The Bride

Name: Esther Henriquez

Hometown: Sunnyside

Country: USA

From Esther

I was born in Pomona, CA but I grew up in Sunnyside, WA. I went through all 12 years of school in Sunnyside. I was raised by my Mother who was a wonderful, strong, independent woman. I get a lot from her. I was very much the straight A kid until one day I thought I almost got a "C" and just about cried. Believe me, ask my Mother. Once I was able to get involved at sports I did and became a school year round athlete. I was never really, really into the other sports that I played besides volleyball. It's what I was best at anyways. As I got older I was still the shy girl who never really had a boyfriend, but had a lot of boy friends. I grew up some what a tomboy in grade school always playing sports and marbles with the boys rather than trying to make them jealous with the girls. Either way it's made me into such an understanding person on both sides. Moving into middle school was a big change for me. I had a Quincenera when I turned fifthteen which is very girly. Who would have thought. Moving into high school was an even bigger change for me. Still involved in sports and doing good in classes I was never the "bad child" so to say. I've had my moment of shame but as you can see I moved on to bigger and better things. While in high school I had always wanted to join the Air Force because I had this dream of being able to fly. When I was a junior in high school it was all about going to the Air Force. Once my Senior year got going I forgot all about it and just had fun. The day I graduated had to be one of the best days of my life. I got a part time job through the oncoming months after graduation but what next? I didn't want to go to school, because I was so burnt out at the time, so a year after I graduated high school I decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. What other better choice? Low and behold that's where I would meet my future husband. I spent four years in California where I had my beautiful daughter. Within those 4 years in Cali I spent 6 months in Iraq. I then transfered to Paradise where I would soon meet Kevin by chance through friends. I spent 2 years in Hawaii and now I'm working on a 1 year tour in Japan without my daughter or my loving fiancee. I couldn't be anymore grateful for the love that he continues to give me even when we're not together. I love you!

The Groom

Name: Kevin Alston

Hometown: Norlina, NC

From Kevin

I was born in Harlem, NY but I grew up in Norlina, NC. It's a small town located on the NC/VA border, right off I-85 between Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA. I was raised by my Mother whom did all she could for three bad boys as a single parent. My mother was and still is today my life line, a wonderful parent, a great friend, strong, supportive and most of all loving. Even though I didn't believe that growing up as a kid because she always made sure I knew that she was in charge. (If you know what I mean). As most of you know, I was a well rounded athlete in school. I ran track and I also played football and basketball. After High School, I went to College in Atlanta, yeah Atlanta. Do I really need to say again else? Needless to say, I dropped out after spending two years there and later joined the Marine Corps. I had no idea that the four year plan would turn into a career plan but it's worked out for the best. My time in the Corps has given me nothing but the best. I've been to Japan, Korea, Paris, Greece, Germany and so many other places. But the best place has been Hawaii, not because it's the land of paradise and its beautiful beaches. But because I met my better half without knowing it was happening. I met Esther through some really good friends. The two of us started out as friends, whom became better friends with time. Over the course of our lives we would later realize that we would develop something more than a friendship. This is why, Hawaii is the number one spot on my list because I met the love of my life. So, as you all know, we've decided to continue to grow together as husband and wife. I couldn't be any happier for the love, understanding, and support she provides me, although I'm miles away from her. I don't ever want to forget our first kiss or our last touch, or let a day go by without telling you how much you mean to me, I don't ever want you to doubt the way I feel or how happy I am because of you. I love you