INTRODUCING JOHN & KATERYNA PADWICK
THE BRIDE
Funny, I remember my favorite early memory of her about three years (eh, 6 months in bachelor years) ago.
We had only been on 2-3 dates, so we weren’t serious yet. I was walking into a very large public grocery store exhausted after a long traveling spell and suddenly I sensed someone familiar to my right. All I remember was this huge warm welcoming smile – it was a little like the sun – blinding all else out. Then I watched as my new beautiful Ukrainian immigrant friend switched her load to move all her grocery bags into one arm, and literally struggling to balance, she then extended her one free arm to engulf me. It was the biggest, most encompassing hug you could ever imagine – you know, the kind of hug that reassures you that the world will be ok.
So, here’s my little slice of heaven, who’s already in her short life faced and conquered the type of challenges you and I read of but will never actually face. She stopped all she was doing just to make my day a little better.
You can understand then, why I never left her arms.
THE GROOM (a dashing fellow)
One of the best memories I have about John was his surprise for my birthday in 2016. We had just started dating (see Johns’ above bachelor years reference) and did not know much about each other.
He totally surprised me by taking me on an amazing day trip to San Diego. We enjoyed the beautiful drive from LA, the sunny weather, and beautiful views along the way and then after all that, he took me to a strange run-down part of San Diego I had never even heard of.
There were no people anywhere and I noticed only one small house. As we approached the house, I noticed there were horses waiting for us. I was so surprised and happy to meet horses and then even more taken aback when he said we going to ride them. I had been wanting to ride horses on the beach so badly and he made my dream come true!
I think John can read my mind.
OUR STORY
So, fast forward, three years later…. she's still the best damn friend anyone could ever have. She still thinks everything "is just like in the Ukraine."She still loves to watch UFC fighting with me. And I'm still the Jamaican/Hawaiian Island boy who can’t quite manage to find his shoes, sunglasses, keys, phone - which she oh so gently calls me on, regularly. (Maybe that why she’s dominating all early polling numbers!)
If you tried to connect two people as physically and mentally different as possible, that would be us. Yet somehow, it seems, we were born to be together. She’s my motivation and my strength and teaches me everyday how to be a better person. (I'll have to get back with you later on exactly what it is I do for her.)
Irie all dat! Off to the homeland to shackup!
We've had a blast along the way. Please feel free see what we've been up to.
Checkout the picture gallery and videos below!
(might take a minute to load up)
For full screen video, https://vimeo.com/319267365
"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. But to be loved by the person you love is everything."
Mahalo, dearest friends and family. We are indebted to each and every one of you for your encouragement, support, joy and love along the way. Thank you to both our amazing parents who are truly blessed to have taught us how to love. To Stephanie & Richard (our Hawaii connection) for reminding us first how SHE picked me, why this is such a sacred bond and starting us down the right path with your kama'aina blessings! To Vegas, for attempting to keep us sober during the wedding registration process. To Jerry, our favorite largest mammal drinking buddy whose always good for a round with the ladies of Chez Jez, and of course, Scottie Willinsky-my-boy for the not so subtle nudges (see the classic "husband" video above).
We hold relationships with each of you dearly and hope you know we consider you Ohana. While we couldn't be with you for our special day, we hope to see you in person very soon!
One love!