Wedding Details

I'm sorry; I know that I promised wedding specifics on the first post but haven't had a free minute yet. I just snuck a small dose of time away from the daily grind of work and decided to blog for your detail pleasure. (edit: it took longer than anticipated due to work duties...and my usual rambling)

**WARNING** this is extremely long**WARNING**

First, I wanted to start off with a little reasoning behind our decision to plan an intimate, destination wedding. Over the past year and a half TJ and I have encountered a lot of changes, hiccups and we have ultimately realized that the only people we can completely depend on are ourselves and each other. Moving away from the one place we know best, the place where most of our family and friends reside was not easy. It actually still isn't easy but we have gained so much by doing so. We have learned that the lifestyle of a law enforcement family is far from simple but we have grasped it tightly and are holding on for the long run. The long hours he spends at work (12+ hour days), the extra days he puts in (60-100 hours extra every month), missing all holiday gatherings, etc. is all something that comes with having lower seniority which will change over time but initially is extremely difficult. There are many days that turn into 4,5,6 days that we don't see hide nor hair of each other due to a simple crossover of me leaving the house and him arriving 20 minutes later. It is hard but neither of us would change “this life” for the world because it has increased our love for each other immensely and is creating a very sturdy foundation for our future. With that said, planning a traditional wedding would be extremely difficult and stressful due to the lack of time we have together to work on details and setting a date not knowing if he will be able to take that day off could be risky(we are hoping to transfer again mid next year). Added that there would be slim chance to have a honeymoon following. Ultimately, we have larger goals than spending huge amounts of money on a single day, which we would only be doing to please family and friends. We would much rather spend the money on a place to call home, one that is ours with no landlord and the freedom to paint any wall whatever color our hearts desire. Since TJ already has his vacation set this year (cough*jealousy* 5 WEEKS *jealousy*cough...I wish I got that!) and we planned to vacation to Maui we decided that the time was perfect and I would get my dream of a serene beach wedding that is practically stress free (Those of you who know me well...know that I would turn into a Bridezilla with major OCD trying to make every little detail perfect. Really, I would probably kill myself by stressing.). This was not planned to leave anybody out, so if you feel that way please listen when I say for both of us; it is not like that at all. They say when you know; you know and trust me WE KNOW! There have been no doubts at all.

Second, the part you really want. :) The wedding will be the first week of November, yes I have a date but I am keeping that for us just in case somebody in the family wants to try and be sneaky and show up (Please don't...we will be angry). The ceremony will take place bright and early in the morning on the beach in Makena Cove. Makena Cove (aka Wedding Cove), has all of the beautiful aspects of Maui from white sand to lava rocks to palm trees. I think the site is absolutely beautiful and I think you will too. The reason for a morning wedding is, it is likely to rain sparingly in the afternoon in November, rather than being on standby if it does rain I would much rather be promised a wedding - rain free, and return later for sunset pictures.

We have hired a wedding planner, JJ, who will get the beach permit, set us up to get a marriage license when we arrive and she will bring leis, unity sand and most importantly her husband, Reverend Michael, who is a licensed Minister in Hawaii. Being from a family business, I love that these two work hand in hand completing hundreds of weddings each year and they themselves have been married for 19+ years. In talking to JJ we found it funny that she is originally from Orangevale (About 15 minutes from Roseville, where TJ and I lived and went to high school). *Random Story that I find interesting* She remembers when the train hauling bombs in 1973 that caught fire, exploded 18 rail cars and caused major damage to the town we now know as Antelope. She said the sight from her house was one she will never forget (Thinking about how much land was undeveloped back then I could only imagine how clear of a view Orangevale had). I find this interesting because in the 90's they located live bombs underground that were unaccounted for after the 1973 incident. This was extremely close to the home I was raised in at that time and I remember it fairly well. With all that being said I instantly clicked with JJ and hired her at that time. 

JJ and Michael

The friends that we are taking with us to Maui are extremely talented people who we are beyond thankful for. Jessica is an amazing Wedding Photographer who has a great eye for romantic, funny and candid photos. By her side is her very talented husband, Matt, who is her second photographer (He has his own style that results in them making a perfect duo). He also does graphic designing that is unique and creative giving you exactly what you envisioned.

Jessica and Matt

For those of you local to the greater Sacramento area, if you need family portraits or a wedding photographer I highly recommend you check out her work. Even those of you who are not local; she will travel (she just returned from a wedding in Italy) for an additional cost. Also, if you are looking for graphic design services contact Matt.

Links:

Jessica's Blog (up to date photos)

Stout Photo Website

Oath Design - Matt's Website

Pictures of TJ & I by Jessica

Trip Details - We rented a two bedroom two bathroom oceanfront condo in Ma'alaea which is in southwest Maui and very short drive to Kihei and Wailea. We would like to do all the tourist attractions; snorkeling, horseback riding, ziplining, luau, etc. but are probably going to plan as we go rather than stress over what we have to do and when. The trip will be from November 2nd - November 10th.

LASTLY, We will be having a post-wedding Luau themed reception next year. It is currently set for August 7, 2010 and will only be changed if something drastic happens. We would like all family and friends to attend wearing hawaiian attire(not required) and be prepared to have a fun time. At my mothers request I will be wearing a white dress and TJ will be wearing his semi-formal hawaiian outfit. It probably won't be the exact attire we wore at the wedding though. :) Pictures of the wedding, vacation and a video of the ceremony will all be there for your viewing. We will also have Jessica there to take family pictures and of course pictures with those who we consider part of our invisible wedding party. Mark your calendars now; this should be plenty of notice even for you east coast people.

Again, THANK YOU ALL for your support. The Congratulations notes bring a smile to my face every time I see them. Give me a break, I have waited 7 years for this. =D

Ash