I worked with Russ to arrange a surprise vow renewal for my wife while in Kona. He is very responsive and made the whole thing for easy to coordinate with flowers and Hawaiian custom traditions. I would highly recommend Russ
I found Rev Russ through a basic internet search. My wife and I were going to be visiting Hawaii for our 30th anniversary and I wanted to surprise her with a vow renewal. Reached out to Russ and things could not have been easier. He made several suggestions, but did not push in any direction. He asked several questions to make sure he understood what exactly I was looking for in the service. We are a tricky couple, I am American with an Episcopal upbringing, but non practicing and doubting the world of religion for quite sometime. My wife was born in India, with non practicing Hindu parents. She was never really had any type of religion taught to her, so is indifferent in most aspects. So a religious based ceremony was not really something I was wanting. Russ did not hesitate. He offered numerous ideas and we ultimately decided upon a ceremony based around the Hawaiian customs and traditions of honoring the land and what is sacred to you individually. To my wife’s surprise, and to my delight, everything turned out exactly how I envisioned and was amazing. My wife was utterly surprised and we had a beautiful, private, intimate moment for the two of us. Russ even suggested the traditional lei for both of us and the headdress for my wife. I highly recommend Russ to anyone looking for a special occasion officiant in the Hilo area of the Island of Hawaii.
Made our special day absolutely perfect. Incorporated my daughters in the ceremony. He came to our Airbnb, per my request, and he and his wife were so kind and loving to us all. His wife took pictures and they turned out great. Could not say enough great things about Reverend Russ!
