It was Makeda, friend to Danielle and Anthony, who inquired on their behalf about getting married. Makeda had a strange request. She asked me if I could plan a surprise wedding for her friends. I immediately didn't understand what she was talking about. After all, how could a friend plan a wedding, without the bride and grooms knowledge? Makeda clarified. She was inquiring on behalf of Anthony, who wanted to surprise his girlfriend, Danielle with a surprise wedding. Well, that still didn't make sense to me. Not to be argumentative, but I explained to Makeda that it just wouldn't possible because Anthony and Danielle would have to apply for the marriage license in advance at the Department of Health, before the actual wedding ceremony. So there basically wouldn't be much of a surprise.

"Anyway", I insisted, "A surprise wedding wouldn't really wouldn't jive well with the bride."

Makeda agreed.

A few days later, Makeda called me telling me that Anthony had broke the news of his intentions, and that Danielle and he would tie the knot the next week.

Anthony and Danielle, who both proudly serve the United States Army, met through mutual friends in the service. On the day of his wedding, while Anthony patiently waited for Danielle to arrive, his friends jabbed at him about marriage.

"There goes all your freedom!"

Anthony shook his head and said, "This is it. There's no need for anyone else." Of course, Anthony could have easily matched wits with friends, and could have said something else. But he didn't. The look on his face was one of seriousness. "This is it."

The newlyweds purchased the patriot package from me. This discounted package was originally exclusive for military couples, but I soon expanded its availability to the entire public as I realize that everyone was on a budget. Just recently I had redesigned my patriot package into an affordable minister/digital photo package. The photos taken with the patriot package, are taken exclusively with my Canon G10 snapshot camera. I call it my pocket SLR, as it's manual capabilities are equivalent to most digital SLR's on the market. And the quality is outstanding. The G10 is my camera of choice when it comes to photographing family events, and even professional photos at times. I must add though, my little biased towards film. Film, still rules the day.

Anthony, Danielle, you have my best wishes. Good luck in all your life's adventures, and thank you very much for your service to our country.


Steven Young
The Hawaii Wedding Reporter
http://www.dreamweddingshawaii.com