For All The World To Hear,
Let us start off by saying WOW! We were delighted from start to finish! Captain Howie and the gang were a pure delight.
Brian and I are from a small town in Ohio. We had been engaged for a little over a year and had been trying to figure out when and where we wanted to get married. We did not want a big, traditional wedding as this is a second marriage for both of us, but perhaps something a little off the beaten path, quiet, and intimate. So, with those parameters in mind, we began our search for the right location and timing. Brian is a contractor in Iraq and is only home for a few weeks at a time. I decided to return to school to further my education in nursing; also limiting my time. So, the timing had to be perfect as we had no margin for error. So began the quest.
One day while casually talking and brainstorming via Skype we decided, “A Hawaii Destination Wedding on Oahu”. Neither of us had been there and always wanted to go. Yes indeed, this was the plan! Then we narrowed down a timeframe in which we were both home together. Now, came the hard part (at least this is what we thought); coming up with who would marry us. Once again, the internet became our new best friend. All of a sudden, Above Heaven’s Gate came up. The more we read the testimonials, viewed the pictures, and saw the packaging options we fell in love. We then began to plan by choosing a package that fit us perfectly. I called with a whole list of questions expecting to be bombarded with sales pitches, but to my surprise, the more I talked to Jodi, the more at ease I felt. The whole and I do mean WHOLE wedding was planned in approximately 30 minutes. This was GREAT!!! If I had a quick question, I always received a prompt answer and we never felt forgotten.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff!!! We decided on a morning wedding and as such we arrived very early to have my hair and makeup done for the photo shoot. Keep in mind that both of us were running on 2 hours of sleep, it was pouring the rain, very dark and extremely windy. Talk about being stressed! We had just got settled when in walked Wade. He was in charge of making me beautiful. From the moment we met him our stress melted away. Let me tell you ladies… I have never felt so pampered in my life. He was absolutely the best person for hair and makeup. The conversation that we had was like being with a good friend, so comforting and natural. Wade is so full of talent and personality; he truly is a master of his craft. I was sad to see him go, but so glad that I was able to share that time with him.
Remember when I said it was raining? Well, by now the rain had let up to just a drizzle, but the wind was really blowing. Fernando, our wonderful photographer, introduced himself and he did not seem to be concerned about the rain at all. We spent the next two hours dodging rain drops to get our photos in, but never a moment of anxiety. In fact, Fernando made us feel right at home with all our shots. It was not like I had expected and I struggle to find the words to describe how peaceful and calm we felt. Once finished, all we could think about was what the pictures were going to look like. We couldn’t wait to get them.
It is now time to take our vows. We came together with Captain Howie and, like magic, the clouds parted and beautiful rays of sunshine beamed down on us. The wind calmed and almost as if it were a queue from above, Captain Howie began. He had never met us until that day, but we never felt that. His words were as if he had always known us, so intimate and caring. We truly felt blessed to have him marry us and he exceeded our every expectation.
Our wedding photos arrived the day after Brian had just left to go back to Iraq. I opened them up and had to sit down because I began to shake. They were perfect!!!! Absolutely breathtaking!!!! I couldn’t wait to show Brian. We both agree that Fernando is truly amazing.
Brian and I cannot express in words what we will carry with us for the rest of our lives about that wonderful day with Captain Howie and the gang at Above Heaven’s Gate. AMAZING!!!!!!!!! This was the second best choice we have ever made together. The first choice, if you are wondering, was to get married and spend the rest of our lives together
Jennifer and Brian Whitaker
Married – March 22nd, 2011