Hawaii is a no-brainer when it comes to picking the perfect tropical honeymoon locale or a destination wedding spot. But how about a backdrop for a bridal shoot? With a team of talented vendors including florals and styling by Moana Events, coordination by Burnett’s Boards and images by Carmen And Ingo Photography, this inspiration is proving to be just as lovely. It’s a sea of white sand, king protea and a cathedral veil made entirely of orchids. See it all right here.
This styled shoot was equally inspired by the historic Dillingham Ranch and its noble Hawaiian heritage and the idea that the incomparable Carmen and Ingo were coming to Hawaii from Germany and wanted to do a shoot with me!
Dillingham Ranch is one of the most breathtaking estates in Hawaii, with a rich history and expansive grounds it truly is a one-of-a-kind venue. Established in 1897 – the ranch has an innate air of nobility as it was built by Hawaii’s first railroad tycoon and has hosted multiple royal families while on vacation in Hawaii.
To honor this grand tropical estate, I approached Event Planner & Designer, Morgan Childs of Moana Events to assist me in styling a timeless royal bride. With this in mind, Morgan designed a cathedral length veil fit for a reining princess created entirely out of white dendrobium orchid flowers. This provided an aristocratic compliment to the stately ceremony aisle lined with royal palm trees, while a bouquet of king protea flowers tied with a gray satin ribbon and trailing strands of purple crown flowers completed the imperial vision.
I picked out a blush, lace Carolina Herrera bridal gown provided by Nearly NewlyWed to be the perfect feminine counterpoint to our grand design. Morgan choose a simple, yet sophisticated look for the high bun & makeup of our model Meaghan (who is actually Morgan’s lead wedding coordinator! ). The makeup and hair was flawlessly executed in no time by Sarah Obringer who transformed our model into a vision of universal beauty.
In addition to shooting on the lawn of this estate, we wanted to shoot inside the historic residence built in 1917 which still boasts the original high windows, hard wood floors, and huge fireplace created entirely out of lava rocks. Morgan and I styled a second look for our model inside the home with antique props and a blush cathedral length veil worn backwards for an old-fashioned formalness.
The rambling grounds of the estate include a working ranch with horses, whom Meaghan couldn’t resist stopping by and petting while we were shooting under the hundred year old trees. Of course being in Hawaii Carmen and Ingo couldn’t resist the draw of the ocean just across the road and at the perfect “magic hour” we made our way down to the water for some final shots.
Photography: Carmen And Ingo Photography | Coordination: Burnett's Boards | Wedding Dress: Nearly Newlywed | Hair & Makeup: Whikd Hawaii | Venue: Dillingham Ranch | Bridal Belt: Olivia | Floral Design + Styling: Moana Belle Events | Veil: Danani Handmade