THE PARKS | A Dreamy Golden Hour Wedding at Lanikūhonua

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VENUE: Lanikūhonua Cultural Institute

CREATIVE TEAM:

• Photo Team: Ka‘i & Co Media

• Video Team: Redefined Wedding Films

• Entertainment: Hawaii Events Unlimited

• Caterers: Chef Elmer's Guzman Island Cuisine

• Cake & Desserts: A Cake Life

“ASHLEY WAS INCREDIBLE TO WORK WITH! FROM THE MOMENT WE BOOKED WITH HER, WE KNEW SHE WAS THE RIGHT FIT FOR US.”

From meeting during their freshman year at Oregon State to the many shared adventures in between, it was beautiful to witness a love like Christine and Joseph’s. As individuals, Christine and Joseph have always been deeply rooted in their values, which naturally draws the right kind of people into their lives. Every single person in the room that day wasn’t there for themselves; they were there because they had known this couple through different stages of life, both individually and together, and loved them even more because of it.

It’s the kind of relationship that doesn’t need noise to prove itself, and that is exactly how their day felt. Cheers to hoping a love like theirs finds us all!

MUSINGS: INSIDE the PARKS’ CELEBRATION

01/ IF YOU COULD RELIVE ONE 5-MINUTE WINDOW FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Walking down the aisle. The longest and shortest five minutes all at once. It was a surreal feeling walking to the person you're about to marry alongside all our friends and family that came together to celebrate us.

02/ WHAT WAS THE ONE THING YOU STRESSED ABOUT THAT DIDN’T MATTER IN THE END?

Pleasing our guests! Easier said than done, but at the end of the day, what mattered most was us. I definitely overthought this part and cared too much about wanting everything to be perfect.

03/ WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’RE GLAD YOU PRIORITIZED AND WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD SKIP IF YOU HAD TO DO IT AGAIN?

I'm very happy with the venue we chose, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. It was a beautiful outdoor space near the water and the views during sunset were AMAZING. It was so special to have our wedding in a location that really captured Hawaii's beauty, especially for our guests who were visiting Hawaii for the first time. I don't think there is anything that I would skip out on if I had to do it again- there were parts of a traditional wedding that we already chose not to include in our wedding, and we have no regrets!

04/ WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES CURRENTLY PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?

Protect your peace and remember the bigger picture! Your wedding is not a production or show you have to put on for other people. When you start to make it about other people, you'll lose sight of the marriage aspect and stress out on things that don't matter.

05/ WHAT VENDOR HIRE OR PLANNING DECISION MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN HOW YOUR DAY ACTUALLY FELT?

The blue tape used to hold down my signs because it was windy LOL I notice the tape and little sloppy details in my photos/videos and wish I was more thoughtful with certain setups, but I'm sure my guests don't remember any of it.

06/ WHAT DETAIL WILL NO ONE ELSE REMEMBER FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY, BUT YOU ALWAYS WILL?

Having my high school bestie shoot my photos. :) it was so comfortable having her by my side and made us feel at ease throughout the whole day.

07/ WHO OR WHAT HAS SHAPED YOUR VIEW OF A STRONG MARRIAGE? WHY?

God. My view of a strong marriage is rooted in faith- choosing love daily, extending grace, and putting Him at the center of it all. I've learned that as humans, we're inconsistent and imperfect. Left alone, it's easy to fall short. Everything I've learned about marriage was through God and the people he's placed in my life that point me back to Him. :)

08/ WHAT DOES CHOOSING EACH OTHER DAILY AND/OR PROTECTING YOUR RELATIONSHIP ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

Being intentional- making time for each other even when life is busy, learning what the other person needs, and honoring that. We can be busy during the work week, but we make it a point to eat dinners together without distractions to fit in that quality time. We also take advantage of the weekends to fit in more of that quality time doing things we love!

09/ IF YOUR LOVE HAD A SEASON, A CITY, OR PIECE OF MUSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

If our love was a place, it would be Hawaii- relaxed, easy, and grounded at the same time. My home :)

10/ FAST FORWARD 30 YEARS FROM NOW, WHAT VERSION OF YOURSELF SHOWED UP BECAUSE OF YOUR PARTNER AND WHAT WOULD YOU THANK THEM FOR?

Hopefully 30 years from now, I'm a stronger and more selfless version of myself now. I'd thank my partner for choosing to walk through life with me, loving me unconditionally, and always putting our marriage first.

MOMENTS: the WEDDING DAY                                 

THE VENUE

If you’re searching for a Lanikuhonua wedding photographer or videographer, here’s what we always tell our couples:

1. Book early,  Lanikuhonua is one of Oahu’s most sought-after venues, and popular dates can be  on a waitlist  a year in advance. Lock your date as soon as possible!

2. Consider blocking out 5-10 minutes for photos and videos in your timeline around sunset. West-side sunsets are stunning and it never disappoints. 

3. Take advantage of nearby hotel accommodations. There are several hotels close by, like the Four Seasons Resort, Aulani, or Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club. This gives your guests the option to stay nearby and spend more time together before and after your wedding day.

4. Take advantage of the venue’s flexibility, Lanikuhonua allows you to bring your own wedding team. This means couples have creative control over vendors, styling, and the flow of the day a major plus for custom weddings.