Joined only by their little boy, baby girl, and closest friends with their son, Maria and Magnus traveled all the way from Sweden to tie the knot in Clearwater Beach earlier this month. It was such a sweet and intimate elopement ceremony, as the sun was about to set over the serene Gulf Coast waters. Maria was a foreign exchange student at a local Tampa high school several years ago, so it was very fitting and special that her 'host mother' officiated the ceremony. Being so used to attending big weddings at churches myself, I was so honored to have been a part of their very special day on the beach. There's something so lovely to only hear the lapping ocean waves in the background and an occasional sea gull fly by, as you exchange your vows standing on Clearwater Beach's world famous powder-soft sand. It was precious and beautiful, and the late afternoon overcast light was so peaceful -- what a very memorable and great vacation to Florida for this young family, their dear friends...and a beloved puppy dog stuffed animal.