The Wedding of Phil and Steph

Philip and Stephanie Debaugh

May 4-6, 2017

My cousin Phil Debaugh and his long-time sweetheart Stephanie Newton were married at the beginning of May 2017. The wedding and a weekend of festivities was scheduled to be held in Seagrove Beach, Florida. We decided that Jim would stay home with kids, since it overlapped the school week and I would fly down. My Uncle Henry, Philip's dad, graciously reserved a whole beach house right next to the wedding venue, called Triple Crown, and offered us all places to stay.

All of my siblings as well as Heather and Magaly, plus my Dad, were able to make the trip. We wound up booking the same flights (down on Thursday and back on Saturday), so we also booked a large SUV to get us around Florida for the weekend. It was really funny traveling with my siblings and Dad. In addition to the odd experiences of traveling and interactions with strangers, we each have our idiosyncrasies that provide endless opportunities for a good-natured laugh. Becky had broken her heal and torn multiple ligaments just days before the trip, so she was traveling in a boot with crutches, and needed a wheel chair in the airport. That provided it's own set of challenges and laughs, plus moments to work together.

The house Henry booked was beautiful and we settled in before we boarded the shuttle to take us to the Rehearsal Dinner at the Bay Restaurant, a few miles away. The weather was windy and rainy but not enough to make the covered patio uncomfortable. Dinner was amazing with prime rib and the biggest steamed shrimp I had ever seen. I feel very blessed to enjoy the company of my relatives and their friends. Aunt Liz, Theo, Henry, Donna, Chad, my family and Steven were great to visit with in a beautiful setting.

Saturday continued to be windy and cooler than we expected, but we made the best of the beach and the time and ventured out to the nearby town to grab lunch and also walk the beach a little bit. We returned to the house and got ready for the wedding and reception.

Everything was gorgeous. Phil and Steph were so happy. They were joined in marriage on the beach with family and friends to witness their commitment. It was a quick ceremony with traditional vows.

Becky got a bird's eye view of the ceremony

Then we all climbed the stairs back up to the venue, which we had watched transform into a beautiful outdoor reception area. The deep wood tables were all different sizes and lined with stunning floral arrangements of white peonies and succulents. They had a bar set up and they mixed some yummy specialty cocktails.

It was getting quite chilly as the sun began to set so most of us went back in and grabbed an extra layer as the reception progressed.

Phil and my Dad

Phil, Steven and Henry Debaugh

Again the food and company were wonderful. Phil's brother Steven was nervous and excited to give a toast that he prepared and I was looking forward to the delivery. When it came time Steve began and introduced Phil's best friends and asked them to say a few words, the intention was that they would give the mic back. They delivered a number of inside jokes and when they were done. They handed the mic to the DJ who then introduced the bride and groom and he started the dancing. Steve was at a loss. There was no good way to get the mic back. There was no good way to regain the opportunity.  Steve looked distraught at missing the chance to honor is brother and new sister in law, and express his love for them. He had also intended to honor their late mom. Gail. My heart broke for him.

The reception switched gears to music and dancing. Some people retired to their rooms. I decided to keep Steven company. He and I hit the dance floor together and also took a break for a walk on the decks toward the beach. I treasure the time we got to spend together and talk.    

Me and Stephen

The next morning all of the guests were invited for brunch together on the lawn and off we trekked to the airport. It was a quick trip for us, but I pray for a long and blessed marriage for Phil and Steph.