A Galapagos Wedding

This is me with my good friend and colleague at Portland State, Tina and her fiance Jon. On one of our first days on the island we got a tour of the Hacienda Tranquila, an ecotourism destination for international volunteers. On the tour we came upon a chapel in which Geovanny, the owner, told us if we knew anyone who wanted to get married he could perform the ceremony. I don't think he thought we would actually take him up on it.

Jon was coming to visit Tina in early November and they were already engaged so we thought what better couple to share their vows on a tropical island than these two? Of course it couldn't be official because they weren't Ecuadorian citizens but we thought it would be fun and special! We planned the whole thing in a about a week (if only they were all really that easy) and told Jon when he got of the plane (surprise!).

Everything was wonderful except for the rain. Doesn't that mean good luck or a lot of children or something anyway? Everyone chipped in to help. Pizzas were made in the Hacienda's brick oven. Decorations were put up. Three delicious cakes were made and a bouquet was purchased. Tina looked stunning in her white beach wedding dress and everything went perfectly. There were about 40 guests in attendance consisting of international students and host families. It was beautiful (of course I cried) and a lot of fun!! Congrats guys! Can't wait for the real on.