Weddingbee Blog

It was almost time. The boys had already arrived at Lanikuhonua, guests were trickling in, and all of the setup was near complete. After receiving the go ahead from Gina, our day-of coordinator, we scuttled through the hotel lobby to make our way to the wedding arena. The nerves were overwhelming, and I was bouncing off the walls, full of nervous energy. I was worried I’d faint, have a sweat attack, or trip over the train. You name it, I thought it. I wanted to relax, it just wasn’t happening.

We held in our hands the decor for our ceremony. We went light on floral. No aisle markers, no adornments on our wedding arch, no arrangements on the reception table, and no loose petals covering the aisle. Just our bouquets and the guys’ boutonnieres. We made all the bouquets teeny tiny by the way, but we loved them, petite and all.

I was in good hands that day. Saying that my doting bridesmaids spoiled me would not be an exaggeration!

Then, the call from Gina. A decent portion of the guests had yet to arrive thanks to island time. Shocker, not so much. Already anticipating a couple of stragglers, the Mr and I decided beforehand that we would get the ball rolling regardless. But she handed the phone to Mr Piglet who listed out who was running late. After hearing some of the names, I knew we’d have to wait. So we did. And the nerves increased exponentially as more time passed. I tried to reach that zen moment, but no dice.

This allowed us to take our sweet ol’ time taking pictures of little ol’ me. Ben and Erin helped me get in touch with my inner bride, and took some solo shots in the hotel lobby. Ever wonder how brides position themselves in these sort of photographs? Perfect angles, placement of hands, etc.? For me, it came natural. Um. Not. I’m the type that needs direction in these sort of poses. And that’s what Ben and Erin did…they spoon fed me exactly what I needed to do. My bridesmaid Bonnie captured me trying to follow their instructions.

And this is why you leave it to the professionals!

In some, I could only hold a straight face for so long.

Until my sister’s side comments made me burst into a fit of laughter.

Over on Mr Piglet’s side, he was greeting the guests. These next photos are two of my favorites. Here, Mr Piglet shows his respect to his Pops by formally greeting him with a combined bow and handshake.

Then, led his side of the family down to the ceremony area.

Guests signed our photo guest book (thanks Inhar!). Some grabbed a parasol to shield them from the sun (but mainly to use as a photo prop), others sipped on water bottles (our last DIY project… woohoo!). And there were lots of hugs and handshakes between our families and friends.

My Hawaii side is so cute. Two of them snapped photos throughout the ceremony, developed them afterward, and gifted us with an album with the developed photos at the reception. Is that not the most thoughtful gift ever?

Soon enough, it was time for our ring boy, flower mom + 1, and flower girl to reconvene with the rest of the bridal party.

They grabbed their props.

Guests took their seats.

And it was go time.

Breathe.

Go go go!

Relive the Piglets’ Wedding in Paradise: The Boys, Girl Bonding, The Wedding Kick Off, To Dos Before the I Dos, E Komo Mai (Welcome!), This Little Piggy Got Married

Thanks Ben and Erin! All images are copyright of Ben Chrisman and Erin Reed unless otherwise noted.