"Every Day Gets Better" - A Heartfelt Ko'Olina Wedding

On a beautiful summer day in Hawaii, two of the most incredible people I know were married. Kristen and Greg met in Oregon during middle school, where they dated for awhile before Kristen moved with her family to Hawaii. Her last day in Oregon was full of tears, hugs and goodbyes.

“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” — Maya Angelou

Years passed but I feel like the two of them always knew, or at least hoped, they’d end up holding hands in front of their families and closest friends to promise forever together. On June 20, 2014 at Roy’s Ko’Olina, we got to celebrate a bond that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

The guys celebrated the morning of the wedding with High West Whiskey (and jello shots) while getting ready for the big day.

Kristen got ready with the girls and her brother, who was her Man of Honor. She ditched the traditional white robe for hot pink. Her dress was strapless, soft and flowing, accented with a delicate beaded headpiece and very special silver bracelet.

Kristen and Greg’s first look was one for the books. Surrounded by Hawaii’s natural beauty, the two enjoyed moments alone before the ceremony began.

In an intimate room overlooking the resort, their guests were waiting. Kristen’s tearful walk down the isle with her father is something I will never forget. Greg’s vows were about how every day with Kristen is better than the last. Kristen read a letter she wrote to herself before she moved to Hawaii in the sixth grade about how she still hoped it was the two of them in the end. The room was bursting with love as the two exchanged rings and had their first kiss as husband and wife.

The families snuck away for photos while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour in the reception space.

Roy’s Ko’Olina looked like a painting. The tall palm trees, lush landscaping and blue skies set the perfect backdrop for the reception. The couple used vintage Hawaii postcards as table numbers and the guest book. Later, Kristen framed them in shadow boxes, the perfect wedding day memento!

The two snuck way at sunset to snap a few photos. Their photographer, Kpix Photography, did an amazing job capturing the many colors of a Hawaii sunset. Each picture is a work of art.

Then it was time for toasts, drinks and dancing! How beautiful were Kristen and Greg’s champagne flutes?! The tears came again as the couple danced to the acoustic version of Sam Smith’s Latch. After, we danced the night away!

Aloha Hawaii and Ko’Olina. This was a wedding I will never forget and I feel so lucky to be able to blog about. Cheers to Kristen and Greg (who just had their first precious child a few weeks ago)! May each day continue getting better than the last.

– Engaged Life