Alexandra & William

LANIKUHONUA CULTURAL CENTRE, KO’OLINA, OAHU, HAWAII
Photography by Jennifer Stenglein

Alex and Will were married in Hawaii at a picturesque ocean front estate. Within their very own tropical paradise, the wedding was styled with contemporary beachside charm.

Blissful setting

“Hawaii is a very special place for the two of us because we had our first holiday there. We try to spend time there each year,” Alex said. “We wanted our friends and family to experience the spirit and natural beauty so, what better reason to visit than a wedding?”
Alex and Will’s celebrant was a native Hawaiian who performed a traditional blessing using lei rituals. “He was sincere and sweet. Will and I wrote personal vows and it was so meaningful to hear each other’s intentions for the rest of our lives together, spoken aloud.

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Hawaiian style

Reflecting the style of old Hawaii, Will wore a sand coloured jacket teamed with dark navy pants, white shirt with matching pocket square and navy bow tie. Will’s groomsmen wore navy suits. As a reminder of their part in the day, Alex and Will had the groomsmen’s initials embroidered to the pocket of the men’s shirts. Alex’s bridesmaids looked stunning in their white lace fitted dresses and black metal heeled sandals.

The open air

“When you have the dynamic backdrop of a beautiful exotic location you want to make the most of the surroundings,” Alex said. Simple floral centrepieces in white with sprays of pastel pink kept the view the focus. Glass chandeliers added a sparkle to the evening and flowers hanging from the marquee gave the space a heavenly fragrance. “Pikake leis were hung from the palm trees. In fact most of our flowers were locally sourced, including jasmine and tuberose. We also had orchids, garden roses, lisianthus, chrysanthemums and Italian ruscus in our arrangements. We wanted the flowers to be non-uniform to reflect their natural beauty.

Dream gown

As a model, Alex has often showcased and been photographed wearing wedding gowns. “It gave me an idea of what I didn’t want but confused me a little on what I did want,” she said. “Brendan was wonderful to work with. We started with a discussion and he sketched the design that was to become my gown made from Italian corded lace with a low back, thin shoestring straps and long train. I also had a silk tulle veil. Brendan brought to life a classic and timeless design.”

Special touches

Alex and Will created ‘recovery packs’ for their guests that were delivered to their hotel rooms upon arrival in Hawaii. Specially printed canvas beach bags contained all kinds of quirky and kitsch Hawaiian souvenirs and essentials.

Guests were invited to embrace the island spirit by wearing fresh flower leis at the wedding. Mini bottles of Patrón were also gifted. As a fitting thankyou, Alex and Will gave each of their guests a dashboard hula girl which they received upon their return home.

Alex and Will chose a fresh coconut cake decorated with flowers. “The cake was graced with the cake topper from my parent’s wedding. They have been married 41 years so we saw it as a good omen and have now created our own family tradition.”

Musical mystery

“Will and I pride ourselves on being well organised so it came as a complete surprise to us when the final words of my dad’s speech, ‘I know you will be so happy together’ was actually the cue for our guests and bridal party to retrieve ukuleles out from under the tables and even the trees and start playing and singing a rendition of The Turtles’ 1967 tune So Happy Together!”

Alex and Will had their first dance to Milk by Kings of Leon. “We chose songs that were especially meaningful to us,” Alex said. Not only did Brendan Humphreys of Brendan Vale Couture design Alex’s wedding gown but, as an accomplished ballroom dancer, gave the couple private dance lessons to perfect their moves.