Wedding: Kyle & Nathaniel

 

The Couple:
Kyle and Nathaniel Lui, San Francisco, California

Years together:
4

Why Hawai‘i:
Hawai‘i is a place where both Kyle and I feel at home. Having lived on O‘ahu for nine years, I knew that one day I would be married somewhere magical. That place certainly exists and its only 45 minutes north of Kona near Hawi on Hawai‘i Island.

The ceremony:
Our wedding was held at Hawaii Island Retreat at Ahu Pohaku Ho‘omaluhia near Kapa‘au. Our ceremony was on Friday, March 7 at 4 p.m. We had 53 guests (from Hong Kong, Sydney, Toronto, and the U.S. mainland), many of whom had never been to Hawai‘i before.

Wedding tip:
Get a wedding planner. Kandi from Hawaii Island Weddings by Kauka was imperative in executing our vision for an inmate gathering of family and friends. Sharing the aloha spirit was our utmost goal, and Kandi delivered on so many levels.

Best thing about Hawai‘i:
Aside from a gorgeous wedding venue and truly meaningful ceremony, our favorite moments were largely influenced by the natural beauty and private setting of Hawaii Island Retreat. Jeanne, the proprietor of Hawaii Island Retreat, made us feel welcomed and loved—she’s totally aloha. Kyle, our guests, and I are certain to one day go back and give Jeanne a big hug.