Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Hawaiian Wedding Day

A L O H A! 

Welcome to the Big Island's Puna District

Sorry for the web deception, 
but like many of you I have been on a short trip off island 
and didn't want to broadcast the fact that our home (boat) was unattended.

   That's Puna above: Big Sky Country, rural Hawaii. 
I will do a 'Day Trip' post soon,
but today I just wanted to show you a FEW pictures of the reason for the trip.
  Saturday saw the wedding of my niece to a great guy!



The special day began as we awoke on our boat wreathed (choking?) in smoke! The fire department was heroic once again, and the situation (battery power electrical) was quickly brought under control.  I was completely debilitated!  But my husband basically picked me up, put me in the car, and pushed me towards Honolulu airport.  I'm grateful that he did; It was truly a magic day!  He stayed behind to keep our house afloat.


Opihikao, Puna.


"Look down you gods,
and on this couple drop a blessed crown."

My niece was born a few miles from here
at the famous Kalapana Black Sand Beach.
Though she has not a drop of Hawaiian blood,
she is truly Keiki O Ka Aina,
a child of the land, as is her handsome groom. 
(The first Hawaiians landed not too far from here
(South Point) around 750 A.D. / A.C.E.)








"We all need fresh starts.
That's why the sun comes up everyday."
Unknown







"A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Here's to these beautiful bridesmaids.
We admire them for their beauty, respect them for their intelligence,
adore them for their virtues,
and love them because we can't help it."





Their friends, the wedding party.  
These kids all grew up 'off the grid' in a super rural, very isolated place,
and have known each other their whole lives.
  They are the children of unconventional people,
but seem none the worse for it.
Their 'Puna Hippie' parents are now exploring their early senior years.
  I'd say those pioneers did OK.






The Gathering for the Ceremony



"The man or woman you really love
will never grow old to you.
Through the wrinkles of time,
through the bowed frame of years,
You will always see the dear face
and feel 
The warm heart union
of your eternal love."




Beautiful Hawaiian Music







Lots of people there remembered my Dad who lived over there for years.
He's been gone for two years but was very present; many mentioned him.
The Jewish breaking of the glass tradition would have pleased him.
Though the bride's lovely Mom is not Jewish, and the groom
has no connection to the faith, everyone shouted 'Mazel Tov!'
The barefoot groom put on 'slippers' (flip flops) for this part.



Someone also left a volcanic pohaku (stone)
wrapped in a Ti leaf as an offering of gratitude to Pele of the volcano,
Grandmother of this country.




I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
~Author Unknown



Welcome to the family!









The reception at a near by orchard
was splendid.  More laters. . . . .
                       . . . I'm still verklempt!


Thank YOU for sharing the joy-
Leave a Comment, please :)   cloudia
VIDEO BELOW 



 

41 comments:

Pierre BOYER said...

Beautiful day,
Marvelous post Cloudia....
Greetings from France...

Pierre

Commander Zaius said...

Great pictures! Congrats to the happy couple.

Cloudia said...

Thank you BOTH mon Ami!

Elephant's Child said...

If a stranger can feel the pricking of tears looking at your photos (and I did) how much more magical for those involved. Thanks for sharing. Truly lovely.

Windsmoke. said...

Congrats and a long happy married life and plenty of kids to the happy couple :-).

Rick said...

What a beautiful place to start a life together ! Great shots Cloudia.

I spent some time wandering through your recent posts - time well wasted !

Maude Lynn said...

What a beautiful bride!

Charles Gramlich said...

Lovely. I hope they are happy forever.

Teresa said...

Congratulations to your niece and her hubby! What a beautiful wedding!

Kavita Saharia said...

Congratulations to the beautiful couple .Wishing them a very happy and prosperous life together.Thanks for sharing this beautiful day with us Cloudia.

Vagabonde said...

What a lovely wedding in a gorgeous setting. Congratulations to the happy couple.

Marguerite said...

What a beautiful bride and wedding! And your photos are fab! Congrats to the happy couple!

Feisty Crone said...

Congratulations to the lovely couple. And what an amazingly beautiful place for a wedding.

bichonpawz said...

Congratulations Cloudia to your new member of the family! What a beautiful setting for a wedding...I loved hearing all about your family history!! Awesome wedding party!!!

Hilary said...

What a beautiful post, Cloudia. A wedding so rich in many traditions and the breaking of the glass made me smile as it's part of my own background too. Beautiful.

But you awoke to a fire? Ack!

Cloudia said...

Thank you for sharing this joy with me. We are true friends, You & I :)

Anonymous said...

How cool is this!!! I'd love to have a Hawaiian wedding. We spent three weeks in Maui and Kona for our honeymoon, so that's not too shabby. Best wishes for the bride and groom for an awesome marriage!

G-Man said...

Mazel Tov!!!

Sorry about the boat Cloudia :-(

Dina said...

Every detail in this post is a thing of beauty and source of joy.
Mazel tov indeed!
What a life!

Good luck with the boat.

Bitch said...

You mentioned your dad and I could
understand your feelings.
A beautiful couple!!

magiceye said...

best wishes to the newlyweds!!

namaste /\ from mumbai
aloha!!

claude said...

After the fire on boat the fires of love !!!
Congratulations to your niece and his husband.
Beautiful weeding on a paradisiac island.
ALOHA !

Full-On-Forward said...

"The man or woman you really love
will never grow old to you.
Through the wrinkles of time,
through the bowed frame of years,
You will always see the dear face
and feel
The warm heart union
of your eternal love."


TEARS STREAMING DOWN......

BLESS YOU FRIEND,

JOHN

Joop Zand said...

It's a lovely serie Cloudia, you make me happy with this photo's.

Greetings, Joop

Sueann said...

What a beautiful wedding and the bride and groom are gorgeous! As is the entire family and the bridal party! Great photos!
Congrats on your POTW
Hugs
SueAnn

Anonymous said...

Oh my - so much love and beauty!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Thank YOU Cloudio for sharing such a special day with us, That's the best kind of wedding, surrounded by friends who really know you and family. Fantastic! Also I hope not too big a problem with your home.

Lynn said...

Lovely lovely lovely. Thank you for sharing that, Cloudia! I wish them all the best for a long and happy marriage. They are off to a wonderful start.

the walking man said...

Un Pucker your home is safe, the kids got married and you're here for another day!

TexWisGirl said...

how beautiful. congrats on your POTW!

21 Wits said...

Oh what a lovely place for a wedding..simply stunning ...even the groomsmen...love the style of clothing for an Island wedding..and the voicanic pohaker (stone) I really enjoy learning new legends and traditions...I was at an Island bridal shower this last Saturday..of course it was here in the U.S. but they had palm trees (fake) and other such Island things...it was great....almost like really being there! Have a great day!

Milandailyphoto.com said...

the 1st is simply amazing as the others

Bossy Betty said...

Wonderful memories of a wonderful day!

Congratulations on your POTW!

Anonymous said...

A magical time; I love the streams of draped lei flowers. Sprinkle some holy water on da boat and we'll pray it stays safe. DrumMajor

Tammie Lee said...

this looks like a gorgeous day
ceremony and life
so beautiful
I wish them love, depth, light and health

Cloudia said...

"Un pucker" LOL!


Each of Y O U

really makes me smile - and feel belonging & gratitude.


Thank You

SingerHI said...

Wow, oh so beautiful!! Congratulations to the very happy couple! The photos are awesome, too.

SandyCarlson said...

Gorgeous! I can feel the love and joy from here. Thanks for sharing this happy time.

Out on the prairie said...

A number of traditions put together, very nice.

abb said...

Lovely day. Congratulations!

And on your POTW!

Cloudia said...

Mahalo :)