Well, I'm a terrible blogger. I haven't blogged since these 2 got engaged almost a year ago. What can I say? I've been busy! Needless to say, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't document such an eventful occasion...their wedding celebration. Now that I've been able to recover from all the madness (it's been over 3 months), let me see if I can capture some key highlights of the craziness, I mean...all the fun for their future posterity.
The festivities started Tuesday, May 7th when the two lovebirds got their marriage license. However, due to schedule conflicts and travel arrangements, the lovely couple went on their own before making a temple trip together that same evening. Therefore, the official celebration of their marriage license was held the following day, Wednesday, May 8th with a welcome dinner at the Vaitai residence. Here are a few pics from the occasion:
Thursday was a day for preparation with both families running last minute errands and continuing to welcome family from out of town. A dance was then held in honor of the couple on Friday, May 10th at the DFW Airport Hotel & Convention Center in Irving. Unfortunately, I arrived late due to my role as the errand girl so I'd like to thank Chris Afungia & Toutai Kautai for being great photographers and capturing these pictures.
It would be inapproprate of me to document the weekend festivities without paying respect to Ella and her family. Sadly, Ella's first cousin - Marlena Samuels - was involved in a fatal car accident after the dance. She was a sweet and kind young lady and will be missed by many. RIL Marlena!
Naki and Ella were sealed for all time and eternity in the Dallas Texas Temple on Saturday, May 11, 2013. It was a warm and sunny day after having rained the day before. Following the sealing, a reception was held in their honor at the Grapevine Convention Center.
We're thankful for all those who had a hand in decorating the convention center and helping to make Ella's wishes come true. Our biggest concern was making sure Ella's day was just as she imagined and I believe that was accomplished (she told me herself).
We are also grateful to those who provided entertainment. The Polynesian show, the wedding party dance and the individual family dances were all awesome. What great memories! I can't forget the caterers: Aisea (Maile), Emeline and their crew helped tremendously. Thank you guys for all you did.
The wedding festivities ended Sunday with the traditional First Sunday activities. Ella and Naki were clothed in traditional Tongan attire and attended our ward (Euless 2nd) for the first time as a married couple. Since it was Mother's Day, Bishop (Mite) Ahau gave them the opportunity to share a few words regarding their own mothers. It was very touching and of course both of their moms were sobbing. I'll give it to their moms, they pulled off a great weekend and raised two amazing individuals who made us proud siblings that weekend. I wish we could rewind it all over again.
Following church that day, a family dinner was held at The Reserve in Euless. Both families came together to share a last meal before all returning home. We are again thankful to those who cooked, prepared and served food for Sunday's meal. The speeches shared Sunday were also meaningful as talks of the past, present and future were given to help prepare the couple for their lives together. I pray that Naki and Ella will cherish their memories of that weekend and remember those who helped to celebrate their union.
John Bowring once said, "A happy family is but an earlier heaven." It was definitely a happy weekend and what joy it brings to know that these two have started an eternal family and that death cannot limit their existence and bond. I look forward to seeing the amazing things God has in store for these two, but especially for our families as a whole. We love you Naki & Ella. XoXo
We're thankful for all those who had a hand in decorating the convention center and helping to make Ella's wishes come true. Our biggest concern was making sure Ella's day was just as she imagined and I believe that was accomplished (she told me herself).
We are also grateful to those who provided entertainment. The Polynesian show, the wedding party dance and the individual family dances were all awesome. What great memories! I can't forget the caterers: Aisea (Maile), Emeline and their crew helped tremendously. Thank you guys for all you did.
The wedding festivities ended Sunday with the traditional First Sunday activities. Ella and Naki were clothed in traditional Tongan attire and attended our ward (Euless 2nd) for the first time as a married couple. Since it was Mother's Day, Bishop (Mite) Ahau gave them the opportunity to share a few words regarding their own mothers. It was very touching and of course both of their moms were sobbing. I'll give it to their moms, they pulled off a great weekend and raised two amazing individuals who made us proud siblings that weekend. I wish we could rewind it all over again.Following church that day, a family dinner was held at The Reserve in Euless. Both families came together to share a last meal before all returning home. We are again thankful to those who cooked, prepared and served food for Sunday's meal. The speeches shared Sunday were also meaningful as talks of the past, present and future were given to help prepare the couple for their lives together. I pray that Naki and Ella will cherish their memories of that weekend and remember those who helped to celebrate their union.
John Bowring once said, "A happy family is but an earlier heaven." It was definitely a happy weekend and what joy it brings to know that these two have started an eternal family and that death cannot limit their existence and bond. I look forward to seeing the amazing things God has in store for these two, but especially for our families as a whole. We love you Naki & Ella. XoXo
