Love was in the air at Tiki Kon this year!
If you’re going to get married, why not do it in front of a large group of fellow tiki lovers? This is what Caledonia and Dave did! They got married poolside at Tiki Kon and I have to say it was one the coolest weddings I’ve ever attended.
I met Cal and Dave while volunteering at Tiki Kon a year ago and at the time they were new to the tiki scene, but now they are major staples in all things tiki going on in Portland. Cal and Dave have been dating for a long time and they announced that they would be tying the knot at Tiki Kon this year, and I couldn’t wait! This is something I did not want to miss.
From out of nowhere “Elvis” appeared and started singing …
“Elvis” is actually my good friend Keith Hart, and when he’s not hanging out in his home tiki bar (which is his living room), he is keeping the spirit of The King alive!
Cal, Dave, and Elvis made their way to the altar and it was time for this wedding to get started!
The crowd got quiet and “Elvis” spoke …
Good afternoon everyone. Could I have your attention over here for just a few minutes please. I am humbled and thrilled to have been asked to stand here before you for a very joyous occasion. Today we welcome friends and family to celebrate the special bond between two people in love. This moment marks the next chapter in your lives and builds on the foundations already established of friendship, love, trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
David and Caledonia please turn to face each other and join hands.
What a wonderful life when two people can come together Because of love. A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes patience, and it takes time. It takes a commitment from both of you … a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not just simply survive.
And now, in the presence of all that have gathered here today, I have Such An Easy Question for each of you.
David, do you take Caledonia as your Burnin’ Love, and promise to never leave her All Shook Up? To be her Teddy Bear and never be a Hound Dog? And do you promise to love her sweet? Come what may?
Caledonia, do you take David to be your Big Hunk O Love, and promise to never leave him All Shook Up? To give him FEVER and to never step on his Blue Suede Shoes? And do you promise to love him true? Come what may?
Will you, David and Caledonia, be each other’s partners from this day forward? Will you bring out the best in one another? Will you share your happiest moments together and lift each other up in times of struggle? And will you love each other tender?
Can I have the rings please?
The wedding rings perfectly symbolize the never-ending love you two have for each other. By exchanging these rings, you solidify your commitment to one another. The rings serve as a welcome and constant reminder of the bond you’ve formed with each other.
David, please place the ring on Caledonia’s left hand and repeat after me:
Caledonia, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my enduring love.
You got me all shook up,
I want you, I need you, I love you.
You have made my life complete.
Please wear my good luck charm.
Caledonia, please place the ring on David’s left hand and repeat after me:
David, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my enduring love.
With you, “Anyplace is Paradise”.
I spent a lifetime looking for the right time.
Now that you’re near, the time is here at last.
Please wear my good luck charm.
Then they shared a ceremonial tiki cocktail together …
David and Caledonia, by the authority vested in me, and as witnessed by everyone present here today, I am pleased to pronounce you wed, sealed together today both in law and in love.
It’s Now Or Never, so Don’t Be Cruel and kiss her quick!
And now, in front of all who have gathered here to witness this union, it is my extreme honor to present, for the first time anywhere, the newly united couple David and Caledonia.
Congratulations you two and it was really nice to see the newlywed’s families there to share this special day with Cal and Dave!
Later that evening after performing an amazing set …
“Elvis” was available for pictures. Margaret who is a HUGE Elvis fan, had to get a picture taken of her “Little Elvis” with the full-size one.
As pictures were being taken, Jason, Margaret’s boyfriend had a little surprise for her.
He presented Margaret with an important message …
Jason got down on one knee and popped the question, “Will you marry me?”
Margaret’s face lit up and she started shaking with, “Yes, yes, yes!”
And they quickly embraced and kissed!
Congratulation Margaret and Jason!
Next up, Saturday’s banquet and evening entertainment …
I’d like to thank Sveinn Kjartansson for his pictures used for this post.
Here is the Sveinn Photography website
And Facebook page