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Oahu,Maui, Hawaii New york, CHARLESTON wedding photographer | Available for worldwide travel

Hawaii Wedding Traditions ~Exchange of Lei

wedding traditions

June 18, 2013

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Destination wedding photographer, world traveler, chocolate and wine lover. I’m the girl behind the lens that will capture and narrate the story of you and your wedding day so you may have your treasured memories for generations to come.

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The exchanging of the leis is a popular tradition in Hawaiian culture. Giving someone a lei symbolizes the love and affection you have for them.  As a Hawaii wedding photographer, I’ve seen this tradition many times and it is always a very memorable experience. There are all kinds of leis and different symbolism between the leis, and I’d love to share with you.

destination-hawaii-wedding-lei-exchange

Women traditionally wear the pikake lei for their wedding. Pikake is the Hawaiian word for the jasmine flower, and was named so because Princess Ku’iulani thought the scent of the flower was as beautiful and magnificent as the peacock. Men typically will choose a maile lei. These fragrant leaves are hard to find in Hawaiian foliage, and as a result is often used in important and special ceremonies. Another important detail that you may want to consider when choosing a lei is the island you’re having your wedding on. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has a flower specific to them, and may be nice to include in your leis or floral arrangements.

hawaii-wedding-tradition-exchange-lei

During the ceremony, there are a number of ways in which people exchange lei. Sometimes the bride and groom start out wearing the traditional leis and swap so that the bride is wearing the maile lei. In other instances, it is reversed, where the bride is wearing the maile lei to give to the groom. Sometimes in these ceremonies, the ends of the leis are tied together to symbolize the union of the couple.

destination-hawaii-wedding-lei-exchange

There are also different exchanges that can happen within the ceremony itself. For instance the bride and groom will present leis to their immediate family. This involves the family in the wedding and makes a statement to the attendees of your love for your family and the bonding of your families.
The tradition of the lei exchange is a beautiful tradition that I love to witness while photographing weddings in Hawaii. It never gets old and is renewed like the flowers time and time again.

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Destination wedding photographer, world traveler, chocolate and wine lover. I’m the girl behind the lens that will capture and narrate the story of you and your wedding day so you may have your treasured memories for generations to come.

Meet Jeannemarie

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QUESTIONS TO ASK A VENUE BEFORE YOU BOOK

Grab our Free Guide + Checklist!

DOWNLOAD

FREE DOWNLOAD

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What to ask your Wedding Venue before you book

 Over 55 questions to ask a wedding venue before you book them. No matter if you're marrying in Hawaii or anywhere your destination takes you.

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