Day 36: Kailua, HI (the wedding day)

Today started early for all the bridesmaids in the wedding. Since the ceromony was at 10:30AM, they all had to meet at 5AM to get their hair done. The groomsmen, on the other hand, had to get up at 7:30 so we could get photos taken at 9.

Rebus, Peter (Rebus' brother and bestman), Grayson, Victor, Mac and I all headed over to the Haiku Gardens in our groomsman aloha shirts and kahki pants. Haiku Gardens is a beautiful venue near Kailua where Nic's parents were married nearly thirty years ago.

After a photo shoot, he ceromony was nearly ready to begin. We all took our places, while ukulele music played in the background. Soon everybody stood up when Nic entered the open-air chapel. She looked beautiful, confident and extremely happy when she walked down the aisle with her parents.

The ceromony was short, but very well done. In no time, Nic and Rebus were pronounced man and wife and they walked back down the aisle as bubbles floated all around them.

Next, it was up to the luncheon at the resturant overlooking the gardens and the majestic Hawaiian mountains. We indulged in appetizers (in Hawaiian, "poo-poos") including shrimp, cerviche and sushi. It was all really good. I ate more than my fill as hadn't had much breakfast.

Soon, Peter (the M.C.) took the mic and greated all the guests. Next, we were on to more fabulous food for lunch and shortly after that speeches and toasts. Both Rebus and Nic's fathers gave a toasts followed by Kim (the maid of honor) and Pete himself. All of there toasts were very thoughtfull and entertaining. I was next and made a comment that according to Costco Wholesale, I had already laid my claim to Rebus and Nic was avctually too late. This is because Rebus is listed as my spouse on my Costco membership and has been for years. I brought a renual form as a prop to prove it!

Anyway after me, all the rest of the groomsmen and several bridesmaids laid out some very thoughtful and funny toasts, and it no time Rebus and Nic were cutting the cake. By the way, the weather was perfect all day long.

The party ended at about three and we had a break until 5:30 when a BBQ with dancing was scheduled at Nic's parent's place. We had a few hours, but it seems as though just about everybody involved in the wedding (except for Nic and Rebus) headed down to the beach for a few hours to cool off and relax.

After a ton of body surfing, it was quickly time to attend the BBQ. When we arrived, Rebus had personalized Hawaiian beer mugs waiting for all the groomsmen. Of course, they were a huge hit. All of us groomsmen then let Rebus know that we had pooled a bunch of money to help him buy a Bike Friday. He has been drooling over these bikes for years and was seriously "bad fer one".

Anyway, the party featured more great food, Nic's uncle's band, and a lot of dancing. We all had a great time and I ate enough food to nearly pop (again).

At about 10PM, Nic and Rebus left the party to head over to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for the night. Shortly after than we all walked (being so full, I felt like I was waddling) back to our places for the night.

All in all, it was a perfect wedding. The ceremony was beautiful and seemed to go absolutely flawless. I am sure Nic and Rebus were very happy with it, and I know that the two of them are just happy to be married and free from wedding planning!

Jeff