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Once in a Blue Moon

The Bride: Maureen Sullivan
The Groom: Hayden Mauk
Date: July 3, 2010
Venue: Point Vicente Lighthouse (Palos Verdes, CA)

When Hayden Mauk planned to propose to longtime girlfriend Maureen Sullivan, it was New Year’s Eve 2009 under a blue moon, a rare occurrence that only happens once every 20 years. Maureen, a television executive at Fox Broadcasting, had to work that evening, at least until the ball dropped on the East Coast. On her way out, she found Hayden standing in front of their West Coast home trying to get a picture of the moon with his phone. Knowing their good camera was in her bag, Maureen grabbed it and went to join him. As they stared at the moon, Hayden held out his hand, showing off the diamond, which adorned his pinky finger, and proposed. It was fitting then that a friend sang “Blue Moon” (the Frank Sinatra version) as their first dance when they wed at Point Vicente Lighthouse in Palos Verdes, California, seven months later.

Stationery


Designed to look like a vintage travel poster, Maureen and Hayden’s colorful wedding invitations featured illustrated palm trees, Mission Revival–style architecture, an airplane in flight, and few words meant to simply lure their mostly New England–based guests to the left coast.
Venue
The couple wed at the Point Vicente Lighthouse, which is owned and operated by the Coast Guard. Because Maureen’s father is a Coast Guard officer, the Coast Guard and three families who live on the property were more than happy to let the couple marry and celebrate there.
Ceremony
Father Mark Ziolkowski, a retired Catholic priest and member of the White Robed Monks of St. Benedict, helped Maureen and Hayden design a personalized, outdoor ceremony. They honored both of their beliefs by folding traditional Catholic elements, like communion, in with a reading from a Tom Robbin’s novel and a Celtic hand-tying ceremony.
Signature Cocktail
In a nod to Hayden’s last name and Kentucky roots, a “Mauk Julep” ruled at cocktail hour. The fresh mint juleps were mixed with his mother’s secret recipe, “and they were gone in no time!” says the bride.
Groom’s Gift
During the cocktail hour, Nualani’s Polynesia provided entertainment with traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. The group, led by Rose Laolagi, Maureen’s hula instructor, helped Maureen put together a surprise hula dance, which she performed for her new husband in front of all their guests.
Groom’s Gift
During the cocktail hour, Nualani’s Polynesia provided entertainment with traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. The group, led by Rose Laolagi, Maureen’s hula instructor, helped Maureen put together a surprise hula dance, which she performed for her new husband in front of all their guests.
Bridesmaids
“No major obligations and no matching ensembles,” explains Maureen when describing how her 10 closest friends took part her wedding day. “I simply requested that they wear a dress of their choice in a sunset color.”
Guests of Honor
Maureen and Hayden’s dogs, Herman, a black lab mix, and Clyde, a goofy bloodhound mix, were able to attend the wedding because of its unique outdoor location. “We do everything with them,” explains Maureen. Sporting handmade flower collars, both dogs posed for photo opps and roamed nearby during the couple’s first dance.
Guests of Honor
Maureen and Hayden’s dogs, Herman, a black lab mix, and Clyde, a goofy bloodhound mix, were able to attend the wedding because of its unique outdoor location. “We do everything with them,” explains Maureen. Sporting handmade flower collars, both dogs posed for photo opps and roamed nearby during the couple’s first dance.
Advice from the Bride
Trust your gut, especially when it comes to planning your wedding ceremony. Honor your families and your traditions, but also be true to your spiritual side. Work with your officiant, pastor, or priest to create a ceremony that is unique and true to your relationship. And of course, dance a lot!

Once in a Blue Moon

The Bride: Maureen Sullivan
The Groom: Hayden Mauk
Date: July 3, 2010
Venue: Point Vicente Lighthouse (Palos Verdes, CA)

When Hayden Mauk planned to propose to longtime girlfriend Maureen Sullivan, it was New Year’s Eve 2009 under a blue moon, a rare occurrence that only happens once every 20 years. Maureen, a television executive at Fox Broadcasting, had to work that evening, at least until the ball dropped on the East Coast. On her way out, she found Hayden standing in front of their West Coast home trying to get a picture of the moon with his phone. Knowing their good camera was in her bag, Maureen grabbed it and went to join him. As they stared at the moon, Hayden held out his hand, showing off the diamond, which adorned his pinky finger, and proposed. It was fitting then that a friend sang “Blue Moon” (the Frank Sinatra version) as their first dance when they wed at Point Vicente Lighthouse in Palos Verdes, California, seven months later.