Hale Kilinahe: The Journal

NOVEMBER 18, 1997 I'm an old married lady now. The day was perfect, at the risk of sounding like a Hallmark card. We left here at 2:45 to pick up Michael and William, the best man. I was so nervous, especially about having to repeat the vows in front of everyone. It still hasn't totally hit me yet; I know we did it, but I guess I haven't fully taken in all of the implications. This is It; the most defining moment of my life. Anyway, we parked about a mile away in a municipal lot. It was so hot that the entire back of Ryan's shirt was wet. I didn't feel like I was walking to my wedding; it felt more, well, businesslike. Michael and William were as formal as they could both get, which frankly, isn't saying much; and I wasn't in a wedding gown; just a muumuu. We got there and stood around until Gayle, Dad and Grandma O arrived. Then we got caught up in a flurry of poses and flashbulbs. Mom arrived with a lei for Ryan, a haku for me, and several surprises. A bouquet, a pearl bracelet, an old charm bracelet, and a pair of clip-on earrings to match the rose and carnation bouquet. She wanted to make sure I had all the proper old-new-borrowed-blue gear. I got properly adorned and we took a thousand more pictures. She went off to find Todd, who was parking the car, and when they came back, still more picture taking. Gracie came next with her friend, and then Donica and Kim, and everyone got introduced. Everyone seemed happy, even Mom and Dad, who never even speak. Grandma O was blown away by William's Japanese. Then the judge came. We went to her chambers on the tenth floor, providing an amazing view. We signed the papers in almost dead silence. Then came the actual ceremony. Thank goodness neither of us were required to talk. Faster than it started, it was over. All I remember about the vows was just wanting to hurry up and say "I do". We'd originally planned a small, quiet dinner with Mom, but Dad remembered the Chinese palce around the corner. It was only a couple of minutes away, so we went in a big group, So there I was, walking down Alakea in a haku and a bouquet at rush hour. I must have been quite a sight. The place was empty and the indignant proprietor asked us if we had a reservation. Dad got everybody a seven-course dinner with soup and the whole nine yards. Then we came home and crashed at nine o' clock. It wasn't the fancy Cinderella wedding I'd pictured as a girl. But it was my dream come true. < BACK | NEXT >