Our Memorable Photo Shoot in Cancun

Posted on July 10, 2016 by brent

Sidney and I wanted to bring back something from Cancun that would always remind us of our honeymoon. Of course we could have purchased one of the million items from the flea market but those souvenirs have a way of getting lost. Rather, we wanted to almost freeze a moment in time. We wanted to have something that would take us right back to the white sandy beach and the turquoise water.

We wanted to forever remember our honeymoon.

In our hotel lobby was a kiosk operated by a company called DreamArt Photography. Early on in our honeymoon, I asked the lady working at the kiosk what time it was (we didn’t carry our phones around). She pleasantly told me the time but while I stood there my eyes caught the large monitor displaying rotating photos of happy couples. The pictures weren’t like anything I had ever seen. Each image contained so much detail, so much personality, so much emotion. Best of all, the photos were set against the backdrop of the beautiful beach at the resort we were staying at, Sun Palace.

DreamArt Photography is a company that takes candid photos of couples in tropical locations.

For a second I turned away from the kiosk and started walking back to the elevator but then I went back to the desk and talked to the woman about the photos. She told me how DreamArt Photography worked and explained rates and availability with me. I knew if Sidney and I took time out of our vacation to do a photo shoot, we wouldn’t regret it.

I knew the photos I saw of other happy couples would morph into photos like this if we went through with our own photo shoot with DreamArt Photography.

I pitched the idea to Sidney a day later. I was sensitive to the fact that she probably wouldn’t want to waste precious morning time to be in front of a camera while people on the beach stared at us. But she was totally down for it! The two of us knew this would be that special keepsake from our honeymoon that we would always cherish. Also, like I said, we didn’t have our phones with us much of the trip so we didn’t have many of our own photos from our time in Cancun. This would fill that void.

We wanted something that would remind us of beautiful Cancun.

We scheduled our session on Thursday of our honeymoon week. On Friday morning we were the stars of a photo shoot! DreamArt Photography contracts out superb independent photographers. The day of our session we met ours. When we met her, she sat us down in the hotel lobby and gave us a quick pep talk. In her thick accent, the photographer told us that we would work together to create great shots. She told us the effort we put in would be the direct result of the final product.

In order for our photo shoot to be successful we were going to have to work hard and have fun.

We started by taking photos in casual clothes around the resort. We went on staircases, patios, and balconies. We even posed on the hotel floor itself. I guess I shouldn’t even use the word “pose.” Our photographer was strictly against anything that was posed. Rather, she would just have us interact. For example, for the floor shot she just told us to get comfortable and then she directed me to “whisper something sweet into your wife’s ear.”

This was one of our photos on the floor.

After we did our more formal shots around the resort, it was time to hit the beach. Sidney and I changed outfits and then we walked out on the sand with our photographer. This was where the real work of the shoot took place. Our photographer had us running back and forth along the shore. She had us kicking sand. She had us splashing water at each other. She had us doing all of this over and over. One particular point that sticks out to me was when I picked up Sidney and spun her around…about 8 different times. I was so incredibly dizzy that I thought I would pass out.

I was so dizzy after we perfected this shot. However, I love how it turned out.

By the time our shoot was over we were ready for drinks! We had given 100% but our photographer probably gave 110%. While we were in comfortable beach clothes she was not. She worked extremely hard to get all the shots that she thought we would be happy with. As we walked off the beach, she told us she took over 1,000 photos of us.

These piggy back photos were some of our favorites that she took.

The next morning was when we got to view our photos. We went back to the kiosk where our photographer arrived to give the files to the lady working the kiosk. Sidney and I then sat down as the lady played the images for us on the monitor. It was such a cool experience! The photographer had narrowed her work down to about 100 photos or so and most of them looked great. We had just never really seen photographs of us like that before. After we went through all the images, the DreamArt employee went through a couple rounds with us to narrow it down to 12-13 images that we would actually purchase. We made our cuts and by the time we were headed to the airport later that day, we had a true reminder of our honeymoon bliss contained right on a flash drive.

The photos look absolutely effortless. But believe us, there was plenty of effort poured in.

I would 100% recommend DreamArt Photography or other similar companies that set up shop at resorts in tropical locations. You truly get amazing work. Not only that, but I believe it is the best way to take advantage of the beautiful area you are in, an area which you probably won’t visit too many other times in the future. We wanted to cement Cancun in our hearts forever, and these photos will help us do that. Don’t Blink.

A Thursday Rundown of Joy, Pride, and Embarrassment

Posted on July 7, 2016 by brent

It almost feels like cheating. Between last week’s Thursday Rundown and this week’s Thursday Rundown, only two regular blog posts have been published. Furthermore, I have only written one of those (Sidney took over my blog last night). But that is what happens when you celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. Cheap or not, here we go with this week’s rundown…

Wedding Pictures Back – Yesterday we received our wedding photos back after more than three weeks and we can both admit that it was worth the wait. We love the work that our photographer did. He mixed it up in a way in which about 80% of his shots were candid, exactly what we wanted. However, the posed shots of our wedding party were terrific as well. Over time I will share some of the images here on this blog. If you are in Myrtle Beach or Charleston, I would recommend Nicholas Gore Weddings.

I loved the photos that Nicholas Gore Weddings took. Most of the selection are candid shots.

Point of Pride – Sidney was quick to change her last name. Facebook came first. Immediately after we returned from our honeymoon she went to all the official places (social security card office, driver’s license office, etc.) to make it legal. Although she didn’t waste time making the change, I bet it was a little hard to part with the name she had used her whole life. From my perspective, it just makes me so proud. To know that someone loves me enough to change their last name is hard to describe. The fact that the newest person carrying the “Reser” last name is an amazing and kind person brings prestige to my family. We are all just so honored that Sidney is now a Reser (although she will always be a Mathis at heart).

This “R” that Sidney made decorates our front door.

Celebrating A Man Who Means A Lot – Last night, Sidney and I had the chance to help mark a milestone of the man who married us. Almost four weeks ago, Father James LeBlanc officiated our wedding. On Wednesday evening he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. It was our distinct pleasure to attend his commemorative mass and then enjoy the reception afterwards. After he gave a short speech, Fr. LeBlanc made the rounds to each table. When he stopped by ours, we were able to thank him for doing such a great job for us at our wedding. In a card that we gave to him we placed some photos that included the three of us on our wedding day. St. Andrew Parish is in great hands with Fr. LeBlanc as pastor.

The photo in the upper left hand corner is of Fr. LeBlanc giving his speech at his 20th anniversary of ordination reception that was held last night. The other photos are from our wedding on June 11, 2016.

Bad Thing to Forget – Because I work out every morning before heading to the office, I haul all my work clothes to campus with me in a duffel bag. Each night I pack my bag with what I will wear that next day. I thought I had it down to a science when it came to packing my necessary wardrobe but this morning I realized otherwise. When I got to my locker I realized I had left my dress shoes at home. Not willing to make the hour round trip to go back and pick them up, I came to terms with the fact that I would look a bit funny today. Tending to my feet last, I finished my outfit by slipping back on my work out shoes…the ones I had just sweated in for 80 minutes. If it was just the unpleasant feeling of wearing them it would be one thing but do you know how ridiculous worn out sneakers look with a collared shirt and dress pants? Luckily my awesome wife brought me my professional shoes at noon, meaning I only had to shake off the embarrassment during the morning.

It was miserable wearing my tennis shoes at work this morning.

Who is That Actor? – In another case of embarrassment for me, I failed to recognize a very famous actor. Last Friday, Sidney and I sat down to watch “Meet Joe Black.” I missed the opening credits of the film. As one of the main characters took on a prominent role in the plot, I asked Sidney who he was. She looked at me dumbfounded and finally got the words out to tell me it was Brad Pitt. Of course she tweeted about it. I don’t know, I guess I just think of Brad Pitt’s appearance in more of a “Fight Club” sense. As for the movie, I thought it was pretty good.

Sidney tweeted this out when I asked her who this actor was.

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Thanks to all for giving Sidney such great support with the blog post she wrote last night. It seemed to speak to a lot of people. Have a great weekend everyone and we will catch up on Sunday. Don’t Blink.

Finding My Husband

Posted on July 6, 2016 by brent

Tonight is a special blog takeover. Brent’s wife, Sidney, once again takes the reins of Don’t Blink. However, this time the subject matter is a little deeper. Enjoy this beautiful reflection from Mrs. Sidney Reser.

I am back to take over yet another blog post! Only this time, I’m sporting a fancy new ring and a fabulous new last name! That’s right, this is my first (but certainly not my last) blog post as the official Mrs. Sidney Reser! It’s taking some getting used to, but married life is blissful.

Marriage is beautiful.

In the weeks leading up to, and following our wedding, I found myself humbled by all of my blessings. I have been blessed with not one but TWO loving families. I have been blessed with supportive friends. But most importantly, I have been blessed with a wonderful husband. A generous, dedicated, doting husband, whom I could never be more thankful for!

In fact, as I was reflecting on our relationship before our wedding day, I found myself reeling because I truly believe that Brent was placed in my life purposefully. Divine intervention is the only way I can explain it. I know what most of you may be thinking….Good grief. Her mind has been clouded with newlywed bliss. She’s lost her wits. You’re wrong. I’m completely lucid in saying that meeting and falling in love with Brent was fate. Destiny , if you will. And for tonight’s blog post I’ll explain why. But first we’ll need to back up a few paces. To the time before I had met the love of my life. So….here we go…

In the earlier parts of 2014, I was feeling a little down and out about love. Don’t get me wrong, I was NOT some sad, sulky girl desperate for love, but I was frustrated with my current dating pool. At that time, most of my friends were either married, engaged, or in seriously committed relationships. I’d worn so many bridesmaid dresses I was starting to give Katherine Hiegl from “27 Dresses” a run for her money. My best friend Leslie and her husband, Brooks, had done their fair share of setting me up on blind dates, but each date came up short. It was one night while hanging out (after another catastrophic date no doubt) that Brooks said something that was more meaningful than any other dating advice I’d ever heard. He said, “pray about it.”

Seems innocent enough, but I took it to heart. Being the analytical mind that I am, I began to wonder….so if I pray about it, what should I pray for? Should I pray for a man? Should I pray for companionship? Should I pray for love in general? I wasn’t quite sure, so I set off seeking the knowledge I needed to pray for love. And where would one look for this knowledge, you ask? THE BOOKSTORE! DUH!!

So while scouring the shelves of my local Barnes and Noble for books about prayer and love…I happened upon one that seemed to offer just what I was looking for. The title : “What Women Don’t Know (And What Men Don’t Tell You)”. The second I read the title, a siren went off in my head!! DING DING DING!! WE HAVE A WINNER!

This is the book I picked up, “What Women Don’t Know.”

I bought the book, and immediately set off to the pool to do some heavy soul searching and reading, while also catching some rays. (Can you say multitasker??)

Anyway…as I’m reading through this book, I start to feel a little of what I call “buyer’s remorse”. I didn’t think this book was giving me much more than what I already knew, until I came across some scripture that really hit home. I had an “A-HA” moment, and suddenly everything made perfect sense in the realm of dating. The bible story I happened upon came from John 5. If you’re interested, it’s worth the read, but for those of you who like short cuts, I’ll gladly give you Sid’s cliff notes version. Here it goes:

So there once was a healing pool called Bethesda. It is said that the pool could heal the sickliest of people when its waters were churning. There was a catch though. Only the first person in the pool after the waters began moving would receive its healing powers. So when Jesus went to visit this pool, he was surprised to find that the pool’s five porches were filled with ailing people. Some were blind, others were deaf, and even some ailing with paralysis. So in his astonishment, Jesus approaches one of the paralyzed and asks (I’m paraphrasing here) “Do you want to be whole?” In other words, Jesus is asking, “Don’t you want to be better? Why are you hanging out on the porch here, silly? You’re right next to a healing pool!” The paralyzed man (who, mind you had been waiting 38 years. 38 YEARSS!!) replies to Jesus, “I can’t sir. Because I have no man to help me into the pool when the water is stirred up. Each time I try to get there, someone else always gets in ahead of me.”

A scene from the Pool of Bethesda

It’s when I read those 4 little words (I HAVE NO MAN) that it hit me like a ton of bricks. This was me. I was the paralyzed man (figuratively, of course.) I was paralyzed by the longing for companionship. I was just sitting on the porch of love, waiting for a man to dip me into the pool. But in fact, I didn’t need a man to dip into the pool. I just needed God. Just as Jesus helped the paralyzed man into the pool of Bethesda, he could help me into the pool of love.

So I did just that. I didn’t seek love. No, in fact, I worked really hard on developing a love for myself and the Lord. I felt that if I loved myself, then I could feel whole. And let me tell you, I did.

I felt whole! I was very happy. I had friends to enjoy my time with, a family to support me, and job that I loved. There wasn’t much else I needed. I was good to go.

But then….I kid you not….within a month…I met Brent. The instant that I had found comfort within myself…the most perfect of men was plopped smack dab in the middle of my life.

This is Brent and I on our first date over two years ago.

And it’s here that I believe it was fate. It had to be destiny. Divine intervention had to be at play when I met Brent. The timing was impeccable. I mean let’s look at the facts: I’d been down and out on love. I found confidence and love for myself, and then magically, a man moves ACROSS THE COUNTRY and within his first weeks here crosses my path. And we were a perfect match for one another. (Puzzle pieces, is what I call it.) What are the odds?

So in reflecting on all of this, I have to think, it was meant to be. Brent is truly my soul-mate. A gift from God. I think of this often when I look at Brent. And there are many days when Brent will catch me staring at him and ask “What are you looking at?”…my usual reply is “Oh how handsome you are!”, but in my mind I am silently counting my life’s most meaningful blessing. Him. Don’t Blink

What the Coastal Baseball Team’s National Championship Means

Posted on July 5, 2016 by brent

I took the Fourth of July weekend to recharge from the two weeks of fun and craziness that resulted from the Coastal Carolina University baseball team’s victorious College World Series run. Over the last couple days I tried to pin down what I thought was the biggest story of this remarkable feat. With the local and national media already covering all the angles from the impact on the university to the legacy of Gary Gilmore to the legendary Cinderella story to the memorable cast of fun student-athletes and quirky dugout props, I looked for something a little different.

It turned out that the “something” I mentioned above is really two things for me. Yes, when I remember the College World Series run 20 years from now, I will remember a couple key things.

1. A national championship was won
2. A community was recognized

In regards to my first point, I don’t even think about the underdog aspect of it. You see, numerous powerhouse programs compete for the baseball national championship each and every year. Many more average programs and mid-majors do as well. At the end of it all, 294 Division I college baseball teams come away disappointed. Only one team stands atop that mountain as champions. It doesn’t matter if you are a favorite, a Cinderella, or a dark horse, winning a national championship is the prized goal.

The Coastal baseball team attained it.

When you open up a book of baseball history 100 years from now and look at the list of champions, you won’t see any information on whether a certain school was supposed to win or not. Rather, you will just see that school’s name.

So what I am trying to say is that I realize the fact that a medium-sized, mid-major university winning the College World Series is a big selling point right now. However, over time that part of the story might fade but Coastal’s achievement as the best team in college baseball in 2016 never will. Let that soak in. Coastal Carolina University is home to a national champion and nothing will ever take that away. I love an underdog story but to me they are just the champs.

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The other part of the College World Series experience I will remember is the remarkable support and pride that swept over the whole Grand Strand area and much of the state over the past few weeks. Now I know any community will embrace a team when it brings back a championship but this situation is just a little different.

Our state is home to two giants in higher education, Clemson and South Carolina. Sometimes a young institution such as ours with a smaller enrollment and alumni base can get overlooked by others. The run to baseball glory brought national attention squarely on Coastal Carolina University and #TEALnation shined. Just as our student-athletes exhibited passion and pride on the diamond each night, the Conway community represented itself with the same principles as well. Other Palmetto State citizens saw this and jumped on.

Covering the welcome back event at the airport on Thursday night was insane. There was an energy in the air that was unmistakable. Although my career has been short, it was one of the coolest moments I have ever experienced. When the student-athletes ran off that plane they brought some leftover Omaha mojo and combined it with the hunger and desire that was brought by the crowd, producing an unbelievable scene. The atmosphere was awesome and our Coastal Carolina community was fostering it.

The same show of support was on display a day later at the ceremony in Springs Brooks Stadium. The place was packed with teal and it was almost a surreal moment. However, with the national championship trophy resting comfortably on the podium it reminded us all that it was in fact reality and that the Coastal Carolina/Conway community was alive and well.

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I may never be associated again with a school that wins a major Division I national championship. Most people never are. I would sincerely like to thank our student-athletes and coaches for taking Coastal Carolina University on this unforgettable ride. Don’t Blink.

The Coastal Baseball Team National Champs Thursday Rundown

Posted on June 30, 2016 by brent

It is tough to punch the keys on my keyboard now. Coastal Carolina University is home to the baseball national champions. Social media is completely bonkers at this moment and my adrenaline is through the roof but I wanted to take a quick breather and write. In the near future I will reflect on what this Coastal baseball team actually did. However, since it is a Thursday, I thought I would talk about the finer moments of the experience for me in tonight’s Thursday Rundown.

Fun On Twitter – In most professions, people are aware of and keep in touch with their counterparts in similar positions at different companies. This holds true for higher education social media professionals. I am friends with the person who heads up the social media program at the University of Arizona. When it became official that our schools would play each other in the College World Series Finals, we were excited for the social media possibilities. Over the past several days the @UofA and @CCUChanticleers Twitter accounts have gone back and forth in friendly dialogue. For our most memorable exchanges, click here and here.

My Own Media Circus – Over the past couple of days, I have made the rounds on the major three local news stations here in Myrtle Beach. On Tuesday, WMBF interviewed me. Then yesterday I sat down with reporters from WPDE and WBTW. All of these stations visited me to talk about the impact the baseball team’s success has had on our main social media program as a whole and just our entire university in general. Although I can’t say my interviews were stellar, I really appreciate the coverage Myrtle Beach media outlets are giving to our university.

Me during my interview with WMBF on Tuesday.

Bonding Time With My Wife – When the Chants were playing the games, I covered them right from my living room. I had my electronics in front of me but my wife right beside me. Sidney is not a big sports fan but she watched every College World Series game that CCU played in with me. That means over the course of six nights and one afternoon we bonded together over baseball. We ate dinner, commented on the action, and rooted on the Chants. It was a lot of fun.

Sidney and I are true Chanticleers.

No Surprise – It was well-documented that Coastal Carolina Chanticleers merchandise flew off the shelves in Omaha. This fact didn’t shock me. I have said since I arrived at CCU that our colors are unique and fun. Teal stands out and is inviting. With the exposure our baseball uniforms have received on ESPN for several different nights, I have a good feeling that a lot of people not just in the Grand Strand area and Omaha are going to be getting their hands on Chant gear.

You can’t beat our school colors.

Celebration Time – Now comes more fun. Over the next 24 hours we will celebrate our baseball team. This evening I will be at the airport at 11 p.m. when the team comes back home after two weeks in Omaha. Tomorrow we will hold a parade for the team in downtown Conway. Following the motorcade we will have a ceremony at the baseball stadium. Great opportunities for memories and social media gains.

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Congrats to the Coastal Carolina University baseball team on a remarkable achievement. It is a great time to be the guy who is running the social media program for the school but an even better time to just be a Chanticleer. Don’t Blink.

Swimming With the Dolphins

Posted on June 29, 2016 by brent

There was one item and one item only that Sidney desperately wanted to do on our honeymoon: swim with the dolphins.

You have to give your brand new wife the one thing she wants the most, right? So it should come as no surprise that on our trip to Cancun we did indeed swim with the dolphins. This is how it played out…

We needed to travel to an island to participate in the swim. Our hotel actually covered the transportation costs of the round trip. On Wednesday morning we hopped on a double decker boat. Once aboard, we were served all the liquor, beer, and/or soft drinks we wanted. It was a 45 minute venture in the Caribbean Sea waters from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. When we got to the island we walked around and explored a little. Since our dolphin swim wasn’t until a couple hours we were able to take advantage of the bars and pools that were available.

When it came time to live out Sidney’s dream, we checked in at the appropriate area. The name of the company organizing the swims was Dolphin Discovery. They gave us life jackets and briefed us on what we would be doing. After the pep talk, they took us to the dock area. We walked down the long plank and then were instructed to get in the water. We were paired with a guide and she took us down to an area that was about 100 yards from where we got in.

All of these photos are pictures taken of a picture. Here is one of me.

Pretty soon our guide had summoned two dolphins that appeared right in front of us. She gave a little introduction and then had the dolphins swim down the line where we could reach out and touch them. Sid and I were in a group with about 12 other people. We all stood shoulder-to-shoulder during most of the experience. Because we were in this arrangement, it made it easy for the dolphins to interact with us while also having plenty of space.

Sidney’s and I at Dolphin Discovery

After the introduction, the experience shifted into a pattern. The guide would ask someone in the group to step out. The person who stepped out would then have a dolphin come directly to them. At this point, the guide would instruct the person on certain poses to do that the dolphin would play along with (kissing it, holding it, etc). While this occurred, a photographer from up above would snap photos. After a person stepped out and interacted with the dolphins, the guide would then take over and talk about the animals. After she talked for a minute or two, she would ask someone else to step out. She would then talk again. It went step out-talk-step out-talk-step out-talk for the majority of our session.

Sidney’s dream come true.

Once everyone had their photo opportunities with the dolphins, including Sidney and I, the guide had the dolphins do some jumps. She then had the dolphins swim around underwater in a big circle. For me this was the coolest part because you could barely keep up with the trail they were taking because they were so fast.

Loving life with the dolphin.

After the jumping and swimming, the guide asked those who were comfortable to swim out about 30 yards from the line (which Sidney and I did). She then summoned the dolphins to approach us in this much more open area. They splashed us and swam close to us as it was pretty cool. We then returned to the line for the grand finale. The guide had the dolphins do coordinated jumps with each other while making sure to splash us as much as possible. It was a nice way to end the experience and Sidney was pleased.

Dolphin kisses

We splurged on pictures and then got set for the second experience. This time we would be swimming with manatees. I didn’t even really know what a manatee was until Sidney coincidentally explained them to me a couple weeks beforehand (they are giant sea cows).

We got set up and jumped into some murky water. We swam across to the other side of the pool area from where we entered. Once again we were shoulder-to-shoulder with the other people (about 5-6) in our group. Once we were all settled, the manatees started to surface.

You are going to think this is crazy but Sidney said she liked the manatees more than the dolphins. Yes, the same girl who had it on her bucket list to swim with Flipper remarked to me that she liked the sea cows better. She just thought they were gentle giants and overlooked. I couldn’t share the same opinion. We fed them lettuce and got to pet them but their slimy skin and the algae growing on it turned me off a bit.

When we left the island, we both agreed it had been a good day. Going in we didn’t know how everything would shake out. But not only did the dolphins materialize but we also got to swim with an animal we didn’t even know lived at the Dolphin Discover facility. I could see us doing this again one day when we have kids. Don’t Blink.

Our Mexican Honeymoon

Posted on June 28, 2016 by brent

Some couples take their honeymoons right after the wedding, others wait until six months or even a year down the road. Sidney and I did the former but it was semi-delayed. We got married on a Saturday afternoon but didn’t leave until Monday. This allowed us to have a final day with out-of-town family and to do some packing.

On that Monday morning, we flew to Cancun. After going through customs and getting through the airport we hopped on a van that took us to our home for the next five days.

Sidney and I in the van taking us to the Sun Palace Resort.

I booked our honeymoon at the Sun Palace. This particular resort marketed itself on being an adults-only, intimate property built for couples. It also made it known that the service offered would be second to none.

Sidney and I at the start of our honeymoon.

Definitely no false advertising here.

The Sun Palace was spectacular. When they brought us a damp towel and a drink the moment we stepped into the place I knew we were in good hands. Our room overlooked the beach. We had an oversized jacuzzi that was in the regular room area. Our refrigerator was fully stocked with sodas, juices, and different types of beer. We had a liquor dispenser with four different bottles. Mind you, this was an all-inclusive resort so we could go absolutely nuts on all the alcohol, entertainment, and food we wanted.

This was the view from our room balcony. This is completely unfiltered, I took this from my iPhone. It was beautiful.

Ah yes, let me quickly describe the food. It was phenomenal. The place had four different restaurants (Asian, Italian, Mexican, steakhouse) where we could eat at on a nightly basis. We could enjoy all the drinks, appetizers, salads/soups, entrees, and desserts we wanted. We both liked the Asian restaurant the best. One night the resort gave us a special honeymoon dinner where we sat outside and ate from a menu prepared just for us.

The food was so good and I took so many photos that I had to make a collage of collages! Here are some of the dishes we ate.

For breakfast and lunch, Sun Palace offered a buffet but that ugly word (“buffet”) doesn’t do it justice. What was offered was a wide selection of the freshest meats, pastas, breads, and fruits you will ever find. I looked forward to that morning meal each day and savored every bite on my plate. One final note on food before I give it a rest…the room service was delicious and fun. One night we ordered cheesecake and French fries. Another night we ordered pepperoni pizza. Another evening we ordered ice cream sandwiches. One morning we had them bring us up pancakes, eggs, sausage, and fruit.

My mouth is watering just looking at this. The food was just so fresh and delicious.

I promise we did more than just eat. A lot of our time at the resort was spent at the gorgeous infinity pool that overlooked the white sand beach. We caught some rays, spent time at the swim up bar, played water volleyball, and relaxed at the edge of the pool where we admired the view. During the late afternoons and evenings we would hang out in the lounge bar where we would enjoy the entertainment (someone would be singing or playing an instrument), nibble on appetizers, and/or play ping pong. One night we were selected to participate in a string of activities where we had to compete against three other couples in front of what seemed like every guest at the resort.

I snapped this photo of a portion of the pool we hung out at so you can see how it overlooked the ocean.

We went off the resort every now and then too. We traveled to an island where we swam with dolphins. We paid a visit to the flea market. We ate at an authentic Mexican restaurant. We went to a sister resort of the Sun Palace that had what seemed like 50 different pools and 100 different restaurants. We hit up a club. All of these experiences were fun and I will share a little bit more about certain ones in future blog posts.

Sidney and I enjoying a Mexican sunset after our romantic honeymoon dinner.

Besides just spending time together, another big highlight of the honeymoon was meeting people. Throughout those five days, Sidney and I met a lot of other couples. We chatted and hung out with newlyweds that married on the same date as us! We also met people who were celebrating anniversaries, renewing their vows, or just enjoying a romantic getaway.

Sidney and I with some of the people we met in Mexico. This is us at the swim up bar (photo credit to Angela).

The honeymoon was a perfect mix of about 70% relaxation and 30% going out and doing things. Best of all, it was romantic. Aside from cheesy honeymoon t-shirts the Sun Palace gave us, they did several more meaningful things. They would sprinkle rose petals on our bed, send up champagne to our room, and pretty much every staff member would tell us congratulations. Our honeymoon felt like…well…our honeymoon?

We have many experiences and great photos to remember our honeymoon by.

Sidney and I would like to return one day to the Sun Palace. Until then, we have some really cool experiences and photos to remember it by. We certainly enjoyed our five days in paradise. Don’t Blink.

An Historic Night for Coastal Carolina University

Posted on June 27, 2016 by brent

With my wedding posts now done and my honeymoon posts up next, I wanted to give you all a break and offer something different tonight. I think you will excuse me for the quick change in pace…

This evening, Coastal Carolina University will be represented in a major national championship. Our baseball team put together a record-breaking, clutch-performing, highlight-generating postseason to earn a spot in the College World Series Finals. Starting at 7 p.m. eastern, the ball team of the university that I work for will square off against the University of Arizona in a best-of-three series. The winner will take home the big trophy.

In my life, between both the colleges I cheered for growing up and the universities I have worked for, I have never had a team make it to a national championship. To have this first time come on the sacred ground of Omaha in the College World Series is thrilling.

Sidney and I at a Coastal Carolina baseball game this season.

Watching the team over and over on ESPN has brought me pride (teal looks so great on TV). Talking with friends and family who have contacted me about the championship-bound Chants has brought me joy. Feeling the community pride all over the state of South Carolina has brought me goosebumps.

Tonight is a huge deal. All eyes will be on the Chanticleers. The national spotlight will be shining on TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska.

With this exposure for our baseball team comes exposure for our whole university. Because Chanticleer Athletics has done all the right things in leveraging this College World Series run, it has brought even more opportunities our way. Of course one such opportunity has been social media.

I always envied counterparts at other universities who had their social media program catapulted onto a national stage because a team made it to a major championship. To now have it happen at the school I am working at is pretty cool.

It is also very nerve-wracking.

I would be lying if I said I haven’t felt the pressure of trying to provide our audience and the rest of the nation with quality social content. But because our athletic department is already leading the way in masterfully chronicling this experience on social media (amazing job to Alex Souza) and because we have such a passionate fan base, I know we are going to come out okay.

Best of luck to the Chanticleer baseball team! Make sure to follow the baseball Twitter account (@coastalbaseball) and of course our main account for Coastal Carolina University (@ccuchanticleers). Don’t Blink.

The Reception

Posted on June 26, 2016 by brent

As the ink started to dry on the marriage certificate we just signed inside the church, the minds of Sidney and I started to shift to something else: the reception!

It was now time to enjoy an event that was literally a year in the making. Our reception was held at the Waterway Palms Plantation clubhouse, a beautiful and elegant structure right off of River Oaks in Myrtle Beach. To get there we jumped in the vehicle of Sidney’s parents. With my new in-laws up front, Sid and I sat in the back with our niece, Russell, who was absolutely mesmerized by the day’s activities and specifically by her aunt.

This is the Waterway Palms Plantation clubhouse, the place where we had our wedding reception at.

It took us about ten minutes to arrive. We drove through the gate and followed the road that took us right up to the clubhouse. On the sweltering hot day we stood on the sidewalk as we waited for our full wedding party to arrive. Once that happened, we walked right up to the entrance of the party where we were greeted by our DJ. He confirmed some name pronunciations and then he hit the music and introduced the wedding party in couples.

With Sidney and I following the four different groomsmen/bridesmaid pairs, we all strutted down the main lobby area as our guests watched us. The procession then took a sharp right to where the head table was. We all stood in our places because there was no time to sit down, it was picture time! As the guests started to get food, the wedding party went outside on one of the clubhouse decks to take photos. The photographer did his best to make sure he didn’t take more time than necessary. But even though a second wasn’t being wasted, the South Carolina heat and the magnitude of the event that had just occurred had me feeling some type of way. This is why I didn’t mind it one bit when my cousin brought me an ice cold beer to help push me through to the end of the photo session.

As the professional photographer was busy working away, my mom took this photo of me with my brother and sister.

With the pictures complete, Sid and I walked back into the reception to enjoy our special party. We got separated at first just because so many well-wishers wanted to congratulate us. After about 15 minutes we ended up at the head table. With us both together and the reception well underway, we were prepared to do our first dance. However, Sidney’s mom and the DJ made the wise decision for us to eat something first.

When we got to the head table I took this Snapchat image of Sidney.

We went up to the buffet line and started to load up. Chicken tenders, meat balls, mini ham biscuits, mushrooms, veggies, cheese, and so much more was waiting for us. We fixed our plates and took our seats right in the middle of the head table. This period was extremely nice. We were able to sit down, relax, eat, and share a few moments together. With food in our stomachs and some relaxation time taken, we were ready for our first dance.

Sidney and I loading up our plates with the delicious food at the reception (photo credit to Glen).

Sidney and I chose “How Long Will I Love You” by Elle Goulding. The choice just seemed perfect for us. We are both big Elle fans and the lyrics spoke to our hearts. As I looked in the big brown eyes of Sid as we danced, I had never been more sure of our decision to marry.

Sidney and I enjoying our first dance together.

Immediately after the first dance, my mom and Sidney’s dad came onto the dance floor. We did our father/daughter and mother/son dances jointly. I held onto my mom and Sid held onto her dad as Elton John’s “Your Song” played. The song is special to Sidney and I and as it is from our parents’ era we thought it was appropriate.

We used “Your Song” by Elton John for the parents’ dance.

After those two emotional dances we took a few minutes to go back to the head table and relax. But the emotions started right back up again as the toasts soon followed. My brother went up and gave a heartfelt best man speech. Next came both of Sidney’s sisters who worked together to deliver a great maid/matron of honor toast.

Before we knew it, the two of us were back in the lobby area where the cake was. When it came to the cutting, I told Sidney to take the lead. She helped guide my hands as we cut the wedding cake. It both looked and tasted fantastic (no cake shoving or tossing took place).

Sidney and I cutting the cake (photo credit to Jay).

Immediately from the cake cutting we went back to the dance floor for an Italian tradition. Have you ever heard of the coin dance? The bride and groom hit the floor and the guests throw coins while they dance. Kids then rush the floor and pick up the money. It is the only way my parents could convince me to go to weddings when I was a child. Sidney and I danced to “Amazed” by Lonestar as the coins started to fly. We couldn’t stop laughing as the children at the reception got to their hands and knees to haul in every coin they could.

The coin dance is fun for both the kids and the newlyweds.

Next came the bouquet toss. In the biggest surprise of the wedding (hint of sarcasm), Sidney’s toss found its way to her sister, Courtney. I followed the bouquet tradition by removing Sidney’s garter. Then, in an extraordinary stroke of luck (a tiny bit of sarcasm again), Courtney’s longtime boyfriend, John Henry, ended up catching my toss. John put the garter on Courtney and the two danced. My favorite part of the reception then occurred as a bunch of the couples at the reception then joined Courtney and John and started dancing as well. It was such a cool scene.

A few of the scenes from the bouquet toss/garter toss.

Just like that, it was time for the final dance. Sidney and I walked onto the floor and danced to (are you ready for it?)…..”Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney. The song concluded and it was time for us to make our exit. As guests blew bubbles outside the clubhouse, we went off into married life.

A picture of a picture of Sidney and I leaving the reception.

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I want to thank Brenda (mother-in-law) and the entire Mathis family for organizing such an amazing reception. So many memories came out of it that Sidney and I will forever cherish. I have said it before and I will say it again, we are so blessed. Don’t Blink.

**Other blog posts about our wedding week:
Weddings are for Family
Inside Our Rehearsal Dinner
The #SidAndBrent Wedding
My Wedding Week Thursday Countdown

My Wedding Week Thursday Rundown

Posted on June 23, 2016 by brent

Three weeks ago I noted that I was writing my last Thursday Rundown as a bachelor. Well today I get to write my first Thursday Rundown as a married man. However, tonight’s rundown is a bit different. This evening I will be touching on five topics/events related to my wedding week that I didn’t write about for feature posts. Here we go…

Golf With Dad and Brother – A big reason why I took up golf so fervently over the past several months was because I wanted to play with my family when they came to Myrtle Beach for the wedding. On the Tuesday before the big day, I took Glen and my dad to Coastal Carolina University. We looked around campus and then I took them to our institution’s golf course, Hackler. We played nine holes on a gorgeous late afternoon. It was so nice hitting the links with them and showing off my game. I had a fabulous time…even if my brother won.

Hanging out on the golf course.

Charleston Trip – On that Wednesday, I got to take my family to an historic Southern city. Early in the morning we departed Myrtle Beach for Charleston so we could pick up my brother’s girlfriend, Ashley, from the airport. Once we arrived and got Ashley in the car, we headed to downtown Charleston. It was a hot day but we got some sightseeing in. We looked through the art in the park, toured a church, and shopped at the market. We couldn’t spend too much time in Charleston so after we ate lunch we headed back to Myrtle Beach. I know my family enjoyed exploring a new city.

Look closely and you can see my dad. It was a hot day in Charleston!

Bachelor Party! – I wanted a low key, relaxing bachelor party. Thankfully, my father-in-law was more than happy to help out. On Thursday, after all my groomsmen had arrived, we went cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway. Mr. Sid was gracious enough to take us all out on his boat. As the sun beat down on us, he took us up and down the unique body of water as we enjoyed some adult refreshments. We made a stop at the Boathouse for lunch, a popular restaurant right on the water. We ate, drank, and played corn hole. We arrived back on solid ground in plenty of time for that night’s festivities.

I got exactly what I wanted out of my bachelor party.

Wedding Weekend Kickoff BBQ – When I said we finished the bachelor party in plenty of time for “that night’s festivities” I was speaking of the BBQ held a few hours later. Sidney’s sisters organized an opportunity for the two families to get together right before the big wedding weekend was set to start. The party was held at the brand new house of Sidney’s sister, Steph. The function started with a professional photographer on hand to take family portraits. After the photo ops, everyone moved to Steph’s living room/kitchen and backyard. It was a fun and chill evening as the two families got to know one another. On the menu was my all-time favorite Southern dish, chicken bog! My west coast family and friends now like it as much as I do. My dad was impressed and humbled that Sidney’s family had stocked one of the coolers with PBR bottles, his favorite.

At the BBQ, us groomsmen put on the shirts that my brother had made.

The Proposal – What an awful person I would be if I didn’t mention the moment that set all the other events above in motion. A year ago on this date, I asked Sidney to marry me on the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. She said yes, thus starting a wonderful engagement that has led to our marriage. As Sidney and I lay in bed tonight we will no doubt think back to that special evening 12 months ago.

That magic moment.

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Hope you didn’t suffer too much over the past couple weeks with no Thursday Rundown. Have a great night and enjoy your Friday. Don’t Blink.

Don't Blink

By Brent Reser

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