Sendusout

Tropical bubble bottles on each chair, leis circling necks, tropical flowers tucked behind ears, little boys with buckets in hand, little girl dropping petals on the ground, Kevin waiting anxiously and Mandy Moore’s song, Have a Little Faith in Me, playing as my sister dazzled us with her smile, beautiful in every way, arm tucked into Dad’s, walking down the aisle.

One of the highlights of our trip home to the States was standing next to my sister on her wedding day. The days leading up to the event were chaotic, fun and sleepless, finishing the last little details even as we drove to the wedding. What did we ever do before cell phones? My mom probably wished she did not have one by the end of the day. So many people helped out and my Aunt Linda and my Grandma even drove up from Kansas to be a part of the celebration (It was good to see you). It’s a good thing, or our tikki torches may have gone unlit as they made an emergency trip to Wal-Mart hours before the wedding to find oil.

Melanie had a Hawaiian theme for her wedding and the event was held in an outdoor garden. It was the perfect place, especially for parents with children. Our three kids had so much fun. Her colors were lime green, orange, turquoise and fuschia and the decorations were vibrant and fun. My mom was up until 3 AM the morning of the wedding sewing every last napkin to be placed on the tables.

Guests were encouraged to wear Hawaiian attire and were given leis as they arrived. Diana encouraged them to make a wish for the bride and groom as she melted under the glaring sun and the worship band played music as the guests were seated.

Meanwhile, I tried to track down and contain my three children who were to be the two ring bearers and the flower girl. My sister had tucked a few toys inside their buckets to entertain them during the wedding, but Ian and Isaiah discovered them early. Unfortunately, Isaiah’s robot broke moments before he was to walk down the aisle and I had to pull him together as their turn came up. They made it and then it was Ela and my turn to walk down the aisle. As she raced ahead, I was left with her bucket of flowers to sprinkle along the path. I am probably the oldest flower girl in history.

Then it was Melanie’s turn, and as Dad gave her away and Kevin took her hand, my heart was filled with joy at the love of God to bring these two people together and give Melanie a man who will cherish her, love her and forgive her on her grumpy days…hehehe…one of the secrets to a long marriage. I loved the vows they shared, the unity ceremony with sand, communion time and the song Annie sang. Another moment that will not be forgotten was when Ian, who had been playing at the back of the garden, decided to stroll down the middle aisle during the middle of the ceremony. Then as they were pronounced man and wife the guests lined the aisle with bubbles in hand to blow as the walked back down the aisle to the Happy Song.

Then on to the reception, with torches smoking, candles flickering, napkins burning, sand and shells, palm trees and hibiscus, starfish and nets, candy tables, dancing, dinner, cake smashing, garters and bouquets thrown and toasts from me and my brother for the bride and groom. Matt said his toast was unrehearsed, but we all have our suspicions since it was so perfect. We had a fun night, the car was decorated at the last minute (as always), the kids fell asleep on the way home, and Melanie and Kevin finally left even though they couldn’t find his camera which was tucked away in my purse (whoops)…Aloha!!!

Aloha – love, affection, compassion, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity, greeting, salutation, regards, sweetheart, lover, loved one, to love, to be fond of, hello, welcome, goodbye, farewell.