Fear the Crab

I thought I could do our wedding some justice with a few poignant words here, but so much happened and I’m not sure I remember it all. I think this is the important lesson in having any big event; hire other people to help document what happened. I’m thankful that Marina Miller (photographer) and First Class Media (video) were around to capture the activities, and I’m thankful Flaunt Makeovers (makeup) was able to make my good side good. The video guys even managed to get a few shots of me having some foundation applied.

The ceremony was short and sweet, and I said my lines clearly. At least, I think I said the words clearly. I was mic’d with one of those remote microphones, and no one said anything about that clarity of my speech. Then again, I doubt there’d be much I could do if there was a mistake. The ceremony hall was nicely laid out, the acoustics were awesome for Pumehana Wadsworth (harpist), and it seemed everyone we invited attended. Latecomers had to stand because all 120 chairs were occupied. Alice Inoue (officiant) spoke a bit and easily guided us through the rites, though I had to kinda lean over and raise an eyebrow to ask “Now?” for the moment I say “I do.”

Reception was a blast. Amber Ricci and her musicians were awesome, and the music volume was perfect. Spinning WEB (florist) and Les Saisons (chair covers) did a brilliant job with the banquet hall, and everyone seemed both impressed with the decor, and immersed in the occasion.

People tell me the food was excellent and of top quality, which is good because I never had a chance to eat much. The only bite of the cake I had was during the cake-cutting ceremony. I got a little bit of cake smashed into my face, an act which will have Maile suffer some serious repercussions. Even my drinks were barely touched; as soon as I get a wine glass or beer in my hand, I get called away for some part of the program.

Speaking of our program, it was nothing short of efficient. In fact, it was too efficient. Things were going so smoothly, and so QUICKLY, that we had to speed up portions of the program so as not to let the guests get the false impression that the reception was over. Yet people were still getting restless. It made things difficult for the videographer, though, because he had to hurry and edit the recently-shot footage of the ceremony into the video slideshow. We managed to alter a few sequences and make it appear as though the slideshow was the final act, which is a testament to the videographer’s skill in working so fast and our coordinator’s ability to adjust the timing of events as needed.

After the last guest left and we escorted our belongings back to the hotel room, Maile and I promptly took a shower and passed out. We didn’t even touch the leftovers nor the complimentary fruits and champagne left by the Hyatt Regency Waikiki (hotel), which sadly feels like a waste, but we were so tired. In the end, I don’t think I have ever shaken so many hands, nor said so many “thank yous” as I did that day.

Wouldn’t trade it in for the world, though. I remember whilst we were dancing to “Girl from Ipanema” I looked down at Maile and said that it only just hit me then, that we were now husband and wife, not just a couple that had been together for 8 years prior.

Some of the highlights I also remember:
* First Dance: “At Last” is a pretty long song.
* Best man’s speech was really well done, considering it was made up that very moment.
* Banzai toasts were kick-ass.
* Can’t wait to see the pictures and video program.