Isabel & Daniel’s Intimate Traditional Samoan Wedding in Oahu

Isabel & Daniel got married with their closest family and friends surrounding them on Oahu. The views from their venue were breathtaking, and seeing the ocean out beyond the mountainous and lush tropical landscape made my heart so full. The bride looked stunning in her off-the-shoulder white gown, full length veil, and white flower crown, and the groom was timeless in his black suit, with a blush rose boutonniere. Both of them were draped with stunning white and fuchsia leis, and they brought all the happy and easygoing vibes for their day.

Hibiscus flowers were blooming, and though we couldn’t escape the rain on their springtime wedding day, it made for the most gorgeous and vibrant green hues in their images. Not only was the island and the surrounding nature itself incredibly beautiful, Daniel & Isabel’s loved ones came dressed in all kinds of colorful and festive outfits, both modern and traditional, and they gathered on the tropoical green lawn to celebrate in the couple’s love and watch as they shared their vows. A whole group of flower girls dressed in adorable floral dresses scattered a long path of white and red rose petals on the lawn, leading to the altar for Isabel to walk on. After the first kiss, everyone headed inside the venue to share toasts, traditional Samoan dances, and good food (including multiple wedding cakes!).

This was my first time photographing a traditional Samoan wedding, and I had the best time being immersed in all of their beautiful wedding day customs. Something I’ve been thinking about frequently is how I have the privilege of photographing families from all kinds of different backgrounds and cultures, celebrating the best day of their life through tradition and family. Although weddings from different cultures can vary a lot, and there are completely different events and traditions during a Samoan wedding than the events I was used to photographing in the Midwest, like the bride performing a cultural dance after the ceremony, or stacking numerous leis around the bride and groom after the ceremony as a gesture of love, what it all comes back to, in every culture, is the couple saying “Yes!” to forever, with their person. ❤️

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Photography by Grace Troutman – Oahu-based couples photographer and wedding photographer (associate shot for Mersadi Olson)

Edited with @gracetpresets Golden Presets for Lightroom ✨

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