Our 1st Island Wedding - Guanaja Style

Hey...Hey...Hey!   I've been hearing from lots of you wanting to know how the wedding went and wanting to see pictures. 

First of all, I have to give my husband lots of kuddos for all the help he put into making this wedding special for Ginger and Rick.  I couldn't have done this without him.   I gotta say the boy has talent and taste.  

Ginger and Rick were looking for a simple beach, barefoot, and sunset wedding.   It wasn't about all the bells and whistles.  It was about their commitment to one another with their parents by their side.

Regina and Mark (Ginger's parents); Rose and Paul (Rick's parents); Ginger and Rick arrived on the island of Guanaja Friday July 2nd.  

Puddle jumper from Roatan to Guanaja

Tight squeeze but a 15 minute flight.

Our Guanaja airport.

Regina and Mark (Ginger's folks)

Boat ride from the airport to Clark Cay.

Rick and Ginger

They love being in a boat.

Rose (Rick's Momma)

Paul (Rick's Dad)

Taking it all in.

The wedding was set for Saturday, July 3rd.   This is the first wedding we've ever hosted and weren't too sure how this was all going to turn out.   We know this is a spectacular island and the scenery is amazing but hosting a wedding was a little scary.   I've seen the reality shows of Bridezilla.  

It was nothing like that.   Ginger was a wonderful bride and so beautiful.  Really made things easy for us.  Thank you, Ginger!

The day of the wedding was fast and furious.   Bob and I were a team.  First thing we need to do is make sure our guests are occupied and out of the way. 

Fortunately the seas were calm

and a fantastic day for kayaking

Rick and his Mom enjoying the clear blue seas.

While Regina and Ginger relaxed on the beach

and took in some rays.

Mark was all about cooling off in the water

While our guests remained busy; that gave us plenty of time to decorate the beach with palm fronds, flowers, conch shells and tiki torches.

Not too shabby, huh?

I had mentioned Bob was pretty creative.   I put him in charge of the flower arrangements.  We needed one for the dinner table setting and one for Rick and Ginger's room.  Drum roll......

Didn't he do a fabulous job?

I was blown away.

This arrangement was placed in their room

from Ronnie and Anita.

Ginger and Rick loved it!

Next.   The arrangement for the dining table.

I tell ya, Bob has some talent.  Very impressive!

While Bob was arranging flowers.  I was taking a cake decorating

class from Martha.  Thank God she was around. 

Bride's cake.

Strawberry Pineapple Cake

with a cream cheese frosting.

I made this.  I can't even believe that it turned out so well.

I know what you are asking.  "How did it taste?"

It was good!  Ask Ginger.  She'll tell ya.

OK now Rick's cake.

Chocolate Cake Balls.

Not at all what I wanted to present.

Poor Rick. 

He saw the cake and thought it was a plate of coals.  

Awe man!

I tried building a pyramid w/ greenary

but it fell apart.

I had no time to try again.

Sorry Rick!

Sharon Jones was the officiator of the ceremony.

She met with Rick and Ginger early in the day

to work out some of the wording of the vows

and to go over a few of the details.

Once the beach was decorated, flowers arranged, cakes were

in the fridge; it was time to start the dinner prep.

I did hire some kitchen help and was quite organized.

It was a little too easy in some ways.

The dinner was simple but wanted to make sure

everything was on schedule.

The dinner menu.

Lobster Dumplings w/Ginger Soy Sauce

Ceasar Salad

Grilled Grouper topped w/a Basil Butter

Roasted Herbed Potatoes

Steamed Green Beans

 and Dinner Rolls

Everything on my list was checked off.

Time for the wedding!

The day started out absolutely beautiful and we were so

excited that we had a cool breeze.   As we were counting down

till Ginger walked down the beach; the clouds rolled in.

I was not a happy camper.  It was too late to move anything around.

Bob and stood around giving those dark clouds the evil eye.

Guess, we must have some strong "evil" eyes (no comments, please)

The storm went right around us.  It was awesome.

It was a little cloudy to start out but all was fabulous.

Here she comes!

Isn't she beautiful and she's barefoot.

Ceremony in progress.

Their first Kiss?

Doesn't appear so.

Introducing

Mr. and Mrs. Sammons

So Sweet!

Great looking couple

How's this for a special treat?

Notice the rainbow behind them?

How about now?

Looks like she is pooped.

We'd like to offer our special thanks to

Sharon Jones

for conducting a wonderful ceremony.

You did an amazing job.

To the Pullums

Clark Cay is their beautiful island

and thanks to them we were able to enjoy

a fabulous celebration.

Thank you for allowing us share this wonderful island

with our family and friends.

Of course a wedding is very special

with the love and support of family.

Rick and Ginger are blessed to have

wonderful parents.

They are amazing.

To Rick and Ginger,

Bob and I want to wish you both

many years of happiness.

We love you guys!

Time to catch you up!

Hi!  

I hear I'm taking way too long between posts.  Ut-oh!  Guess the island life has made me a slacker.   I gotta tell ya, I like being a slacker but we've actually been pretty busy around here.  Not work wise but entertaining... My Favorite!

We've had several friends and family visits over the past couple of months.  It's been awesome.   We've taken them on some amazing snorkels trips.  I'm hoping some of our pictures came out.  We actually bought a case to fit our camera so we can take pictures underwater.   We just haven't had time to view them on the screen yet.   During our snorkel... we swam with large spotted Eagle Rays, lots of reef fish, turtles and saw a 6-7 ft. nurse shark.   Now, why do I need to get certified to dive?  I don't think so.   And listen to this; we've been living here on this cay for 4 months and just discovered all the amazing night creatures living in our own marina.    We have octopus, sea horses, red-banded shrimp, brittle starfish, and tons of sea urchins.   It's absolutely beautiful!   Thank you Ken for leaving us your dive light.  Checking out the marine before going to bed has been fantastic.

Jack and Cheryl from Dallas TX

Greg and Sandy from Tempe AZ

The cousins!

We had lots to celebrate while they were here. 

Cheryl's birthday, Greg & Sandy approaching retirement.

Cheryl and Jack closed on the sell of their home while here.

They too were homeless.  We'll at least for a few days

till they got back home to make their move as empty nesters

from the casa grande to the condo life. 

We loved having them visit.  Sounds like they want our jobs as caretakers

when ever we decide to vacate and build our own place.

We look forward to a returned visit!

I did make a quick trip to Texas a few weeks back.  My Dad got married in Corpus Christi.  They had a beautiful large wedding.   Now, don't get all mad that I didn't call you while I was there.  My time was split between Corpus and Houston and it was a whirlwind trip.  I'm waiting for you all to come down and spend some quality time with us. 

My handsome Father!

Ester.  It's not too late.

Me offering my words of wisdom...

"Are you sure you want to go thru with this?"

No turning back now.

I'm very happy for them both.

Ester is a wonderful person and I'm so

happy to welcome her to our family.

While I'm at.  Might as well introduce you to the rest of the family.

My Dad's side of the family is very small but we be tight.

My Dad's sister, Mary Alice and my uncle Nacho.

My brother Mando and cousin Ronald

Ronald lives in Austin.  He joined us for a few hours at the

rehearsal dinner before having to head back home.

Thank you Ronald for driving all the way down to Corpus

to wish my Dad congratulations.

It was great to see ya.

My cousin Danette

 Danette's kids.  Devin and Dylan.

Don't let those smiles trick you.  They're rotten!

But love 'em.

My brother's girlfriend, Lynn.

    

We all had a great time at the wedding.  To paraphase my Dad's comments;  "We have all come together today on this joyous occassion.  At our age, to achieve this feat would usually be for a funeral"   That's my Dad!  Love you!!

I had a week to get things together before welcoming our next guests all the way from Sacramento CA.   Ken and Cyndra.  Ken is a long time friend of Bob's and was a groomsman in our wedding.   LONG time ago.  I guess that makes him my long time friend, too.

Ken is 6'9.  We were a little concerned if he wouldn't fit

in the puddle jumper.   Whew!  No problem.

Cyndra and Ken are divers.

Bob is a diver also but has yet to dive here.

Can you believe that?   Guanaja is known for its diving.

Glad they all went.

Looks like they had a great time.

Still doesn't appeal to me but they loved

exploring the underwater world.

Bob.  My goof-ball husband.

The guys dove with George.

He's a the owner and dive master at Clearwater Paradise Resort.

George and Scooter (a white-nosed coatimundi, or coati)

The guys were very impressed w/George and loved diving with him.

Cyndra is a lot worse than me when it comes to animals.

As soon as they show me their teeth; I'm gone.

But Cyndra...another story.

She fell in love with Scooter.  Teeth, nails and all.

He's tricking me.  He's hoping for me to reach down and pet him.

I'm not falling for it.  He is cute from a distance.

Let's see what else....  This is huge.  I've learned to drive a boat.  Woohoo!   Bob was out fishing with the guys and was running late to take the gardener home.  Cyndra, my friend gave me all the confidence in the world to take the boat out.   I asked her, "are you sure I should do this?  I've only driven the boat once before and for a very short distance."  She stated she trusted my abilities and she would join me on the ride.  I thought about it for a brief moment and said, "Hell ya.  I can do this".     Off we went.   The boat ride is about 15 mins to the airport where Cefe the gardener lives and 15 mins back.   I was expecting a Lucy and Ethel scenario but turned out we were more like Thelma and Louise.   Cyndra, you believed in me.   Thank you, my friend!  

Who cares that I can't see over the bow.

Bow is the front of the boat.  Don't feel bad;

I just learned that myself. 

I stood on my tiptoes or off to the side.

My friend, Trechell has been asking what kind of boats do we drive.

We'll here's the one we're happy to have.  It's a called a Panga.

I think it's 26'f.  Large enough to fit 6-8 peeps on it.

This one we call Clark's Ark.

It's a monster boat.  40 ft. 

This boat was used to haul materials and construction crews.

Now, it mainly sits and used on occasion to haul large debris.

This boat we use to go out snorkeling.

Much smaller at 16 ft, has a ladder to get in and out of the boat

and we're able to get closer to reefs since the hull isn't so deep.

That's it. 

These two boats we take care of and they

take care of us.

So what's next for us?   Let me tell ya.   We have a wedding here on the island coming up.  My girlfriend, Ginger wants a barefoot, beach, sunset wedding.  We are more than happy to accomodate her wishes.  Well, hopefully the sunset will cooperate.   Have I ever planned a wedding?  Sure, my own 21 years ago.   Thank God, Ginger is so low maintenence.  She's all about the scenery, family and friends coming together to share in their celebration.   I'm sure everything will work out!  I'll definitely post the pictures of that event in the near future.  The wedding date is July 3rd.  Let us all pray for nice weather.   With that being said,  I have lots to do when I close out here.   Doing a little each day so I'm not overwhelmed nor am I in the kitchen too much while they are visiting.

We are doing fabulous as we hope you guys are also.  We've enjoyed our company and look forward to having more.  Will you be the next to book your flight?

Next, we'll be celebrating my cousin Kris' 40th birthday.   She and her husband will be here July 5th.   August 5th - Mom and Sandy will be make the trip down to visit as well.

I told you we've been busy.   It's actually been a blessing.   We love having our family and friends visit us and check out our new lifestyle.   We enjoy showing off a bit.  The island life works for us and enjoy living it everyday. 

Love to all,
Bonnie and Bob.
  

Guanaja Reef Realty

Hello!

We just wanted to update & clarify some information that we posted earlier about Jim & Cindy Jones. 

Jim & Cindy own & operate Guanaja Reef Realty.  As stated earlier they have unfortunately relocated back to Florida.  We wanted to let everyone know that they are still fully in business here & we apologize for creating any confusion in regards to this matter.  All current listings are still being promoted, new listings will be forthcoming & showings are still occurring.  Clients & customers can still rely on the outstanding service that Jim & Cindy have always provided.  Prior to their move, they invited Bonnie & I to join their business & we are honored that they have selected us to provide as much assistance as is needed here to keep the company fully functioning.  They will still be 100% involved in the daily operations via the Internet & telephone & will also be making return trips here to Guanaja as necessary.  .   

We look forward to your visit here.  If you have any qquestions or need information on Guanaja real estate please contact Jim & Cindy in Florida at 941-876-3255 or sales@guanajareefrealty.com 


You can also us, Bob & Bonnie, here in Guanaja at 50494609824


We are all here to assist you with everything from travel to purchase.

http://www.guanajareefrealty.com/

Thank you & have a great day - Bob Langston



      

Celebrations in Guanaja!

Hi to all our family and friends!   Once again it's been awhile since our last post.  So very sorry.
We have been extremely busy; no lie.   Martha and her guests occupied the island all of March thru the end of April.  Jeff and Cindee Jobe were on the island the full two months and aside from them we had a consistent rotation of guests who became our wonderful new friends.  I used to kid Jeff that I would get so much rest when he left but the truth of the matter is; I miss both the Jobe's dearly.   They are awesome people.  

We finally had guests of our own.  My dear friend, Stephanie and her husband Bracy flew down to visit for 10 days.  I was so sad to see them go.  We had a great time with them.  

We took them out snorkeling a few times

We had intentions of more excursions

but porch swings, naps and relaxation got in the way.

They enjoyed the slow lazy pace of this island.

Bob and Bracy had never met before but you would have never known that.

We played lots of Spades while they were here

(of course Boys against the Girls) and they were

a great team. 

Pretty evenly matched in pool.

We introduced them to all our friends at Manati's.

Stephanie and Cathy

The gals of Guanaja

Geri, Capt Al and Mercedes

How can a Texas Girl not know how to Two Step?

Bracy loves to dance and Stephanie was a rocker chick when we

were growing up.   She's more tolerant of country music now.

We took them to Graham's Place and got them on the dance floor.

yeah...no broken toes.

It was very sad to see them leave.  But I'm

pretty sure they will be back.  They seem to enjoy

their time here on this beautiful island.

So what's to celebrate?  Definitely not the departure of our friends.

Jim and Cindy have sold their beautiful home.

Yes, this is sad news for all of us.  But, excellent news for them.

Jim is the gentleman that welcomed us to their home when we

arrived on this island.   Cindy has had her bouts with cancer and

lives in Florida.  They had hoped that she would be able to return to the

island but with all the doctors visits and necessary medications - they

needed to relocate back to the states.   Cindy made the journey down to

close on their home.  It was absolutely wonderful to see her again.

And I might add she looks wonderful.

The real estate business they have created here is still in full swing. All current listings are still being promoted, new listings will be forthcoming & showings are still occurring. Clients & customers can still rely on the outstanding service that Jim & Cindy have always provided. Prior to their move, they invited Bonnie & I to join their business & we are honored that they have selected us to provide as much assistance as is needed here to keep the company fully functioning. They will still be 100% involved in the daily operations via the Internet & telephone & will also be making return trips here to Guanaja as necessary.

If you have any questions or need information on Guanaja real estate please contact Jim & Cindy in Florida at 941-876-3255 or sales@guanajareefrealty.com. You can also us call us here in Guanaja at 50494609824

We are all here to assist you with everything from travel to purchase.
http://www.guanajareefrealty.com/

Eugene and Cynthia

The new proud home owners of Jim and Cindy's place.

They will be our new neighbors when ever we move over to

our side of the island.

Welcome to Guanaja!

As you can see we are living it up here on the island.

Cheers!

Bonnie and Bob