The Tides Club - Patrick Air Force Base

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

To Devi – A Love Letter Across TimeTo the woman who will be my everything, I promise to love you even when words aren't enough.In January 2004, I volunteered to be the Head Umpire and run a Little League’s Officiating team. Little did I know just how volunteering would change my life. From the moment you walked into my very first Little League board meeting, something shifted in my world. I didn't know it then, but I was meeting, the woman who would become my everything. You weren't just another person in the room – you were the person, the one everyone looked to, the one who commanded respect without demanding it. What started as simple admiration grew into something I couldn't name, something I carried deep inside me like a secret treasure.I carried a place for you inside me, reserving laughter, comfort, and endless love until the day we would truly meet as we were meant to. You have now fulfilled that spot in my heart.In August 2005, my patriotism was running full speed, and I began what would become an eight-year endeavor supporting our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. That going-away party our friends through for me, well, I've never told you this, but when you walked through that door, something happened inside me that I still can't fully explain. I was heading to Iraq the next day, to a war zone, to the most dangerous place on earth, and yet, seeing you brought me a comfort that defied logic. We only spoke briefly, far less than I wanted, but it was enough. I carried a piece of you with me into that darkness.Through the dust and danger of Iraq, through the really bad days and the even worse nights, through near-death experiences that should have terrified me but somehow didn't, I held onto something. Your emails. Every single one. I still have them all, Devi. We were on a group email list that shared emotional and funny emails with each other, and I think you sent the most out. While other soldiers (or old veteran soldiers like me) cherished mail from home, your words became my lifeline, my connection to something beautiful in a place of chaos. Mail is the top morale essential for any soldier, or in my case "still soldier-at-heart", and yours kept my spirit alive when everything around me was trying to break it.In the spring of 2006, I heard you were getting a divorce. My heart broke for you, Devi. Even from half a world away, I felt your pain.During my June 2006 R&amp;R back to the states, I went looking for you at the ballfields. I just wanted to say hello, to see you. And there you were. God, you were beautiful. Leaning against that fence at the northeastern field, wearing that red halter top and cut-off jean shorts, your hair framing your face perfectly; I just stood there for what seemed like eternity just gazing at you like a nervous high school kid with a secret crush. That image is burned into my memory as vividly today as it was nearly twenty years ago. Finally, I built up the courage to say hello. We hugged and had small chat for a little bit, and then it was over. I didn't know how long to stay or what to say. And honestly, I really thought it was going to be the last time I ever saw you.I went back to Iraq, and you tried to figure out what life after marriage was going to be like.Then, in the fall of 2006, I heard your divorce had turned into a nightmare. After twenty years of marriage, and you discovered why he left and who he left you for... your best friend. Oh, Devi, the betrayal you must have felt. You felt all alone. My heart ached for you from thousands of miles away.Just trying to be a good friend, I went through all my saved emails until I found one that mentioned your birthday, February 9th. I sent you flowers out of the blue, with the intention of just trying to bring some sunshine into your life during your darkest time.Those flowers opened a door to something extraordinary. From that moment on, our emails became more frequent, our phone calls longer and longer. Being in an active combat zone, your emails and phone calls were priceless to me, more than anyone could ever know. They really did keep my spirits up regardless of what was happening all around me. You became more than my morale essential – you became my reason.Even in the quiet moments of life, I will think of you and feel grateful that a love like ours is waiting for us.October 2007 changed everything. When I came home for R&amp;R and had to have eye surgery on both eyes, you became my nurse. For a day or two after the surgery, I had to keep my eyes bandaged. Since the doctors wouldn't let me drive home, you were there and became my nurse for the next few weeks. There I was, literally blind, and you were there. At that time, I didn't know where our relationship was going to go, but I was in heaven on earth just being around you. That's when we became a couple.Our long-distance love grew slowly, patiently, through years of separation and brief reunions; just at a slower rate compared to most relationships, as I was home only a few weeks out of the year for the next four years.And like all wars, the War in Iraq finally ended in November 2011, and after a five-month withdrawal from Iraq to Kuwait, I was finally coming home. I literally came home at the end of March 2012, was home one day, and then the next day in April 2012, we were off to Roatan, Honduras, where I was taking some professional diving courses. This time you came with me.Now I was used to these types of adventures, of living in a third-world country, just making do with whatever I could find or had on hand, but you were not. I got to introduce you to gourmet meals cooked in a microwave oven, and going shopping that one day the supply ship came to the island with a very limited selection, and how for only for about two hours that day we had to buy a week’s worth of groceries (if you could even call them that) as everyone else was also buying. We stayed on the island for a month, and for us, it was like a honeymoon time... at least for me.I dreamed about the day I can hold your hand, look into your eyes, and tell you how deeply I love you every morning.Little did we know that in a couple of short years, we were about to embark on the greatest adventure we had yet had together. In April 2014, I headed to Kwajalein, that little island just a few hundred miles above the equator, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. After a short while you joined me, and on Kwajalein, our love deepened to a whole new level.On Kwaj, we learned more about each other, grew closer, and our love for each other was amazing. You supported my professional diving career like no one has before. In March 2017, after three years on Kwaj, we bought the local dive store from a good friend. We renamed it Dive Kwaj, rebranded it, developed an amazing business for us on Kwaj, and all along, creating one of the most successful scuba diving stores in the world. While our store was smaller than most dive stores in the US, Dive Kwaj's retail sales and the number of dive courses we taught exceeded most of them. That business was truly magical for us in so many ways.After nearly eight years on Kwaj it was time to return to the states. You left for Florida in April 2022 and I joined you later in December the same year. Our time on Kwajalein had come to an end, but our Florida lives were just beginning.Now, after nearly 19 years as a couple, after combat zones and tropical islands, after emails and phone calls and long separations, after building businesses and building a life ... we're finally here. Our wedding.Yes, we've had our few speed bumps and rough patches along the way, but I do not think I ever thought of anyone else to be my love, my supporter... my wife.Looking back on those experiences in Iraq, I am pretty sure that the Lord's plan was to bring you into my life. And for that, I will ever be grateful.You are my everything. You always have been.Forever yours, Your loving husband-to-be≈ Me ≈

Michael's Story

As Michael told how we met I was married (which I thought was a happy marriage) but not so much. He was there for me. Then once we started dating, I found out to be with someone that made life fun and not someone that was selfish. He taught me that I could love again. I had in my mind that I would never love again.Even with our long-distance relationship, which was hard to do, I always supported him. He was always so kind to make our time together so special. We took trips to Mexico, cruises and an epic trip to Honduras. That is when I fell so hard in love with this amazing man. I think that was our first taste of small island living but for only a month.Kwajalein was the best for us. Just the two of us to learn about each other. We grew closer and met so many great friends which some of them will be with us on our amazing day to become husband and wife. Now we have two amazing fur babies. Michael has become the most amazing Dive Instructor/Course Director and will become the most amazing husband. He has been there for me during my saddest moments in my life and when my health declined. I know the loved ones we have lost in the past couple of years are looking down on us and are very happy to where we are today.I adore you and love you with all my heart. I can't wait to be your wife.Love,D

Devi's Story

Our Story

Photos

Mary Ann Edwards

Jim Edwards

Dexter

Wedding Party

We want to have a very casual and fun wedding. So find your favorite Hawaiian Shirt and Shorts or that comfy sundress. Parrot Head accessories are welcomed.

Dress Code

At Americas Best Value Inn Satellite Beach Melbourne, exceptional service and top-notch amenities create a memorable experience for guests.Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available. The motel offers complimentary parking for guests who arrive with their own mode of transport.Repeatedly enjoy your best-loved attire with the aid of the laundry service available at Americas Best Value Inn Satellite Beach Melbourne. Need some relaxation? Your room features daily housekeeping to make your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable. The motel is completely smoke-free. In limited designated zones, smoking is exclusively permitted. Begin your day on a delightful note with a scrumptious complimentary breakfast, consistently served at Americas Best Value Inn Satellite Beach Melbourne. Begin your holiday mornings right with your essential cup of coffee, offered daily at the cafe on-site. During your visit, indulge in a range of delightful culinary choices at motel to enhance your experience.Experience a fantastic evening effortlessly! Relish an entertaining night without venturing beyond the confines of the bar.Do you possess exceptional culinary skills? Prepare your meals personally within the motel at its BBQ facilities. During your stay at motel, an array of engaging activities and amenities guarantees a delightful experience. Treat and spoil yourself by stopping at hot tub and spa for a memorable experience. Begin your holiday perfectly by taking a plunge into the swimming pool.

Americas Best Value Inn Satellite Beach Melbourne

Located south of Cocoa Beach, Anthony's on the Beach is a beachfront property features private beach access with free beach chairs, umbrellas and cabanas to guests. We have a one (1) two-bedroom suites with ocean view and two (2) single-queen room with ocean view. Free WiFi is available in every room. A flat-screen cable TV with HBO film channels, microwave, and small refrigerator are included in all rooms at Anthony's on the Beach. Four (4) Two-bedroom suites and a queen bed studio have fully equipped kitchens. Anthony's on the Beach has vending machines on site, and all guests can enjoy free parking as well. Cocoa Beach downtown is 7 minutes' drive away with many local restaurants and shopping. Ron Jon Surf Shop is 5.8 mi away. The property is also 2.5 mi from Patrick Air Force Base and 11 mi Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal. Kennedy Space Center is 30 minutes' drive away.

Anthony's on the Beach

Formerly owned by America's original 7 astronauts, this Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn has a heated outdoor pool, hot and cold continental breakfast, and shuffleboard. The beach is a 4 minutes' walk away. An outdoor pool is on site at the La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral. Guests get complimentary access to a 6.4 ft² health and fitness center next door. Free WiFi, microwave, refrigerator and a Keurig coffee maker are available in each room of this Cocoa Beach hotel. Cocoa Beach Pier and the world's largest Ron John Surf Shop are less than 2.5 mi away. Patrick Air Force Base is 7 mi from the hotel, while Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center are 22 mi away.

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Cocoa Beach-Port Canaveral

Everyone staying at this accommodation will enjoy a peaceful and calm stay on the premises, as it counts with a total of 11units.

Lost Inn Paradise

Located in Melbourne, 10 miles from Brevard Museum of Art and Science, avid hotels - Melbourne - Viera by IHG provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness center and a shared lounge. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. Sea Turtle Preservation Society Melbourne Beach is 20 miles from the hotel and United States Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral Wharf is 25 miles away. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at avid hotels - Melbourne - Viera by IHG can enjoy an American breakfast. Port Canaveral is 26 miles from the accommodation, while TreeTop Trek is a 13-minute walk away. Melbourne International Airport is 14 miles from the property.

avid hotel Melbourne Viera by IHG

Amenities Relax on the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool. Additional features at this motel include complimentary wireless internet access, a picnic area, and barbecue grills. Business Amenities Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 11 air-conditioned rooms featuring microwaves and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include blackout drapes/curtains, housekeeping is provided daily, and irons/ironing boards can be requested. Attractions Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer. Robert P. Murkshe Memorial Park - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi South Cocoa Beach - 0.1 km / 0.1 mi Cocoa Beach - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi Patrick AFB Beach - 2.5 km / 1.6 mi Surfside Playhouse - 2.6 km / 1.6 mi Thousand Island Conservation Area - 2.8 km / 1.7 mi Breakers Art Gallery - 3.8 km / 2.4 mi Cocoa Beach Public Library - 4.6 km / 2.9 mi I Dream Of Jeannie Lane - 5.4 km / 3.4 mi Lori Wilson Park - 5.4 km / 3.4 mi Cocoa Beach Skate Park - 5.6 km / 3.5 mi Cocoa Beach Country Club - 5.9 km / 3.7 mi Ron Jon Surf Shop - 7.6 km / 4.7 mi Florida Surf Museum - 7.9 km / 4.9 mi Alan Shepard Park - 8 km / 5 mi The nearest airports are: Melbourne Orlando Intl. Airport (MLB) - 26.6 km / 16.5 mi Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO) - 84.1 km / 52.3 mi The preferred airport for Surf Studio Beach Resort is Orlando Intl. Airport (MCO). Location Located in Cocoa Beach, Surf Studio Beach Resort is by the ocean, within a 10-minute drive of I Dream Of Jeannie Lane and Lori Wilson Park. This beach motel is 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Cocoa Beach Pier and 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from Victory Casino Cruises. Headline Near South Cocoa Beach

Surf Studio Beach Resort

Beachside Hotel and Suites is set in Cocoa Beach, 1.2 mi from Seacrest Beach and 2.5 mi from Cocoa Beach. All rooms boast a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The hotel has family rooms. All units in the hotel are fitted with a coffee machine. All guest rooms at Beachside Hotel and Suites feature air conditioning and a wardrobe. Cocoa Beach Pier is 0.9 mi from Beachside Hotel and Suites, while Brevard Veterans Memorial Museum Military Museum is 4.3 mi from the property. The nearest airport is Melbourne International Airport, 17 mi from the hotel. Kennedy Space Center is 30 minutes' drive from Beachside Hotel and Suites, Port Canaveral Area. Port Canaveral is 4.3 mi away.

Beachside Hotel & Suites Cocoa Beach - Port Canaveral

This pet-friendly Melbourne hotel features newly renovated rooms, an on-site pool, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast every morning. Just minutes from the Brevard County Zoo and beautiful area beaches. Hampton Inn Melbourne-Viera features guestrooms with coffeemakers, refrigerators and microwaves. After a restful night's sleep in a Cloud Nine bed, guests can swim in the outdoor pool or take advantage of the fitness center. Within driving distance of the Melbourne Hampton Inn, guests can spend the day at Cocoa Beach or explore the Kennedy Space Center. Additional nearby attractions include Melbourne Beach and Melbourne International Airport.

Hampton Inn Melbourne-Viera

This Cocoa Beach hotel is 5 minutes' walk from the sands of Cocoa Beach. Guests will enjoy a full hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Free Wi-Fi is provided as well. A cable TV, small refrigerator, and microwave are featured in all guest rooms. Coffee-making facilities and a work desk are provided for each room at this Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites. The Cocoa Beach Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites offers an on-site business center for guest use. Free parking is provided. This hotel is about 35 minutes’ drive from Kennedy Space Center, and about 1 hours’ drive from Disney World. The Cape Canaveral Cruise Port is 3 mi away.

Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Suites Cocoa Beach by IHG

The Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL is located less than 1 mi from the cruise port. Upgrades are available for long-term parking and guests will enjoy a daily continental breakfast during their stay. Free WiFi is included in all rooms of this Cape Canaveral hotel along with cable TV. Guests are also provided with a microwave, refrigerator and coffee-making facilities. An outdoor pool and hot tub are available on site at the Port Canaveral, FL Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson. A fitness center and laundry facilities can also be accessed by guests. This hotel is just 16 mi from the Kennedy Space Center. The beach is located 5 minutes’ drive away.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL

Travel

The Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum at&nbsp;<a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/gift-shop/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cape Canaveral Space Force Station</a>&nbsp;has been open since 1966 and preserves both the hardware and the spirit of United States’ ventures into space.The museum displays numerous missiles, rockets and related space flight equipment and memorabilia at several buildings and nearby facilities, which include:<a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/exhibit-hall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Museum Exhibit Hall</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/launch-complex-26-blockhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Launch Complex 26 Blockhouse Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/launch-complex-26-gantry/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Launch Complex 26 Gantry Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/launch-complex-26-launch-pads/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Launch Complex 26 Launch Pads Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/launch-complex-5-6-blockhouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Launch Complex 5/6 Blockhouse Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/launch-complex-5-6-launch-pads/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Launch Complex 5/6 Launch Pads Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/rocket-garden/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rocket Garden</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/exhibits/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Other Exhibits</a><a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/artifacts/history-center/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sands Space History Center</a> This unique museum highlights the Space Force as a major participant in America’s space program and emphasizes activities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station beginning in early 1950 and continuing today.Tours and gift shop operations are provided by a group of dedicated volunteers. The&nbsp;<a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/our-foundation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United States Space Force Historical Foundation, Inc.</a>&nbsp;provides funding for exhibit maintenance and museum operations. Management for the entire museum operation is the responsibility of the Museum Director, a civilian employee of Space Launch Delta 45. Schedule Tour: <a href="https://ccspacemuseum.org/visit-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum</a>

Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum

Kennedy Space Center in Florida is pivotal in NASA’s mission. It is the base for Space Shuttle launch and landing operations. Every manned mission to space has departed from NASA Kennedy Space Center. Over the years, it has evolved to become the starting point for hundreds of scientific and applications spacecraft.Kennedy Space Center garnered more recognition for being the launch site of the Hubble Space Telescope, the Mars Rover Project, and New Horizons, which was the first spacecraft to ever visit Pluto. For tickets <a href="https://www.kennedyspacecenter-tickets.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kennedy Space Center Tickets | Voted #1 US Attraction</a>

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Daytime Kayak ToursSunset Kayak ToursMagical Bioluminescence Kayaking Tours﻿<a href="https://finexpeditions.com/tours/bioluminescence-kayak-tour/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bioluminescence Eco Kayak Tour | Fin Expeditions Cocoa Beach</a> Discover the lush landscapes of Central Florida and observe local wildlife during this kayaking excursion from Cocoa Beach. Join a small group and climb aboard your kayak to begin your tour of the calm waterways. Paddle through mangrove tunnels in the lagoon making sure to keep your eyes peeled for manatees and dolphins that reside in the area. Cocoa BeachStop: 2 hoursThis tour is perfect for first-time paddlers and anyone looking to get immersed in nature! On this Expedition, you will search for dolphin and manatee, be guided into the labyrinths of the mangrove tunnels and enjoy an entertaining experience with your friendly and knowledgeable guide. Along the way, you’ll learn paddling skills and how to effectively maneuver a kayak on the water. Reserve Your Spot <a href="https://finexpeditions.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cocoa Beach Kayaking &amp; Bioluminescent Tours| Fin Expeditions</a>

 Cocoa Beach Kayak Tours and Fishing Expedition

Fun Things to Do list of fun things to do in Cocoa Beach, Brevard County, and throughout the state of Florida.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYd-pIzuO8&amp;t=5s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Things To Do in Cocoa Beach, FL</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXmhcbShxks&amp;t=2s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Best Family Beach in Cocoa Beach Florida in 4k Ultra HD</a> Cocoa Beach, Florida AttractionsIf attractions are your thing, Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center is just a few miles away on Merritt Island. Check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis up close, and maybe even catch a space launch, which is now much easier due to frequent launches. Brevard Zoo is also nearby and offers 75 acres of adventure, including the new treetop trek zip-lining adventure. Of course, you can always enjoy Orlando Kayaking Tours with&nbsp;<a href="https://kayakcocoabeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adventure Kayak of Cocoa Beach</a>.There’s no shortage of food and great dining along the Beach. Whether you are looking for a lavish or casual dining experience, you can have it all! As the Florida sunsets, Cocoa Beach comes alive with its peaceful, easy-feeling nightlife along A1A. When it’s finally time for bed, you’ll find a variety of oceanfront accommodations in Cocoa Beach. Rest easy because the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean will knock your socks off!Orlando’s closest beach is 5 minutes from the premier port of Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portcanaveral.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Port Canaveral</a>. Home to Disney Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival. For more details on the cruises, check our blog post on Cruise ships. For high-speed adventures, visitors can thrive at Andretti Thrill Park with 4 Go-Kart tracks, Laser tag, Batting Cages, Bumper Boats, Wild West Train, and the largest arcade in the Space Coast. The arcade provides combat games, virtual reality, racing, shooting, redemption games &amp; more!

75 Fun Things to Do on the Space Coast

Too many events and theme parks to list them all. But if you have the time, these are awesome. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRrIjFsCwIw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Universal Studios Florida RIDES &amp; ATTRACTIONS | 2026 | Universal Orlando Resort</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VJPxemrw-k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Universal Epic Universe | Trailer</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Ku5zstMGs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Beautiful Day at Jurassic Park | Universal Vibes</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6kmExrf7gU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunrise at Islands of Adventure’s Port of Entry | Universal Vibes</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlMTB95-Vno" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunset in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade | Universal Vibes</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p57C3eAAh4I" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">A Beautiful Day in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley | Universal Vibes</a> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT8eXczD31E Four Parks. A Whole New Universal Experience.Your Universal Orlando Resort visit just got even more awesome! With new 3-, 4-, and 5-Day Park-to-Park tickets that let you visit Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay every day of your stay, you can bounce between all four as you please. Or spend the entire day at each one, fully immersing yourself in the unique thrills of each incredible theme park.

Devi & Michael

Devi & Michael

Photos