I first met Angie in 2008. We’d been email pals for the year prior, as introduced by our mutual friend and her colleague Erica, and I was working on some Bahamas coverage. I flew to meet her in Abaco, she held my fin as I overcame my fear of the ocean and got my diving certification, and we’ve been close pals ever since.

In the years that followed, we’d make several jaunts to the Caribbean together—St. Kitts, Bonaire, Aruba, the Bahamas again—as well as see each other in our own home states (Tennessee for me, Florida for her). What I’m saying is, Angie is my people, and when she got engaged last Valentine’s Day, I knew SVV and I would do what it took to make it to her wedding.

That was last month. As the former publicist for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism—and the 700-island nation’s biggest cheerleader—there was only one place Angie truly ever considered getting married. And it wasn’t easy; it was downright opposite if I’m being honest. Rather than harp on all the shortcomings of the resort during her wedding week, head over to her blog to read about the fiascoes behind the scenes and then come back here to see just how beautiful a day she managed to create despite everything else.

SVV and I arrived the Tuesday before her Friday wedding. We had planned to do some diving, some SUP, some kayaking—none of that happened due to resort construction and high-speed winds, so instead, we just chilled at the resort. I’m not going to lie: It was nice not having an agenda for a change!

We’d never met Rick before, but immediately I could see why Angie fell in love with him. He’s charming, funny, outgoing and good-looking to boot—how could you not like this guy? Total hunk, right?

Abaco is definitely a sleepy island, but it’s the sleepiest in October when much of the place shuts down for renovations. Last time I was in the area, we stayed at Green Turtle Club, but unfortunately it was shut down for maintenance. For those heading back to these parts, I’d definitely recommend checking it out or renting one of the many Airbnb rentals on the isle.

Luckily, Angie had planned dinners or get-togethers most nights, so we had plenty to do once evening rolled around.

The bar and restaurant at the resort we were staying at wasn’t open (see: construction) so we wandered down the coast a couple times for meals at Coco Beach Bar, which was both delicious and had awesome service.

We also had dinner at the Tipsy Seagull, another casual bar and grille, twice. And maybe a rum punch or three. Though Abaco is the Bahamas’ second largest island, Treasure Cay doesn’t really have a ton of dining options, so we stuck to those two for the majority of our meals those four days. There are more bustling areas on the island, but you need a rental car to get around and it’s expensive to do that, so most of us just took an $85 cab to and from the airport and then stuck to walking.

Back at the resort, we all watched with bated breath as the construction crew soldiered on: Was it going to be ready by the big day? Things weren’t looking so good for awhile—but in the end, they finished it with just hours to spare.

When Angie floated down the aisle, the stress of the rest of the week melted away (at least I hope it did; it sure seemed like she was Zen!). She was a glowing bride with perfect hair and makeup, as always.

I mean, Rick, you weren’t bad yourself, buddy.

There was a Bahamian minister set to perform the ceremony, only—sike!—Angie’s brother Hodgie stepped in to do the honors instead.

In my mind, I always thought he was going to be the one who officiated Angie’s wedding, so it only made sense to me that he was standing up there with her and Rick. And he was the perfect officiant, too. I think you have a second career to fall back on if you ever need, Hodgie!

After the short beach ceremony, we all went into the pavilion for cocktail hour and passed apps before moving onto dinner and dancing.

Of all the destination weddings I’ve been to, this was my first ever on the beach. And what luck Angie had with absolutely perfect weather: not too hot, not at all cool, just perfect balmy October warmth with a slight breeze.

SVV even met a cousin he didn’t know he had! This is BA, the photographer and a fellow Dutch “van” from New York. Can’t you see the family resemblance?

We had already spent four nights prior in the Grand Bahama area—more on that next week—so the morning after the wedding, it was off to the airport and back to the United States. Despite the resort’s shortcomings, SVV and I had a great and much-needed break while in Abaco—it’s so rare that we not only travel together but don’t have an agenda and also don’t have Internet access—and I’m so happy for Angie and Rick. To many years of excellent adventures! And just think: Marriage will be a breeze after the ordeal you endured to make it official.