Big Wedding or Double Honeymoon? Our Love Story, with a Twist of Adventure and Romance
- Ildiko Benke
- Apr 23
- 6 min read
When it comes to weddings, everyone has their own idea of the perfect day. Some dream of an extravagant celebration with all the trimmings, others opt for a more intimate gathering, and a few might even skip the party altogether, choosing instead a simple ceremony at the courthouse. We fell into that last category, double honeymoon instead of a big wedding, but our story didn’t end there—it was just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.
My fiancé, Tibor, had already been through two failed marriages, and I had one under my belt, with another that almost happened (but that’s a tale for another day). So, when it came time to plan our wedding, we decided that instead of throwing a big, expensive party, we’d spend our money on not one, but two honeymoons. We figured that those who truly loved us would find a way to celebrate with us later, and this way, we could create memories that would last a lifetime.
The day of our wedding was far from the fairy tale most people envision. My daughter accompanied us as we drove to the courthouse. It was a simple, no-frills affair—just the way we wanted it. After saying our "I dos," we did something that’s probably not on most newlyweds' agenda: we stopped at a store to pick up a fan for our broken air conditioner. Tibor, being the handy man that he is, repaired the air conditioner that very night—our first task as husband and wife! The next day, we were off to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for the first of our two honeymoons.
For Tibor, returning to the Dominican Republic was like coming home. He had lived there for eight years before we met, and he couldn’t wait to show me the beauty of the island. For me, it was the start of a new adventure, filled with excitement and discovery. We stayed at the Riu, a beautiful all-inclusive resort that offered everything we could have dreamed of. The food was incredible, with a different menu every day, and the abundance of exotic fruits and drinks made every meal feel like a feast. The beach was a slice of paradise, with its soft, white sand stretching as far as the eye could see. Every night, we sat on that beach, hand in hand, wishing we could stop time and stay in that perfect moment forever. I felt like I was living in a beautiful dream.
But our honeymoon wasn’t just about lounging on the beach. Tibor was eager to show me the island he had once called home, so we set out to explore the city. One day, as we were driving around, we passed by a building that caught my eye. It looked like something straight out of Aladdin’s mesmerizing world, with colorful onion-shaped towers that stood out against the more typical cityscape. When Tibor told me it was a gentlemen’s club, my curiosity was piqued. I couldn’t resist; I had to see what it looked like inside. With a little nagging, I convinced Tibor to take a peek with me.
It was the middle of the day, so I figured we’d only find a maintenance crew or maybe a cleaning lady inside. But as soon as we walked through the doors, the lights dimmed, music started playing, and disco balls began spinning. I couldn’t believe it! Before I knew it, girls in sexy lingerie appeared from every corner of the room, and all eyes were on Tibor. My heart raced—oh my goodness, I thought, I’m in trouble now! I grabbed Tibor’s hand, staked my claim, and told the girls, "He’s mine!" We made a quick exit, laughing all the way back to the car. Tibor later joked that he never imagined his wife would take him to a gentlemen’s club on their honeymoon. Well, surprise! It looks like he got a crazy one this time.
Our adventures didn’t stop there. We visited a cigar factory, although neither of us is particularly fond of cigars, and then made our way to a rum factory. There, we learned about "Mama Juana," a famous Dominican drink that’s rumored to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The locals swore by its effects, so naturally, we had to try it. To be honest, we didn’t feel any different afterward, but the stories and local lore were entertaining. The rest of our days were filled with exploring the vibrant nightlife of the island. One night, we found ourselves in a bar with tables made from wine barrels, where the air was thick with the sounds of lively Latino music. People danced all night, their joy infectious. Our first honeymoon was nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments.
But we weren’t done yet. Not long after returning from Punta Cana, we packed our bags for our second honeymoon, this time to Key West, one of my favorite places in Florida. The drive down to the Keys is an experience in itself, with long bridges connecting the islands, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge that seems to stretch endlessly over the ocean. On our way, we made a stop in Islamorada, where the water was so clear you could see the ocean floor, teeming with fish of all kinds. We even found three large starfish, each as big as my palm, and I couldn’t resist picking one up for a quick photo. Just as I was about to snap the picture, a guard gave me a stern look, and I quickly returned the starfish to the water. I meant no harm, just a brief moment to capture the beauty of this little creature.
We spent a few hours enjoying the warm, crystal-clear water, and in a moment of spontaneous passion, we found ourselves making love in the ocean for the first time in my life. It wasn’t easy to keep a straight face, knowing that people were walking by just a hundred feet away, oblivious to what we were doing. It was thrilling and special, a moment I’ll never forget. That day, a special bond was formed between me and Tibor, one that felt deeper and stronger with each passing moment.
We continued our drive to Key West and arrived just in time to catch the sunset from the pier. If you ever visit Key West, make sure to watch the sunset—it’s something you won’t want to miss. The colors of the sky change by the minute, painting a picture that words can’t fully describe. The next day, we visited Ernest Hemingway’s house, which is now a museum. Tibor, who is a cat lover, was thrilled to see the descendants of Hemingway’s famous six-toed cats. The museum is home to about 60 of these unique felines, each with its own personality and charm.
Later, we took a sunset cruise, where we sipped on red wine and listened to live music while watching the world slowly turn to night. It was a perfect evening, filled with love and contentment. On our third day, we visited the Shipwreck Treasure Museum and the Lighthouse and Keeper's Quarters Museum. The climb up the lighthouse was no easy feat, with its seemingly never-ending spiral staircase, but the view from the top made it all worthwhile. From there, we could see all of Key West, a sight that was truly priceless.
After our lighthouse adventure, we stopped at a local bar that was unlike any other. The walls and ceilings were covered in paper bills from all over the world, like a wallpaper made of real money. The bar’s first dollar bill was framed and hung in a place of honor. Later that day, we visited Sloppy Joe’s, which turned out to be Ernest Hemingway’s favorite bar. We enjoyed a cold beer and live music, soaking in the atmosphere of a place that had clearly been a second home to one of America’s greatest writers.
Key West is a cozy, vibrant place, where chickens roam the streets and people are happy and carefree. Despite the lively nightlife, we didn’t see a single police officer during our stay, which speaks to the overall sense of safety and happiness that permeates the island. In the short time we were there, we managed to visit most of Key West’s attractions, but we’re already planning a return trip to see the rest.
As we drove back home to Daytona Beach, I couldn’t help but reflect on our decision to skip the big wedding in favor of two honeymoons. Do I regret it? Not for a single minute. Those honeymoons were filled with laughter, love, and memories that we’ll cherish forever. In the end, it wasn’t about the size of the wedding or the number of guests—it was about the experiences we shared, the adventures we had, and the bond we strengthened along the way. Two honeymoons, two incredible journeys, and one unforgettable love story.
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