Once we cut the cake and danced our first dance, the party was ready to begin. To start it off right, Tom and I has asked for a bit of live entertainment. The entertainment we chose were fire dancers. Immediately following our first dance, the music changed and two men appeared from what seemed like the ocean. Music erupted from the speakers as they walked towards the bonfire on the beach, clad in shorts and body paint. One by one the dancers extended these numb-chuck-like emblems into the fire to grab a flame. Then, in syncopation to the rhythm of the music, they began to twirl the fire as they danced. It was AWESOME.
Tom and I stood in the middle of the dance floor as they performed for the crowd, dancing and twirling the flames at times, around us. A few times they bowed to us and swung the flames in a circular motion by our sides and they stated their congratulations. Tom held onto me for life – scared of being burned, but I was totally loving it. The performance was amazing and lasted about 20 minutes.
Photograph by friend and guest, Dara Burleson
Photograph by friend and guest, Stephen Lambeth
Photograph by friend and guest, Stephen Lambeth
After the dancers left, it was time to get the dance floor hopping. The song Tom and I chose was Kool and the Gang’s Celebration. Everyone joined us on the beach to dance the night away under the stars. I just loved my beach reception -lit solely by firelight.
Photograph by friend and guest, Stephen Lambeth
We danced and danced until about 11:30pm. At that time, a bell rang to let us know it was time to board the catamaran for the ride home. We all sadly left the island but were still excited to continue the party on the boat. I took my time as I made my way to the catamaran – I wanted to remember every wonderful moment. I wanted to take it in one last time. As we left I looked out on the island, sad to leave but excited for the time we shared there. Then I turned around and made my way to the dance floor to boogie on down with my guests on the boat and that is how it ended… for an hour we laughed and drank and danced on the boat with the wind blowing in our hair. Tom and I had a wonderful time!
Photograph but friend and guest, Stephen Lambeth
Once we docked we made a point to visit every single person to tell them how happy we were they came to Mexico to share in our special day. We kissed and hugged each and every one of them (and the crew) before piling in our van headed for the villa exhausted and completely euphoric. The day was perfect.
Destination Wedding Recap 1: The Final Countdown Before the Guests Arrive
Destination Wedding Recap 2: An Unconventional Guestbook
Destination Wedding Recap 3: The Ceremony
Destination Wedding Recap 4: Portraits & Wedding Party Photos
Destination Wedding Recap 5: Our Dinner Table
Destination Wedding Recap 6: Our Romantic Luggage Wedding Cake
Destination Wedding Recap 7: Gay Symbols In My Gay Wedding – A Follow-Up
Destination Wedding Recap 8: The First Dance
Wow it’s surreal to see this because my wife’s family and friends are fire knife dancers! They are Samoan and it is a tradition there for celebrations. Her brother sometimes gives us little performances at family get togethers. The neighbors probably think we are crazy… LOL!
That is awesome, Nicole! I’m totally jealous.:)
I believe your concluding sentence! This celebration looks like a little corner of heaven.
It was, Hannah. It truly was. I want to be there right now! :)