Philana + Gary Wedding :: Paradise (Oahu, Hawaii) Part I of III

Words by Maureen Young

Hawaii was a fitting destination for 2 people who met through their love of travelling and for Philana, who had travelled to Hawaii with family many times before (her dad went to University there and took his family back for holidays), it was her dream location.  50 guests from around the globe joined them in paradise.

Hawaiian BBQ, seats and an iron

Gary stayed at a condo on Waikiki beach, an hour from JW Marriott where he and Philana were marrying.  Over a dozen of Gary’s family and friends joined him for Hawaiian BBQ Plate Lunches and turned the balcony and bedroom into a sit down cafe, if you could sit on it, it was a seat!

“Do I have to iron this?”
Gary bought a crisp new shirt for the wedding and, as it came out of a box, he asked Anton if he needed to iron it.  The answer? A smile and nod (accompanied by an ‘are you serious look’).  The freshly ironed suit matched the European suit perfectly.

Gary’s nephews, Finn and Nico ran around the room with their favourite toy while Gary’s dad cuddled newborn grandson Milo on the balcony.  Grandma Wong was there admiring her GQ posing grandson and also keeping a watchful eye on Finn and Nico, who had decided lenses might make quite cool toys.

Family, papayas and mochi

Philana was joined by her younger sisters, Felicia and Stephanie for hair and make up while their parents tidied the kitchen and brought out delicious food for the girls to enjoy.  During breakfast, Philana wrote her vows and relaxed, the rain clouds were not going to put a damper on the day.  Although it did move the planned outdoor wedding inside.

Philana had the shoes to suit the occassion; 2 pairs of Badgley Mischka heels bought at the amazing price of 80% off.  A girl who knows how to shop, Philana appreciates the finer things in life (just not at full retail price!)

Felicia’s boyfriend, Roby, came by to see if anyone needed anything.  Auntie Agnes was quick to request 3 cases of papayas, mochi (Japanese ice cream) for the girls and a pineapple for Rina (not to eat! Although it did taste amazing after it’s role as a prop was complete).

Family surrounded the bride-to-be as relatives came around to catch a glimpse before her walk down the aisle.  Grandma Peggy felt the December 20 wedding was an early Christmas gift and she spoke with excitement.  Flower girl Cameron was excited for her big debut and practiced throwing flowers.

“Are you sad to give Philana away?”  Relatives asked Philana’s dad who chuckled and replied that he couldn’t wait for the other 2 girls to leave as well.  For all his joking, Rina’s pretty sure there was a glimmer of a tear accompanying the proud grin when he saw his eldest daughter as a bride.  Grandma Peggy also had tears in her eyes when she and Philana’s mom came to see the beautiful bride.

A Beijing boy and a Shanghai princess

The venue looked out over the ocean and even though rain was falling outside, inside it was a beautiful day.  Before the ceremony Philana and her parents did a quick prayer.

Gary walked down the aisle with his parents, followed by Grandma Wong and brother Bobby.  Felicia and Stephanie then walked down with Grandma Peggy.  Philana was accomapnied by her parents down the aisle, Gary receiving a hug and kiss from his almost-in-laws.

Pastor Keith conducted the service, which included handwritten vows from bride and groom.  Philana spoke about how falling in love started with accepting an offer to talk about travelling and being picked up in a Porsche.  Gary spoke about finding a beautiful and patient girl, his Shanghai princess.

As the couple said their vows, Grandma Peggy had tears in her eyes, an emotional and special day for her

There is nothing quite as beautiful and heartwarming as a bride and groom walking down the aisle.  See you at the reception in Part 2!

 

Much love,

A+R