Mardi Gras revelry marks Pensacola Beach wedding

Courtney Cauley and Chad McEachern celebrated their marriage on Saturday with a unique twist - wedding full of Mardi Gras colors and joy. The couple's son, Caleb, 2 1/2 , shared the role of ring bearer with cousin Elijah Gittings.

Parents Carol and Albert McEachern and Tracy and Kenny Cauley are delighted for their children. "The wedding was so beautiful and so fun," Tracy said of the event.

The wedding was held at the Pensacola Beach Community Church at 3 p.m. Instead of leaving the church in the usual limousine, attendants, family and friends jumped on board a Mardi Gras float and continued the revelry all the way to Capt'n Fun on the Portofino Boardwalk for the reception.

Out of town friends and family joined the celebration, many of whom had not celebrated Mardi Gras before. Container after container of delicious Cajun food greeted the celebrants as they entered the party room.

One of Chad and Courtney's best friends, Holley, returned home from Las Vegas for the wedding. Luckily, what happens at Mardi Gras stays at Mardi Gras! Partiers enjoyed the food, fun and festivity until after midnight.

Photos by Mark Hansen / Markophotos.com

According to party-goers the day was perfect with one slight exception when "overzealous" Escambia County Sheriff's deputies flagged down the float and nearly arrested the wedding party.

Once safety issues were cleared up, the group were allowed to ride off into the sunset...

the happy couple. Mother of the bride Tracy and Kenny Cauley, right, enjoy the day.