Yes, it’s been over a year since Mitch and I tied the knot. (Time flies!) But a few days ago, Mitch surprised me with this video of our honeymoon in Culebra and Vieques. (So sweet, right?) So I had to share.
A little background on the trip:
1. I’m pretty sure it was the least expensive honeymoon ever–a bit of an exaggeration, sure–but we’re super proud of that. Weddings are expensive! The last thing we wanted to do was drop a ton of dough on a big trip right after the biggest (and most wonderful) event of our lives. The year before, though, we had volunteered our seats four times in the same day, and had racked up $2,400 in Delta flight vouchers. Which ended up completely covering our honeymoon travel expenses… as well as four other flights!
Have you guys ever “volunteered” to give up your seats? If you don’t have any real rush to get to your destination, I highly recommend it. Typically, you’re simply given a later flight time… as well as hundreds of dollars in vouchers for compensation. All you have to do is go up to the front desk at your gate and ask whether they “need any volunteers.” Easy! (I can’t take credit for this genius idea, though. It was all Mitch.)
Culebra and Vieques–two islands between Puerto Rico’s mainland and Saint Thomas–are also extremely inexpensive destinations to visit. We flew from New York City to San Juan, took a taxi to Fajardo, and then took the ferry to the islands. (If you book in advance, you can find roundtrip flights from NYC to San Juan for about $250, and the ferry is only $2.25!) And maybe this is because we were used to New York City prices, but we felt as though we ate (and drank, haha) like kings for very little.
Even our lodging was a steal! We stayed here in Culebra, in case you’re wondering. It wasn’t exactly luxurious, but there aren’t very many options on the tiny island, and the bungalows we stayed in are on Flamenco Beach–the most beautiful stretch of sand I’ve ever seen. In Vieques, we stayed here, and loved it. (Though goodness… There’s a W Hotel there, too!)
2. I was deathly ill for half of our trip. Yes, it was devastating. But you know what? I wasn’t sick during our wedding, so I’m thankful. The year that we got married, I was fighting off serious sinus infections left and right due to crazy, out-of-control allergies. (Six in one year. Ugh.) I’ve since started allergy shots, which have been a lifesaver! But at the time, things were bad.
Thankfully, I brought along an emergency Z-Pak, which ended up saving our trip. It’s a long story as to how I came into possession of an “emergency Z-Pak,” but that’s a tale for another time. ;) Just please excuse my appearance in most of the video. Illness and humidity? Not a great mix. I felt like Monica.
3. Despite my little episode, we had a fabulous time. Our wedding was undoubtedly the best day of our lives–it was everything we could have hoped and dreamed it would be, and more–but when it was over, we were tired. The last thing we wanted was to fly off to Europe for a sightseeing vacation, or travel to a crowded, touristy location. Culebra and Vieques were perfect. The beaches were largely deserted, and I could have sworn I was in Bali or Tahiti! It was low-key and relaxing, and it really gave us the opportunity to reflect on the wedding as well as all that we’d been blessed with. Oh, to be young and in love. :) (I talk like I’m 80 now, haha.)
My favorite memory is sipping cocktails while floating in the crystal-clear water every night at 7 p.m., and Mitch’s is going snorkeling at Carlos Rosario Beach. (So amazing. I didn’t have a lot of snorkeling experience, though, and I kind of panicked every time I saw something weird, thinking it was going to eat me! #kindofserious)
Anyway, I can’t recommend Culebra and/or Vieques more. If you have questions about the trip, please don’t hesitate to email me at KellySLarkin.com! But for now, you can enjoy Mitch’s adorable video. :)
Mitch is seriously the best! What an awesome memento. I love you guys so much and Kel you are the cutest! Great soundtrack, too!
HI ALLIE! I love and miss you. I hope all’s well over in Thailand! What do we think about making a video like this when we come to visit you?! Hehe. :)
Again, miss you like crazy!!
That video could be used to promote tourism to the island…or not! It looked so lovely and private! Mitch is quite the thoughtful guy…he’s a keeper!
Awww… thank you, Susan! It’s a gorgeous location, and Mitch is a super-talented videographer. It was all done on his iPhone! Definitely a keeper, not just for his video skills hehe
So much fun! My husband and I went snorkeling on our honeymoon and I had a mini panic attack when I put the mask on — apparently you’re supposed to breathe out of the snorkel? Ha ha! You two are adorable!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
YES. Agree. So scary. I am getting more comfortable with it, but I was a complete mess the first time I tried it, hehe!
What an awesome video! You guys look like you had a blast. I totally think that saving some money on a not-too-expensive honeymoon is a super idea. I also LOVE the idea about giving up your seats for vouchers! I’m totally going to try that sometime haha.
http://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com
Thank you!! We kind of considered skipping the honeymoon because of the effort we’d have to put into planning it as well as the expense, but I’m SO glad we ended up going on one! It ended up not being too expensive, and it was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on such an important event in our lives. :) And YES–you have to try volunteering sometime. We do it all the time! :)
Thanks for sharing! Puerto Rico is on my list of places to visit!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Liz, you HAVE to go to Culebra. Most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
You guys are the cutest! Matt and I took a pretty inexpensive honeymoon too. We scored really cheap tickets to Hawaii and on our way home BOGO rooms at an inn in Sonoma.
Kelly!!! This is so beautiful, the scenery and just how happy you two look!!
xx, Rachel
http://www.candmbyrachel.com
This is SO sweet! What an awesome surprise!
This is an adorable memento! You looked great too — I would’ve never known you were so sick!
Side note — I was in NYC this weekend visiting a close friend who is starting a style blog. I was passing along whatever tips you gave me to her! hehe *hugs* Too bad we couldn’t have met up while you were still living in Hoboken!
xo
Heather
Partial to Pink
I love PR! I actually got married in San Juan 3 weeks ago but Vieques was one of our fave spots!
Great video!!!