Wedding Party
Kapena Thomas-Place
Groom
We met in March of 2016 at the late, Yoshi Ishikuni's Tint Shop. We got to know each other by taking night drives, where we would talk for hours, getting to know each other. -- Gas must've been cheap back then. Some of my favorite things about Jackie are her silly and goofy personality, her smile, her silly dances, her unconditional love, and the never ending affection she shows me. She encourages me to be a better person and always motivates me to be the best person I can be.
Jackie Taylor
Bride
When Kapena and I met, neither of us were looking for love, but we found it and everything we have been through led us here. Some of my favorite things about Kapena are his ability to lighten up a room with his witty sense of humor, the way his eyes brighten when he laughs, his generous heart, his kindness, and his charm. His big shoulders have gotten me through some of life's toughest moments and I look forward to our future together.
Dustin Yamamoto
Best Man
Dustin and Kapena have been best friends since high school. They built their friendship on learning how to wrench, building cool cars, trucks...really anything that kept them from having to walk. From swapping motors and building Honda's -- which dustin swore he'd never touch... To random drives to the westside and ending up in Koke'e. Although Dustin now lives in Oregon, they have remained close and we are so grateful that he is able to stand with us on our wedding day.
Kathie Taylor
Matron of Honor
Kathie is my mother, my biggest supporter, and my longest and truest friend. As her only child, this is a special day for both of us. I could not imagine someone better fit to stand with me as my matron of honor.
Jace Alquiza
Groomsman
In high school, Jace always had the craziest vehicles -- to name a few, there was a hot pink Nissan Hardbody that took a ghost ride down Ian's driveway, a slammed 4wd Nissan Pathfinder with lo-pro tires that discovered the kiawe bushes at second ditch, a Camaro with a light pole-mod, and a Chevy s10 that looked like it ran into your mother's flower garden. That's when Kapena knew, he needed to be friends with Jace. But little did Jace know, he needed Kapena a little bit more. From late night/early morning rescue missions at Polihale and last minute pickups. To settling down, starting a family, and growing up - just enough to stay out of the kind of trouble they were used to. We are so happy to have Jace be a part of our special day.
Paige Taniguchi
Bridesmaid
Paige and I have been best friends since kindergarten. We have shared many of life’s big moments together and through this, she has become the sister I never had. It means the world to me to have her stand with me on the day I get married.
Nainoa Thomas-Place
Groomsman
Nainoa is Kapena's older brother. Some of Kapena's favorite memories with him were at the beach, surfing from sun up to sun down. As we make this next big step together, we are both so happy for him to be a part of this day and I am particularly excited to start our lives together as a family and learn what it's like to have a big brother.
Kaia Thomas-Place
Bridesmaid
Kaia and I met when she was 5 years young and watching her blossom into the beautiful teenager she is today has been a blessing. I am so excited to have her standing with us on this special day as we officially become a family.
The Late Richard Taylor
Father of the Bride
Kapena received my daddy's blessing a week before his passing. I know this is an event he would not miss. He will be flying beside me, down the aisle with his brand new wings.
Kathie Taylor
Mother of the Bride
Also the Matron of Honor. My mom and I are very much alike, yet so different. She is everything I aspire to be as a mother and a wife.
The Late Gregory Thomas
Father of the Groom
Although me and the late Gregory were never fortunate enough to meet, I know he will be smiling down, happy to see us make this promise to each other.
Shelley Thomas
Mother of the Groom
Kapena and Shelley have a close and special relationship. She is so proud of the man he has become. They share their sense of humor and be careful, they're quick with it!
Errol (Ka'i) Lanning-Takekuma
Ring Bearer
Ka'i is the son of Errol (Kaela) Lanning and Jessie Takekuma, who have been great friends to us. Ka'i has been special to us from the time he was brewing in Jessie's belly. We are so happy to have him in our wedding and can't wait to see him all dressed up. "Yessuh baby!"
Sarah La'i Alquiza
Flower Girl
Sarah, is the daughter of our bestie's, Jace Alquiza (groomsman) and Stephanie Patricio-Huddy. She is also our God daughter, who stole our hearts from the moment we met her. Sarah will be a month short of 2 years young at the time of the wedding, so mom (Stephanie) will be on standby to help her down the aisle if need be.
John Pimental
Honor Attendant
Uncle Johnny was there when mom & dad brought me home. From next door, he spent countless hours spoiling me with his love and attention, watching me grow into the woman I am. He has always been there for me, treating me as his own. Because of this, Uncle Johnny will take my daddy’s physical place in walking me down the aisle.
Mike Ensman
Officiant
Mike is the assistant pastor of Breath of Life Christian Ministries. He was a dear friend to my father, the late Richard Taylor. We are honored to have him lead our ceremony as we make the greatest promise to each other and God, in front of all our loved ones.