As some of you may know, Chris and I were away this week with the honor of photographing one of my dearest friend’s wedding in Oahu, Hawaii! We returned safely this morning, and we’re a little jet-lagged but I just couldn’t wait to get a few photos on the blog for Jenn and Stephen.
Gosh, what do I even say about Jenn and Stephen? I’ve known Jenn for about ten years now and I just adore her. And as one of Jenn’s matrons-of-honor, Rosa, said in her toast to the bride and groom, “Jenn has had her share of frogs.” But she has certainly found her prince in Stephen, and I couldn’t be happier for the two of them.
So Jenn and Stephen planned an intimate celebration week for friends and family on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Chris and I arrived on Saturday evening to get ready for the big week. On Monday, Jenn set aside some time to do a makeup and hair trial, and we took the opportunity to take some pictures of course. I think she looks positively stunning here, but wait until you see her on the wedding day!
A few of her day-of details like the dress, shoes, and flowers. I wish you could smell these plumerias, because they were so fragrant and heavenly. Sadie of Picket Fence Florist provided Jenn and Stephen with the amazing bouquets and leis for all of the family members and guests!
I know in this next photo it looks like Jenn is doing all the work, but her fabulous hair and makeup are courtesy of her Aunt Susie who has her own salon on Oahu. Susie also did Jenn’s trial hair and makeup earlier in the week. She also did the hair and makeup of the entire bridal party, mother-of-the-bride and grandmother-of-the-bride. How she did all of that this week so quickly and so expertly without showing a hint of stress or fatigue is beyond me!
The ceremony was held in the Maile Garden at the Hale Koa – lush, cozy, private, and simply beautiful.
This super sweet and adorable flower girl is Jenn’s niece!
We had to race against the clock right after the ceremony because we were rapidly losing light, but we managed to get a few portraits of the happy couple and of the families.
Jenn and Stephen’s dinner reception was also at the Hale Koa, and it included tons of creative DIY touches.
I especially liked the part of Tracy’s (sister/matron-of-honor) speech where she referenced my favorite show, Friends, and how Jenn has “found her lobster.”
Jenn and Stephen, it was our honor and pleasure to celebrate with you in Hawaii this week and to capture your wedding memories for you. Chris and I had a great time, and I’m just in awe of your grace as host and hostess amidst all of the wedding planning. I know it’s a tough job to plan a wedding, much less a destination wedding, and coordinating everyone’s travel and leisure on top of that. You both did a fabulous job and everything was beautiful and without a hitch. Well, except you two getting hitched! (Get it?) Congratulations and best wishes! I love you guys!
