newlywed Adrianne & Bobby
married Christmas Eve — Lanikai Beach, Windward Oahu – Hawaii

Bride Adrianne writes as her groom prepares to serve in Iraq:

“We are doing great and enjoying our time as newlyweds. We have been very busy lately...
"Bobby and I are both originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. We initially met in our freshmen year of high school. A mutual interest in wrestling sparked an amazing friendship. We remained great friends throughout the four years of school. As the years went by, our friendship grew deeper.

"After we graduated from high school, we both realized that our feelings for each other were changing and we began dating soon after. I received a scholarship at UNLV and pursued a degree in elementary education, while Bobby joined the army and began his career in military intelligence. Through the distance, our relationship grew stronger and we shared a common goal... to be married someday and begin our life together.

"We have both known for quite a while that the person we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with was right there in front of our eyes. Bobby proposed on his 21st birthday, and that is when our dream began to turn into a reality. Together and with our families, we began planning an elaborate wedding in our hometown, Las Vegas, for June 2005. When we learned of Bobby’s deployment to Iraq (he would be leaving one month before our wedding date!), we decided to cancel the summer wedding and get married in Hawaii on Christmas Eve.

"With my wedding dress, his suit and our rings, we figured we had everything we needed. With just one another, a few friends and Linda, we had our wedding party and everything felt right. The weather, which had been storming for the past three days, cleared up that afternoon and Lanakai Beach was beautiful. The ceremony was magical and we could feel the love in the air.

"It was absolutely perfect! As we look back at the pictures of our wedding, we relive that special feeling we felt that day. We can’t thank you [Linda] enough for being a part of our marriage and sharing our day with us. You took time away from your family on Christmas Eve, and performed the ceremony ... and for this we will always be grateful to you. We begin our new life together with love, laughter and hope.

"Thank you again, Linda, for being a phenomenal minister and making our day as special and unique as the love we share for one another.

"Sincerely,
Adrianne & Bobby"

When orders to Iraq threatened their wedding plans, Adrianne and Bobby decided to make the best of the situation. They smiled and, as Adrianne said, packed wedding gown, suit and rings and headed toward their wedding on Lanikai Beach... not their first choice, but not a bad second! They were so happy! Especially while Bobby is in Iraq, they'll both need the courage they brought to their displaced wedding. Congratulations, Adrianne and Bobby! Stay happy, remember the hopes and dreams you brought to your wedding! And Bobby, come home safely!