One of the most special days in one’s life is when they tie the knot with their other half. I could say that Marcia and Steffan are a husband and wife made in a “House Befitting Heaven”. The couple chose to start their happily ever after in the land that truly envelopes the aloha spirit. This slice of heaven is located about a 20-minute drive from The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Marcia and Steffan had their Oahu wedding at The Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki and it is a memorable one.

The Courtyard of “I Do” Wedding at the Halekulani Hotel

Hotels make for a great wedding venue its for convenience, service, and style. The Halekulani Hotel is no exception. It was an amazing experience for me as an Oahu wedding photographer. Marcia and Steffan’s wedding happened at the hotel’s Garden Courtyard. It felt very private. You will not feel the presence of other hotel guests and they will certainly not get in the way. I cannot say the same for beach weddings.

Steps away from the ceremony site are multiple photo-op areas such as a beautiful grand staircase and an arbor. Within a single venue, you will have 4 unique backdrops not including the beach 3 minutes away. These four unique areas are the central courtyard, the grand staircase, the exterior of a tea room, and the outdoor arbor. To top off the convenience factor, your reception will be held on-site just feet away from where you said: “I do.”

Flying in for Love and the First Look in Oahu Wedding

Families are an important part of a wedding, especially in Hawaii. That is why some of Marcia and Steffan’s families flew in from other states while others were locals. It is the most amazing part of a Hawaiian wedding – the support, love, and warmth of the families.

The couple’s Oahu wedding at The Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki was traditional. They incorporated other ceremonies and events throughout the night that are common in wedding planning. They began their day with some getting-ready photos in the hotel rooms. Followed by an intimate first look at the courtyard of The Halekulani. They also honored their culture with a tea ceremony before the wedding proper. They held it in one of their hotel rooms where they packed all their families to show their respect to its members.

From Megan’s Lens

All weddings are special but what made Marcia and Steffan’s Oahu wedding stand out to me is their visually stunning ceremony for the simple and classic floral arrangement. Primarily comprised of white flowers, the décor was in perfect contrast to the greenery of Halekulani’s courtyard. If you are planning a wedding that is surrounded by plants, as your wedding photographer, I highly suggest a floral aesthetic that contrasts against the venue’s sea of green like white, pink, orange, and spring flowers.

I also love the way they dressed themselves and their entourage. Marcia was wearing a beautiful mermaid-fit gown with a long train. Her hair was parted to the side with an elegant accent of a white floral pin. Steffan was wearing a blue suit and pants which were perfectly complemented by his pink bowtie and brown shoes. The men were wearing the same blue suit and brown shoes as Steffan while the women were wearing soft, pink gowns that matched the men’s ties.

My favorite part about their Oahu wedding at The Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki is the first look. Doing a first look opened up their timeline and allowed them to complete the wedding party photos and newlywed photos before the ceremony began. It was such a breeze, taking photos of the couple and their entourage.

From Megan: “I am in awe of people’s capability to hold and give love, and their commitment to spending a lifetime with their partners. For Marcia and Steffan, your promise of eternity was evident in your bright smiles and your waves of laughter during the entire event. I’m so glad that I got to capture the loving looks in your eyes and somehow share the special moments with you through my lens.