Matheson Hammock State Park

We picked up my best friend and matron of honor at the airport and then headed to Coral Gables for another wedding site visit. George was really interested in finding out more about Matheson Hammock State Park on Biscayne Bay just off Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables.

From the NY Times: "The free picnic area has expansive lawns with picnic tables, a freshwater pond where alligators may be spotted, two nature trails and a coral-rock shelter with grills. Alternatively, spring for the $4 parking fee and drive half a mile to the ''atoll,'' a saltwater swimming hole surrounded by a palm-planted beach and more picnic tables."

George liked the idea of holding the ceremony along the atoll, with the possibility of having the reception at the Red Fish Grill, which housed in the former Matheson Hammock beach pavillion. Not exacly Cuban food, but fresh seafood did sound terrific. And the location seemed ideal. In fact, There's Something About Mary and Random Hearts (with Harrison Ford!) were filmed here.

I couldn't get my hopes up after already visiting two sites that weren't available. And the restaurant wasn't open during the day, so we couldn't go inside and get more information. We decided to go to dinner and see how good the food was before calling the manager to find out more about renting the restaurant for our wedding.

Little did we know that this would be THE place!