It’s no secret that the beauty of Hawaii has a mystical, otherworldly quality to it, so when this couple chose a Hawaiian destination for their big day, they decided to put the focus on living in the moment with their guests and highlighting the natural beauty. With a chic all-white color palette and teak wood accents, this simple yet stunning wedding design blended beautifully with the natural scenery and celebrated the beauty of this exotic destination. Keep scrolling to read all about this unique venue and their environmental efforts, and to see even more of these gorgeous photos by Sofia Theresa Photo.
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the vision: natural splendor
Alex and Ryan’s dreamy Oahu wedding was all about celebrating the beauty of their venue’s landscapes and connecting with nature all weekend long. Shades of ocean blue and soft sage green were woven throughout the design, while details like woven baskets and lush florals added to the organic vibe. The venue’s stunning landscapes truly set the stage for the ‘Aloha Alexander’ celebration that felt both intimately connected to nature and elegantly refined. Your Plan A Events team worked hand in hand with the couple to incorporate intentional details, such as fans for each guest’s seat and custom stationery for immediate family. Tables were dressed in flowing, textured linens with handcrafted wooden signage and stone accents. We incorporated artisanal touches like stone tableware and modern flatware, which enhanced the organic yet elevated feel of the evening. Tea light fluted candles and twinkling lights cast a warm, inviting glow as the sun set, and warm mist blew in from the oceanside, only accentuating the ranch’s natural ambiance.
the flowers
Floral arrangements featured wild, free-spirited blooms such as the Torch Ginger, grown sustainably and locally by Tamara Rigney from Mei Day Floral. The ceremony aisle was intentionally created to lead guests to the dramatic backdrop beyond and not inhibit the views. Highlighting the sparkling ocean fresh as the sun drifted behind the clouds from a brief rain mist, aisle markers in organic woven baskets were created to mimic a sense of untamed beauty you might find in an island field.
the venue
Kualoa Ranch embodies the quintessential Hawaii wedding venue through its breathtaking natural beauty, commitment to conservation, and stunning views of Mokoliʻi. Nestled on the eastern coast of Oahu, the ranch offers panoramic views of lush landscapes, dramatic mountains, and turquoise waters that create a picturesque backdrop. Being on a nature preserve allowed the newlyweds and their guests the unique opportunity to appreciate the natural surroundings and really take in the island’s untouched beauty. Additionally, its convenient location provided easy access for guests who may have wanted to stay on the North shore or in the city.
the fashion
The beads on Alex’s delicately beaded Galia Lahav lace gown caught the setting island sun as it dipped below the mountains on the horizon. With the tranquil Pacific in the background, Ryan awaited his bride at the end of a natural grass aisle in a tailored gray suit, white linen shirt, and white oxfords.
tradition
The Hawaiian conch shell ceremony, or “pū,” is a traditional and symbolic ritual often included in Hawaiian weddings that Alex and Ryan chose to incorporate into their ceremony, officiated by Grant Gomes. This ceremonial practice involves the use of a conch shell, which is blown to signal important moments and bring a sense of sacredness and connection to the ceremony. In Hawaiian culture, the conch shell is a powerful symbol of spiritual and communal connection. Its sound is believed to call upon the spirit world and divine presence, creating a sacred space for the union of two people. It also represents the element of water, which is central to Hawaiian spirituality and symbolizes life, fertility, and continuity. Incorporating the conch shell ceremony into this wedding at Kualoa Ranch helped to enrich the experience by linking it to the land’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, creating a memorable and spiritually resonant moment for the couple and all of their guests. The couple also embraced the setting with cocktail hour activities such as a lei-making station, fresh acai bowls, and a luau performance with live ukulele!
boozy escort cards
One of our favorite details and elements of the evening was the incorporation of Mai Tais as guests arrived and made their way to the ceremony. Refreshments were served in carved-out pineapples, which were given to the guests as a way to enjoy their drink as they took in the scenery and got settled in. Sustainable metal straws and table assignments were affixed to the keepsake pineapples with turtle drink stirrers as an ode to “saving the turtles” and the beautiful land the occasion had the honor of taking place on.