We had a memorable week in Tampa for Shannon McKinney's marriage to Matthew Cobel. Shannon's mother, Cheri McKinney, Collie's sister, and Shannon's sister Heather Coffel, were our traveling companions. Out flight to Tampa was a red eye and our hotel was a La Quinta near the airport and next to an Ihop! Neither were wonderful, but handy and we spent little time there. By the time we picked up the rental car, checked into the motel, ate and unwound it was 3:00 AM.
The next day Collie picked up his tux (he was giving the bride away), and we made our way to the Sunken Gardens, a lovely spot for the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony the next day.
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| Bridal attendants |
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| Some garden beauty |
We met the rest of the wedding party and Matthew's family.
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| The men of the wedding party |
The rehearsal dinner was later at U le le, a lovey spot on the Tampa bay. I had a refreshing drink with a flowery liquer of some kind and fresh cucumbers. Dinner was extraordinary and it was a pleasure to visit with spouses of the wedding party.
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| Rehersal Dinner |
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| Rehersal Dinner. Dave Cobel shown in background with Cheri McKinner |
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| Collie with sister Cheri |
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| Sand ceremony |
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| Bride's attendants |
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| Groom's mother |
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| Bride's mother\ |
The rehearsal paid off. The wedding went without a hitch and Collie did his job well. The ceremony was beautiful, with the mothers' of both the bride and groom reading parts of "The Little Prince" fable followed by a Sand Ceremony. Shannon't and Matthew's dog Bagus (golden/puddle mix) was the ring bearer.
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| Bagus delivers the rings |
The Sunken Garden had cages of exotic birds and as if on cue, the kookaburra birds let lose with their strange cackling laugh at the end of the ceremy, causing all the guests to laugh along. Perfect!
We arrived at the Weston Hotel for the reception dinner early and enjoyed lunch and a stroll prior to a boat ride with the wedding party. The captain gave us an excellent narrative, telling us about the history of Tampa and pointing out historica buildings as well as new ones.
The wedding reception was quite a gala, with a DJ who played music from all eras. Collie (who hates to dance) danced beautifully with the bride. I was a wall flower and just danced by muself.
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| Collie dances with Shannon |
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| This is Liam, Matthew's nephew doing his own thing at the reception. |
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| Jason, old friend of the groom, conducted the ceremony and gave a toast at the reception |
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| Deidra was the maid of honor. She toasted the couple at the reception. |
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