Wow, does it seem like forever since I last blogged about a wedding? Sorry, like I said in my previous post, I've just been super busy. But also, like I promised, here I am blogging about a wedding...finally. So just to let you know how far back I am in my wedding blog, Iman and Kelley tied the knot...last year, July 10, 2009. Yes, I know, I have a lot to write...hahaha. But don't worry, I think I'm not as backed up as far as July. I think....I hope....

Well, anyway, Iman and Kelley have the privilege of holding the longest work day on record for me. This story actually starts on Maui, where my prized couple actually stayed. They actually decided to get married on Oahu since I was here, and for the better beach pictures. Ironically, I had just traveled to Maui the previous day to marry a couple. Well, there was a big problem that arose the week of their wedding. They didn't purchase any flights to come to Oahu.

Their original plans consisted of taking the Superferry here. But unfortunately, the government had chased it way just weeks before wedding. Thinking quickly, I informed Iman that Go! Airlines, a very cheap yet good airline, had great fairs coming to Oahu starting at $39 one-way. He quickly purchased tickets and we were good to go.

Kelly wrote to me how they met. Here is her own words:

"We actually met at TGI Fridays, I worked at Clinique (makeup counter in Dillards) in the mall here in the city and there is a TGI Fridays like right in front separate from the mall. Well one night after me and the girls closed the counter we decided to go to TGI fridays to have appetizers and drinks. Well we got there and all was going well and this girl I worked with, Amber, decided to call her friend Mark to meet out with all of us. Well Mark showed up and brought Iman and another guy Grant with them and they were all on motorcycles. Well they all joined us at our table and there was about 20 people at this table! Iman sat across from me and we made eye contact, I remember this like it was yesterday. Well our eyes met and I got butterflies and I attempted to say hello, we kept looking at each other and he said hi back and came over and sat next to me and we started talking. I remember I was so nervous I stuttered, and I thought "man this guy is going to think I'm nuts!" I could sense that he was nervous to because his face was red and he had this beautiful big cheesy grin all over his face. Well after we had started talking it seemed like everyone else had just disappeared because we were so into each other, while we were talking we had found out we had alot in common. Afterwards, he gave me a ride on his motorcycle (it was like 2 am!) and then we exchanged phone #s then said our good byes and I went home. I lived with roommates at the time, so they asked details since they also were at Fridays ( you know how women are!). We had met for dinner after that and we were inseparatable after that. After 3 mos of dating we bought a boxer, Mason together, he was like our kid. After 5 months of dating we moved in together and man that was something else! When you put a clean freak (me) and a slob (Iman) together it can get tricky! hehe. I remember our first house we both went to Lowe's to pick out paint together and we decorated the house together. I had never lived with another man before and I know Iman had a girlfriend that lived with him for a short time before. when we started living together it felt so normal" - Kelly

Now let me just interject something here. Iman and Kelley are a laid back couple, and completely opposite. Iman is a practical joker and Kelley is much more quiet. Together, they create a perfect nirvana. And let me just say, for a long as a wedding day this was turning out to be, they were having a blast. They were the perfect couple for the longest wedding day in the world...haha. Thank God Kelley was not a bridezilla. I would not want to spend 15 minutes with a bridezilla.

When I picked up Iman, they had told me they laid down to rest for a few hours, then walked around Waikiki for a bit, so they were ready, awake, and ready to go.

I took Iman and Kelley from Waikiki to Ko'olina in my van. It was a great trip, filled with all the joys of being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic. But when we got there, Kelley and Iman informed me that flying to Oahu, getting stuck in traffic, was all worth the wait, because Ko'olina was that great. And I had to agree. There really are not many great beaches on Maui, and the closest thing you can get to Ko'olina on Maui, is Makena Cove. But even that's not as photogenic as Ko'olina. It's a very very far second.

Kelley wanted the works for her wedding. She went with the haku, great photo package, and wedding singer. The weather, as you can see through the photos, was perfect. Just enough clouds, just enough sun.

My day ended by dropping off Iman and Kelley to the airport. They were tired, as was I. They were happy to get married, I was happy that my 15 hour day was finally over. Honestly, this body of mine is not meant to work for 15 hours in a day. Although, I think I could play video games for 15 hours in a day...hahaha.

My last comments on my prized couple. Thank God I had to spend my longest wedding day with a couple that was that cool. It was fun, and it really didn't seem like work (actually, it never seems like work!)

Till the next blog....Godspeed.

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