Finding Post-Wedding Paradise in Oahu
Today, I looked cheesy Honeymoon Hawaii in the face and said, Dude, you're pretty cool.
Picture it: Wonderful Honolulu. Perfect weather and perfect ocean view room at newly renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel. Three weeks after our wedding and a day after the last Greek left, Galen and I were finally in paradise. Unfortunately it didn't feel like it until a day later and after a ceremony to trump all Rose Ceremonies.
Still trying to get over some serious jet-lag, and feeling a little deflated after spending my first hours in Hawaii chasing down my lost luggage (care of United Airlines), I decided to escape my hotel room and clear my head with a quiet Waikiki beach walk first thing this AM. I threw on my smelly travel clothes once again and tossed my untethered hair in a pony tail and ventured downstairs to the beach.
I didn't quite find the barren early bird beach atmosphere I had envisioned myself sulking along as the waves splashed against my soiled clothes in an attempt to clean them (I was probably the dirtiest thing you'd find in chic Waikiki). Instead of solitude, I found a group of dolled up couples of ranging age, a hula dancer and a larger man wrapped in a funny cloth standing right on the edge of the beach, obviously waiting for something to happen.
It was a Vow Renewal Ceremony (the only one offered on Waikiki beach, exclusively for Outrigger guests) and smelly me was smack dab in the middle of it. How beautiful? I thought, and How Hawaii! I turned to the Hotel officiant and asked if i could watch - he had a better suggestion - why don't you join?
Within seconds, I found my handsome new hubby, hanging out on the beach. He came to find me. What a sweetheart, eh? Moments later he was regretting his act of kindness. He tried to use every excuse in the book to escape participation. He even threw out, But we're Greek, we don't do vows. And although he was absolutely correct (Greeks get told what they're getting into, they don't really get a say) I somehow managed to convince him this would be a good time to do the two things we'd never otherwise do because of that very fact - vows and a beach wedding. Oh, I also told him he'd get a lei, something he was dying for and highly disappointed to not receive at the airport. (Folks, I think they only did this on Fantasy Island). His eyes lit up, "Where do I stand?".
A little embarrassed by our natural state we quietly shuffled between a native Hawaiian couple married 30 years and some nice couple from somewhere in the Midwest. As the duos began to introduce themselves and announce their years of marriage, a beautiful pattern emerged. They were all holding hands, from 30 years to 3 days in on the job, and they all seemed equally still in love. All those couples were there because they were committed and wanted to not only recommit, but thank each other for not quitting and getting through what we all know, is the biggest task they never taught you how to tackle in social studies class - marriage. Well, at least that's what clicked in my head. I'm sure Galen, although quite happy to be holding his lei, was more interested in the serious surfers catching the first waves in the distance. Either way, either view, the moment was becoming more beautiful.
After all ridiculousness of the hours leading up and the seconds that landed us on Waikiki touching our noses and foreheads together and breathing into each other like the natives Hawaiians, our little private vows, shared with a few strangers, seemed to have a linking effect only the Hawaiian spirits could evoke.
Thank you, Oahu. Day One Honeymoon in Hawaii, full of cliche but no faux pas!
Other cool cliches to consider while visiting Waikiki on a romantic get-away: Star of Honolulu Sunset Boat Cruise - Accustomed to sligtly lamer Toronto Isles boat cruises, we were stunned by the quality meal and the service. The Hawaiian musical entertainment is also well worth it (these are well-talented performers). Unfortunately our sun set behind a cloud. Note: vow renewal ceremonies can be booked on these cruises too!
See the photo? That's me on the 2 hours cruise. Like my dress? You'll be seeing a lot of it as I still don't have my luggage.
A Barefoot Beer at Duke's: A very cool venue right on the sandier part of Waikiki Beach. Walk up with your sandy feet and dry off with some yummy fish tacos or one of their many fun cocktails. Personally, I preferred a cold Corona. Duke was an Olympian and later an Ambassador of Hawaiian culture, kindness and hospitality. I think he did a great job!
 Sousie Tsotskos, A Greek Divas Bridal Brigade | |
| About the author: | |
Toronto public relations expert Sousie Tsotskos will walk down the aisle on June 6th, 2009. After years of showcasing Toronto's finest to media from around the world for Tourism Toronto, she uses industry secrets to plan her own wedding, taking us on an intoxicating and zany tour. From unusual dress-fittings, unwelcomed run-ins, hen parties and a minor identity crisis - find out how this Toronto mover-and-shaker learned to plan her BIG, LEAN, STYLISH GREEK WEDDING on a dime. This is one of the most highly addictive columns on WOMAN.ca. | |
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what happened? that is a great dress!!! love the palm trees.....
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