Christian and Steven’s Oahu destination wedding was a dream in every sense of the word—intimate, emotional, and full of peaceful island magic. With the ocean nearby and tropical flowers blooming all around, every moment felt straight from a postcard.
As a photographer, I absolutely love when weddings take me somewhere new. Traveling for weddings is such a gift—there’s something incredibly special about seeing a couple’s love story unfold in a place that means something to them. And while planning a destination wedding can feel like a big leap, sometimes the best decision is taking a trusted photographer with you—someone who knows your story, your style, and exactly how to preserve the most important parts of your day.
From their first look to the sunset celebration, Christian and Steven’s day at Male’ana Gardens was vibrant, joyful, and so full of love.
Colorful Tropical Ceremony at Male’ana Gardens
@maleanagardenskailua in Kailua was the perfect backdrop—lush, intimate, and steps from the water. The ceremony space was bursting with tropical blooms from @passionroots, using bold, colorful flowers native to Hawaii. It felt like stepping into a botanical dream—vibrant pinks, reds, oranges, and greens, all beautifully arranged to highlight the natural setting.
The ceremony itself was full of heart and Hawaiian tradition. @jeremyhirokawamusic played live ukulele music throughout the ceremony, which created the most peaceful, magical atmosphere. It was honestly unforgettable—there’s just something about live Hawaiian music that instantly slows you down and makes the moment hit deeper.
Personal Touches + Island Celebration
@marry_me_hawaii was more than just the officiant—she was part of the entire experience. She performed a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony and then surprised everyone with an outfit change to teach a hula class and perform traditional hula as part of the reception. It was one of the most joyful and authentic parts of the day and a memory no one will forget!
@thebarcoco served up fresh cocktails as guests transitioned into a relaxed, island-inspired celebration. Hair and makeup by @revealhairandmakeup held up perfectly through breezes, laughs, and happy tears.
If you’re planning a destination wedding—whether in Hawaii or beyond—know this: your story deserves to be told beautifully. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is bring a photographer you trust along for the ride.
Looking for more destination wedding inspiration? Check out this Alabama garden wedding with a big celebration energy.
Vendor Team
- Venue: @maleanagardenskailua
- Bar: @thebarcoco
- Live Music (Ukulele): @jeremyhirokawamusic
- Planning & Officiant: @marry_me_hawaii
- Florals: @passionroots
- Hair & Makeup: @revealhairandmakeup
- Photography: @kristasuzannephotography
