Tropical + Boho Intimate Backyard Wedding in Hawaii

The “Venue”

When you have to ditch your original venue because of the pandemic… but your backup venue ends up looking like THIS!

Carlee + Devin had one of the most dreamy, intimate, and intentional weddings with their closest friends and family on the island of Oahu. The couple ended up having to leave behind plans at their original venue due to the pandemic, so they opted to host their wedding in the backyard of a family member’s house here in Hawaii. Needless to say, it was a blessing in disguise because it ended up being one of the MOST stunning and unique spaces I’ve ever seen.

Not only did they get to have this amazing backdrop for their wedding; but they got something completely exclusive that no one else will be able to experience or even get the chance to pay for. It was truly a one-of-a-kind experience! I knew the venue they had planned on having before, and this backyard was FAR BETTER! It had the most incredible view of the mountains on Oahu’s Eastside – nothing like any traditional venue in Hawaii that I know of. I’m sorry to tell ya that you can’t book Carlee’s Aunty’s backyard for your wedding, BUT you can achieve a similar experience by inquiring about private estates.

Venues or Estates that could have a similar vibe:

Kualoa Ranch
Lijestand House
Sunset Ranch
Hale Koa Estate

The Couple

After our first client meeting, it felt like we had been friends forever, they are seriously the sweetest human beings! Throughout the entire process; from their wedding plans changing left and right, to having to reduce their guest list to just 30 people – they were always so chill and their energy was always so positive! Both of them made me feel like close friends and were always making sure I as all good.

I also didn’t know much about the styling of the day beforehand, so I loved to see Carlee’s vision come to life when I arrived at the venue! She had amazing taste in colors in details, and not to mention that her DAD was also her florist which was so cute and special.

The Day-After Adventure Session

Carlee and Devin wanted to do an adventure photo session with me the same week of their wedding and it was the dreamiest little sunset shoot – the sky burst into colors at the end and it was SO magical. This was after their Big Day and allowed us to showcase other stunning beautiful locations around the island! For Carlee and Devin, they decided to use this as an opportunity to get some more casual “honeymoon” type of photos but also to get some extra wedding-style photos. They brought a second outfit that wasn’t their full tux and wedding dress but still had a bridal vibe to it; allowing them to get a variety of photos to represent not only their wedding day, but also the entire experience leading up to it and after!

Why an adventure session as an add-on? On a wedding day, there is typically a timeline to work with and we are subject to the lighting and backdrop options at the venue you choose. Which are usually beautiful, BUT there is always a lot going on that day that might limit the photo opportunities. So adding another session can be a great opportunity to get more photos without the pressure of the wedding day timeline! You can either wear your wedding attire or switch it up for a second wedding look or more casual clothing to capture more of your everyday personality and vibe.

Reach out to me here if you have any questions or are ready to start planning your big day!

Vendors

Venue: Private
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Rentals: Pacific Party Rentals
Table Linen: Hawaii Fine Linens
Neon Sign: Viva Neon
Ring Box: Camellia and Love