Beach?
Why the Beach?
For Dondra, the beach is more than a beautiful backdrop.
Born in Florida, she spent much of her childhood along these shores and on the ocean. While other kids went to daycare Dondra went with her dad to his work on deep sea fishing boats. She listened to her dads jokes and they would prank the tourist by walking behind then and tapping the base of their fishing poles. When back to dock she would get to visit her mom working in the restaurant attached and wait for her sister to get out of school. But the ocean took on an even deeper meaning when her father passed away and, according to his wishes, his ashes were scattered at sea.
Since then, the ocean has been a place where she feels close to him.
When Dondra took Joel to visit the place where she was born, she was able to share a piece of her childhood with him. And somewhere along the way, Joel began falling in love with Florida, too. Seeing the places, hearing the stories, and understanding how those memories helped shape the woman he loves, he could see why this was the perfect place for them to say "I do."
Choosing a Florida beach for our wedding isn't simply about the sunset or the scenery. It's about beginning our future in a place that connects Dondra to her past, allows her to feel close to her dad, and now holds special meaning for Joel as well.
To everyone making the journey to celebrate with us, we hope you know how much it means. You're not just traveling to a destination wedding. You're joining us somewhere that holds a lifetime of memories and a very special piece of our hearts.
For all the days along the way