A Sun-Soaked Garden Party by the Sea in Oahu

Set against the palm-fringed coastline of Oahu, Dae Hyun and Jaeryeong’s wedding at LANIKUHONOA CULTURAL INSTITUTE was a beautiful blend of coastal ease and thoughtful design. With planning by DRAWING MOMENT and photography by VIVI LIN PHOTOGRAPHY, the day unfolded like a relaxed garden party by the sea — intimate in scale, rich in meaning, and filled with warmth from the people closest to them.

Their story began unexpectedly on a bowling night with friends. Though they shared mutual friends, they had never crossed paths before that evening. From the very first game, Dae was full of questions — curious about her life, her stories, her world. What felt a little surprising at first soon revealed itself as charmingly earnest flirting, especially in the way he looked at her. Bowling scores were forgotten, but something far more meaningful quietly began.

Dae’s proposal was perfectly imperfect — and entirely unforgettable. After celebrating their second anniversary with a beautiful dinner, Jaeryeong suspected that a second “nice night out” overlooking the Las Vegas Strip might be the moment. But dinner passed, the bill was paid, and still no proposal. It wasn’t until they were in the car, driving out of the parking lot, that Dae finally gathered the courage to ask her to marry him. Nervous in a way that was rare for him, the moment felt deeply real and wonderfully unpolished — a story they still laugh about today.

From the beginning, Jaeryeong knew she wanted a destination wedding in Hawaii with both ocean views and lush greenery. LANIKUHONOA CULTURAL INSTITUTE offered the perfect setting — a beachfront lawn framed by palms, creating the feeling of a relaxed garden party by the sea. The vision was unmistakably coastal: blue, white, and green tones echoed the ocean, while natural wood furnishings brought warmth and texture. Oyster shells and surfboard-shaped gifts added playful beachy details that made the theme feel immersive without feeling overdone.

Stationery played a deeply personal role in the day. Each piece was designed by the bride herself, with blue tones reflecting both her favorite color and the beachside palette of the celebration. Every set was hand-stamped with love — a small detail that carried a lot of heart. From rings and jewelry to perfume and florals, each element was chosen for its meaning, weaving personal memories into the aesthetic of the day.

The morning unfolded at Four Seasons Resort Oahu, where Jaeryeong chose to get ready not with friends, but with both mothers — creating a tender, family-centered start to the day. The quiet intimacy of those moments, captured beautifully by VIVI LIN PHOTOGRAPHY, became some of the most meaningful images of the celebration.

Florals by ANNIE LEE FLORAL set the tone with a fresh, whimsical palette of soft blues and lush greenery. The reception tables were styled with intention, playing with layout and scale to feel modern and garden-inspired rather than traditional. Guests were invited to dress in tropical cocktail attire, with bright colors encouraged to mirror the joyful, beachy atmosphere. The result was a celebration that felt vibrant, cohesive, and full of life.

With fewer than 30 guests in attendance, the ceremony felt deeply personal. The vows were the emotional heart of the day, leaving many guests teary-eyed. Thoughtful parasols shaded guests from the Hawaiian sun while enhancing the coastal styling — both practical and beautifully in theme. It was a ceremony rooted in presence, love, and shared emotion.

Cocktail hour was relaxed and romantic, with beautiful bites by TANIOKA’S CATERING and soft music drifting through the warm air as the sun dipped toward the horizon. Entertainment was intentionally minimal, with one meaningful performance by a close friend — a professional musician who chose a song about first love, adding a layer of intimacy to the evening.

The reception unfolded with letters from mothers and best friends, filling the evening with emotion and laughter. Their first dance, practiced only in the final week before the wedding, became one of the most cherished memories — imperfect, heartfelt, and filled with joy.