A wedding, a baptism, an eternal family . . .

Mr. and Mrs. James and Melanie Kukona-Pacheco with Baby Noah

On Saturday, March 29th, Melanie Gerard and Le'a Kukona-Pacheco were married! It was a beautiful day. Our family was so privileged to be able to help plan and prepare all the details for them. It was a beautiful ceremony. Kamalei (Bubba) sang "When I First Saw You" when Mel walked down the isle. Le'a cried uncontrollably. I felt like my own daughter was getting married. The Spirit was so strong. There were so many family members there, it was just beautiful. Johanna Kamaunu had come down in the morning and decorated the cultural hall so beautifully. We made Kalua Pig & Cabbage, Nalia Yasso made Lomi Lomi Salmon, Mom made Pork & Peas, Malia made Chicken Long Rice and Le'a's sister made the most delicious Potato Salad.

Bishop Johnson did a wonderful job with the ceremony, keeping it light, humorous and meaningful for the couple and family. A really nice touch was when he asked Mel and then Le'a to choose someone special to them to come up and speak about them. I was so honored when Mel chose me. Le'a chose Uncle Poki (Allen Pokipala). It was emotional for both of us as we watched this young couple we love so much take sacred vows, make promises and become one.

After the wedding Le'a was baptized. He asked "Uncle" Llewellyn to baptize him. It was so special for all of us. We had been fellowshipping with them for a couple of months. The whole process started in January when they came to church. Mel was baptized 6 years ago when she lived with us as a teenager and danced in my halau. She had been away from the church for a while and then in January, after wanting to come back for sometime, she and Le'a began coming to church in Wailuku Ward. She was very pregnant, ready to have baby at that time. In a real twist of fate, she gave birth on the day that Le'a lost Aunty Ke'ala, his hanai mom and Kumu Hula. That day was bittersweet for everyone. Noah's birth brought healing and peace in a very difficult time. His desire to learn more about the Gospel really grew and he began to change spiritually. We feel so privileged to have been a part of this beautiful, heavenly process.

It was an extremely busy day for us. The halau had a fundraiser that morning, we did the wedding and baptism and then headed to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center for the Na Leo Concert. Both Kamalani and Kamalei performed in the show. A full day, but a blessed, beautiful, joyful day.

I'm so thankful for the Gospel in my life and to know a loving Heavenly Father who guides and directs us each day. Mahalo e Ke Akua!

Aloha ke Akua . . . God is love.