Dear Capt. Howie, Deva, Chrissy, Jenny, Wade & Fernando,
It seems like just last week we were with you all in paradise, but the busy holidays are now over and life is starting to slow down a bit. We hope all of you had a wonderful Holiday season and New Years! Somehow we imagine yours were a bit warmer than ours were in Kansas!
We wish to thank each and every one of you for making our wedding day absolutely perfect. Neither of us would have changed one moment of our special day that was spent with you. We also wish to express our sincere thanks for making time in your busy schedule to meet with us the afternoon before our wedding. We were nervous about allowing plenty of time since we were staying on the west side of the island, and we felt a “practice drive” was in order. Add to that the fact we were both so very excited to see the beautiful Pukalani Falls and Angels Bay where we would be making our sacred vows.
When Brian proposed to me on January 1, 2009, I was walking on air. I truly wanted a wedding outdoors; somewhere that embraced God’s love in a “church” that only He created. No manmade building could ever compare to the beauty of some of the natural areas that we could have chosen. (The Grand Canyon was also a consideration). At work, my best friend suggested jokingly “you two need to go to Hawaii”. I believe she was just hoping we’d take her and her husband along!
I went home, got on the internet and Googled “Hawaii Weddings“. Several sites were referenced, but only one stood out……… “Above Heaven’s Gate“. It was followed by a narrative that stated “We’re not for everyone”……This one statement peaked my curiosity and I navigated to your site. I knew I had found exactly where I wanted to get married. I showed Brian your web site and that was it!
Only Capt. Howie and Above Heaven’s Gate would be acceptable for our wedding. Capt. Howie’s philosophy and the beautiful choices of ceremony locations made our decision obvious. We did look at a couple of other Hawaiian wedding sites, but the thought of getting married at a resort in front of tourists and the lack of privacy of such would have cheapened what our wedding was meant to be; our day to exchange vows, express our love for one another and make our commitment to each other. I was particularly moved by the area on the web site that explained some of Capt. Howie’s beliefs and philosophy; in particular I loved his mentioning that he does not use the words, “till death do us part” as a part of our vows because love is eternal. Our love will NOT end with our deaths. I will be in love with Brian forever.
We did read many of the testimonials on your website. Some couples mention all the research they completed before they chose Above Heavens Gate as their wedding destination. Honestly, choosing Capt. Howie and Above Heavens Gate was the easiest decision we made in planning our Hawaiian wedding and honeymoon.
October 16th finally arrived. Our wedding day was here. We made our way to Angels Bay in Waimanalo and Above Heavens Gate. From the moment Jenny opened the gates and welcomed us, I knew this was going to be one of the most wonderful days of my life. While I was pampered by Wade, the most perfect hair and makeup artist I could have had, Brian was able to take some private time and walk down to the beach at Angels Bay, I’m sure to do some reflecting of his own while Wade worked his magic on me. I felt I looked absolutely stunning! Wade made me totally comfortable as we laughed and visited with me and later Brian when he joined us.
Fernando and the photography session were next. Personally, I have never enjoyed having my picture taken. But his laid back demeanor made the time actually enjoyable and totally comfortable. He didn’t rush us from picture to picture. We’d visit as we made our way to another spot to snap a few shots, he’d tell a few stories, make us laugh and without a doubt, our unbelievable photos show this! When we received our pictures we were absolutely overjoyed! I truly believe he captured the emotions of the day. We could not have looked happier or more relaxed and his exceptional skills as a photographer are more than apparent! Wow!
The time for our ceremony was now upon us. As we made our way to the pristine Angels Bay beach and the most beautiful turquoise ocean we had ever seen, I was filled with a calmness knowing that the love of all our family, both living and those so special to us that have passed, were with us. As Capt. Howie blew the conch for our ceremony, I knew that I was ready to take this next step in our relationship. Capt Howie, the words you spoke to us will be treasured forever. I had mentioned to you how much I missed my parents, how much my mother loved Brian (my father had passed the week I met Brian so I know in my heart there was his intervention in meeting him), and how deeply I wished they could be there with us. I knew in my heart they would make their presence known in the form of a rainbow. A bit disappointed that I couldn’t see one, you turned us around to look at the mountains and the rain that was falling in clouds near their peaks. You assured me that just because we don’t always see them, that there were indeed rainbows in those clouds and my parents were most certainly with us. I am grateful for your comforting words. Our ceremony was perfect and a memory I will cherish forever. I thank you with all my heart.
Capt. Howie, you and your staff made what some experience as a stressful time, a perfect day. You have a gift that I can only hope you are able and will continue to share with those that make the wise decision to make their wedding day at Above Heaven’s Gate.
Brian and I have already talked about our desire to renew our vows on our 5th anniversary (if we can wait that long!). We will see you again and already are looking forward to another perfect day and ceremony with you at Above Heavens Gate.
We would appreciate you telling everyone hello for us and we hope all is well with each and everyone there. Please don’t forget us; you all will be in our hearts forever!
With much love and Aloha,
Brian and Jenni Holdsworth
Lindsborg, Kansas
Married – October 16, 2009
P.S. – Brian wished to add a personal note to you…….
Capt. Howie and All – When Jenni writes above that all she had to do was “show me the web-site and that was it” please know that it was and wasn’t just that easy. It was because I love the way her mind works and I knew her choice would be my choice. I am so very grateful she found you. I don’t usually talk a lot because my tongue gets in the way of my mind or vice-versa. Was it simply that you wore a sarong with depictions of east Indian Deities and that your property was beautifully arranged and cared for? Yes, and No. I rather wish you were my neighbor and I could have coffee or tea with you and discuss the current topic be it plants, animals or the multitude of grains of sand… Your attentiveness without directives speaks volumes to me. Let my lack of “words” similarly speak volumes. I will look forward to stopping in someday to see you again. I
Most Sincerely, Brian. I simply wish to send my personal greeting. Thank You So Much!