**UPDATED 6/16/2021**
We will likely be doing a small reception in Florida following the ceremony with finger foods and cake.
Please consider joining us for our dream beach wedding in Destin, Florida. We had the opportunity to go to this location last year and we love the clear waters, white sand, the slow pace, the food, the weather, and everything else we came across. We will be going down for a week but do not expect others to do as we do.
Please be sure to let us know if anything changes. We have to pay per chair for the ceremony and also have some other things in mind we have to plan way in advance for, so if you RSVP and determine that you actually cannot go, let us know as soon as possible.
We are also aware many of you will be unable to make the trip for a variety of understandable reasons. This is why we are planning to have a reception back home following the ceremony. If you have any questions or concerns don’t hesitate to get ahold of one of us to help you out!!
It all started with a beer.
We met while we were both living at Roxalana Hills Apartments in Dunbar. It was May 31, 2017 and we both happened to be hanging out by the pool. I (Stephanie) was lounging on a chair reading a novel when Lionel approached me, offered me a beer, and began talking about books he had read.
Coincidentally, I don’t drink much and he reads even less than I drink. BUT there are countless other things that we found to have in common. We both enjoy Disney and Marvel movies, socializing with friends, exploring, and each day it seems we discover even more things that align in our interests, our morals, and our values.
As times goes on we continue to grow together and are excited for our future together as one.
The "I do" location
Wedding
James Lee Park
Head of The Party Crowd!!
The leading ladies
Dashing gentlemen
Where to stay?
Below are some links for sites to help you find the perfect lodging for your group! If you have any questions lets me know. Also, these places book up quickly so don’t wait!! If you’re unsure, several of the hotels do offer refunds if you cancel within 60 days of your reservation but be sure to read the fine print 🙂
There are hotels, condos, apartments, houses, motels…..whatever you want it’s there! Don’t count out houses or condos if you’re doing a group. Many of them are cheaper to do an entire condo or house rather than a hotel. Plus you get more elbow room.
The ceremony is going to be close to the restaurant called The Crab Trap. Although the ceremony is on Monday July 19th we will be staying from the 17th-24th. 🙂
- https://www.expedia.com/Destin-Hotels.d6906.Travel-Guide-Hotels
- https://www.booking.com/city/us/destin.html
- https://www.travelocity.com/Destin-Hotels-Beach-Hotel.0-0-d6906-tBeachHotel.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels
- https://www.destinfwb.com/relax/
- https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-west/destin
Below are some specific hotels nearby to where the ceremony and where we will be staying.
- https://www.destinbeachsideinn.com/ This is 1.3 miles from us.
- https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/destin/cewhs/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-EX-_-US-_-CEWHS This is 2.2 miles from us.
- https://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/fl/destin/us-98-emerald-coast-pkwy This is 2.1 miles from us.
- https://realjoy.com/northwest-florida/south-walton-30a-miramar-beach-sandestin/miramar-beach/rental/emerald-waters-202/292565 This is 2.3 miles from us.
- https://www.vacasa.com/usa/Surfside-Resort-Miramar-Beach/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=GMB-SursideResort This one is 3.2 miles from us.
What to do when you're in the area?
If you’re not a beach-goer that’s ok! There are plenty of things to do and the area is beautiful. As of today (January 16, 2021) I have looked up most of these places and activities. I will be updating this section as the wedding approaches and if I notice any changes in things that may still be affected by COVID-19 I will note what I find.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g34182-Activities-Destin_Florida.html
- https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-destin-fl/
When we went we visited Margaritaville, played mini-golf, rented a pontoon boat, drove the city, did some shopping, and visited a few restaurants. If you don’t mind to spend a couple extra dollars we definitely recommend McGuire’s Irish Pub (https://www.mcguiresirishpub.com/destin). You get enough food for three meals and it is delicious. The restaurant itself has such a neat vibe!
There’s plenty to do for anyone and everyone.
Registry
We are registered on Amazon and Wal-Mart. When looking up the registries it has been easier to search with "Lionel Waters" as there are far less options that return. Contact us for any questions!
Please RSVP if you will be attending the ceremony
Please RSVP if you plan to attend the ceremony in Destin, FL on July 19, 2021. We will not be providing airfare or lodging.
We are using this RSVP to account for chairs as we have to pay for and arrange for any chairs over a certain amount of people.
