The Wedding

Last December Stachelbeere got engaged.  That was a happy thing.  They decided to get married in Hawaii in October and those ten months went by super fast.  There was lots of planning to do, not only for the wedding but for the trip, as well.  Hawaii is a long way away and in these days of covid restrictions, there was a lot to do to be able to go.  And, there was no question, we were going.  Because of the pandemic, they were not able to have the ceremonies and celebrations they had hoped for.  As the day of the wedding approached, the State of Hawaii tightened down the requirements to come to the state and for any gatherings, which had required a number of changes in plans and some hard decisions, but they didn't shut down the state entirely so the happy couple was able to have a scaled down celebration and we were able to go.

The day began at the temple in Laie, for wedding photographs.  What would a wedding be without photographs?

The sun was out, a typical Hawaiian day, with temperatures in the 80s.

Among others, there was a photo of the groom with his parents.

And the bride with her parents.

And the happy couple.  In this day of the on-going pandemic, there were face masks.

But they came off for most of the photos.

After a while at the temple, all the photos were done and it was time to head to the beach, several miles down the road at Walahole Beach, for the next part of the celebrations.

Wahahole Beach is a small park on the east side of the island.  More grass than sand, it is more a park than a beach.  That was perfect for the next part of the day.

We looked around and then got busy getting ready for the next part.

The next part was the actual wedding ceremony followed by the reception.  It was small because of the limits on how many people could gather, even in an outdoor setting.  But it was still good.

The jam that several family members had made for the occasion was set out so the guests could have a remembrance of the day.

Refreshments we also set out.

Because of the pandemic, all  kinds of gatherings have been made available via Zoom, including this one.  That way, those unable to attend in person were still able to participate.  Moosebeere had been asked to be in charge of the Zoom broadcast so some time was spent getting that set up.

At last, everything was ready and the service began.  The offical was a friend that the bride had worked with for several years.  It was a nice mix of Christian and Hawaiian traditions, held on the beach since not everyone in attendance would be able to attend the temple a little later in the evening.

The couple exchanged vows, each written by themselves.

Then they exchanged rings.

Then, in the Hawaiian tradition, there were special leis they each put on each other.

He put hers on her ...

... then she put his on him.

And then the couple kissed, the kiss that drew attention all across the country.

And then, the new family was presented to those gathered.

And, when the service was over and the couple was greeting everyone, they took some time to greet all those who had tuned in over Zoom to participate in the happy day.

The festivities continued at the beach for a while, visiting and enjoying one another's company.  But eventually it was time to head back to the temple to finish the day.

And when the very small group that was allowed inside the temple (the state was limiting indoor gathers to only ten people) was done, the happy couple came out to greet everyone who had tagged along, now as Mr. and Mrs. for time and all eternity.

Yes, another kiss because, well, because they could.

And a few minutes with the well wishers before the long day was finally over and a new family was established and off to a great start.  It was a good day.