A Scenic Tropical Wedding in Hawaii’s Lush Landscape

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Location: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Setting: Ranch
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 70
Wedding theme/style: Tropical, romantic, boho, natural.

Tim and Sofia’s love story is as magical as their wedding day. They met through work; Sofia worked at a pool club, and Tim was a busser. Their connection was instant. On their first date at Yard House, they talked nonstop until closing time, discovering they shared the same interests, viewpoints, and life goals. A few years later, Tim proposed, and they both knew they wanted a destination wedding in Hawaii, surrounded by their closest family and friends.

We have such a deep love for Hawaii and wanted to share that love with those they love the most.

Sofia, the bride

THE VENUE

The couple chose Kualoa Ranch on Oahu for its breathtaking beauty and intimate setting. This historic ranch is renowned for its stunning landscapes and as a filming location for movies like Jumanji and Jurassic Park.

Surrounded by the majestic Koolau Mountains, the venue offered a picturesque backdrop for Tim and Sofia’s wedding. Guests were treated to panoramic views of lush greenery and the vast Pacific Ocean, making it an unforgettable setting for their celebration.

BRIDE & GROOM'S FASHION

Sofia wanted her wedding day look to be effortless and relaxed. Her hair and makeup team from Reveal Hair and Makeup created a beautiful updo that kept her hair out of her face, allowing her to enjoy every moment. She wore a delicate pearl headband, complementing her updo adorned with small, elegant pearls. Her makeup was natural and glowing, highlighting her radiant smile.

Her dress from Grace Loves Lace, the Behati dress, was luxurious and carefree, perfectly matching the vibe she wanted for the day. The lace sleeves of her dress added a touch of vintage charm, while the open back design gave it a modern twist. Sofia’s accessories included simple pearl earrings and a matching bracelet, enhancing her overall elegant appearance. Sofia’s bouquet, designed by Jeff Alencastre, featured tropical blooms that added to the natural atmosphere.

Tim and his groomsmen spent the morning getting ready, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the ranch. Tim wore a classic green suit that complemented Sofia’s elegant style. The subtle boutonniere of tropical flowers matched the vibrant theme of the wedding.

The groomsmen matched the tropical theme with their outfits, creating a cohesive look for the wedding party.

THE FIRST LOOK

Tim and Sofia’s first look was a private moment filled with emotion. Photographer Sheyanne Lyn did an incredible job capturing this moment and the whole spirit of Tim and Sofia’s wedding day. She used a mix of film and digital cameras, achieving stunning results with saturated colors and perfectly framed angles.

Sheyanne caught all the cute moments, from candid laughter to tender glances, making sure every detail of the day was beautifully preserved.

THE CEREMONY

Their ceremony was at the Jumanji venue, where the movie was filmed. Their guests all arrived and hopped on a trolley that drove them through the ranch up to the venue. The vibrant floral arch, adorned with tropical flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and blue, set a stunning stage for the vows.

The bridesmaids, dressed in elegant satin gowns of different colors, held matching bouquets and smiled warmly as they awaited the bride. This moment was intimate, private, and surrounded by the beauty of the palms and mountains.

Getting married where Jumanji was filmed definitely made this day unique.

Sofia, the bride

THE COCKTAIL HOUR

After the ceremony, guests headed to Paliku Gardens for the cocktail hour. They enjoyed refreshing drinks from Aloha Taps and delicious hors d’oeuvres catered by Kenekes. The relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to mingle and celebrate the couple’s love. The cocktail hour area was beautifully decorated with rustic bar tables and chic lounge areas, offering guests a comfortable and stylish place to relax.

THE MOMENT ALONE

Tim and Sofia took a few moments alone to take in their special day. The stunning backdrop of the mountains and ocean made for breathtaking photos, showcasing the couple’s love in a truly picturesque setting.

I wanted the day to flow, be natural and filled with romance and connection.

Sofia, the bride

THE DECOR & SETTING

Originally from Florida, Sofia wanted to take concepts of Florida’s wedding trends and combine them with the natural, relaxed boho vibe that Hawaii weddings tend to capture. The reception area was adorned with string lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each table was decorated with tropical centerpieces and elegant stationery, adding a personal touch to the decor.

Her vision for the day actually came from a moment in their relationship. She remembers a time when, as a family, they all went to a Jimmy Buffet restaurant. “It was laid back, everyone was happy, having some drinks and just focused on enjoying the moment and being with one another,” Sophia recalled. She wanted her wedding day to envelop that feeling, and so as she began planning, she chose to infuse the tropical aspects, allowing guests to wear more casual cocktail-inspired outfits with a bright and inviting color palette.

THE RECEPTION

The couple’s friend documented the day on a camcorder, adding a nostalgic touch to the memories of their wedding day. “It was the camcorder that all of my childhood memories and moments were recorded with and I wanted to have a tape of my wedding day to go along with all the memories the camcorder already captured of mt life,” Sophia shared.

As the evening progressed, Tim and Sofia shared their first dance under the twinkling lights and full moon.

The cake, created by A Cake Life, was a stunning centerpiece with tropical decorations, perfectly matching the wedding’s vibrant theme. Cutting the cake was a sweet and memorable moment. Guests danced the night away to music provided by DJ James Vincent.