The wedding didn’t start until 4:30 PM, but Bowman, John and Patrick needed to be there at 3:30 for photos. So this was a chill day leading up to the event. John made us a wonderful breakfast, we thought about going in the pool. But some people chose to nap and then Julian needed his pants. That does sound a little strange. He moved out of the hotel, so Natalie had a place to get ready, and he moved over to Nick’s place. They were supposed to be done the day before but when he asked for them, they weren’t ready so they needed to be pressed. He called Bowman asking for some help so we got the pants and brought them to him. It was one of those days we weren’t sure if anything was gonna be needed from John and Bowman.

Andrew, Patrick and Dany went to the northern part of the island to the Pololu Valley Lookout and they hiked to the beach area. It was a treacherous hike and not one we could’ve done. But it sounded absolutely beautiful. It was a good thing to go separately. The same location is on our options for tomorrow and we may actually go to it.

Bowman made arrangements with the wedding planner for a golf cart to take us to the wedding location when we arrived at the hotel. I thought that was available to everyone, but it was us in just a few others who needed help. The wedding was next to the beach, there was grass in an huge Milo tree with fabric and flowers, floating off of the tree. We were able to sit in the shade and just chill until we need to go to our seats.

We sat in the first three rows, reserved for family and friends. There were parasols on our chairs to block the sun which was nice to have. It was an overcast day, which means it wasn’t nearly as hot as it was the day before. There was a lovely breeze.

When the service started, the officiant blew through a conch shell at all four directions north, south, east and west. And then he said a prayer to what I assume was to prepare the guests for the family and the bride’s arrival. The siblings walked down the aisle first, then parents, then grandparents. Julian hugged everyone.

Then it was time for Natalie and her father to make their entrance. Julian looked in love.

Natalie’s dress was stunning and she looked beautiful. In was a non-traditional nude color with cream colored lace overlay. The train was just the right size and her veil blew beautifully in the wind. It suited her perfectly. Julian’s suit complimented it so well. He had some snazzy shoes too.

Natalie’s and Julian placed leis on their immediate family. The tradition symbolizes the joining of two families, expressing love, honor and respect. It was touching to place a one on an empty chair to acknowledge family who couldn’t be there, or ancestors who have passed.

We learned later that then said their vows privately together before the wedding. I wish I had more details about what the officiant shared, so much of it was in Hawaiian. Here are a few things I learned.

In Hawaiian wedding ceremonies, water is incorporated into the ring blessing ritual to symbolize new beginnings. The officiant dips the rings into a bowl of water often a Koa wood bow, and sprinkles them with the water using a Ti leaf while reciting a blessing. This cleansing ritual represents a letting go of the past and making way for a new life together as a couple.

A Hawaiian ring blessing may include the Oli Aloha, a greeting chant, or blessing chant like “Ei-Ah Eha-No, Ka Malohia, Oh-Na-Lani, Mea A-Ku A-Pau,” which means “May peace from above rest upon you and remain with you now and forever.”

The last part of the ceremony was the kiss.

Prior to dinner there was a reception which included drinks and appetizers, for about an hour while photos were being taken.

As the sun started to set, we made our way over to dinner.

The location was lovely and wonderfully decorated with such beautiful flowers. We had assigned seating. Our names and table assignments were printed on purple strip of sheer fabric as we walked in. Fortunately Bowman, John, Josie, Ginger and I found Fayallon, the wedding planner, and she took us over herself.

The newlyweds entered the dinner with lots of cheers.

Dinner was delicious. It was fun watching families talk to one another. We left around 9:30, Bowman and John weren’t far behind, but lots of people stayed longer.