In a nod to the original online dating scene, Andrew and Felice met on OK Cupid in 2015 and have been inseparable ever since. They got engaged in June 2023 at the Harbor House Inn in Elk, California, where they had gone to celebrate Felice’s birthday. Although the weather was colder and cloudier than expected, on their final morning, the clouds parted just in time for Andrew to find the perfect moment. He led Felice down to the beach, accessible by a steep staircase from the inn’s rugged coastline, where Andrew got down on one knee in a moment that both could only describe as “picturesque.” They planned their destination wedding on the Big Island of Hawaii with the help of Sunshower Weddings, drawing inspiration from old Hawaiian style, diverse flora, and vibrant colors. Felice, an interior designer and project manager, had a clear vision for their wedding day. The Holualoa Inn perfectly suited this vision, offering lush outdoor spaces with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean all captured for them throughout the day by Moments by Moriel.
Luxury with a vintage vibe
Felice set the tone for their wedding with letterpress invitations, vintage stamps, and a professional calligrapher. Every detail – from invitations to flowers, music, clothing, and decor – was carefully chosen to transport guests to a bygone era of tropical romance.
Hawaiian lei tradition
In homage to the Hawaiian lei tradition, friends of the bride and groom greeted guests by hand-selecting a lei for each person and placing it around their neck as they arrived for the ceremony.
Traditional Hawaiian ceremony
The ceremony was led by a Hawaiian officiant who guided the couple through traditional Hawaiian vows, emphasizing the values of aloha and ohana. Framed by two pillars of colorful floral arrangements courtesy of UhiUhi Flower House, Felice stood at the altar in a Markarian NYC gown in glowing candlelight silk, adorned with a tiny floral pattern. The fabric draped from her shoulders to the back, creating a train-like effect. She completed her look with vintage jewelry, orchids in her hair, and a custom lei designed to match her bouquet.
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Traditionally tropical bar menu
During cocktail hour, guests were offered a traditionally tropical bar menu with a twist. Floral and frond stationery offered the perfect detail for the stationery.
On trend: Tree limb lighting
Guests enjoyed the option of vintage furniture under rattan lighting during cocktail hour, which also acted as the perfect wedding photo op.
Whimsical (yet tropical) vintage decor
The reception embraced whimsical vintage decor, featuring bamboo and rattan furniture, gauzy linens, woven lanterns, and bright orange taper candles. Felice hand-painted the place cards, which were made from abalone shells (a delicacy that the Big Island of Hawaii is known for!) that she had sanded and polished to bring out their iridescent colors.
Cake: Textured and tropical
The couple cut into a two-tier textured cake from Nadine Bakes accented with orchids and other tropical florals.
Hawaiian tradition: Fire knife dance
Later in the evening, a traditional fire knife dance was performed while guests dined among lush flowers in shades of orange, pink, and blue and relaxed to the sounds of steel guitar.
