When our favorite dog trainer Felix wrote to tell us that his cousin Crystal was getting married in February we  instantly knew that we would love  to be there. Felix has been our own dog whisperer with our border terrier Carter  through his Grand Island Dog Training and we  have loved having his special touch teach us to work with our beloved dog.

We really looked forward  to meeting Felix’s family after working  with  him and we were right to think it would be a great group of people! Michael had a lovely time doing an engagement portrait with Crystal and José- they were loving, warm, and easy to be with. They were introduced by a mutual friend and José had welcomed Crystal’s two year old Elise with ope arms- already a sign of a special man and a sweet family.

Zach and Michael did this wedding and had a feeling that Kula Ranch Island Steakhouse would be a fabulous place for a wedding- offering one great location for both ceremony and reception and the opportunity to go to the beach for photos. We are all about having the chance to play with our couples at some point during the day – give us a little time and we  will  make magic!

It was raining hard on the way there but blessedly cleared up for the wedding (funny how that works!).  It was overcast- perfect light for photography. The wedding  took place with an absolutely breathtaking backdrop of beach dunes.  We love love, and we  are always enchanted and moved hearing the vows between two people who have chosen each other for life partners- but there was something particularly moving about seeing José give their daughter Elise her own ring during the ceremony as they vowed to be a family . I imagine the fact that Michael and Meg and Zach became a family at M&M’s wedding could have something to do with our feelings- but you could see that everyone beholding this special moment was touched as many a tear was shed. Crystal and José wore leis and they as well as the beautiful headpieces,  and bouttenieres were from Hi’iaka Florist.

Hooray- we got to head off to the beach in the limo with the bride and groom and it was a total honor to be able to share time with them on the beach right after they became husband and wife.  The bright overcast beach was a great background and the weather Gods continued to bless as it started raining again only after family shots were finished and our couples was back inside ready to eat and celebrate.

The food was fabulous- a royal spread so tasty that we took Michael there for his birthday two weeks later!  Crystal’s Mom Dolores had made lovely centerpieces for the tables - there is nothing like the special touch that hand crafted things given in love bring to a wedding. The partying then began in earnest and there was dancing – and again a really sweet moment when Jose had a special dance with Elise.

After a yummy fresh pineapple and strawberry cake made by Alex and Olga at the Royal Deli Bakery the dancing went on under the able guidance of DJ ACE of DownLow Productions and all to soon the night was over.

Thank you Crystal, José, and Elise (and Felix!) for letting us share your special day!