Just the Four of Us: April 2020

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Wedding Ceremony and Vows -- The Complete Text

This is the script for the ceremony and wedding vows

Neil and Lilly’s Wedding Ceremony

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Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The Rings

This photo shows the wedding bands we exchanged during the ceremony.

Lilly is also wearing the engagement ring I gave her last fall. I inherited this family heirloom from my mother, who inherited it from her maternal grandmother. I was (in a way I don't understand) named after this grandmother.

Wedding Day Family Portrait

This photo was taken by Ms Vianna shortly before we left home for Kahala and the wedding ceremony. Sasha wore his favorite tuxedo, and Misha wore a pretty bow. She couldn't find her pearls :-(

Mrs. Carvin and Mrs. Carvin

As a surprise present, Sandi brought a sushi plate and a homemade chocolate cake for everyone to enjoy after the wedding ceremony. She also invited some of her neighbors to watch the ceremony. And, they came!

We brought a bottle of champagne, which was served in paper cups.

The Bride

Vianna took this series of pictures of the beautiful bride, wearing her special haku (a floral crown), in our home prior to the wedding.

The Calm Before the Storm

Before the ceremony started, Lilly rested for a few minutes in one of the chairs reserved for distinguished visitors. Julia checked her phone. Uncle Don is seated on the left, smartly choosing to keep his distance from other people.

A beautiful setting

Here's a view down the beach from where the wedding was performed.

Julia, Veronica, and the Bride

Just before we went down to the beach, we stopped at Don and Sandi's apartment to pick up a few items (including the wedding cake that Julia is holding in this picture.)

Bride and Groom in the Corner

This was one of the last pictures taken before we left home for Kahala. We just love the views from the dining room and lanai.

Lights, Camera, Action

Vianna setting up the photoshoot.

Wise Uncle Sasha Watches the Day Unfold

Things to Bring to the Ceremony

The last item on the list is "Fianceé"

We're Getting Married Today!

Our wedding is scheduled for 6 pm today, April 28, 2020, under two palm trees at the Kahala beach.

We had originally planned a traditional Hawaiian ceremony at the Makapu'u tide pools with many friends and family, but the travel limitations and "social-distancing" mandates resulting from COVID-19 made that impossible. Like so many other couples this crazy spring, we were forced to cancel all the wedding plans we had made.

Since we still wanted to get married, and the Hawaii State Department of Health was (to our surprise) still issuing marriage licenses, we decided to go ahead with a small ceremony. The State gave us a list of authorized wedding performers, but we chose Lilly's great friend Julia. We chose a lovely spot in Kahala near Uncle Don and Aunt Sandi, who we both adore, so they could watch from a safe distance. To minimize health risks, we decided the ceremony would not include a best man, maid of honor, flower girl, or any other unnecessary pageantry.

Another of Lilly's friends, Vianna, will come by our condo this afternoon to help Lilly with her hair and dress. Vianna has also agreed to take some pictures of us before we leave for Kahala.

Julia's young daughter, Veronica, will be the videographer.

The reception we had planned to have at Bethel Union will be delayed one year... or maybe two?

We listened to this wonderful song multiple times today. We're not getting married in a church, and we're not getting married in the morning, but it's still sweet.