The Joy of a Blessing
/When Vanessa was married fifteen years ago in Hawaii, her ceremony didn’t include a Hawaiian blessing. Last fall Vanessa wanted to honor her love for her ohana (family) with a beautiful ceremony performed at their wedding spot.
Sometimes the best plans aren’t actually plans. Three weeks before I departed for Kauai, I had the idea to have this ceremony. I wanted a way to honor my family as well as my respect and love for the islands.
Posting in one of the Kauai Facebook groups, I asked for help finding a photographer and a florist. Whenever possible I try to support women-owned businesses. Bonita Hensley’s photography was stunning and captured the essence of our family. This was also the first time I have ever worn a haku. This crown of fresh flowers made me feel pretty.
Chelsea at the Sheraton Kauai had been very helpful in the search for a kahu. Our kahu, Jade, was an amazing wahine. Her joy and knowledge made the ceremony memorable. The first part of the ceremony involved Hawaiian sea salt, and not just any sea salt—this had been harvested up the road at Salt Pond. What is important to note is that the only way non-natives can touch this salt is if it is gifted. Real Hawaiian salt is sacred and can never be sold. We each took a pinch and rubbed it in our hands, then we sprinkled the pa’akai back into the earth. Paʻa means solid or hardened and kai means ocean water. When you gift paʻakai, you’re wishing that person good wishes and you’re solidifying your relationships.
Next Mr. Aloha took water and cleansed the hands of each family member. We then kissed, but we also touched noses, honi ihu. This is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it's a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and conveys a closeness in the relationship.
We finished our day where our wedding reception was fifteen years ago with a delicious prime rib dinner at Lava Lava’s. Mahalo again to the Sheraton Kauai for giving us another memorable event.
