Oahu is a special place to Lauren and Makai. Lauren was born on the north shore, and Makai’s dad served a church mission there when he was similar in age to Makai now. When they decided to host their destination wedding in Oahu, Lauren and Makai made a few unique choices that made the event extra special.

With only their closest friends and family there, these intimate wedding celebrations were spread over a few happy days. I was lucky to be there for it all, capturing every detail that made this wedding week so fitting for Lauren and Makai’s personalities. First, they traded a rehearsal dinner for a beach day with all of their guests. Then they decided to forgo a traditional venue for a grassy backyard at an island estate (just wait until you see the view of the Ocean.) Keep scrolling to see every bit of this colorful, joyful, and relaxed Oahu destination wedding.

Beginning This Oahu Destination Wedding Day

After their guests arrived on the island, and the rehearsal dinner turned beach day wrapped, Lauren and Makai’s wedding day began. On this sunny Tuesday Morning, they were first married in a religious ceremony at the LDS Laie Temple. Their guests joined them inside and then greeted them happily after the special ceremony for group photos. The Laie Temple is one of my favorite Oahu spots to photograph, as you can see here in another recent shoot.

As their guests traveled back to prepare for the separate ring ceremony, Lauren and Makai snuck away to Laie Point and Bikini Beach for their Bride and Groom portraits. This iconic spot is perfect for commemorating an Oahu destination wedding. Another move in true fashion for this couple, they pulled out sunglasses for some fun editorial style photos.

Below you will find images from the private ring ceremony, laidback backyard wedding reception, and of Lauren and Makai’s guests joyfully celebrating with their close friends.

The Ring Ceremony With Beachfront Views

The first event held at this private beachfront estate was a ring ceremony, where Lauren and Makai exchanged heartfelt vows with the waves crashing behind them. Makai’s father officiated, which was so touching and personal, and added to the intimacy of the day. As they walked down the aisle, Lauren and Makai’s guests threw dried rose petals. 

Lauren’s vibe for this entire wedding was bold yet playful. This inspired the vibrant locations, the casual decor, and the bright color scheme. You can see this colorful theme began with her bridal bouquet at her formal wedding shoot. Now in Oahu, those oranges and yellows popped effortlessly against the striking blue ocean. You’ll see those bright colors throughout the wedding party attire and reception decor below.

The Laidback Oahu Backyard Wedding Reception

Following their ring ceremony, everyone transitioned to casual cocktail hour before the reception. This time included colorful local island appetizers and tropical drinks. Since we had already taken their bridals and formal photos back home in Utah, Lauren and Makai were able to spend this extra time mingling with their guests. And the clever addition of backyard games like cornhole made this cocktail enjoyable for everyone, of all ages.

The reception details that Lauren worked with her wedding planner on were amazing. My favorite was the surfboard welcome sign, which one of the bridesmaids actually helped create! Lauren loves to surf, so it made for such a fitting personal touch.

This Oahu destination wedding reception included a stunning catered dinner, followed by toasts and the formal dances. At the end of the evening, Lauren and Makai exited with their final personal touch. They wore beachy pool attire as their guests waved silver streamers. For Lauren, this final fun wedding look included a Hawaiin hakulei and a dress made for her by a friend out of a beach towel.

Other Oahu Destination Wedding Vendors

This wedding day was truly a special mix of classic traditions, unexpected and playful details, and lively colors everywhere you looked. Lauren and Makai included the work of top talented Hawaii wedding vendors. Plus added just the right personal touches made by loved ones, to complete their dream wedding day. Explore the work of the other vendors below, and click here to see more of my wedding photography work!

Wedding planner: Luana Events 

Linens: Hawaii Fine Linens

Florals: Wylder Florals

Event Rentals: Aloha Artisans

Video: Koa Films

Catering: Island Fusion

Gown: The Bridal Studio 

Rings: Luvari Custom Jewelry