He had a crush on her as a sophomore in high school…23 years ago! Alas, it was not Carol and Mike’s time to be together. Each went their own way, started their own families and moved on with their lives. Destiny and fate brought them back together again 5 years ago, and they haven’t looked back since!
I knew I was going to love Carol (and really, who doesn’t love Carol?) the second I heard her voice on the phone. She called on me to inquire about photography services for her upcoming nuptials…but there was a twist. The week before their wedding here in Hawaii, they were eloping to Cabo San Lucas to get married in a private family ceremony. They were planning to legalize their marriage a week later here at home with another intimate ceremony…with just a few close friends and family members. Talking to Carol was like drinking a fresh cup of steaming coffee. She was energizing, and warmed your heart and soul. She was the furthest thing from a Bridezilla that you could imagine, and I knew we were going to love working with her. She admitted that the schedule was somewhat flexible. The wedding was taking place at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Ala Moana Shopping Center, which is situated at the entrance of Waikiki. Unfortunately, this was happening during the heart of RIMPAC, on a Friday evening…and we all know what traffic is like on Friday afternoons here in Hawaii. Carol however, was undeterred, and said there was a 45 minute window of time where the ceremony may take place…then she said the magic words…”We’re FLEXIBLE!” Really?! What bride even dares to utter those words on her big day? But I soon learned that those 2 words epitomized both Carol and Mike. Carol went on to say, “Kellie, I’m just so excited that this day is really going to happen for us! It’s unbelievable!” Throughout the night, Carol wore her heart on her sleeve. She emoted heartfelt exuberance and infinite gratitude towards her friends and family…and most importantly, Mike. Mike was debonaire and polished, yet he shared a kindred fun-loving spirit with Carol. He was handsome, kind and understanding…Carol’s search was over! Indeed, when Dawn, Carol’s wonderful MOH, asked Carol if she wanted to save the top tier of her wedding cake (so she and Mike could eat it on their first anniversary), Carol replied, “Nope, he’s the man [for me]. I don’t need to eat cake for good luck, because I don’t need luck…I have Mike!” Thank you, Carol and Mike, for being SO incredibly easy to work with! We were so inspired by your energy, love and gratitude.
Congratulations on your new life together. May your future be filled with many more wonderful shared memories! Hugs to you both, Kellie & Edson. Here’s your sneak peek, be sure to click on the slideshow at the end of the post to see even more fun-filled photos of the night!
The invitation was elegant and classy.
The room was equally elegant, decked in rich purples and satin…
Lots of fine wine.
…and favors from Cabo!
A beautiful rose petal heart for the couple to exchange their vows in.
Gorgeous centerpieces and bouquets by The Floral Boutique.
Adorable salt and pepper salt shaker cake toppers…
and sweet wedding cake by Sugar on Top.
The bride made a photo collage of all of her guests…some of the most important people in their lives.
The bride and groom arrive in a limo.
Carol, as she meets me for the first time…how sweet is she?!
Some quick photos outside of the venue…
Pinning a boutonniere on the groom is not as easy as it sounds.
Taking a few couple shots just before the actual ceremony…
Carol, you are absolutely gorgeous!!!
How relaxed and happy do they look?!
The bride makes her grand entrance!
Carol read her own vows off of her cell phone. So enthusiastic!
Her vows were emotional and heartfelt, we were surrounded by tears in the audience.
…and then it happened!
In the midst of her vows, Carol received an email on her phone. Then, she couldn’t enter her password in to clear the message…Boy, what an ice-breaker!
The nerves disappeared and were replaced with laughter 🙂
It was Mike’s turn to say his vows. He was calm and serene…thanks to that hilarious email incident.
The rings…
I now pronounce you man and wife!
What a glorious moment!
The exuberant kiss 🙂
Congratulatory hugs from all of the guests.
Poems featuring loved ones.
Some group shots (beware of the photo-bombing bride in the upcoming photos!).
An emotional thank you to a dear friend (and the creator of all of the bouquets and centerpieces…Brysonn)!
A shout out to beautiful Miss Barbie…always ready for our cameras!
The mouthwatering menu, yum!
Props to the man plating the dinner, he didn’t even blink twice when I asked him if I could take a picture of his “meat”.
Inspiring toasts by Dawn (the MOH) and the Best Man (Mike’s dad).
More toasts shared by guests…
Lots of maracas shaking!
Some of favorite photos…dancing! So cute 🙂
Mom busted her moves on the dance floor!
80’s music filled the room as Journey sang “Don’t Stop Believin'”. Carol and Mike did their own little version of a dance I swear I’ve seen on Dirty Dancing (“Nobody puts Baby in a corner!”)…
And of course, what 80’s soundtrack would be complete without the “Electric Slide”?
Cake cutting…
Just look at that concentration on Mike’s face…he’s secretly telling himself, “Don’t mess up the makeup…or else!”
Congratulations, Carol and Mike!!!
Click on the slideshow below to see more photos from Carol and Mike’s fabulous night!
Thanks for visiting us at Images by Kellie Ann!