My younger sister (by 15 months), Sally got married on Saturday to a wonderful man from Argentina named Gino. Everyone in my family is beyond thrilled to have him in our lives. He treats Sally so well, is a genuine nice guy, and has some seriously mean grilling skills.
I can honestly that their wedding is my most favorite I have ever attended. The whole thing was incredibly stress free and oozing with joy. I got to meet family (mom, sister, sister's partner, and cousin) for the first time on a beach in Wailea. Talk about a low stress environment, especially given the significant language barrier. Yo hablo Espanol un poquito and Gino's mom speaks nada ingles.
As a non-hug person, I don't know if I will ever fully adjust to the kiss on the cheek greeting. Other than my siblings and Gino's family, there were several friends in attendance for the wedding. Besides being incredibly friendly and fun, some were also able to serve as interpreters for those lacking English or Spanish skills.
Sally and Gino got married on the beach of the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Wailea. There was zero rehearsal. Sally got her hair and nails done at the Grand Salon. My sister, Beth, and I joined her about an hour before the ceremony to help with the final touches and finish getting ourselves ready.
I love how Sally and Gino chose a white wedding theme. We got some great sibling shots before the wedding. The resort is very fancy or provided some unreal backdrops.
I love my siblings so much. I also love how great this pic turned out. Credit goes to my cellphone, taken by my brother-in-law, Chris.
Did I mention the low stress, zero rehearsal. About 15 minutes before the wedding the guy performing the ceremony showed up with Sally's bouquet and head garland (she had not seen them ahead of time). My head served as the example so she could choose how to put it on her own head. I had the honor of fastening it.
Tim had spent the previous few days trying to show us he was no longer "Timmy." When Sally asked him to be the ring bearer, I about died. Tim does have experience, even if it was over 30 years ago. This time he had the added responsibility of being an official witness and signing the marriage certificate.
Practicing his job
One of their friends had a toy microphone and conducted an interview.
10 minutes to showtime. No fear, just peace.
When we got down to the beach, there was a circle of flowers. At that point the photographer and musician showed up. Getting Maui'd is definitely not for someone who likes to be in control.
Beth and Chris
Dave and Me
Ready for the ceremony to begin
The ukelele-playing musician signaled the start by blowing a conch shell.
My parents did not attend, but asked me to video the wedding. My phone has limited recording abilities so I had to do it in two parts.
The best part was when Gino didn't know the word, "cherished."
So happy.
Beth, Chris, Tim, Dave, and I decided to crash the swanky resort bar while before heading to the reception.
The reception was back at their condo in Kihei. Along with Gino's family and a random couple (who they invited), they were the only ones staying in the complex. The reception happened around the pool. We ate appetizers, Gino grilled. The food was great. The toasts were fun. One of Gino's friends acted as translator. I can't convey how really nice his friends were.
Tim noticed the G love S decorations and proceeded to rename them #gloves.
The wedding cake lands in the top two best I've ever had and it only cost them $30. It is a traditional Hawaiian wedding cake with haupia cream. Sally decorated it with flowers from a lei from the luau.
After cake was consumed, the reception turned into a pool party. The cops showed up, flashing their lights, around 11 pm due to a noise complaint. The music got turned down, but the fun continued. Seriously, best wedding ever.
Having now experienced a low key Hawaiian wedding, I can't recommend it enough to anyone thinking of getting married. We love you Sally and Gino. Thank you for inviting us to share in the wedding festivities.
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