Just before Christmas, on a chilly and stormy December evening, a beautiful couple and their family and friends came aboard the Aolani Catamaran to unite as one; Ashley and Drew. It had been a stormy few days in San Diego, the worst we had seen in a while, yet one of our busiest weeks on board the catamaran… would’nt ya know. Although the other charters that week were fun (even in the storm) -business managers and families, Christmas dinners and holiday celebrations- it seems that the weekend festivites saved the best for last…

The storm had cleared for a little while, just in time for Ashley and Drew and their families to hop on board. We hustled the cake and the dress, the pastor and his family, and all other essentials.. before the storm could catch up with us again. In a flash, we left the dock as Ashley got ready with her mom downstairs in one of our staterooms. We poured Ashley a glass of white wine as she decided on the music she wanted for after the ceremony. It was almost time, and here we were again, so excited to be a part of another wedding. On board that night was Captain Ken, owner Bruno Schwarz and his wife Cindy Schwarz, along with me, their daughter, Lindsay Schwarz. Cindy prepared the salon area and figured out seating positions while I was in the bar making sure everyone was happy with their beverages, all the while snapping pictures of the family, one of my favorite pastimes. All was smooth sailing, despite the stormy weather. Ashley and Drew’s friends braved the cold outside for a while to check out the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.. pictured here.

We approached the bay area where the Star of India is docked, for Ashley and Drew had decided they wanted to get married with that as their backdrop. We had arrived into the cove area, and it was time.
Ashley had finished getting ready, Drew was as ready as he would ever be, and we were all anxious to begin. Everyone was seated, as the pastor and Drew took their positions inside the salon as the rain poured down just outside.

Que the music, the sound of IZ’s “Somewhere over the Rainbow” played as Ashley began to walk up the stairs alongside her Father as everyone admired in awe at how beautiful she looked. She stopped in front of Drew and the ceremony began with heads bowed in prayer and then, “you may be seated”.

“Remember to seek to understand and not to be understoof. Be quick to listen. Always chase after the mystery that is each other” offered the Pastor as Ashley and Drew held hands tight before their family and friends. Vows were repeated, and the ring was presented. “The ring is a perfect circle, never ending – an example of who God is. It’s precious material sympbolizes the marriage you are about to undertake. It is unique, beautiful, and should be chrished.” Drew placed the ring on Ashley, then Ashley, Drew. You could see the appreciation for each other in both their eyes, as we all watched in admiration. “Drew and Ashley, You have heard the Word of God, you have spoken your vows to each other and your family, and you have committed to each other in holy matrimony”..then those famous words were uttered and at once two lives had changed: “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Most of us in the salon had tears in our eyes, it was one of those moments where it would be hard not to. I’ve witnessed many marriages on board the catamaran, but none with such sincerity. I am so grateful to have been on board that day, and will remember their marriage always.

After the ceremony, the clouds broke in relief and I was able to go outside with Ashley and Drew and take a few photos of them. They are a stunning pair both in picture and in life, as I hope you will see in the photos and through this blog post.


One of my favorite December nights of 2010 was this very night. Congratulations Drew and Ashley, may you live happily forever.

Lindsay Schwarz,
Aolani Crew