3 years ago, Andrew and I were married in a candlelit hotel suite. My dad officiated the ceremony, our families took turns reading Bible verses, and my best friend/maid-of-honor snapped photos. It was an emotional, intimate wedding — I never want to forget it! Afterwards, the ten of us caravanned into town for dinner al fresco, beneath twinkly lights.
We hadn’t returned to Palm Beach since then. So, for our third anniversary, Andrew and I planned to go back to where it all began. Same island, same hotel, same restaurants. My parents generously offered to watch Holly — which meant Andrew and I would be taking our first solo vacation since March of 2020.
Truthfully, we almost cancelled. I was a wreck in the days leading up to the trip. Leave Holly at home? No! We’d never been away from her a night before, let alone three. We found a steady routine of weekly dinner dates, but those are far simpler. We sing to Holly and put her to bed, then we go out. An overnight seemed… impossible.
As it turned out, an overnight was possible. Even three! There were certainly tears, but Andrew lovingly reminded me that we were celebrating our marriage. Just us two. Husband and wife. (Plus, we could FaceTime with Holly whenever we wanted. And we did! Several times a day.)
We had the time of our lives: walking on the beach at sunset, browsing the shops on Worth Avenue, dining at the best restaurants (Buccan, The Colony, HMF, Renato’s), lounging by the pool, riding bikes on the Lake Trail, peeking at gorgeous houses and their perfectly-groomed hedges, ordering room service (sweet potato fries and a cookie make an incredible combo), and soaking up the weather. 80s in the day, 60s in the eve.
Our hotel — Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach — was decorated with light pink pillows, pale green pleated lampshades, and a glittering Christmas tree with even more pastel colors. A dream! When we checked into our room, we discovered decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, a “welcome back” note, and a vase filled with blooming peonies (a surprise from Andrew).
On our last night on the island, we met up with my best friend, Courtney, and her boyfriend, Shamus, who were also in town for the weekend. If there is anything better than an anniversary trip with your husband… it’s hanging out with your BFF on said anniversary trip. The four of us stayed out way too late.
We have been home for about a week now (and reunited with our Holly.) I’m giving thanks to God for a beauty-filled time in Palm Beach with my husband and our three wonderful years of marriage.
