Roy and Rosalie, surprised by their family.
Photography by the Bryce's family

CHILDREN GO ALL THE WAY
A touching Vow Renewal in Hawaii

It was back in April when I got an email from Bryce, one of Roy and Rosalie's three grown-up children, who came to me with a cool request. He,his brother, and sister, wanted to surprise their parents, with a vow renewal. In a quick and brief email, Bryce summed up how special his parents are to him.

This is an excerpt from his email:

"My parents' lives have been centered around ohana. In fact, this was the central theme of their renewal ceremony for their 30th anniversary on Maui. This ceremony is a SURPRISE for them, so I don't have their own thoughts on what makes their marriage successful thus far. But I can tell you that the example they have set for their children provides plenty of insights. My dad is a man of tremendous integrity, who lives to bring peace, health, and happiness to his family. My mom is a free-spirited woman who gave of herself to raise three kids and she seems to find beauty and wonder everywhere (especially in Hawaii). They are best friends who love each other's company and enjoy taking life's adventures side-by-side."

I didn't want to paraphrase those sweet words.

Kalehua, performing a traditional Hawaiian ceremony:
Photography by Bryce's family

Bryce requested a ceremony with a handful of Hawaiian traditions weaved into it, and nothing more. His family would supply the flower leis, the photography, everything, he just needed a minister. Most wedding companies out there would have turned down Bryce because the profit margin for a minister only package is very thin. That is not the case with me though. Small or large wedding, if I am available, I am always willing to help out. It's not always about the money. In fact, it's always about about doing the right thing.

The family. The tickle down morality was rather apparent from this bunch
Photography by Bryce's Family

On the day of the wedding, everything flowed smoothly. Bryce met myself and Reverand Kalehua, cousin to Reverand Elias Parker, outside of his vacation rental. Bryce snuck us to a side corridor, where we anxiously waited for the thumbs up. His parents and family were busy in the backyard, enjoying the sunset at Lanikai, and having a nice glass of wine. Then, when the time was right, Reverand Kalehua, chanted and walked into the backyard. I'm sure Roy and Rosalie were thinking, "What in the world is this crazy Hawaiian doing in our backyard." But Kalehua quickly explained that this was a surprise vow renewal...

That day, Roy and Rosalie marked their 40th year anniversary, that's 250 Hollywood years by the way. You would think after 40 years of being together, that eventually, the flame between any couple wouldn't be burning as strong as it did when they first met. But it was. And probably burning stronger than ever, for when Roy and Rosalie looked into each others eyes and renewed their vows, they cried, and looked nowhere else except at each other.... It was rather sweet to observe this with my own two eyes, instead of looking down a lens.

Two words come to my mind here... "Simply Awesome..."

Steve Young
The Hawaii Wedding Czar
http://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com/