This week I got married! There is honestly so much I want to write down to remember but I am not sure I can even find the right words to accurately describe what my wedding day was like. It was tender, beautiful, simple, and perfect.
I started off the day by getting ready at Turtle Bay with my family along with Heather my Maid of Honor. She was my girl that day. She was so helpful and did an amazing job on my hair! It was so fun getting ready for my special day with the people that have meant so much to me. I felt really pretty once my dress was on and my hair was all done.
Gavin hadn't seen me yet so we decided to do a first look behind the Laie temple by the Banyon tree. I was feeling pretty chill till right before I was about to go around the corner to see Gavin. I think all the emotions hit me and I wasn't sure how to act or think. When I saw Gavin standing by the tree I feel like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I just felt so much love for him that it's hard to even describe. I really do love him so so much. Of course, Gavin was being all sweet and had tears in his eyes. I'm not sure what we said but we stood and held each other for a second just embracing the start of a new life together.
From there we went inside the temple to change into our whites. I was so glad that my mom was with me in the Bridal room. She was so loving and sweet. It was special to be in there with her. I had the whole room to myself. It was peaceful, pleasant, and calm. Once I was changed I met Gavin so he could take me through the veil and into the Celestial room. We only sat in the Celestial for a second but it felt good to have Gavin right by my side.
After a few minutes, we were directed to another waiting room where we chatted with the Sealer. Brother Talaa. He was defiantly chatting our ears off. I would have loved to just sit with Gavin but this old man prorobalby needed someone to keep him company. He told us that we had the biggest group since before covid times. He also told us that he hates masks. Like hates them with a passion. He wants nothing to do with them. So I guess in a way he was kinda perfect for me and Gavin. It felt like were were sitting there a long time.
When I walked into the sealing room I saw all of my favorite people in there. It was clean and quiet just as I imagined it to look. Nobody was saying anything. The ceremony was short and sweet. The Sealer talked about the creation and how Gavin and I need to make the temple a priority in our life and go as often as we can. After Gavin walked me to the altar where we kneeled, held each other, and said yes to all eternity! And just like that, we were sealed with the priesthood authority of God! I'm married. After Gavin and I gave all our guests a great big hug and they congratulated us. After the sealer gave Gavin and I a few minutes to look in the mirror at ourselves. I think this was one of my favorite parts. I looked through the mirror and saw Gavin and every part of him that I love. I was so excited that I was going to spend forever with him.
After, we took photos outside of the temple when we walked out everyone was cheering it honestly felt so great! It was just so fun and Gavin looked so good in his suit. Like so so good. The weather was also perfect! The past two Marches have consisted of horrible floods and rain that it would almost be impossible to do anything outside. But today we were blessed with the sun and beautiful Hawai'i weather. I have been praying since the engagement that it would be great weather and it truly was.
All of my girls also looked so beautiful and I loved my happy colors. My bridesmaids were Katrina, Callie, Heather, Sarah, Anna, Jansen, Kadee, and Aysia. They were happy and bright and looked amazing! Gavin's groomsmen also looked really great as well in their green ties.
One my favorite parts about all this was just seeing Gavin smile. I'm sure we were both beeming ear to ear but since I couldn't see my own smile I enjoyed seeing his.
The day just got better and better. All of my bridesmaids came to help set up at the venue and let me just say it looked beautiful and amazing. We had our ring ceremony at Tradewinds Ranch. We had a the huge white tent in the yard with the pretty lights handing from the top. My mom and I decorate a hoop that we borrowed from Tiana that was in the background. Everything was wonderful in every way. We wanted to have a ring ceremony and to be honest, I had no idea what to expect. This was going to be the first ring ceremony I have ever seen. We had the wedding party walk in pairs of two down the asile dancing to Harry Styles Adore You and Gavin and I were in last dancing in. We took our place in the front by Bishop NeSmith with the lush green tropical mountains behind us. Here we each exchanged rings and expressions of love to each other. Here are mine that I read to Gavin after I gave him his ring.
Gavin, when we met at your house, I knew immediately I wanted to get to know you more- especially when you talked about how much you love chacos. I never could have imagined how much fun we would have and how close we would get so quickly. From hikes, to come follow me discussions, to swing dancing and meeting each other’s families, everything felt exactly right. I never had to questions whether I was making the right choice in being with you.
I knew I was in love when I saw you climbing a coconut tree. I loved seeing that you were wild and adventurous. You are a man of so many talents. Not only are you charismatic and spiritual, but you can also do crazy things like climb a coconut tree and get a hole in one when you go golfing. I knew that we would have fun together for all of eternity.
Gavin, eternity with you is going to be so good. I’m so excited that I get to experience forever with you. I love that you go running with me at 5:30 am every day. I love the way you treat me. You make me feel cherished, special, and beautiful. I love that you choose to make any situation we are in fun. I love that you know me well enough to know what I will need, and then love me enough to have it ready for me whether it be a jacket, chap stick, or socks. I love that I can count on you.
When I think back to where we were when we first started dating, I recognize how immensely our connection has grown. Emotionally, we have learned how to rely on each other. We are comfortable turning to each other when we are stressed, sad, or upset. We have learned how to give the support and love needed to boost the other person up when we are down. Spiritually, we have gone to the temple together, prayed together, and studied scriptures together. Because of this our spirits have grown closer than we have ever experienced before. These are a few ways I have seen us grow and these are the promises I will make to help us continue to grow closer and stronger with each other.
Promises: Gavin
I promise to support you, love you, and take care of you throughout all the ups and downs that we get to experience together.
I promise to go find another waterfall with you every day (Literally and metaphorically)
I promise to cherish and honor you throughout eternity- all the days of my life.
Gavin, I love you. I’m so glad we are FINALLY married!
After Gavin told me how much he loved me and it was beautiful. I don't think there was a single dry eye at the wedding. Everyone was crying. It was the start of a party!
We ate Hawaiian Haystacks, Poatoto Salad, Taro rolls and drank a yummy punch. We are for a while and Gavin and I chatted with our guests. After we played musical chairs, games, had speeches that were a highlight for me. Everyone was so thoughtful in what they said. I was just tearing up so much. My mom spoke long with Loana, Heather, Ava, Dartanyan, Sam, Trent, my dad, Ryan, and Lindsey. Everyone was just so sweet. After we had an awesome cake dance by one of Gavin's friends along with a Hula performed by me, bouquet toss which was caught by my sister Callie and the send-off through the barn with bubbles.
The whole evening was magical and perfect in every way. There is nothing I would change about anything of our day. Well, maybe one thing. After we got into the car Gavin was walking over to his side when doing so he slipped and ripped a huge hole in his nice pants. That was sad. But all in all, it was a wonderful wedding day. I can't wait to start the rest of my life with Gavin and to spend eternity with him.
