Photos provided by family and friends
Carol and James were married on May 24, 2003. It was a beautiful summer day at the Dillingham Estate in Mokule'ia on the North Shore of the island of Oahu. Carol and James planned their destination wedding from San Francisco. She wanted to plan her own wedding with a little help from a wedding coordinator but she did not want to worry about any details on her wedding day so she hired me to handle the "Day of".
Carol and James wanted an out door Hawaii feel to their wedding. After viewing several locations they chose the Dillingham Estate. The location provided a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony with the line of Royal Palms and lush green grounds. The Estate has a kitchen that caterers may use, six rooms with bathrooms for guests, a wonderful grounds keeper named Mai, and lots of parking.
Their wedding was unique in the sense that they weaved American, Korean, and Hawaiian traditions together in their ceremony. Both mothers began the ceremony by lighting the unity candles. Then Kahu Silva, who was the officiant over the ceremony, chanted in Hawaiian as he entered with the groomsmen. Carol and James wanted to include their parents in the ceremony, signifying the joining of families, by presenting a lei to each parent. Once vows were exchanged, both bride and groom lighted the unity candle, touched noses, and kissed to seal their commitment to one another.
After the ceremony family pictures were taken and then Carol and James rushed off to change into formal Korean Wedding Attire. Under the beautiful white tent a Korean Wedding Ceremony was prepared for them. It is custom for family members of both sides of the family to welcome the new member, as well as wish them prosperity, and many children. Family members tossed dates into Carol and James' laps to signify the number of children they would have in their future.
After this ceremony, the guests were welcomed and the party began. The program was loosely orchestrated by the bride and groom... many surprises were in store for the guests and couple. Each of the wedding party members toasted the couple - some with funny antidotes and others with heartfelt love and humor. Tears were glistening in the eyes of many during this part of the program. Both fathers thanked the guests for coming and each shared their love for their children with everyone. James' dad, upon the request of Carol, even sang a beautiful song for her. Once the cake was cut and the first dance completed by the newly married couple some serious dancing commenced with all the guests participating.
Carol and James had planned a beautiful wedding and I was touched by the love and graciousness they shared.
