Who: Mia & David
What: Rehearsal Dinner
When: February 16, 2007
Where: Sandestin Marina
AND Marina Cafe in Destin, FL

Is it just me or are rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches beginning to rival the wedding reception for most spectacular event? Don’t me wrong - I’m not complaining! (Not one bit!) Actually, I think it’s really fantastic. Think of it this way - why, when all of your family and friends are in town for the wedding day activities, would you ever try to limit your together/celebration time to a mere 4 to 6 hours on one day?

I think Mia & David were thinking the same thing when they planned their fabulous rehearsal dinner at the Marina Cafe in Destin, Florida. It wouldn’t be right to post all of these gorgeous detail shots and not mention their awesome coordinators over at It’s A Shore Thing that helped it all come together so beautifully!

Charles and I started that afternoon at the Sandestin Marina where the bridal party was about to board their boat to take them around the coast and over to their final destination at the Marina Cafe in Destin. Yep, they were arriving in style to their rehearsal dinner - but just scroll down to see what happened next!

The yatch:

The boys showed up first - this shot taken by Charles kind of reminds me of the Rat Pack!

A lovely sunset departure:

We raced over (by car) to Marina Cafe so we would be setup in time for their arrival. This is the view that greeted us onto the deck:

They’re heeeeere:

And then it was magic. Mia and David were greeted by a big crowd of family and friends on the back deck, who had been anxiously awaiting their arrival. David took the microphone and gave a nice welcome speech and at the end he said “and now for a little surprise!” It really was awesome because just then you heard a pop and fizzle and saw the light - FIREWORKS!!!

A guest standing nearby said to his date “And can you believe - this is only the REHEARSAL!?” LOL Amen, brother.

They even had heart-shaped fireworks!

Nice ambience:

Maybe my favorite detail - these were hanging from the rafters throughout the space! This is exactly why I *heart* It’s A Shore Thing! Visit their site It’s A Shore Thing.

Soon-to-be-weds:

Mia - from what I gather - was rehearsing a dance, as taught by David’s mother (in the ladies bathroom!!) - that had been performed by brides for their grooms for generations within his family:

A nervous Mia - about to dance for her groom in front of everyone:

Mia is a trained dancer - she had nothing to worry about:

Mom and Dad looking on in the background:

We ended the night with my favorite - speeches! I always love hearing the funny little stories and touching moments from family and friends: