A Wedding That Truly Celebrated the Natural Beauty of Hawaii at Four Seasons Oahu

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June 3, 2025

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

With the sparkling Pacific Ocean as our backdrop, we celebrated our May wedding at the Four Seasons Oahu in a day that felt like a dream come true. A floral arch adorned with pastel blooms of lavender, ivory, and blush framed our ceremony, exuding timeless elegance. Guests sat on cream chairs surrounded by lush, garden-inspired arrangements, while wide-brimmed hats added charm and comfort under the gentle ocean breeze. Our reception seamlessly combined elegance with Hawaii’s natural beauty. Beneath string lights and crystal chandeliers, tables draped in lace linens and pastel florals radiated refined romance. Gold accents added opulence, and the open-air setting embraced the greenery and ocean views. As the sun set and waves echoed in the distance, the intimate glow of the evening created an unforgettable celebration.

Proposal Story

Just a week after settling into our first “real” home in Manhattan and days before welcoming our second puppy, Mario, Ziyi orchestrated a proposal that marked the start of our next chapter. One year before our breathtaking wedding in Hawaii, Ziyi took me to Central Park, where, by Bethesda Fountain and with a cellist playing romantic melodies, he knelt to ask for my hand. During a casual walk with our beloved dog, Pika, this unforgettable moment unfolded, perfectly captured in a photo featured on our wedding website. New York, the city where we met, fell in love, and began our journey, remains a cherished part of our story.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

I fell head over heels for my timeless Roger Vivier shoes and the enduring elegance of the Jesús Peiró 2403 gown. This strapless beauty is a masterpiece of clean, crisp lines, featuring a cupped bodice that exudes effortless sophistication. Crafted from sumptuous Regina satin, the gown perfectly captures the refined essence of a classic wedding. My reception dress was pure magic—a vision so unforgettable it left a lasting impression. This dazzling maxi dress by Self-Portrait radiated brilliance with its generous array of sparkling rhinestones, mirroring the glittering chandeliers that adorned our outdoor venue. Designed with a figure-hugging silhouette, it beautifully showcased the label’s signature celebration of feminine elegance and eye-catching details. A perfect blend of glamour and grace, this gown defined eternal sophistication in every way.

Bridesmaid Dresses

We chose to forgo traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, allowing our friends and family to fully immerse themselves in the joy of the day without any added responsibilities. To tie everything together, we shared a thoughtfully curated color palette for guest attire, perfectly aligned with our wedding mood board. Soft hues of beige, sage, lavender, light grey, and graphite created a harmonious and elegant atmosphere, ensuring every detail reflected the cohesive, dreamy vibe of our celebration.

Groomsman Attire

Groom attire- The Soho Line Single-Breasted Tuxedo in Wool Crêpe by Giorgio Armani epitomizes refined elegance. Expertly crafted from luxurious virgin wool crêpe, this masterpiece features a sleek, comfortable fit enhanced by monochromatic grosgrain details on the shawl lapels and trouser stripe. Paired with a perfectly knotted pure silk bow tie, this tuxedo seamlessly brings Italian sophistication to the serene coastline of Hawaii, making a striking statement of timeless style.

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

Our wedding menu was a thoughtfully curated celebration of flavors inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii and our personal favorites. Guests enjoyed a variety of local delicacies, including a Cold Hawaiian Pupu Bar with dishes like grilled octopus and seared scallops, alongside plated entrees like red wine butter-roasted beef filet and salt-baked snapper. Signature martinis were the stars of the cocktail menu, perfectly complementing the evening's elegance. Each dish was chosen to reflect both the island's vibrant culinary traditions and our shared love for fresh, flavorful cuisine, making the dining experience an unforgettable part of our celebration.

Florals & Decor

Our wedding’s floral arrangements and decor were designed to embody the timeless romance we envisioned, seamlessly blending with the natural beauty of the Four Seasons Oahu’s oceanfront setting. Annie Lee Floral created lush, garden-inspired designs featuring soft pastel blooms—lavender, ivory, blush, cream, and hints of peach—complemented by textured elements like alliums, ranunculus, roses, and delicate greenery. The ceremony arch, framing the Pacific Ocean, was adorned with cascading florals and whimsical pampas grass, creating a dreamy focal point. Along the aisle, clusters of florals added a romantic touch, while elegant centerpieces with candles brought warmth and refinement to the reception tablescapes. Gold accents, lace linens, and crystal chandeliers elevated the ambiance with a touch of opulence. Despite the challenge of balancing intricate designs with the outdoor environment, every detail came together beautifully, creating a magical atmosphere that felt both intimate and effortlessly luxurious.

Wedding Cake

Our two-tier buttermilk wedding cake, crafted with Vanilla and Vanilla Diplomat with Fresh Berries flavors, was a delightful centerpiece that perfectly complemented our elegant celebration. Decorated by Annie Lee Floral Designs with blooms matching our wedding's floral design, it beautifully tied together the romantic pastel hues and garden-inspired theme.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

Set to the soul-stirring notes of Andrea Bocelli and Ed Sheeran’s duet of Perfect, the groom’s processional was a moment of pure emotion. For the bride’s entrance, Bocelli’s heartfelt rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love brought a timeless classic to life with his velvety, mellifluous delivery. The ceremony concluded with the joyous strains of Il Mondo by Jimmy Fontana, an iconic Italian melody featured in About Time. Romantic, elegant, and overflowing with happiness, the music was a celebration of love’s universal beauty—Il Mondo ~ Oh World ~. Our first dance was a moment of pure joy, set to the upbeat and delightfully cheerful Sara Perché Ti Amo by Ricchi e Poveri. As the lively melody filled the air, we couldn’t help but smile and laugh, letting the infectious rhythm guide our steps. This iconic Italian pop classic, with its playful energy and heartfelt lyrics, perfectly captured the carefree and celebratory spirit of our day.

Special Detail #1

Our two beloved Shelties—big brother Pika and little brother Mario—may not have been there in person, but their sweet spirits were woven into every detail of our celebration. From custom napkins adorned with their illustrated portraits and the playful phrase “Drinks are on us” to the heartfelt thank-you cards attached to the wedding favor baskets, their presence was felt everywhere. A charming nod to our furry family, these touches brought warmth and personality to our special day.

Special Detail #2

For a truly personalized touch, we designed custom coasters for each guest, elegantly showcasing their names. These artistic, hand-crafted pieces evoke the natural beauty of a delicate shell, with a translucent, organic shape that feels both serene and sophisticated. Soft pastel hues melt into one another, transitioning from a dreamy lavender at the top to a creamy white at the base, while delicate metallic silver accents glisten, adding a refined touch of luxury. Displayed upright on a minimalist wooden stand, the coasters effortlessly elevate the romantic ambiance of the table, serving not only as functional decor but also as a chic, personalized name card for each guest.

Special Detail #3

We curated a memorable experience with custom hats, each adorned with a personalized name card. Guests selected their hat upon arrival and personalized it at a decoration station, blending practicality with charm. These tropical-inspired hats kept everyone comfortable during the ceremony while adding a harmonious touch to the aesthetic. Combining functional style and playful elegance, this thoughtful detail perfectly complemented the day’s elevated yet relaxed vibe.

Couple Portraits