It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here, so I might as well start off big. So, I got married (again) on November 1st 2009. After years of dating and a short engagement, Tara and I were married in Washington, D.C. We actually planned the honeymoon before we were even engaged, as we had paid for it back in May I think and did not get engaged until July. Even though we both knew we’d get married before the honeymoon, she was still surprised when I asked her to marry me.
Anyway, so we got married in D.C., more specifically, we were married near the FDR memorial. This was not my first choice, but the jackbooted thug Park Police were not going to allow us to be married at my first choice, the Jefferson Memorial. We decided to head across to the FDR memorial. From there it was possible to see both the Washington monument and the Jefferson memorial.
It rained all morning, and we were worried we’d have to move the ceremony to an indoor venue. Luckily, about fifteen minutes before the ceremony was to begin, the rain stopped. The day was actually quite chilly, so once we had everyone together we started to walk to a spot near the water where we’d be able to see the Jefferson Memorial. Unfortunately the wind and the chill made us stop short of that goal and we ended up having a nice view of the Washington Monument.
Tara looked absolutely gorgeous in her 1930s gown, and was able to brave the elements. I forgot the cold once I stared into her eyes and the vows we exchanged were powerful and moving. Afterward, we went to The Majestic in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia for dinner. The food and drink there is excellent as is the atmosphere.
The honeymoon. The honeymoon was awesome. We sailed on a transatlantic voyage from New York to England onboard the Queen Mary 2. I posted many photos on my website here. We then spent 3 days in London.
I never wanted that trip to end. I could have stayed on the Queen Mary 2 for weeks. The ship is amazing. Everything about it is top shelf. Our suite included a butler service, how cool is that? All the employees on the ship were professional, kind, gracious and helpful. This was a voyage, not a cruise. This wasn’t for little kids, or for total party animals. This voyage was about class and sophistication. I loved being able to dress formally and drink champagne whenever the whim struck.
We were never bored on the voyage. As this was a transatlantic voyage, we only had days at sea, there were no ports of call. I enjoy the days at sea, the fresh air, the sounds of the ship and the waves. I cannot wait to go on another voyage on the Queen Mary 2. I think to describe it as the Ritz Carlton of the sea is a disservice, no offense to Ritz Carlton, but this ship is by far the nicest place I’ve ever stayed, and the best place I’ve ever eaten.
I’ll probably post some photos of the wedding itself, and the renewal of vows on the Queen Mary 2. Amazingly, I only gained two pounds on the trip, but I feel so far behind the eight ball now that I’m going to have to kick my ass repeatedly at the gym to get back to where I was a couple of months ago.
I’ll write more later on the London part of the trip, and perhaps more specifics of the Queen Mary.
GBC