Tru & Codey’s Intimate Male’ana Gardens Elopement
Tru & Codey planned the most perfect day with their closest people—just 13 guests—for an intimate garden ceremony at Male’ana Gardens in Kailua, Hawai’i. This incredible micro-venue was exactly the right space for the peaceful, meaningful celebration they envisioned. They got ready in a beachy bungalow on the property, surrounded by quiet, lush beauty. The whole day was calm and breezy, with light sprinkles on and off and the smell of the ocean everywhere.
The ceremony took place under the palm trees, overlooking the turquoise waters of Kailua Bay. White paper fans were placed on each seat, with fresh leis draped over chair backs, and flower petals scattered down the aisle. Tru walked down the aisle with her dad, and her brother officiated—such a sweet, personal touch. Their ceremony was emotional and sincere, full of love and intention. Afterward, we wandered to the beach for newlywed photos. Tru left her shoes in the sand and they walked along the ocean. The light was soft, and the water was glowing.
Dinner was served in a covered cabana, with chandeliers overhead, hanging plants, and wood-carved art from Bali throughout the space. They shared toasts, cut a two-tier white cake with pink florals, and had their first dances after dark—Tru wore a stunning white flower crown for the reception and she was just glowing. These two are the absolute sweetest souls, and I was so honored to fly back to Hawai’i to document this day for them.
This was such a whirlwind of a trip, but I’m truly so honored I got to hop on a plane and fly back to Oahu to shoot an insanely gorgeous wedding with the sweetest couple, see some friends while we were there (I wish I could’ve seen more of my HI friends!! Next trip!) and bring Wynnie so we could show her just how special Hawaii is. We brought her to our favorite local spots, the beach where we announced our pregnancy, and dipped her toes into the ocean for the first time. All of my babies have dipped their toes and touched the sand before 6 months of age in Hawaii, so it was so special to continue that with her.
4 full days was absolutely not enough time there, but I was so ready to come home to see the big girls and get back to Midwest fall. I miss Hawaii so so very much, and being back there felt very therapeutic and extremely emotional- kind of like finding a resolution I didn’t know I needed. I’m not sure when we’ll be back next, but I’m always taking work there for anyone wanting to get married on the islands. 🤍
A hui hou, Hawaii.
Vendors:
Photography: Grace T Photography
Venue & Coordination: Male’ana Gardens, Kailua
Floral: Lulu’s Lei and Bouquets
Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair and Makeup
Dress: Agnieszka Swiatly from MaidenWhite Bride
Bar: The Bar Coco
Cake: Mana Cakes Hawai’i
Video: No Ka Oi Films