20th Anniversary at Captain Howie’s

2019 is a big year for me! It’s been 20 years since I graduated from college and when I married the veggie love of my life.

We met online via CollegeClub.com (a website for college students looking to meet friends around the world ). I was looking for vegetarians to chat with. I met my husband there and we corresponded for 3 months before I flew out to Hawaii during my Spring Break to meet him. Coming back to Texas to finish my last semester was difficult but I graduated and then I moved to Oahu.

Captain Howie married us in 1999. He was recommended by friends at the ashram. At the time, he was just beginning to build a beautiful property near Waimanalo Beach to conduct weddings.
Since we were basically eloping and had no money, we paid him a little something and said our vows by a tiny waterfall. No pictures were taken. Later that year we had a full Vedic fire ceremony where family and friends could attend. But that simple garland exchange we did at Captain Howie’s is still so special.

Pukalani Falls Garden – Heaven’s Gate

When we thought of celebrating our 20 years together, I thought about going back to Oahu and seeing if Captain Howie was still there.
Sure enough, he was and his property and wedding services has grown.
The Hobbit House has been featured on travel shows and is an artistic dwelling you won’t find anywhere else. Pukalani Falls Garden is a heavenly place full of lush greenery, waterfalls, and a koi pond. He was happy to see us! We were once two young kids escaping from the world. Now we are responsible adults with a beautiful daughter. He said we are on a sailboat together for life and no matter what comes we have to hold tight to each other.

Waimanalo Beach – Angel’s Bay

Many people have their ceremony at the falls and then take a small stroll to Waimanalo beach for pictures. I recommend buying a dress you won’t mind getting wet. I found mine at Lulus.com. Waimanalo Beach is a local beach far away from Waikiki. I felt like we had a golden strip to ourselves.

Captain Howie and his crew made this special day so easy for us. They arranged everything – flowers, hair, photos, video and even a cake. A vegan lilikoi macadamia cake was a tropical dream come true!
Taking photos with Dylan of Dylan Dawson Photography was so much fun.
Our best smiles came out when we gave each other a squeeze.

I couldn’t have asked for a better time with my husband. He still sweeps me off my feet. Having our daughter there felt so natural and we could see just how happy she is for us.
We felt blessed by Captain Howie and the earth, water, sun, and sky.