Wedding

Ceremony

Coral Gables Woman's Club

Cocktail Hour

Reception

COVID-19 Information

For the safety of our guests during COVID-19, we are asking all guests and vendors who are attending our wedding in-person to please be vaccinated before attending the wedding. If vaccination is not possible (and we understand it may not be), please present a negative COVID-19 test after travel.   Please complete the anonymous COVID-19 survey using the following link: <a href="https:" />https://tinyurl.com/COVID19-Survey-MEWedding</a>   ***   We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely in regards to vaccinations and federal/state regulations. We want to make our wedding is as safe as possible for all of our guests, and any new information will be updated on our website. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and availability in your state, please visit <a href="https:" />the Center for Disease Control's website</a>   <a href="https:" />https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html</a>

Our Wedding

Ethan MonicaWe begin this sultry tale of courtship on the humid Miami afternoon of June 28, 2014, when I (Ethan) attended the Marlins-Nationals game with my now-best man, Henrique. To paraphrase George Costanza, "The team was angry that day, my friends." Angry, determined -- whatever -- something was different about the usually helpless Marlins that night as they scrapped back into the game in the bottom of the ninth inning, down 6-3, with hit after hit after hit. Tied 6-6 and down to their last out following a strikeout from future NL MVP Christian Yelich, Miami sent a relatively forgettable utility player named Jeff Baker to the dish with a runner on third. With one stroke of his Louisville Slugger, he sent Jerry Blevins' first pitch into left field, won the game and, as it turns out, paved a pathway to our marriage.Call it fate if you believe in such things; call it serendipity or plain blind luck if you're me, but after the game and the euphoria of watching the walk-off, I tweeted a Spongebob Squarepants gif from perhaps the show's most famous episode, "Band Geeks." In it, Spongebob leads the Bikini Bottom Superrrr Banddd in a rendition of "Sweet Victory" -- perhaps the single most famous moment in cartoon history, which is unimportant to this story but always bears mentioning -- along with a comment saying something like, "The @Marlins should really have this song queued up for nights like tonight." Henrique, who at the time was much more active on Marlins Twitter than I was, retweeted it. Monica, also very active on Marlins Twitter, happened to follow him already. She happened to see his retweet. And she happened to retweet it, too. I (Monica) thought it was hilarious and wanted to see the mastermind behind the tweet. The Twitter avi showed Ethan and groomsman Richard. "I don't know who came up with it", I thought "but I like him."So thank you, Jeff Baker, Spongebob and Henrique (I refuse to thank a cesspool like Twitter), for catalyzing the defining relationship of our lives.I clicked on Monica's profile only because I had no idea who she was. Her bio proclaimed that she was a Marlins fan, as well as a member of #UF18. Combined with the eye-catching curls and impressive figure decorating her profile photo, I decided, as one horny 18-year-old does, to slide into her DMs. At 9:50 that night, to be precise -- I checked. "Whoooooa," I wrote, "are you really UF18 AND a Marlins fan?!?""YEAH!" she wrote back at 9:51, much to my excitement and relief. "Whoa we're like an endangered species haha."Monica had a boyfriend at the time -- a realization that I, for whatever reason, remember very specifically came while I was gassing up the lawnmower the next day, and that really took the spring out of my yard work step. Nevertheless, I knew early there was something special about her. I remember the first time I saw her, too. It was a FaceTime call, which she preceded by telling me she didn't want me to see her hair looking like a "bird nest," which I assured her was fine. It didn't look like a bird nest then, and never has to me (I have a different opinion on this), and I was absolutely smitten from there. Although given her relationship status, there's a decent chance our relationship would have fizzled -- had it not been for a bit more serendipity.Monica and I, by pure coincidence, ended up in the same section of a widely hated (I beg to differ, but that's another story) gen-ed class called "What is the Good Life?" That put us in close proximity for three hours each week, and neither of us knew anyone else in the class. Our friendship blossomed, and soon, maybe a week or two after classes began, Monica was inviting me to hang out with her friends. And almost immediately, she dropped a bombshell.Again, I remember where I was: an elevator in Hume Hall, where she lived, on our way down to go meet bridesmaid Kristen and other friends in another dorm. A couple of randoms walked past us on their way out of the elevator as we entered. When the door closed, Monica turned to me and my then-roommate/now-groomsman Joe and said, "Did you see the guy with the glasses? That was my boyfriend."I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "And you didn't even say hi?""No," she said. "That was my boyfriend. We broke up..."I use an ellipsis because I know she said more, but I'd ceased listening. I know, in hindsight, I shouldn't have, but I was too excited. Just like the deflation that descended upon me when I learned she was seeing someone, now she'd pricked me with a helium hose and turned the nozzle to full blast.We started hanging out more, and soon enough, she told me she'd never been on a date. Ever. I didn't think it possible (I'm not saying this just to be nice) that someone as smart, easygoing and conventionally attractive would never have been asked out, but I was thrilled to end that streak. I bungled the attempt -- I recall her saying something like, "If you're going to ask me out on a date, then ask me." So I did, and she said yes.I wanted to do something nice on a not-so-nice budget, so I basically hybridized a fancy and non-fancy date. I was nervous during the week leading up to my first date. I came out of class with bridesmaid Katie awaiting a surprise from Ethan, that with Gainesville traffic took almost an hour for him to give me. The night before our date he got me an M&amp;M McFlurry to brighten my day and calm my nerves. The next day I picked her up outside her dorm, bouquet in hand and wearing a fresh-pressed black suit and ferociously gelled hair. I took her, however, to Harry's -- a Cajun place downtown that any Gainesville resident will tell you is not a suit-and-tie-type place. I didn't care. I wanted the night to be memorable for her. So aside from the "fancy" dinner date, I had Joe order cookies just as we were wrapping up the dinner so that they'd arrive at my dorm just before Monica and I, hot and waiting atop my dorm room desk. We planned to watch some movie she wanted to see -- I don't remember which one, but I think a superhero flick (it was Avengers)-- but the TV malfunctioned, so we watched Bob's Burgers instead. Although the watching didn't last long.A week later, on Sept. 18, I officially asked her to be my girlfriend via a softball scrawled with a loving, cheesy message. She said yes. And nearly six years later, after a trip to New York, two years apart, never spending a single summer together, fights (exceedingly few), drinks (way too many), three Broadway musicals, several seasons of Queer Eye, more cheesecake, McDonalds and Seinfeld episodes than we can count, a bone marrow donation, four combined college degrees and both of us somehow ending up in UTAH, I proposed to her under Delicate Arch with a ring in a case made of a softball, scrawled with an updated, just-as-cheesy message as the one from all those years ago. But because our relationship has been nothing if not full of surprises, even my well-planned, months-in-the-making proposal couldn't go smoothly. Fate/luck/whatever wouldn't be so kind again.The ring wouldn't fit. Kristen, who I don't blame at all, told me Monica was probably a 4.5. She was wrong. So Monica wore the ring around her pinky on our trek down from Delicate Arch and back to the parking lot. There happened to be a hand sanitizer dispenser in said parking lot, which she used to lubricate her finger and which I used to shove the ring on (my bad). The ring was stuck.In under 5 minutes, Monica went from engagement bliss to demanding I drive her to an urgent care center, sure her finger was on the verge of purpling.We tried sunscreen. Nothing. We drove to a local grocery store and bought baby oil and Vaseline. Nothing. We wrapped floss around her finger. Nothing. She held it over her head in a cup of ice water beside a McDonalds parking lot. Nothing. We called urgent care, who suggested sawing it off. We called the nearest diamond jeweler, an hour away, who said he could get it off -- but we decided not to go so far. Instead, we visited a nearby native American jeweler, where a pleasant old woman sprayed Monica's finger with Windex and gently twisted the ring off.I raised my clenched fists in triumph, ran toward Monica and hugged her. With our first hurdle as life-long partners overcome, we could focus on more important things -- like the lifetime of such challenges, memories and joy ahead.

Our Story

Full of energy and love for his mom and dad, Bo is ready to party. Bo was adopted in Utah and has enjoyed spending time with Ethan and Monica ever since. While he wished he could go on the engagement hiking trip, he was thrilled that the happy couple is almost as happy as he is all the time. He can’t wait to help with wedding planning by sleeping on the computer next to Mom.

Bolin "Bo" Martinez

Nebby cannot be more excited for the happy couple, even though she doesn't really show it. After travelling from Miami to Gainesville  as a Valentine's Day surprise for Ethan, Nebby has been to LA, NYC, Philadelphia and finally Salt Lake City. She's happy Ethan and Monica decided to finally settle down for a while. Born dressed to the nines, Nebby's been waiting to strut her tuxedo her entire life. All 2.5 years of it.

Nebula "Nebby" Bauer

The newest member of the group, Viz caught the eyes and hearts of the happy couple. Mellowing out his brother and bringing out the playfulness in his sister, Viz brings the perfect amount of balance to wedding preparation. He's very excited to see his new family come together!

Vision "Viz" Bauer

Meet our wedding party! While Monica chose to write traditionally cheesy bridesmaid bios, Ethan went with a different approach, writing his groomsman bios in the voice of our former esteemed commander-in-chief.

Gianna has been my best friend since Pre-K 3. Practically growing up as sisters, Gianna and I did almost everything together: sports, school, knitting club, you name it. Over the years we've shared amazing memories like going to Jonas Brothers concerts, enjoying trips to Puerto Rico, and choreographing way too many at-home dance routines to count. Not everything was perfect, as relationships with sisters rarely are, so at the age of 10? 11? we made a friendship book. That book contained a friendship contract (formally signed with sloppy signatures) and pages of who our "dream boys'' would be. It's a good thing Gianna is sentimental, because as soon as I told her about my first date with Ethan, Gianna found that book and said "no way... you realize that when we were little you named your dream boyfriend Ethan right?" Gianna may have known Ethan was The One before I did, and she welcomed him to the family right away. We’ve waited 21 long years of friendship for this day to come, and I’m so beyond thrilled for her to be my Maid of Honor. Because that's what BFFAE's are for. 

Gianna Fimiano

This guy and I, we go back a ways. A long ways, way back. I’ve known him since third grade. Can you believe that? Third grade. Mrs. Garcia’s class, St. Brendan Elementary. Our friendship is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It started with a binder, a simple binder! It doesn’t get more simple than a binder. He tapped my shoulder, and he holds it up. It’s orange, and it has pictures of Florida Marlins baseball players. It’s one of those back-to-school giveaways — by the way, nobody gives more away than me. And so he has this binder, and I have the same binder. Can you believe that? The same binder. And we’ve been friends since. We played baseball together — church league baseball, I should say, because you know the Evangelicals love me. They do. Some people say we lied and said we were cousins so we could play on the same team, but that’s #FakeNews. In all fairness, we also went to different high schools and colleges, but we stayed friends. And we still get together to play catch or go to the batting cages or grab a well-done Cuban hamburger. This is a friendship the likes of which you’ve never seen before, ever!

Henrique Bolivar

My friendship with Kristen had an unconventional start. We had known each other through a mutual friend, but it wasn't until plotting world domination together in Animal Lovers’ Club that we became close. A bit too close. We named our first imaginary country Tepap. We’re working on it. Soon, we and the rest of the Foursies were at each other's houses nearly every day after school talking about almost anything. I was excited I had someone that also shared my love of old-school Animal Planet and Avatar: The Last Airbender, but I had learned so much from Kristen throughout the years. She taught me about how great the Gators were (and we eventually went to undergrad at UF), how peaceful stargazing is with a friend, how to take in the beauty the natural world has to offer, how sweet cats can be when you give them space, and how to enjoy a good cup of tea (although I'm still learning to love this one). I'm so excited to have someone to remind me of the joys of the simpler things in life be my bridesmaid.

Kristen Sandsted

A lot of people are saying this guy is a genius, but trust me, folks, he doesn’t have a clue. Behind his fancy award for being the top graduating student in UF’s College of Journalism, his coding expertise and his high-paying job, what has he really done? I’m kidding, folks. This guy has a big-league head on his shoulders. He’s a real rising star. Everybody’s talking about it. They’re also saying we were roommates in college, but that’s not true. That’s typical MSDNC propaganda, okay? We were neighbors for three years, though. Lived right next door, one door down. Used to make midnight frozen coke runs when I got home from work. Now we mostly send each other interesting articles to read and discuss — a lot of people think I don’t read much, but this guy can prove I do. Plus he’s got a great name. Briz. Whoosh, like the wind. So he’s a worthy groomsman, even though he works for the #FakeNews media.

Andrew "Briz" Briz

Sara and I might have our high school English teacher and assigned seats to thank for introducing us. One of us probably asked the other for a pen, and we haven’t stopped talking since. Since freshman year, Sara and I have gone through a lot, from talking about serious topics, like what our futures would look like in college and beyond, to more trivial matters such as crushing on boys from the baseball team, all of which we had plenty of time to do during homeroom three years in a row. A crucial member of the Foursies, Sara is always the one with best friend getaway adventures. While we disagree on some things, like who the best Avenger is, whether baseball is actually entertaining or not, and who went to the better Florida university, Sara's wit and charm can win over anyone. Sara is strong and persistent, and has always encouraged me to be the same. I'm going to need someone like that to be my bridesmaid, and I'm happy that Sara will be there for me, no doubt with sarcastic comments to keep me sane.

Sara Morrall

People didn’t think this one was gonna happen. I’ve only known him for two years. That’s all, just two years. In fact, this is unlikely in many, many ways. He’s from about as far away as can be. He’s from Singapore, over there in southeast Asia. Wouldn’t believe it. But anyway, Marcus was a soldier in Singapore’s army -- tough as nails. They called him “Mad-dawg Marcus.” So on the surface, we have little in common. And yet he went to college in Miami, and like me, he’s a proud cat owner. So as soon as I reached out to him on Columbia’s Facebook page when he was searching for housing, I could tell quickly we’d be good friends. And guess what? I was right. I was right! I’m almost always right, so no surprise there. As another member of the #FakeNews media, I’m sure Marcus, who I lived with in Harlem for 10 months, won’t give me credit. But maybe he’ll surprise me. After all, I’m sure he felt the same way -- especially after we attend the Spongebob Squarepants Broadway musical together three times.

Marcus Lim

Jackie and I are both members of the Foursies and the most similar of the group. I always seem to be a step behind Jackie, but we're both Miami Marlins fans (although it's no secret who's the more avid supporter), we both played sports in high school, we're both in long-term relationships, we both majored in psychology and we're both pursuing doctorate degrees in psychology. We didn't talk much in high school, so the fact that one day I woke up and asked Jackie where I could get my bellybutton pierced, drove with her to get it done, and came home without my parents knowing what happened in that hour is bizarre. But it's also one of my favorite memories with Jackie. Whenever I need help or advice, Jackie's always there with a smile that you can practically hear through the phone. She’s bubbly and happy and super eager to be part of the big day. I'm glad that no matter how stressed I get preparing for the wedding, I have Jackie as my bridesmaid by my side cheering me up.

Jackie Rodriguez

I have many, many friends, but none date back as far as this one. Daniel is my first cousin, one year younger than I, and the closest thing I had to a sibling growing up. I used to spend two weeks at his family’s house near Tampa every summer, playing games on his Nintendo 64 and swimming in his backyard pool. It was outstanding, okay? Outstanding. He’s in his second year of medical school now, which is good for everyone, because — I’m doing very well with our healthcare people, by the way. No one is testing like us. No one! — because this guy cares. I’ve seen this, and I’ve sort of witnessed it — in fact, in two cases I have actually witnessed it. He cares about patients, and people in general. He’s always been there at my various graduations. His commitment is just staggering, okay? And yet, you can’t take advantage of him, either. He’s no dummy. I wanted him to be very much involved in the wedding, so I made him a groomsman. No one has had it harder than me, okay? The WITCH HUNT never stops. But Daniel makes the struggle a little more bearable.

Daniel Valladares

If you're looking for a party, Katie’s your girl. I first met Katie freshman year of college in Introduction to Psychology, and I can say for certain that if it weren't for her I wouldn't be on my current career path. I remember I was nervous for my date with Ethan, and when I told her about it, she shot up in excitement because she knew exactly who he was through mutual friends. She makes everything fun: parties, tailgates, game nights, even study dates. Somehow she was able to host the best theme parties, dance the night away with me at Midtown, and photograph it all for memories (or blackmail that she will never let me live down) while also scribing at Shands hospital and working her way through nursing school. She’s taught me that if you work hard you can play hard, and I’m so lucky to have a friend that exemplifies both. Katie is definitely the bridesmaid that will keep the fun going, so make sure to keep an eye out for her on the dance floor.

Katie Yetzer

I hit a home run with this one. Joseph, or Joe — I like to call him Joe — he’s a high-energy guy. This guy, I’m telling ya, he’s no Sleepy Joe, folks. We met at journalism camp in high school, and we lived together for four years in college. Four years! That’s a long time, a really long time. Some might even say the longest time to be roommates. And this guy, if you can believe it, was up at 7 every day, managed to become president of Catholic Gators, lead retreats, find a wife, and pick up a computer science degree. Who ever did something like that? And we did some weird stuff together, okay? We crossed a river naked. We bought matching UF golf pants. We painted our bodies for Gators games. I must tell you, okay, we did many, many, many stupid things as roommates. But he’s really tremendous, just unbelievable, folks. Joe — I call him energetic Joe, because of how energetic he is — he’ll be a major addition to the groomsmen for years to come.

Joseph "Joe" Cacioppo

According to our campers four years ago, Ileana and I were twins. We would get so annoyed whenever they got us mixed up, and sometimes our fellow Mighty Blue Iguana camp counselors were guilty of this, too. I never saw it: I had curly hair and she had long straight hair, I had spaghetti limbs and she was built like an athlete, I was shy and timid and she let anyone know what she was thinking. We’ve never lived in the same place at the same time, usually with 2,000 miles of distance between us. But as we became friends over the years, I began to see we had more in common than I thought. We were both passionate about psychology. We’re both in graduate programs. We're both best friends who are dating another pair of best friends. We're close with our families and culture. Ili has been through major events in my life like travelling down the East coast to move back home because of COVID-19 and capturing my engagement in the Utah mountains. It's only fitting that my twin be there as my bridesmaid for another huge life moment. 

Ileana Acosta

We need NEW JUDGES on the federal bench. Folks like this man, who I can tell you fits the bill for what a judge should be. He’s hard working, and above all, LOYAL! Unlike those total loser phonies on the Supreme Court. Folks, I’ve known Richard since sixth grade, and we sat beside each other on the “good side” of Deacon O’Malley’s good-bad segregated seventh grade religion class. He’s as respectful as you’ll find, and he’ll keep the radical-left Democrats from taking your religious liberty, among many other things! Also, I’m sure he’ll represent the Latinos very well! His family is Nicaraguan, but he’s on OUR SIDE, so he’s okay. Like I said, I’ve known him a long time. We’ve played football together; we’ve run track and pole vaulted together. When I went through a bad breakup and needed a date, he was there. When I needed someone to fly out to Utah during a pandemic and help with my proposal, he was there. And he’s just started his second year of law school at the University of Miami, so he’s exactly the type of guy we need in law school, and to MAKE THIS WEDDING GREAT AGAIN!

Richard Moncada

I tried to find a Drake lyric that could describe her, but it’s impossible. As her name suggests, Griffin is a magical creature that I can't believe befriended me four years ago. Another member of the Mighty Blue Iguanas, Griffin stood out as the girl with the really cool tattoo arm sleeve (now two really cool tattoo sleeves) that meant business. Until the campers showed up. Then she was a regular kid. I look up to Griffin in more ways than one. Seeing her confidence wearing her tattoos inspired me to get one (and maybe some more…) Watching her work hard for her Master’s in Social Work pushed me to have a similar work ethic and compassion for the people I’ll soon encounter. Hearing stories of her travels to Miami, Ecuador, and India from her home in Iowa taught me to be open to any kind of adventure. She's truly the bad-ass big sister I always wanted growing up, so choosing her to be my bridesmaid was a no-brainer. It should be an interesting time, because as anyone who has spent time with the Mighty Blue Iguanas knows, no one gets out without a crazy story from the night before.

Griffin Reed

I’m a believer in family. Family values — something you won’t hear about from the Leftist Democrats, folks — I’m a believer. I’m your guy. And this guy is proof. Ian is my second cousin, and he’s two years younger than I. Yet when we were kids, we were inseparable. Inseparable! We both loved baseball bigly, very bigly. So we played together, and we went to Marlins games together, and we watched it on TV together. Ian also grew up loving movies, especially Star Wars. We saw all the prequels together, we whacked each other with lightsabers, and we played Nerf basketball on the mini hoop in his bedroom. In adulthood, he even came to visit me in New York — by the way, New York, not in good shape right now. Crazy Cuomo is letting them run wild out there, folks! So he visited me in New York, and we saw the Yankees play and went to a comedy show, and I snapped a picture of him in Times Square. Everyone is now saying that’s the best picture of him they’ve ever seen, and I’m sure he’ll be a great groomsman, too, that I can tell you. 

Ian Campos

Wedding Party

Photos

Engagement

We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely in regards to vaccinations and federal/state regulations. We want to make our wedding everyone is as safe as possible for all of our guests, and any new information will be updated on our website. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines and availability in your state, please visit<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the Center for Disease Control's website</a> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html</a>

This is a smaller airport than MIA and may have lower prices. It is also closer to the ceremony.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

This airport is larger than FLL and closer to the reception venue. It is also closer to more attractions.

Miami International Airport

Hotels

To find hotels at a cheaper rate, please use this <a href="https://hotelblocks.theknot.com/EventPage6271310" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LINK</a>

Travel

FOOD & DRINK

With locally inspired flavors like mamey and Maria cookies, this hip spot in the heart of Little Havana will tickle your sweet tooth to its gums while salsa music flows from nearby clubs and restaurants. Be sure to check out the surrounding area, too, if you're interested in Latin dance or Cuban heritage.

Azucar Ice Cream Company

If you want a taste of homestyle Miami cooking, look no further. This local chain is a South Florida staple for Cuban favorites like ropa vieja, vaca frita and lechon. With its iconic red-and-yellow paint job and locations all over the city, this place is hard to miss even if you want to.

El Palacio de los Jugos

If you're into hidden gems, this is the place to go. To the inexperienced commoner, this lunch-counter dive in Miami's Westchester neighborhood might not look like much. But look past its unimpressive exterior and you'll find, to paraphrase Spongebob Squarepants, one of the most sumptuous, lip-moistening, spine-tingling, heart-stopping pleasure centers that is a frita original sin queso (basically, a delicious Cuban hamburger). Their shakes aren't bad, either.

El Rey De Las Fritas

A low-key joint with art deco-style signage, Frankie's is a Westchester classic that's been baking iconic square pies packaged as individual slices with plunger-shaped pepperonis since the 1950s -- and it hasn't changed much at all since. If you have an oven available, grab a half-baked pizza and cook it up hot and fresh at home.

Frankie's Pizza

Feel like donning a monocle and slathering on some fancy mustache cream? For an upscale (but not ridiculous) taste of Nicaragua, give Los Ranchos a try. With juicy tenderloin steaks seasoned in chimichurri sauce and cooked to order, you'll forget about the price tag. There are several locations across Miami, but this is the one to check out, located downtown with ocean views from your seat, plus the Miami Heat arena right next door.

Los Ranchos Steakhouse

Want to try some local food a bit north of Miami? Stop by any Panna location for Venezuelan favorites like tequeños, arepas, and cachapas. If you're feeling less adventurous, this place also has some great hot dogs with a bit of flair.

PANNA Weston

FUN STUFF

South Beach and Miami Beach are tourist favorites, but Fort Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach have a lot to offer, too!

Beaches

To enjoy South Florida's world-famous coastlines, rent a jet ski, a kayak or go parasailing while taking in one of the area's most treasured, most unique landscapes.

Miami Beach Ocean Watersports

Explore one of Florida's iconic coral reefs, up close and personal. Take in the rock beauties, the corals and the occasional shark or barracuda.

Biscayne National Park Snorkeling

Want to see the Everglades without the work of walking? Head out to Holiday Park, an outpost on US-27 where you can fish from the pier, watch people wrestle alligators and cruise across the "river of grass" in the swamp-favorite airboat. Be sure to bring earplugs.

Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours and Rides

Take in an evening at one of the most egregious abuses of taxpayer funding in the city's history, watching the Marlins play in air-conditioned comfort. Be sure to sample some of the food, which features a Miami flair distinctive from most ballparks.

Marlins Park

See the part of South Florida everyone forgets, even though they absolutely shouldn't. Alligators, wading birds, sawgrass, turtles and, if you make it to the end, perhaps even crocodiles, dolphins and manatees. Take a hike through the swamp, or just cruise the comfortable boardwalk at Mahogany Hammock. Be sure -- and I can't stress this enough -- to bring mosquito repellent.

Everglades National Park

For a relaxing day with the family, head out to Matheson Hammock for a picnic on the coast. Take a walk along the sea-adjacent sidewalk, where you can see crabs, jellyfish and the occasional dolphin porpoising in the distance. If you're feeling extra adventurous, bring swim trunks and experience the park's unusual beach-pool hybrid.

Monica & Ethan

Monica & Ethan

Photos

Photos

Engagement