Wedding TomoField: Saturday, september 7th 2013
We are thrilled to announce that we are getting married September 7th, 2013 on the eastern shores of O'ahu, Hawaii - about 40 minutes from where Sara grew up in Manoa. Our wedding site is nestled in a valley, looking east into the Pacific with the island Mokoliʻi ("Chinaman's Hat") in the distance.
We chose September 7th as it is the Saturday after Labor Day weekend and will allow people to join us for an entire week with only 4 days vacation if they choose to. It is also a lovely time of year in Hawaii. Funny enough, September 7th is also our unofficial 7th anniversary and Ryan's brother Ethan's birthday - so he can never forget our anniversary! ;) (Or us, his birthday).
We chose September 7th as it is the Saturday after Labor Day weekend and will allow people to join us for an entire week with only 4 days vacation if they choose to. It is also a lovely time of year in Hawaii. Funny enough, September 7th is also our unofficial 7th anniversary and Ryan's brother Ethan's birthday - so he can never forget our anniversary! ;) (Or us, his birthday).
The Bride and Groom:
From Sara:
How we met...where to begin?! It was the summer of 2006 and my friends and I decided that it was prime time to join WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association) - we'd have fun and maybe meet a few guys. We didn't have enough players on our team, so were joined with ECA (East Coast Animals). These guys were fun, and we had a blast together for the whole season. In September, I threw a birthday party for my roommate, Claire, and invited the kickballers. They brought Ryan, and that's where we first saw each other. In the coming weeks, Ryan started to show up at our kickball events, and a few weeks after the party, we went on our first date - to our (now) favorite restaurant, NOPA. Almost seven years later, we're still going strong. We've made amazing memories, including traveling to South Africa, New Zealand, Thailand and beyond, experiencing (and falling in love with ) both our home states - Maine and Hawaii - and finally making our move to Sydney, Australia. We are the happiest that we have ever been and are so looking forward to the rest of our lives together. So I guess I have WAKA to thank for bringing this wonderful man into my life!
From Ryan:
I still remember the moment that I met Sara. It was at a house party in the dusty old garage of her San Francisco apartment... I noticed her immediately. She has a presence that truly lights up a room, it would be a challenge not to notice her. I have always appreciated that I can go anywhere with Sara, and she immediately settles right in. Her energy, exuberance, zest for life, and sincere interest in people are just a few of her qualities that I love so much. I am beyond excited to be marrying Sara in September; what feels like the conclusion of seven years of dating is really just the beginning of a long life together. I can’t wait to start a family and begin the next chapter of life knowing that I have such an amazing partner to do it with... the best is yet to come!
Here are just a few pics that sort of represent the last 7 years.
How we met...where to begin?! It was the summer of 2006 and my friends and I decided that it was prime time to join WAKA (World Adult Kickball Association) - we'd have fun and maybe meet a few guys. We didn't have enough players on our team, so were joined with ECA (East Coast Animals). These guys were fun, and we had a blast together for the whole season. In September, I threw a birthday party for my roommate, Claire, and invited the kickballers. They brought Ryan, and that's where we first saw each other. In the coming weeks, Ryan started to show up at our kickball events, and a few weeks after the party, we went on our first date - to our (now) favorite restaurant, NOPA. Almost seven years later, we're still going strong. We've made amazing memories, including traveling to South Africa, New Zealand, Thailand and beyond, experiencing (and falling in love with ) both our home states - Maine and Hawaii - and finally making our move to Sydney, Australia. We are the happiest that we have ever been and are so looking forward to the rest of our lives together. So I guess I have WAKA to thank for bringing this wonderful man into my life!
From Ryan:
I still remember the moment that I met Sara. It was at a house party in the dusty old garage of her San Francisco apartment... I noticed her immediately. She has a presence that truly lights up a room, it would be a challenge not to notice her. I have always appreciated that I can go anywhere with Sara, and she immediately settles right in. Her energy, exuberance, zest for life, and sincere interest in people are just a few of her qualities that I love so much. I am beyond excited to be marrying Sara in September; what feels like the conclusion of seven years of dating is really just the beginning of a long life together. I can’t wait to start a family and begin the next chapter of life knowing that I have such an amazing partner to do it with... the best is yet to come!
Here are just a few pics that sort of represent the last 7 years.
The Venue:
Kualoa Ranch, East Oahu
The location at 2 different zoom levels.
Wedding site.
Looking southeast from the wedding site.
Attire
Think "garden party". Delicious cocktails in mason jars, lawn games, chilling on a blanket. We want everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed, but of course, with a heavy dose of style and character...a little bit like us! Hahaha.
Important Dates ANd planned activites:
- Saturday, August 31st: Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties in Honolulu
- Sunday, September 1st: Bridal Shower & Gathering at the Tomonari's in Manoa
- Monday, September 2nd: Labor Day Potluck in Kailua
- Wednesday, September 4th (AM): Beach Volleyball Tournament in Kailua
- Wednesday, September 4th (PM): Luau in Kapolei (Group bus from Kailua)
- Thursday, September 5th: Rehearsal Dinner in Waialae (Wedding Party and Family)
- Saturday, September 7th: Wedding!
Location and Travel:
We have the "main house" rented from Monday, September 2nd (Labor Day) through Monday, September 9th in Kailua. We encourage people to aim for this same location and the same general dates for their own house rentals. Much more information, including suggested rentals, can be found on the accommodation page.
You will want to fly into Honolulu International (HNL).
You will want to fly into Honolulu International (HNL).
FAQs:
- When are Ryan and Sara going to be in Hawaii? A: We are arriving on O'ahu Thursday morning, August 29th and are staying through the morning of Monday, September 16th. We will likely be visiting an outer island from Tuesday, September 10th - Friday, September 13th.
- Do I need to rent a car? A: Although O'ahu isn't the biggest island in Hawaii, it would be wise to rent a car if you plan to be out and about. We will also be renting bicycles for the week to bomb around Kailua town.
- Are there other accommodation options that aren't listed on the map? A: Yes. Please email Sara or Ryan for suggestions.