Our Day in Paradise

It was truly a day filled with much aloha. Everything just fell into place...the ocean, the sun, the warm tradewinds, and by far the most important ingredient - our families and closest of friends. Below is a paraphrased summary of the wedding by Maureen's aunt Isabel.

"At about 4:30 PM Hawaiian time on July 19, 2006, with the blue Pacific Ocean before our eyes and the coconut trees swaying to the breeze. I still can still hear the ukelele music playing Ode to Joy as Lance walked to altar followed by his parents. As I saw Maureen in white accompanied by Mom Day and Dad Poy, I couldn't restrain the misty eyes and the lump in my throat that the wedding is really happening. The beauty of the place, the solemnity of it all and the friendliness of everyone made me understand what aloha means. I prayed: Lord, yesterday you showed me Eden. Today, You gave me a glimpse of Paradise. Please bless Maureen and Lance.
The estate where the wedding was held was like a Robert Redford movie, "The Great Gatsby." The clear top tents amidst the well manicured lawn and palm trees with their leaves playing with the wind. After the ceremony and as we waited for the reception to begin , well-dressed waiters gave us little snacks to while the time away. Quietly, mini reunions were going on---the Manacop's, Albarracin's, Tan's, Lance's extended Hawaiian family, their Santa Monica beach volleyball friends and work friends. We also have to congratulate Gwyneth for being our tour guide in the bus. She greeted us in Luau bus tour guide style "Hi Cousins!"
Was it really a dream come true? At the beginning of the reception, Lance even put their love story into words. It was good. The vibe was informal and yet so classy. Lance's cousin from the Islands (Oahu and Maui) expressed welcome for Maureen through a traditional Hawaiian dance as his best man Kapala sang and played the ukelele. The festivities continued with more dancing to a variety of songs played by Ben Vegas and Maila Gibson, a local band."

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