Married In Belize – UnBelizeable!

“I’ll have a Belikin please.”  Seeing as how Jenna ordered the much stronger stout, I receive my “regular” Belikin with a smirk and a glance back to Jenna.  She grins tipping the top of her bottle in the bartender’s direction and I notice I’m no longer wearing the proverbial pants.  I peel the napkin neck-tie off the top of the beer and use it to wipe the invisible factory rust that is rumored to stay on these re-conditioned bottles.  This time there’s an orange-brown streak on my serviette…holy crap, it’s true! You better Belize it.

We’re at a restaurant on the water, with family we met only yesterday, and we’re about to tie the knot.  We barely realize the ceremony has begun until the officiant’s mesmerizing British accent pulls us into the moment.  Five minutes ago we were sharing plates of ceviche and bottles of Belikin, but have somehow transitioned into an alcohol induced, impromptu ceremony that feels more real than we expected.  We’re holding hands, words are spoken, and a ring flashes in the sunlight.  Our unexpectedly nervous giggles soften as we catch each other’s eyes and the crowd applauds the new couple.

I’ll rewind.  Yesterday morning we crossed the border from Mexico into Belize and headed for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.  After our first hand-cranked ferry crossing we reach our planned camp stop and celebrate with our “new country, new beer” border day tradition.  We’ve found ourselves in the middle of a dart competition and a few fun conversations with locals have convinced us that we need to visit Orchid Bay.

Orchid Bay – Belize

Another hand-cranked ferry and we’re on the coast!  While snagging Belikins from the on-site restaurant we exchange pleasantries with a friendly couple, and are invited to their beautiful bed and breakfast.  Our new friends are Stephen and Laurene, and we’re overlooking the bay from the roof top bar of the Crimson Orchid Inn.  Hot sun, cold beer, coastal breezes and smiles all around.

Lounging on the terrace we also meet a trio of special guests; Mike, Nelson & Rick.  Our conversations begin with introductions and a brief summary of our travels, and evolve as the sun sets into meaningful topics only discussed with close friends.  For the next two days we were barred from paying for drinks or meals and received more hospitality than we deserved.  It’s amazing how a positive happy group can meld together so quickly, but we never expected a surprise wedding!  All I remember is laughing, drinking, ceviche, then “We are gathered here today,”  “Do you take Jenna..,” a ring, and boom…Married!  Good People, Good Times.

On our last day, Jenna and I take a walk in the sand, enjoying the glow from both the setting sun and our surprise union.   While not exactly real, the preview of our future has me smiling ear-to-ear, and we walk into the restaurant to find that the wedding spectacle has only begun.  Our new friends have spread the news and we arrived to a celebration in our honor.  Drinks, dinner and even gifts for the new couple have us wondering if it has gone too far.  Wondering if we should reveal the ruse to those congratulating us.

In the end, we let the good times roll.  What makes it real anyway???  Even now, we kiddingly have to ask ourselves…Are We Married??

Thanks again to our friends from Orchid Bay!  It was Unbelizeable!!!