Vanessa & Eric’s Lush Oahu Destination Wedding at Café Julia

Apr 7

Vanessa and Eric’s destination wedding day on Oahu was absolutely perfect. 🌺 They both got ready at Ka La’i Waikiki Beach in bright, minimal suites with balconies overlooking the ocean and tropical plants. Vanessa’s suite had floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the mountains and city skyline. Her mom and two close friends helped her into her dress, a structured duchess satin gown with a square neckline, delicate straps, and a cathedral-length embroidered veil. Eric got ready just down the hall with his brother and cousins, wearing a classic black tux with a bowtie, pocket square, and black square-toe boots. Their first look on the high-rise balcony had the ocean and city spread out below them, and we stayed at the hotel for a few portraits before heading to the ceremony.

The courtyard at Café Julia was fully transformed by Annie Lee Floral Designs. Pink, orange, and fuchsia tropical blooms wrapped around the stone pillars, and strings of white flowers hung from the tree branches overhead. Rows of wooden chairs were set in a semi-circle facing the floral altar on the steps. Twinkle lights stretched across the courtyard. Guests arrived and took their seats while Vanessa and Eric shared personal vows surrounded by their closest people.

After the ceremony, the couple greeted guests in a receiving line by the pillars, signed their marriage license, and took family photos under the floral arch. While the courtyard was flipped for the reception by One and Only Hawaii, we stepped away for a few more photos by the tiled fountain next to the bright blue pool. Vanessa and Eric both wore fresh leis, his with big white flowers and greens, hers with two strands of tiny white blooms.

Guests found their seats by pulling name tags from a wall of white leis, with “you had me at aloha” glowing above it in neon. The tables were set with bold tropical centerpieces, candles, menus, and place cards. Rentals were provided by Aloha Artisans, with linens from The Wedding Linen Co and Hanapua Flowers Hawaii. Vanessa and Eric kicked off the reception with a choreographed first dance under the lights. Dinner by Kalele Eats was served in courses, with toasts from Vanessa’s dad and Eric’s sister in between. Vanessa changed into a long, sleek reception dress with mod square pattern sequins before they cut their single-tier cake topped with tropical flowers. Dessert included slices of white cake and fresh malasadas rolled in cinnamon sugar.

Just after sunset, a traditional fire dancer from ‘Ae Love You Events performed in the courtyard while guests watched from their seats under the twinkle lights. It was such a beautiful, warm moment full of awe. Then the dance floor opened up and everyone danced into the night, still wearing their leis of course!

Hannah had the best time shooting Vanessa and Eric’s tropical destination wedding on Oahu. 🌺 Where do you dream of getting married? The GTP Team would love to be there to help you capture it!

P.S. Vanessa & Eric’s parents hosted a welcome brunch in Honolulu the day before their intimate wedding. You can see the photos here—and start dreaming up your own full destination weekend. We’re always in for multi-day coverage!

Book your destination wedding photography with the GTP Team here