A month before their wedding, the couple enjoyed a pre-wedding photoshoot at the stunning Halona Blowhole. This session proved invaluable, giving them the chance to connect with their photographer and become comfortable in front of the camera. The breathtaking coastal views added a magical touch to their photos, while the experience ensured a seamless and relaxed dynamic on their wedding day.
pre-wedding photoshoot
The festivities began with an intimate welcome dinner picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park. Guests were treated to fresh poke and sushi rolls prepared on-site by a talented chef, all while enjoying live music and a beautifully curated picnic setup overlooking the ocean and Honolulu skyline. The relaxed atmosphere set the perfect tone for the wedding weekend, allowing loved ones to mingle and unwind before the big day.
The welcome dinner
This love story began during a holiday ugly sweater party, where laughter and festive games set the tone for an unforgettable connection. Their bond deepened over time, despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with one stationed in Spain and the other beginning a career in Maryland. Through video calls, visits, and unwavering commitment, their love flourished. A proposal at the Ice Castles in New Hampshire marked the start of the next chapter, blending magic and heartfelt promises.
The Love Story
Getting ready began at the luxurious Four Seasons Oahu, a location known for its elegant, light-filled suites. These spacious accommodations offered a calm and stylish setting for pre-ceremony preparations, allowing the couple and their wedding party to relax and enjoy the morning.
The ceremony and reception were held at Lanikuhonua, a venue aptly named "where heaven meets the earth." Nestled on the coastline, this breathtaking location features expansive ocean views, lush greenery, and an atmosphere of unmatched tranquility. Couples seeking a "Lanikuhonua wedding" will appreciate its natural beauty and the versatility it offers for creating a personalized celebration. From its pristine grounds to the backdrop of the Pacific, Lanikuhonua provided an unforgettable canvas for the day’s events.
The Vision and Planning
Inspired by a shared love of travel and the ocean, this wedding combined the serene beauty of Lanikuhonua with thoughtful personal touches. A palette of emerald green, sea glass, and white complemented the venue’s natural elegance, while vibrant florals and creative details brought their dream celebration to life.
The Venue and getting ready space
The ceremony was a visual masterpiece, centered around a unique broken column arch adorned with lush florals in shades of purple, blue, white, and green. A winding aisle, lined with delicate rose petals, led guests to the striking focal point. To enhance the natural beauty of the space, guests were encouraged to dress in bright colors, creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere.
A first look added an intimate and emotional moment to the day, while the couple’s beloved dog played a central role, symbolizing their shared life and love for family. The combination of thoughtful details and the venue’s serene ambiance made the ceremony truly unforgettable.
The Ceremony
One of the most memorable aspects of the celebration was the incorporation of traditional Chinese wedding games. This cherished cultural custom requires the groom to complete a series of playful challenges set by the bridal party to prove his love and commitment before seeing his bride. These games, full of laughter and joy, added a meaningful layer to the day, reflecting the union of their families and heritage.
Cultural Highlights
The reception was designed to emphasize connection and celebration. Instead of a traditional cake cutting, the couple opted for a champagne tower, a stunning and elegant alternative that perfectly matched the tone of the evening. Dancing became the centerpiece of the reception, with the couple dedicating their time to enjoying the moment with friends and loved ones. The atmosphere was vibrant, joyful, and filled with energy, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Reception
Wedding at Lanikuhonua
The celebrations continued with an unforgettable afterparty at the private pool of The Modern Hotel. Guests indulged in delicious bites like mini hamburgers and chicken skewers, catered by The Modern, alongside an open bar. With access to the pool and luxurious lounge areas, the afterparty offered a fun and laid-back way for friends and family to come together one last time to toast the couple.
The Afterparty
Venue: Lanikuhonua Cultural Center
Planning and Design: Love Letter Weddings
Photography: Theel Wedding Productions
Florist: Navy Exchange & Sophia Florist
Rentals: Pacific Party Rentals
Bar: Stir Beverage
Catering: Island Fusion Catering
Luxury Rentals: Aloha Artisans
Tableware: The Linen Company
Dress: Calla Blanche at Swoon Bridal
Reception Dress: Rat and Boa
The Love Story
Rachel and Rob’s love story began in the most modern of ways—on Hinge. Little did they know, friends had tried to set them up before, but their paths had never crossed, despite living just 1.6 miles apart in San Francisco for eight years. It wasn’t until the pandemic intervened that fate, with a little help from technology, finally brought them together.
At the time, Rachel was living in Hawaii, and Rob was in Tahoe. Their first connection was a classic pandemic video chat in August 2021. Rob left feeling confident that their first date would happen in a month, while Rachel thought she’d been ghosted. Thankfully, mutual friends in Hawaii, who happened to know Rob from entirely different parts of his life, persuaded Rachel to take a chance and meet him for their first date in San Francisco two months later.
Rob’s friends often joked that he was searching for someone who was sassy, spicy, sweet, and had an edge—but he could never find all those qualities in one person. Meanwhile, Rachel’s friends would say her dating history was diverse (though athletic, adventurous, food-loving men like Rob seemed to be her type). It wasn’t until she “let Jesus take the wheel” that the stars aligned. As soon as their friends saw Rob and Rachel together, they knew this was it.
After some long-distance travel between Hawaii and California, they officially became a couple in November 2021 (though Rachel claims that’s her date, not Rob’s). A year later, Rachel moved back to California, but her career kept her on the go. Rob decided it was time to make their love story permanent. In March 2024, during a hailstorm on the edge of Lake Tahoe, he got down on one knee and asked Rachel to marry him. Now, they’re bringing it all full circle by celebrating their wedding in Hawaii—the place where their love truly began.