#SamGetsBaumed
Holy smokes.
So we got up around 10 and originally we had plans to go to the Miami Seaquarium but there was no way we were gonna make it, especially with the Miami Open traffic.
We checked in with our parents and they were up so we got ready and headed over there for lunch. It's an easy walk on the beach to the Ritz so that's what we did, in our suits. We had lunch at the Mexican place there called Baja Cafe and it was really yummy. Their guac and salsa were both delish and I got nachos for lunch. They keep a falcon around to scare the birds away and we saw a boat get a ticket by the coast guard police for being too close to shore.
Next stop was the Ritz adult pool, it was so nice! Not as fun as the kid pool, which has a waterfall, but still nice. They put towels on our chairs for us that were like fitted sheets and then gave us a pool towel. We dipped in for a bit and then I headed back to get ready and everyone else went for an ice cream 😛
We did really well on time getting ready and we ordered a couple of pizzas so that we would have food to munch on when we got back at who knows what time. We got an uber and made it over to the lobby in time for family photos. This is the first wedding I've attended where you get to see the bride and groom, and they see each other, before the ceremony. It makes a lot of sense because that way you don't have the giant gap between ceremony and reception and it's really nice.
The setting for the photos was beautiful, palm trees and ocean in the background. Candice looked so beautiful, I really loved her dress! And I guess Sam looked good too 😉
After photos we milled around on the patio of the Ritz where we got champagne with raspberries! Eventually we took our seats and the ceremony began. We had a little cheat sheet explaining the Jewish traditions! The officiant had an incredible speaking voice, great tone and very smooth, and she sang a lot to which also sounded great. Everyone walked down the aisle to Can You Feel the Love Tonight and it was awesome. The ceremony took place outside in the middle of the Ritz on this grassy lawn down these beautiful stairs.. it was so so nice. Sam and Candice were under the Chupah which was also gorgeous and I've not seen a Ketubah before, it's the contract that governs a marriage under Jewish Law. It was very elegant. Also at the end of the ceremony Sam broke the glass, which is done to remind us that relationships are strong but fragile and need to be treated with care.
After the ceremony it was time for cocktail hour and we enjoyed A LOT of champagne as well as some delicious hors d'oeuvres including lamb chops, beef wellingtons, shrimp, and arancini. Our place cars were on this amazing living wall and there was also a big table in the center of the room with oysters, crab legs, and shrimp.
The ballroom was set up beautifully and as soon as they announced Mr. and Mrs. Merchant EVERYONE was on the dance floor!!! It was the first time I've ever seen that happen and I think it's a true testament to Sam and Candi and their friends and how fun they are. I can't remember what time everything happened but they had their first dance and Candi danced with her dad and Sam with his mom. Grandpa Harold blessed the Challah bread and we got salads and then Cole (the best man) and Andrea (the maid of honor) gave their speeches. We kept dancing and got dinner, then Sam and Candi cut the cake and we got dessert. In addition to cake there were cake pops and empanadas and then around 1am they came around with sliders and mini corn dogs. All of the food was excellent.
The dance floor stayed packed the entire wedding!!! One of Sam's friends got him these awesome sneakers with LEDs around the bottom and there were girls dressed as butterflies all lit up. It was awesome. Definitely the best, most beautiful, most fun wedding I've ever been to.
Around 2 something we walked back to the resort on the beach with our feet in the water and then evidently we stopped in the pool to rinse off the sand 😂 We ate our pizza and passed out.
❤❤❤
Congratulations Candice and Sam!!! Much love to you both and have an excellent honeymoon!