Angela & Steven's Wedding. Honolulu, Hawaii

Ceremony at Lanikai Beach and afterparty at Paradise Cove in Ko' Olina.

Angela is from Oregon and we met online. No, not like that! In late 2006 Angela and Steven decided they wanted to be married on Oahu. While planning online, she found me. This past weekend, it all came together.

Sunday, August 12, 2007 forecast: sunny and hot. Luckily the wedding beat hurricane Flossie to the Islands! It might have been difficult to keep hair in check and people in one place with 100+ mph winds and driving rain. But then, I could just have everyone leaning like Michael Jackson - Annie are you OK? Are you OK, Annie?

"That's right, lean in. Lean more... more... good. Now look over here. Smile!"

Lanikai is next to the famous Kailua Beach on Oahu's windward side. Both are spectacular and frequently crowded. As with any public beach, one has to expect curious onlookers. The late morning sunlight was strong but the clouds were gorgeous against the deep blue sky. Angela and Steven looked great! They spent the week getting acclimated and did not seem to even break a sweat. The ceremony began as Pastor Kermit blew the conch shell which, in Hawaiian tradition, announces the beginning of an event.

Angela chose to end the evening at Paradise Cove, a place she enjoyed the last time she was on Oahu. What is Hawaii without a luau? There were many demonstration areas describing the Hawaiian culture and showcasing its past. Everyone dispersed to take it all in. The highlight of the evening is the show, of course. Hula from all over the South Pacific and performers singing and chanting in Hawaiian.