John Neary, Jane and David Johnson
I ran out for a manicure and pedicure that afternoon ... while I was there, the skies opened up and it poured. Guess my timing was perfect, and I watched the rainfall as I relaxed in the massage chair at the salon. The manicurist said not to worry - that Miami weather changes quickly, this would soon pass and it would be beautiful again. My drooling bliss was interupted only by a call from Uncle Jim looking for the gang... back to reality, and time to get hopping - we've got rehearsal to get to!
True to her word, the skies cleared as I left the salon around 3 p.m. I dropped by the Walgreen's to pick up some very important Diet Dr. Pepper and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the rehearsal and dinner that evening.
Upon arriving at the hotel I learned of more wedding crisis... Chris Dowden (groomsman) had his luggage lost in Atlanta on the way down. The good news is, he was dressed to fly in first class and would be fine for the rehearsal dinner - but might stand out a little on the beach wearing dress slacks and loafers. Fortunately, the airline did find his bags and got them back to the hotel later that night.
The Neary Five... one last time (Dad, what ARE you looking at??)
The wedding party caught a limo over to the National Hotel for rehearsal. We made our way to the end of the pool and started to assemble when all of a sudden the skies opened up again and we were diving for the Tiki Hut and the umbrellas. Everyone was soaked through to the skin, but we just decided to grin and bear it - it's only the rehearsal afterall. And it could be worse ... it could be a tsunami. :)
The deluge of rain ...
The Bride and Groom grin and bear it under the shelter of the Tiki Hut!
The Smith Family - Mike, Jen and Tyler
Tyler wanted to go swimming in the pool!
The Best Man ... and worried parents in the background.
Hey, it's a party no matter what!
Fortunately, the rain did let up, and we were able to do our thing... although I don't know if anyone was paying attention. Several of the group stuck under the Tiki Hut took advantage of the opportunity and started drinking Mojitos. ;o)
The rain lets up and rehearsal is underway!
The Happy Groom ...
We survived rehearsal without any more rain and made the three-block walk over to the Yuca Restaurant for the rehearsal dinner. After a little jockeying, the restaurant seated us at three tables. Each table had a lovely centerpiece of pink begonias made by Grandma Leonore. Before the meal could begin, we noticed a rowdy crowd of onlookers outside the window - it was our family, of course... Dad pulled everyone in, and Pastor Schriever said the blessing. The visiting group exited, and the rehearsal dinner officially began. We were treated to an amazing menu of Cuban food and Mojitos.
Alas, it's time to party!
Table #1
The bridal party - Jen Smith, Alec Schafer, Dennis Neary, Steve Ruvuolo, Chris Dowden, John Neary, Nicole Calonita, Mike Smith
Table #2
Parents of the Bride & Groom, Pastor Schriever , and Grandparents of the Groom
Table #3
The Calonita Clan
Father of the Bride
Father of the Groom
The Wedding Commemorative Plate
Everyone at the Rehearsal Dinner signed the 'Congratulations' plate created by Jen Smith, the bride's sister. (John and Nicki - Don't forget to bake it or the writing will come off!)
Once the group completed dinner, other wedding guests arrived at the restaurant - we headed upstairs to check out the Salsa dancing ... unfortunately, the lessons were already over, and the floor was so crowded... only John and Mal were brave enough to get out on the floor and shake a tailfeather...
John and Mal - just before they were kicked off the dance floor.
The group headed back toward the Delano, but not before taking a shot of tequila - WHEW! Thanks Les... We headed over to the National Hotel and our beloved Tiki Hut when we found out the Delano was ridiculous expensive. We hung out under the stars, throwing back drinks and smoking cigars (well, some were).
Johnson boys in da house!
Jen and Joyce
Aunt Pam and Jen
Steve and Alec
The guys ...
Once the National wore out our wallets, we headed back to the Sheraton and hung out in Chris Dowden's suite. We played a game Katie introduced us to - something about 7's and 14's... I think we made up the rules as we went along - it took forever for us to get the hang of it.
Alec and Chopper - I don't know what they're doing.
Mary, Katie, and Chris Dowden
I think a fun evening was had by all ... even Les, who jumped in the pool at the National fully clothed. We're not quite sure how he got back to the hotel - who would pick up a guy soaking wet??
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