Pete "Aloha" Tingstrom

Good afternoon and Aloha

From this Island of Oahu (which stands for “The Gathering Place”), you are on the beautiful Windward side of the Island at a venue we call Aloha No Ka Oi (Love is the Best). Kāneʻohe was home to the early rulers of the Hawaiian Kingdom and consisted of 30 royal fishponds. Kaneohe, Hawaii, truly is a breathtaking destination. Its lush landscapes, surrounded by majestic mountains and kissed by the crystal-clear waters of Kaneohe Bay, create an unparalleled natural beauty. The verdant valleys, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant marine life add to its charm, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you're exploring the scenic trails of the Koʻolau Range, snorkeling in the coral reefs, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches, Kaneohe offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Hawaii's splendor.

We take ourselves out of the usual routines of daily living to witness a unique moment in the lives of Michael and Connie. Today they join their lives in the union of marriage.

(PRAYER) - Let’s bow our heads in prayer.

“Our Dear Heavenly Father, As we gather here today to celebrate the union of Michael & Connie, we ask for your blessings and guidance. May your love surround them like a gentle breeze, uplifting them in times of joy and comforting them in times of sorrow.

Grant them the wisdom to navigate the journey of marriage with patience and understanding, always cherishing each other's unique qualities and supporting each other's dreams. May their commitment to one another deepen with each passing day, and may they find strength in each other's arms during times of challenge. Bless their home with peace and harmony, and fill their hearts with endless love and gratitude. We ask for your blessings upon this union, now and forevermore.

Amen."

To Michael & Connie’s guests, they are happy to share this important moment with you. They have known most of you for many years. You watched them grow up, you went to school with them, or you worked with them. Because you are the ones who have supported them and known them so well, it is only fitting that you are the ones to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with them.

Michael and Connie are pleased to have their parents in the front row…close to them for the ceremony. (MICHAEL TRANSLATE)

Connie thanks her mother for providing her with every opportunity possible and being the best mother anyone could ask for. (MICHAEL TRANSLATE)

We also welcome Yee Lay-ung and Joey all the way from Guang-joe China to witness this wedding. (MICHAEL TRANSLATE)

Lastly, Connie and Michael would like to extend a big thanks to the Maid of Honor, Lei, and the Best Man, Wish. (MICHAEL TRANSLATE)

The Maid of Honor, Lei, not only helped Connie with organizing this party, the baby shower party, but helped organize her life. She sets a good example for Connie to grow and pursue a better life. She reminded Connie to balance her life and work while she was focused on pursuing a successful career, and guided her to understand the importance of building a family. Connie knows that no matter what difficulties she faces, Lei will be there to support her.

The Best Man, Wish, is a big hearted man, and instantly likeable by anyone who meets him. Michael, Wish, and his wife Robin became friends immediately, after meeting for the first time, and that friendship has deepened over the years. They share laughs, struggles, and hold each other up through everything. It is an honor to be standing next to him today.

Michael appreciates all the love and support his parents gave him over the years - he doesn’t say enough how important you are to him.

I like to get to know the bride and groom a little bit before the ceremony. They met at work. She found Michael to be bright and friendly, and he used to come down to help around the office, but it turns out, he was actually coming by to chat with her. Their first date they went to get food and play a little pool, it was supposed to be a work gathering, but nobody showed up. Their first real date was to San Francisco.

So how did they get engaged? Connie had visited several times. Michael bought a ring prior to her visiting in December and he was always looking for the right time to propose. The problem was, they were always out hiking or goin to the beach and he didn’t want to lose the ring. The last night she was there, they were walking about in Waikiki as the sun set and he popped the proposal for marriage.

Officiant:

As Michael and Connie prepared for the ceremony part of this wedding celebration, they reflected on what it is that they love about each other.  And this was the easiest part of planning this wedding!

To the Groom:

Michael, Connie loves that you blend in so comfortably with her family. She sees in you a funny, kind, and sweet man. She loves when you make her laugh and find the good during the bad.

She loves that you always want to be close to her. She loves that you found a place to fit into her life.

No matter what challenges you face, she knows you will always come in with your optimism and smile, and show her there’s nothing bigger than having each others’ support.  Most importantly, you are so close that even when she is at her worst, you have never made her feel like you want anything but to be closer to her.

Connie, Michael loves that you are driven and go strongly for what you want. He loves your brain, your smile, and your beauty. He appreciates that you are “low maintenance.” He likes that you can be really silly, even when you try so hard to hide it. His day is brightened every time you call, or cook, or kiss him unexpectedly.  He really loves you!

You both look to a shared future that includes raising a happy &  healthy family. That future also includes a richly lived life together…going out to restaurants, hanging out with family, relaxing at home in front of the TV, singing and dancing…Bride will do the singing, and Groom will do the dancing.

The years will come and go…you won’t take each other for granted, you will laugh a lot, you will be the best parents you can be, and you will grow older and wiser together. It’s a good story, and the ending is not in sight!

INTENTION OF MARRIAGE:

Officiant:

We come now to the words Michael and Connie want to hear the most today…the words that take them across the threshold from being engaged to being married.

A marriage, as most of us understand it, is a voluntary and full commitment. It is made in the deepest sense to the exclusion of all others, and it is entered into with the desire and hope that it will last for life.

Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.

Michael, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Connie in marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Groom:

I do.

Officiant:

Connie, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Micheal in

marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

Bride:

I do.

Officiant:

Michael and Connie, having heard that it is your intention to be married to one other, I now ask you to declare your marriage vows.

MARRIAGE VOWS:

Please face each other and hold hands.

Officiant:

Michael, please repeat after me…

I Michael, take you Connie, to be my wife.

I will share my life with yours,

and build our dreams together,

Support you through times of trouble,

and rejoice with you in times of happiness.

I promise to give you

respect, love and loyalty.

This commitment is made in love,

kept in faith,

lived in hope,

and made new every day of our lives.

Officiant:

Connie, please repeat after me…

I, Connie, take you Michael, to be my husband.

I will share my life with yours,

Build our dreams together,

Support you through times of trouble,

and rejoice with you in times of happiness.

I promise to give you

respect, love and loyalty.

This commitment, is made in love,

kept in faith,

lived in hope,

and made new, every day of our lives.

EXCHANGE WEDDING RINGS (Wish hands over rings)

Officiant:

Your wedding ring are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites you two hearts in love.

Michael, place the ring on Connie’s finger and repeat after me….

I give you this ring.

Wear it with love and joy.

As this ring has no end,

My love is also forever.

Connie, place the ring on Michael’s finger and repeat after me….

I give you this ring.

Wear it with love and joy.

As this ring has no end,

My love is also forever.

May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by enduring love.

Sand Ceremony:

Officiant: "Today, Michael & Connie have chosen to commemorate their union through a symbolic sand ceremony. As they blend their individual lives together, they are creating something beautiful and unique, just as each grain of sand is distinct, yet comes together to form something whole."

[Couple approaches the table with two vases of colored sand.]

Officiant: "Michael & Connie, the sand you hold in your hands represents your individual lives, your unique personalities, experiences, and dreams. As you pour your sands into this central vessel, you are symbolizing the merging of your lives into one shared journey."

[Couple begins pouring their sands into a central, empty vase, alternating colors.]

Officiant: "Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured back into their individual vases, so too will your lives be forever intertwined. Through your love, respect, and commitment to one another, may your bond grow stronger with each passing day."

[Couple finishes pouring their sands and steps back.]

Officiant: "As Michael & Connie have blended their sands together, they have created a beautiful and lasting symbol of their unity. May this vessel serve as a reminder of the love, support, and strength they provide each other, today and always."

Officiant:

Everyone has advice for newlyweds.  Michael and Connie, I offer these good wishes to you on this special day.

May your life together be blessed with prosperity and good health.  May you always share open and honest communication between each other.  May you respect each other’s individual talents and gifts and give full support to each other’s professional and personal pursuits.

May you cherish the home and family you will create together.  May all the years to come be filled with moments to celebrate and renew your love.  May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and devotion for one another.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

Officiant:

And so now by the power vested in me by the State of Hawaii, it is my honor and delight to declare

you husband and wife.

You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

I am pleased to present to you for the very first time, these newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jolls!