CORAL BY PACIFIC DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY
For a wedding in Hawaii it may be overwhelming to choose the right flowers for bride’s bouquet, table arrangements, and vows ceremony. Hawaii’s tropical flowers are exotic, colorful, and exuberant. They come in so many shapes and color that can be really hard to choose your favorite. Here are some of the most iconic Hawaiian flowers.
Hawaii is a great holiday destination but it’s also an amazing wedding location. The islands offer a wide range of possibilities, from luxurious and elegant venues to white sand beaches and lush tropical gardens. But location isn’t everything. At a wedding, perfection is in the smallest detail. Create the wedding of your dreams by embracing the outstanding landscape of Hawaii and adding the spirit of Aloha.
From the mountains of Montana, Brianna and Lorne’s friends and family set sail to the lush dreamscapes of Kauai. The vast crevasses of Kauai’s warm canyons surely cannot measure the amount of love shared between these newlyweds!
Flourishing with an array of richly colored blossoms, Kauai complimented their vibrant, glistening love. The magic that filled their hearts was emulated with the vibrancy of Kauai’s splendor. On Kiahuna Beach, a charming seascape unfurled, brimming with the native, leafy Naupaka flowers and rustic black lava rocks. This became nature’s garnished backdrop for Brianna and Lorne to declare their love. Only a chosen few determine Kauai to be the haven of which they appoint their marriage to transpire making their special day memorable for a lifetime.
- Written by Paul B. at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
Engagement session at the Andaz Wailea.
Engagement photos are a wonderful way to announce your big news to friends and family, but what about capturing that exciting moment of popping the question as well? Surprise engagement photo sessions are a fabulous way to commemorate the new milestone in your relationship. With the emotion and excitement in front of our lens, allow us to capture the love and commitment behind it. Here are a few tips from the artists of Coral Weddings to ensure a successful and fun surprise engagement photo session!
Engagement session at the Andaz Wailea.
Get in touch with your photographer before the session. There are typically two options to go about booking your surprise engagement photo session. You can either 1. Have the photographer hide while candidly capturing you two during the proposal or 2. Book the session as planned activity for the two of you and then surprise your partner during the photo shoot!
Engagement session at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
There are pros and cons to either option. If you go with the candid surprise, the photographer will be able to capture an organic reaction of the proposal with an intimate setting. Make sure that you let your photographer know what you will be wearing (maybe even send them a photo of what the two of you look like) and be sure to know where the photographer will be hiding. As a planned activity, your partner will be able to be prepared for getting their photo taken. Either way, it’s a promising surprise!
Engagement session at the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.
Enjoy your session and have fun! Being in the moment with your loved one will provide for a natural session where you can both be comfortable in front of the camera and enjoy your memorable moment.
Everyone loves a good engagement story. I personally find them so entertaining and endearing because every single one is unique. While asking someone to spend the rest of your life with you puts you in a very vulnerable state, the romance behind the question itself is full of eternal love. Here in Hawaii, we're always surrounded by Aloha and there's something about the islands here that provide the perfect romantic environment for residents and visitors alike. Which is why it's no surprise as to why Hawaii is one of the most popular locations for popping the question!
When I met Ben, he came into our Fairmont Orchid studio one afternoon with a contagious energy and I was immediately drawn into his plea for help with a proposal he had been planning for his girlfriend. Of course I said yes and began asking him for his ideas that he had in mind for this special moment.
“Have you ever been to the top of Mauna Kea Summit?” he asked with a big smile.
Twenty-four hours later, I was on my way up to the snow kissed volcano 13,802 ft. above sea level. I met Ben and Virginie at the visitor’s center about half way up the mountain so we could become acclimated to the climate and avoid elevation sickness. Ben told Virginie that he had scheduled a couples photo session with us at the top of Mauna Kea. Virginie, a lover of photography and modeling, didn’t know that Ben had something even more special planned for their trip to the mountain.
During the sunset and above the cotton candy clouds, Ben got down on one knee and popped the question. It was an exhilarating moment with a breathtaking view, a moment that the three of us will remember forever.
With announcing his engagement to Virginie to friends and family, Ben shared their story:
"Over one year ago, I walked into an open door and heard myself say an audible "wow." Sitting at the counter was the most spectacular woman I had ever seen....
Who was she? How could I talk to her? Was she single?
I stole one more glance hoping she wouldn't notice I was creeping. She smiled at me.
Little did I know, my world was about to be spun around and turned completely upside down. One day, she even told me: "I love you to the moon and back and forth." I loved the French twist on the English idiom so much that the "and forth" stuck.
It was a little challenging to figure out how to propose.... Virginie doesn't wear jewelry, doesn't care for diamonds, doesn't love rings, and isn't big on cliches.
The observatories at Mauna Kea, at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, is as close to the moon as you can get in Hawaii.
Her ring shows the Earth and the moon in an infinity loop.... going back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth again.
In broken French, I asked her to marry me. She said "oui."
- Written by Samantha
Nestled on the coast between the Kohala Mountains and Hualalai volcano, lies the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, an oasis of tranquil paradise. The Big Island of Hawaii calls to those that share a passion for adventure, outdoors and seclusion. If you’re looking to have your destination wedding in Hawaii, the beautiful Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is where you can experience the untouched culture of the islands.
The Gazebo at Turtle Pointe, Fairmont Orchid
We had the pleasure of sitting down with MewLan Seto, wedding and event planner extraordinaire of the Fairmont Orchid for over the past six years. With family roots from here on the Big Island, MewLan tells us what makes this location irresistible to brides and grooms.
What separates the Fairmont Orchid from the other venues in the area?
We have incredibly unique beachfront locations here on property. For the bride and groom that are looking for the toes in the sand experience or a soft manicured lawn, both locations we offer have gorgeous sea to summit views. They're both equally large enough to hold weddings and receptions right on the beach. I think that’s what most couples really envision for a Hawaiian wedding.
Floral design by Ainahua Florals
What sort of experience can a bride and groom expect when booking a wedding here?
We have such a warm and welcoming staff here on property. Everyone is one big ‘Ohana (family) and we treat our guests as if they’re walking into our home. Weddings are such a special treat for us to be a part of and we like to show our clients the importance that holds. We love to pamper our brides and grooms with surprise gifts from arrival to check out.
What makes the Big Island stand out from the other islands?
The Big Island is for those that seek adventure yet peace and quiet. There are so many various activities available such as whale watching, visiting the active volcano, and hiking to remote beaches, I think there is something for everyone here to enjoy.
Coconut Grove at the Fairmont Orchid
With exquisite culinary art from locally grown produce, a visionary design team, and a picture worthy view, the Fairmont Orchid remains a top pick for destination weddings here in beautiful Hawaii.
- Written by Samantha
1. Get Your Beauty Sleep
As a general word of advice before your big day, make sure you are well rested. With the next day's itinerary lingering over your head, go through your timeline and schedule for the following day to see if there are any last minute details that need to be addressed. This will help put your mind at ease and provide you with a better night of rest. You'll wake up looking and feeling amazing for your wedding day!
2. Schedule Enough Prep Time
Make sure you schedule enough time to prepare your hair and makeup. You’d be surprised with how much time it takes to have your hair and makeup professionally done for your wedding. When booking your artists, double check on time with them to allow the getting ready process to flow easily. You don’t want to feel pressed for time!
3. Ask Your Girls For Help
Have a couple of your bridesmaids or family members lend a hand during the shoot. They can keep an eye out for any make up smudges or stray hairs that need to be tended to while you get your photos taken.
4. Use Your Location
If you’re having your wedding at one of the beautiful resorts here in Hawaii, use the property to your advantage. Chances are there's a beautiful staircase to show off your long train, a chandelier in the lobby for an elegant feel, or a balcony overlooking the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. Anything colorful and vivid will provide a breathtaking background for your bridal portraits.
5. Keep it Simple
Don’t overcomplicate your bridal portraits. Make yourself comfortable and relax! Let your personality naturally shine through and have fun!
Photography: Coral Weddings || Florals: J'adore Floral Designs
Bridal Gown: Bijou Bridal || Jewelry: The Wedding Ring Shop || Hair & Makeup: Toni P Farley
- Written by Samantha
