Simple elegance was the theme for Corie & Don’s Hawaii Wedding. The setting was an amazing and beautiful day in Hawaii. On the south shore to be exact. We started out at the Kahala Hotel for Corie’s getting ready and then headed off to Angel Garden for their ceremony.
Don and Corie met in their freshman year in high school but didn’t really get to know each other until a few years out of high school. They enjoyed a group of mutual friends, dated casually, and eventually parted ways as their lives went in different directions. They reconnected about six years later, but again nothing happened. Finally, after their 10th high school reunion, Don asked Corie out and the rest is happy history!
On Their Engagement
Donald created a book for Corie with pictures of their son, Maddex. At the end of the story, the last photo was of an engagement ring and Maddex asked if his Mommy would marry his Daddy. Then Don popped the question in person. We had a fun engagement photo session with Don, Corie, and Maddex romping together on the fabled North Shore and if you’ve been following me for a while, you know I <3 NS.
The Wedding!
Their wedding day was a perfect beautiful Hawaiian day. For their mid-morning ceremony, Don and Corie stood with the sunshine sparkling on the ocean behind them and loving family and friends in front of them. Ring bearer Maddex announced the arrival of the beautiful bride with a heart-shaped bouquet sign which read “Daddy, here comes Mommy!” Corie’s best friend Kamu, who traveled from Las Vegas, sang her down the aisle, and Lindsay and BJ stood as their attendants.
It was sooooo hot out that day we decided to take a little gelato break at Via Gelato, Honolulu’s newest gelato and I can attest, it was awesome!
The wedding reception at 12th Avenue Grill was intimate and lovely and the food outstanding! The Grilled Kim Chee Marinated Hawaii Ranchers Skirt Steak was to die for along with the baked apples and whoa on the Mac n Cheese…Oh my!! Oh wait, I digress… The festivities continued as Kamu again sang for Corie’s Father/Daughter dance, and Don and Corie danced to Stevie Wonder’s You & I.
Guests were asked to leave “Love Notes” for the couple…
Elegance Hawaii Wedding: Corie on her creative team:
“Todd form Always Flowers was so friendly and accommodating, knowing that I was working with a budget. His team did a fabulous job of bringing our vintage/romantic theme alive for our ceremony decorations and the bouquets were just stunning!”
“Stevie Lynn (Karissma Wedding Services) was such a delight to work with to help coordinate our ceremony – great communication and helped put my mind at ease. She was also very accommodating with special requests that we asked for.”
“Makeup by Bev – Bev is so friendly and easy going. She worked her magic to transform my long hair into a gorgeous updo that stayed in place all day and night. My makeup was flawless and stayed put throughout the event.”
“Paradise Pastries – I can?t say enough about how absolutely beautiful and delicious our cake was! Their cakes are to die for…so moist and not overly sweet.”
“12th Avenue Grill – I couldn’t be any happier with our reception. It was intimate and lovely. Ameer was very helpful and made himself available throughout, and the food was outstanding!”
When asked how would you describe your overall wedding experience, Corie said, “It was better than I could have imagined! It was such a beautiful day filled with so much love and joy!”
Because they had an early day, we decided a few images at sunset by the beach in Kahala was in order. I’m so stoked that they decided to go this route as it allows us to have some intimate time together without distraction of having to get to the reception and their guests.
I wish Don and Corie many more years of love and happiness!!
This amazing day was made possible with Corie’s Creative Team:
Wedding Ceremony Planner: Karissma Wedding Services
Celebrant: Pastor Renee Takahashi
Wedding Dress – White by Vera Wang
Hair & Make-up: Make-up by Bev
Florist: AlwaysFlowers 808
Caterer/Venue: 12th Avenue Grill
Cake Maker: Paradise Pastries