Siesta Key on My Heart

Five years ago, this December, we said our vows on the sands of Siesta Key Beach.

As you know, I'm quite the planner-girl (perhaps over-planning at times) with no less than three backup plans. When I look back on that wedding day and realize I had put all my eggs (and even a few borrowed ones) in the single basket of a beach wedding with absolutely NO backup plan in the event of inclement weather, I barely recognize myself.

The girl who spent her entire life vehemently declaring she would NEVER, I repeat never get married outside because it was just too risky, got married outside with no backup plan.

And we could not have asked for a more perfect day. December 2 gave us 82 degrees, full sun, and the most perfect slight breeze that kept the full sun from being overwhelming without messing up an expensive hairdo.

I read over the weekend that they evacuated Siesta Key Island as Irma made her way toward Florida. So we waited to hear how our beach fared, and Monday, the resort where we stayed did a couple of live Facebook videos, showing the property and this very stretch of beach where we stood to say our vows.

The beach was a bit messy, and some of the sidewalks hid beneath a couple inches of water, but the resort suffered no extensive damage. Power outages, a downed tree, debris (of course), but nothing that can't be cleaned up with time.

I saw our beloved gazebo where we first saw each other on our wedding day.

And I saw the walkway (beneath the couple inches of water) where this photo was taken at the end of our wedding day:

We know there are so many people and places facing extensive damage/repair/rebuilding, and of course, we never want to minimize that. But for us, this was a special place where our life together began, and we were happy to see it is still standing.

We haven't yet heard from all our Florida friends, but the ones who have reported in are all doing well. We continue to pray for those who have a long recovery road ahead. We may never be able to live there, but Siesta Key is on our hearts always, and especially now!