HAWAII BACKYARD WEDDING
I’m so giddy to share Nate & Alisa’s wedding day! Nate is a photography aficionado, and was searching for a film photographer to capture their big day. He wanted classic and timeless images, with a mix of black and white photography. From the moment we met, I knew I would love working with this sweet, down-to-earth couple.
They hosted their big day at their home in the Palolo Valley of Honolulu. In preparation for the wedding, I went to tour their house and property, and was shocked to learn that Nate literally built a huge deck in the foothills of the mountain in their backyard to accommodate their ceremony and reception for 80 guests. Nate and Alisa’s home is on a very steep property and even carrying 2×4’s from their garage to the backyard would’ve been quite a task. Clearing the lush Hawaiian foliage would’ve been another arduous job. But, Nate, with the help of family and friends, tirelessly built the “wedding deck” as it was dubbed so he and Alisa could host the wedding celebration of their dreams.
Loved ones chipped in in other ways too. Alisa is expecting (yay!), and her mom constructed her dress last minute when the original dress didn’t quite fit her cute little baby bump. Grandma did all the gorgeous florals. Friends crafted signage and hauled in drinks and helped out any way they could.
On the afternoon of the wedding we got quite a bit of rain. Oahu weather can be unpredictable! We waited it out and pushed the ceremony back. And back. Until Nate & Alisa finally grabbed umbrellas and decided to go for it – rain or shine! Guests kicked off their shoes and watched from under umbrellas. The couple was all smiles as they shared their first kiss and a really jubilant walk down the aisle!
After the ceremony, during photos with the bride and groom, and Nate surprised Alisa with a gift card to her favorite restaurant. IN NEW ZEALAND!! Because Alisa is expecting the couple had agreed to forgo a honeymoon, so she was completely shocked to learn that Nate planned a surprise honeymoon/babymoon to New Zealand. Talk about a thoughtful hubby!
Nate and Alisa, I wish you all the best and am so excited for your future together as a family of three! Mahalo for allowing me to be a part of your intimate backyard wedding!
VENDORS:
Venue: private home
Hair & Makeup: Beauty by May
Catering: Tanioka’s Seafood and Catering
Cheesecake: OttoCake
Rentals: Accel Event Rentals
Planning your dream wedding in Hawaii? I’m now booking a limited number of commissions in 2020 and 2021. Contact me for availability!