage license- so this thing is really happening!   We drove to the courthouse in Centerville, Maryland, on the Eastern Shore.  It was built in 1799 and is one of the oldest continiously operating courthouses in the country.

The town was really small and cute.  There seemed to be about 1 police officer and maybe 5 employees in the entire building.   We raised our right hands and swore we weren’t related.   And they decided that we should be able to marry.

Here is the picture of us with the license taken by the resident thug sitting outside the courthouse.  Notice our friendly cop in the background.

I’m pretty particular about makeup.  I did my first “serious” acting in 4th grade and learned the art of stage makeup, so its something I was exposed to early on.  Also, my mom and I really enjoyed makeup- shopping for it in particular.

So, when it came to my wedding day makeup, I knew I’d want to do it myself.   First off, I already know some of the tricks to making it look good on camera and secondly, I like a natural look, something a lot of makeup people don’t go for.  Since I couldn’t justify doing a “trial” run, I was afraid of showing up and just letting someone do my makeup.

But the best reason was the chance to buy new makeup, something I haven’t done in years.  So I headed to Bobbi Brown and had a consult.  Of course, they did me up to the extreme and I only bought a third of what they reccomended- but I have to admit, the results look pretty good on camera.

Seph’s wedding band came last night.  It is a beautiful classic gold band with two indentations that create a contemporary look.  While my ring is white gold and his is yellow, they still carry the same squared off feel to them.  But enough talking, I bet you want to see it.

I publish the Banns of Marriage between Sarah Arnold of Washington and Joseph Coster of Arlington. If any of you know just cause why they may not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, you are bidden to declare it. This is the second time of asking.