Why Hello There, Gorgeous!

I've been lusting after this hotel for months now, awaiting its opening and then awaiting my turn to stay there. The Gansevoort South in South Beach is brand spanking new, swank perfection, modeled after its sister property in Manhattan!

But, here's there's even better news!! Between now and September 30, you can stay at the Gansevoort for just $99 a night!!! The offer is valid 7 nights a week, BUT there are only 15 rooms per night at this price. Even so, if you miss out on the 15 rooms, you will pay just $50! That's a HE*L of a deal in South Beach for a mediocre hotel, much less an amazing one!

Click here to take advantage of the Grand Opening special.

Now, GO! (and then report back on how you liked it) :)

A Diver's Dream

The cruise we just booked for next March:

Grand Cayman

Belize

Roatan, Honduras

Cozumel, Mexico

Yep, I do realize we're booking way in advance (the price was rising, so we thought it in our best interest to get the rate locked in) and that the last picture is actually Tulum (we didn't make it out there on our honeymoon, so we plan on hitting it up this time!). :)

http://www.carnival.com/Itinerary.aspx?embkCode=MIA&itinCode=WCX&durDays=7&shipCode=VA&subRegionCode=CW&rateCode=BCA&sailingID=46244&sailDate=3%2f15%2f2009

Day 2--Shape Up or Ship Out

Day two started out with my hubby and I doing our saucy "day after" pictures the day before. Unfortunately, I don't have any of those to show you, but I promise as soon as I do, I'll share. :)

After that, we loaded up our guests into a couple of busses and headed out to the Port of Miami.
After waiting in line, we were informed by Carnival that we were VIPs and supposed to be in the considerably shorter line (no one gave us this information), and consequently, we would have to wait while they hunted down our sail and sign cards. No biggie. We're on vacation. :)

After finally getting our cards and getting on board the ship, we were greeted with the faces of some of the guests we hadn't seen yet. Nearly all of our 51 guests culminated around the pool. It was a fun and exciting time--the booze was flowing, the reggae was blaring, the sun was shining, and we were surrounded by all of the people we love.

About an hour and a half later than it was supposed to be, it was time for the Muster drill. Now, if you've cruised before, you know that it's completely "against the rules" (Disclaimer: Do as I say, not as I do--the muster drill is very important to pay attention to so that you are prepared in case of emergency) to show up at the drill sober. Ashley arriving sober for the drill has never happened, and probably will never happen. It's just the way it is. I accept it for what it is, and you should too. I’ll let these photos speak for themselves. ;)

Following an appointment in the spa for a mani and pedi, we met up with our guests for dinner, followed by and 80's review show.
After this, my husband and I parted ways, only to be reunited at the "alter" at 4:00 pm the following day.

Day 1--Party in the City Where the Heat is On!

It's that time--time to recap our recent travels for our wedding. :) We were so incredibly blessed to have 51 of our nearest and dearest join us for the trip of a lifetime and be by our side for the biggest day of our lives to date. Before we get to that, though, we needed to get to Miami.

Day 1 started off bright and early for us. We jumped an early am flight out to the nearest hub, where we met up with about 1/3 of our guests. We met in a bar at the airport and got the party started. ;) Who needs to wait for noon--we thought that 9 am was clearly sufficient. Yes, those are screwdrivers in front of us (We'll have a double, please). ;)

We hopped our direct flight down to Miami and got in at about 3:00 (except for my brother and sister who got rerouted to Newark and wouldn't arrive until about 8:00 pm, sans luggage of course). First stop: the beach. One of our best men had never seen the ocean, so it was an incredibly cool experience to take him there and see the sense of awe in his eyes.

Next, we headed back to our hotel (The Courtyard by Marriott South Beach) where we sat by the rooftop pool and enjoyed a few cold bud lights.

At about 8:15, we headed down to lincoln road where we enjoyed a good dinner at the Soprano cafe with about 20 of our guests. Great food, good drinks, great conversation. :)

Then, it was off to a local sports bar to meet up with a few more of our guests. Joey wasn't able to join me for this as his dad, step mom, and brother were scheduled to arrive, but we had a great time none-the-less.

Then, it was off to slumberland for the soon-to-be newlyweds as we had a beach photo shoot at 6:45 am.

Day 2 coming soon. Reviews coming after the full recap. :)