This is the lobby . . .



And this is the main walkway into the lobby. At night, this was all lit up -- and was incredibly beautiful. Dawn's daughter got a picture of this at night (I'll post it later when she forwards me the photo).

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So . . . after breakfast (the breakfast buffet was awesome . . . but there was no ackee & saltfish anywhere to be seen) -- we realized that it was 11:15 - and the wedding was at 12:00!!! Dawn and I ran back to my room to get dressed (she and her fiance' had been "bumped" to Hedo for 3 nights . . . and received a free 3-night voucher that would allow them back to Grand Lido at anytime in the future) and her fiance' got dressed in his best man's room. It was crazy how fast time flew!!!

I had to iron my dress, do my hair and makeup . . . but most importantly -- I had to help Dawn get ready. Must admit, I had about 5 minutes to pull it all together . . . and I don't think I did a stellar job at looking my best, but -- what the heck! It was HER day . . . not mine! Dawn gave me a BEAUTIFUL toe ring from Jarod's just before her wedding. I was so touched!! I love toe jewelry (always wear toe rings and ankle bracelets) . . . so this was a truly-appreciated gift!

Next thing you know, we're standing around the corner from the Gazebo . . . out of sight and waiting to be beckoned. I swear my knees were shaking so loud you could hear them!!!!!! Dawn looked AMAZING!!! She's a beautiful woman . . . but on this day . . . words couldn't describe how simply breathtaking she was. Must be something about a 4th wedding that makes you glow! LOL.

Again -- I will post pictures as soon as I'm able to of the wedding. Dawn returned to Jacksonville yesterday, but is flying to Seattle tomorrow for a few days, so we haven't had the opportunity to share photos.

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I guess I expected the ceremony to be a joke . . . but, quite frankly, it had to be one of the most touching, most beautiful ceremonies I've ever been to! The wedding planner was close-by at every second, and took care of every minute detail instantly. If Dawn's hair blew in her face, the wedding planner took care of it -- so the pictures would be perfect!

After the ceremony, we signed the papers ceremoniously, made champagne toasts (thank goodness I'm involved in a public speaking class, LOL), and they bride and groom fed each other cake! Then the photographer walked around the property with us and continued to take photos in different locations. He took 79 photos in all . . . and cut Dawn and Todd a deal by "burning" them a CD with all the photos for less than what 10 photos would cost! Good deal for them. Great deal for him!!!!

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After the wedding, we all hung out on the beach for awhile. It was overcast, so we just relaxed . . . and enjoyed some quiet time. Since we had reservations for dinner at 6:00 at the 5-star restaurant on-site, Piacetere, I decided to go back to my room to catch a power nap.

Unfortunately, we all were carrying walkie-talkies, and everytime I fell asleep, somebody would wake me up . . . and make me laugh! Apparently, Christina (Dawn's daughter) and Daniel (her husband) had been down to see "Farmer Bill" . . . and were partaking in some of his crops during the afternoon. I listened to the banter back and forth and just enjoyed my peace and solitude.

While getting dressed for dinner, I made a call to room service . . . to "stock my refridgerator" -- I was out of water and soda. As I was getting ready to leave the room, Greg appeared with my water and soda. We chatted for a few minutes and agreed to meet later that evening for a stroll on the beach (after he got finished working).

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The dinner at Piacetere was nothing less than incredible!!! We were served in synchronized fashion -- the waiters and waitresses all wore white gloves! The food was out of this world . . . and the desserts were to DIE FOR!!!!

Here's pictures from dinner . . . This is my best friend, Dawn, and her husband, Todd. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL????

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Here's here daughter, Christina, and Christina's husband, Daniel! Like mother, like daughter -- BEAUTIFUL!!!



And . . . here is me -- and Paul (Dawn's Boss who I've known for 14 years), also Todd's best man!!! Believe me, Paul was the BEST non-date I could've had! He was a complete gentleman, looked after me, always made sure I had something to drink . . . but never cramped my style! I adore him!

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lilly, you must be one of the best writers on etj! you had me hanging on every word on your last report...can't wait to read the rest!

After dinner, we changed into comfortable clothes . . . I found my way to the Internet Cafe to say hello to ETJ (for $12, LOL) -- and the rest of the wedding party went to the Piano Bar for drinks. After that, we ended up at the Tree House for snacks and drinks . . . and I got a ride back to my room from Greg on the delivery truck, LOL!

After work, Greg showed up around 11:30 and we walked the beach together. He was very sweet . . . and very young . . . and very much like all the others with his suave conversation. Had I not been a party to this type of encounter a time or two before, he almost would've convinced me that this could be a "serious relationship."

Anyway . . . here's Greg. Isn't he adorable?

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Hey Tia!!!!! How are you??? I always feel so honored when you show up in my Trip Reports!!!

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The next morning, while in the shower, MissB's friend, Omar, called my cell! Finally, Digicell was gonna be cooperative!!!! I got out of the shower, returned the call and made arrangements to meet him at the front gate of Grand Lido -- to give him the package MissB sent for him!

Omar was so sweet!!! And man -- does that boi have a beautiful smile!!! He shook hands and introduced myself . . . and we chatted for a quick minute -- about MissB!!!! He readily agreed to let me take pics for MissB . . . and then we shook hands and parted.

Here he is, MissB! (By the way, there's proof I delivered the package -- he's holding it in his hand!!!!)

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...and with a crooked smile like that, i can tell he's no novice to charming the ladies. btw, is he wearing a bathrobe? LOL

i'm doing great, thanks for asking lilly. been super busy with work (more like, 25 kindergarteners running me ragged! lol) and having LOTS of fun planning my wedding. i'm so glad i caught you during your report!

After returning to my room, Dawn and Todd showed up to gather their belongings and help me check out of Grand Lido. Greg also showed up to profess undying love and devotion! Such a sweetie!!!

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well well well miss b, ain't he handsome! omar is such a common name. that's my fiance's yard name and i've come across at least half a dozen omars whenever i visit.

Hey Lilly, loving the report so far. I mostly just love the pictures, even if there was no story. But I guess the story helps make sense of it all. Keep up the story and pics.

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Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

[quote=Tia;338606btw, is he wearing a bathrobe? LOL[/QUOTE]

Huh! I didn't even notice.

So glad that all's going well, Tia! We're all so happy for your upcoming wedding!! How grand is that??? Make sure to keep us all informed!!!

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