Paradise in Hawai'i

We just got back yesterday from our fabulous honeymoon in Hawai'i. From Aug 14-24, we spent 10 days in Paradise! First half on Oahu and the second half on the Big Island. Our resort, Mauna Lani Bay, was fabulous on the Big Island - loved them!

Our fun filled vacation was packed full of ATV riding, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, lava watching, horseback riding and zip lining. Sadly we were both sick at some point during the trip so we weren't able to go paragliding and get our scuba certification. That just means that we'll have to make another trip out to the beach to get certified :)

Here are some pictures from the honeymoon:

We can't wait to go back!! Next time: Kauai and either Lanai or Molokai!

Wonderful Wedding

08.08.09 - what a perfectly wonderful day!!

I don't think we could've asked for a more perfect day.  I started off the day watching the sunrise on the balcony of our hotel suite at the W Perimeter.  It was a perfectly beautiful morning.  It felt so serene and peaceful just standing outside and soaking it all in.  I told myself then to make sure to just sit back and try and take in as much of the day as possible.  

Taken with my iPhone :)

The ceremony was beautiful.  I later found out that Paul had gotten sick just before he was to walk down the aisle - we think it was his nerves.  Our priest did a great job at making the ceremony interesting and enjoyable for even our non-Catholic family and friends.  Even Roxie got a mention in his homily :) 

Our big surprise for everyone at the end of our ceremony was a bagpiper.  When he walked in playing the bagpipes, some of our friends and family were moved to tears!  Yes!  Mission accomplished (for us).

  

Photo by Eugene Buchko (with Esther Lee Photography)

The reception was gorgeous as well!  When I first walked into the reception room I almost teared up - it was so beautiful.  Check out the centerpiece at the head table. 

Photo by Eugene Buchko (with Esther Lee Photography)

Our DJ, Joel Rabe of Lethal Rhythms did a fantastic job of keeping the reception fun, unique and memorable - the three adjectives that we gave him at our initial meeting to describe our ideal wedding.  

I hope you enjoyed the teaser photos - more to come in the next week or so.  In the meantime, I must give some props to my wonderful vendors :)

Ceremony: Immaculate Heart of Mary Church

Reception venue: Villa Christina

Food & Bev: Villa Christina

Cake: Villa Christina

Photography: Esther Lee Photography

Videography: Wages Video

Florist: Anik Designs

DJ and Coordinator: Lethal Rhythms

Lighting: Party Over Here Productions

Vintage Car: Charisma Coach

Wedding Dress & Bridesmaids dresses: New Natalie's Bridals

Bridesmaids custom jewelry: Bosca Creative Jewelry

Custom handmade veil: Zoica Matei

Cake Topper: Ann Wood Handmade