Melissa and Jamie's wedding was not just a celebration of marriage, but a reunion for the high school crowd.

Christina and I arrived in Orland Friday morning where we were met at the airport by Andrea and her boyfriend Steve. After finally finding the car (a cute little Daewoo) in the parking deck, we headed for our hotels.

Located on International Dr, our hotels were within walking distance of each other. Christina and I got checked in then we all headed out for some shopping. None of us had purchased wedding gifts (not really good to travel with), so we did a little gift shopping.

Afterwards we returned to the hotels and prepared ourselves for the night's activities (Pleasure Island) since we didn't plan to return before going out. An early dinner at Friday's didn't get us any faster service, but we were in no rush. Some slight confusion with the evening's plans left us driving in circles and knocking on random doors before finding Marlee and her husband Vick in their resort. Marlee decided to not to join us for the evening, so we went on our merry way.

We only got a little turned around finding Pleasure Island, but we made it with plenty of time to spare since Melissa and her crowd were running late. Christina made the mistake of asking the lone creepy guy standing nearby about taxi services in the area. He hung around and talked to us the entire time we were waiting for Melissa. Luckily he did not follow us into the clubs.

I think 9 was a little early to be there since the parties didn't really get started until almost 11. But that gave us some time to hang out and have Melissa open her gifts. After 4 hours, 3 clubs, and much dancing, Melissa T, Melissa L and April called it a night. Christina, Andrea and I stayed for another hour before leaving. By then it was 1:30am and were exhausted. It had been a really long day.

Saturday morning/afternoon Christina and I were on our own. Andrea was at the rehearsal so we entertained ourselves by exploring the shopping on International Drive. I guess window shopping is more appropriate since neither one of use bought anything. Andrea and Steve picked us up around 1 and we headed for Downtown Disney.

With the rehearsal dinner that night the two of us were on our own once again. Some fine dining at Golden Corral really hit the spot. Later that night we met up with Marlee and Vick to make the long trek to Melissa and Jamie's house. Eventually we all parted ways to get some sleep. Or in our case, stay up until 4am talking. :)

Sunday we got to hang out with Stacy since she had flown in the previous night. Once again we walked International Dr, ending up at Pointe of Orlando shopping area (with the FAO Schwarz) where we waited for Andrea and Steve to pick us up (she was getting her hair done). By then it was time to start getting ready for the wedding so we went back to our respective hotels.

Steve played chauffer and escort by taking Christina, Stacy and me to the wedding location. We arrived a little too early but it gave us a chance to take pictures of the bride and her ladies as they posed for some pre-ceremony shots.

The wedding itself was beautiful. It was held outside in a lakefront gazebo (the wedding party was under there) at 5:30. By the time the ceremony was over the sun was setting. I bet they took some really nice pictures. Despite the wind blowing the candles out, the ceremony went great. Justin, one of Melissa's bothers played a solo on his trumpet during the ceremony. Very well done. Melissa and Jamie released butterflies before walking back down the aisle. It was funny to see them all clinging to her dress.

The reception was equally elegant though a bit formal for me. And in spite of the huge mosquitos we all had a great time. We ate, we danced, we blew bubbles on the bride and groom.

It was so much fun to hang out and catch up that we all hated to leave. I loved the fact that even though we had not been togther as a group for 7 years there was no awkwardsness among us. It was like we'd never been apart. That's what I call friendship.

Pictures from my trip.