My Kauai Wedding

56 Comments

Photo by: Emily Helen, Kauai Photographer

We just got back from Kauai, where Jeremy and I had our wedding and honeymoon.

From the beginning of our courtship, we had envisioned an intimate and private beach ceremony, and that vision became a reality on Feb 12.

Finding the right beach was a little stressful. After driving around the island, we were lead to Moloa’a beach based on Emily’s suggestion. Hidden behind a row of swanky houses built high off the ground, “It’s perfect”, we thought. Interestingly, it was here that the opening beach scenes of Gilligan’s island were filmed.

All photos were taken by the wonderfully talented Emily Helen. Being photographers ourselves, we were extremely picky when it came to finding the right photographer. We even considered flying in one of our photographer friends from Seattle. After searching through dozens and dozens of photographers on the island, we were ecstatic to have found Emily – we were certain that she was the best photographer on Kauai.

** Click here to see more wedding photos from this day (I’ll be adding new pictures to this album regularly) Click here for candid photos from the honeymoon**

Music

Here’s the playlist from that day:

The Ceremony

Photo by: Emily Helen, Best Kauai Wedding Photographer

Wedding Portraits

Photo by: Emily Helen, Best Kauai Wedding Photographer

More Photos?

We got around 250 images back from Emily. Narrowing them down wasn’t easy.
To see more photos from this day, check out the album on facebook. Click here for candid photos from the honeymoon

Kauai Travel Tips

• Car Rental – Book these way in advance. Last minute bookings usually mean $100 a day and often unavailable. We booked ours a month in advanced and we did so using priceline. It was our first time using priceline, a little nerve racking, but it worked out to our advantage. We bid $13 a day for a mid-size car, and got it. After taxes, it worked out to be $20 a day. When we arrived, they were out of midsize cars, and we ended up with a convertible. A great deal! I recommend bidding on priceline as early as possible.
• Hotel – Again, book as early as possible. A hotel is often cheaper when you book it together with your flight, rather than booking it individually. There are countless condos (vacation rentals) on the island – pros: full kitchen, laundry. cons: cleaning fee, no daily maid service. The cost works out to be about the same. Some are listed on craig’s list. Josh at Kauai Exclusive helped us find a swanky condo at Waipouli Beach Resort, and we absolutely loved it! Considering the cost of food on the island, having a kitchen is really handy! The guide book below has a detailed list of rentals and reviews. I recommend checking there first. Bargain for multiple nights and multiple bookings.
• Guide Book – “The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook” was recommended by our friends who also got married on Kauai. When you’re there, everyone is holding a copy of this book. Colorful, informative and very well written. I would skip the Lonely planet and get just this one book.
• Must See Sight – “Kauai Hindu Monastery” (p63 in guide book for directions) – This place is extraordinarily beautiful! Open daily from 9am to noon. We highly, highly recommend getting a guided tour, this is the only way you can visit the garden/forest section of the monastery containing all kinds of beautiful and rare vegetation. The tour is free, happens only once a week and you need an appointment (888-735-1619). We dropped in a few mornings to meditate and to participate in the pujas. Use mosquito repellent before you go (I didn’t and was bit, many times).

Kauai Wedding Tips

• Photography Emily Helen, Kauai Wedding Photographer Hands down, Emily is the best person for photography on the island. She combines commercial fashion photography into wedding portraiture, really clean and beautiful. She also charges a lot less than many of the crappy photographers on the island, trust us, we’ve looked.
• Hair & Makeup Christie at Main Attraction Hair Studio. Christie is really sweet and thoughtful. She can come to your hotel room to get you all prettied up. Or you can make an appointment to visit her in the salon. It’s cheaper to visit the salon. For my nails, I had a french manicure at the plaza across from the salon for $22. The place is called Acrylic Nails & Lucy Alterations, (808) 821-9009, Wailua Plaza.
• Cake – We really debated with the cake, having the option to get it from Icing on the Cake. But because we had a small party, one could get a simple cake from safeway for much cheaper. $70 vs. $18. We chose the latter. We order 2 cymbiduim orchids at $5 a piece and a bunch of small white orchids ($0.20 each) and decorated the cake ourselves.
• Flowers – “JC’s Flowers & Mini Mart” is a small family run shop that many locals recommended, based on our research, they were also the cheapest, especially if you know exactly what you need. The bouquet of mini calla lillies (30 flowers) costed $130, cheapest you’ll find on the island.(808)822-5961, Attached to Wailua Plaza.
• Dinner Reception – We went to The Beach House. This place is super popular, make sure to reserve way in advance, else you’ll get late seatings. Get a table beside the window and you can hear the sea crashing on the beach. Roughtly $50 a person with wine, so-so (slightly annoying) service, but exceptional food. I recommend the Sea Scallops.

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56 Responses (54 Comments, 2 Trackbacks ):

Comments

1. Sid Savara

   Feb 26 09, 3:50 pm

   1

   Awesome! Congratulations!

   I visited Kauai once when I was a kid. All I remember about it is beaches and beautiful greenery everywhere =)

2. Glen Allsopp

   Feb 26 09, 4:03 pm

   2

   Wow, you’re married?

   Congratulations, I’m surprised but happy for you Tina!

3. Monica

   Feb 26 09, 4:23 pm

   3

   Congratulations to you both!
   You look so stunning Tina. These pictures are amazing (as a photographer I’m sure you appreciate them even more) and the landscape simply priceless. Thanks for sharing them with us.
   Wishing you both much love and happiness, growth and peace.

4. Bridey

   Feb 26 09, 5:38 pm

   4

   Congratulations! You both look so happy and those photos are so sweet!

5. John

   Feb 26 09, 6:20 pm

   5

   May your joy, peace & strength in each other know no bounds!
   So happy for you two!

6. Annie Binns

   Feb 26 09, 7:29 pm

   6

   I was just thinking a few days ago, “Where has Tina been lately…” What fantabulous news this is! Finding someone who creates that soft place for you to fall is one of life’s miracles. I am so happy for both of you!

7. Shamelle- TheEnhanceLife

   Feb 26 09, 8:26 pm

   7

   Congratulations Tina!
   This is indeed an inspiring story. Perhaps sharing personal details on your blog was a bit difficult, but I am glad you did :-)

   Wish you both a bright future…

8. Louis from NYC

   Feb 26 09, 9:35 pm

   8

   Oh that is so sweet. I was just in Kauai at the same time. I think we shared the same island for a while. Would have loved to run into you and you “hubby” since I read your posts all the time. If I ever get married , a ceremony Kauai will be right at the top of the list.

9. Emily Helen

   Feb 26 09, 10:57 pm

   9

   You two are gorgeous! You were made for each other. Thank you Tina for all you have done! You are awesome!

10. Stig Nordas

    Feb 26 09, 11:31 pm

    10

    Hot Damn Congratulations you two! Beautiful photos & a very handsome couple.

11. athena

    Feb 27 09, 5:48 am

    11

    congratulations! and best wishes for a long and happy life!

12. Shomoita

    Feb 27 09, 6:11 am

    12

    Wow, Congratulations to both the newly weds. You’re looking beautiful and gracious. The pictures are worth expressing the joy and happiness. Wish you all the very best in life. Keep writing.

13. Toni

    Feb 27 09, 8:14 am

    13

    Congratulations to both of you :) I’m sure the photographer was talented, but I believe that your beautiful pictures are due to you both…you both look so happy and so at peace. I think each of you let your inner light shine, and it just beamed outward. This reflected in your pictures, as I’m sure it will reflect in your life together.

    I wish you much love and peace and happiness, singularly, and as one.

    *namaste*

14. Patricia

    Feb 27 09, 8:28 am

    14

    Stunning pictures! I’m from NYC and I have been to tons of weddings but your ceremony pictures are one of the best I’ve ever seen. Nothing like surrounding yourself by nature in all its beauty and splendor. I especially love the cake!

    Thank you for sharing your story. All women should learn to love themselves before they can bestow it on someone else.

    May you live happily ever after….

15. Aw Guo

    Feb 27 09, 9:09 am

    15

    Very very beautiful, the island, the beach, the ocean, and the couple :)

16. Andrea

    Feb 27 09, 11:48 am

    16

    My congratulations! May your life together be so beautifull and abundant and fullfilling as the nature that surrounded and witnessed your sacred ceremony!

17. uzma

    Feb 27 09, 12:45 pm

    17

    Hey,
    Me again. Left a post on your other blog. Just to add that the pictures are beautiful and love and tears are truly in the air.

    Lovely, touching, pictures. Glad we could see how true love manifests itself in these wonderful pictures.

    God bless
    Uzma

18. jill

    Feb 27 09, 1:43 pm

    18

    congrats to you and thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. you are as beautiful on the inside as the outside.
    blessings..
    Jill

19. Antonia

    Feb 27 09, 8:35 pm

    19

    Congratulations again. This is just perfect. =)

20. Siri62

    Feb 28 09, 9:08 am

    20

    Lovely! May there be much happiness and growth ahead for both of you.

21. Michel & Yves

    Mar 02 09, 9:08 am

    21

    Hey Tina – Congratulations! We wish you many years of happiness. May your relationship bring you inner joy, peace and equanimity. May it be a source of fulfilment and growth. May it reveal the Self. Love, Michel & Yves

22. Kimolisa

    Mar 02 09, 10:15 am

    22

    Hiya!

    Oh my gosh, you both look so adorable. The last picture was beautiful, it looks like something you would see in a magazine.

23. Tony

    Mar 02 09, 11:05 am

    23

    Congrats! Know what you mean about love when you least expect it. After about a year of dating and nearly 9 years of friendship, I proposed on Valentine’s Day – our wedding should be around September.

    All quite exciting. Best of luck!

24. Mark S

    Mar 02 09, 5:41 pm

    24

    You’re pictures are all great, but the ones that feature your smile are fantastic!

25. Mona

    Mar 02 09, 6:49 pm

    25

    wow, that’s a huge stone…your ring, not the rock (:

26. Jared

    Mar 03 09, 7:35 am

    26

    Congrats! Kauai is fantastic, my wife and I got married there December 2nd, 2008. Thanks for the travel tips as well, we hope to return sometime soon! It rained during our ceremony, (slightly) and we were told it’s a blessing from the Gods (although we’re sure they tell that to everyone). It was the best day of my life without a doubt.

    Again, Congratulations!

27. Mademoiselle Bbg

    Mar 04 09, 3:59 am

    27

    Congratulations ! The pictures are wonderful.

28. Bumblebeemoi(Philip)

    Mar 05 09, 10:59 am

    28

    One of the most gorgeous, beaming smiles I have ever seen! What a fantastic looking guy!

    Tina, very insightful thoughts in regard to planning the wedding. I was a minister for almost 20 years, so I have seen the stress right up close when folks try to have a huge or “perfect” wedding. It’s especially diificult when there is a parent (usually the Bride’s mom) who puts pressure on for perfection.

    It’s all over in a few hours; the relationship should be forever. If the relationship isn’t worked on even half as much as the ceremony, then ultimately, the ceremony and all the obsession means nothing.

    Think of all the generations where there were only family and a few friends involved and the bride simply wore a nice dress. These were our parents and grandparents. One shouldn’t buy jeans to impress others nor do big weddings!

    Also, great stuff on loving yourself. It’s all about “Being before attracting.” You serve many with your wisdom

    Philip

29. Anmol Mehta | Mastery of Meditation

    Mar 10 09, 11:11 am

    29

    Thanks for sharing your joy and special occasion with us all. Congratulations and Best Wishes,

    Cheers,
    Anmol

30. Sridiniari

    Mar 15 09, 9:59 pm

    30

    just one word for two of you: LOVE. :)

31. Helen Hunt

    Mar 19 09, 1:31 pm

    31

    Congrats on getting hitched. Its one of the happiest days in ones life and you definitely look it on those photos :)

    Have a great time together.

32. Dimitar Nikolov

    Mar 21 09, 5:52 am

    32

    You both look remarkable – just like in a happy end of a movie. The only difference is that it’s your beginning. I wish you an amazing time together and loads of happy moments – after all, marriage isn’t the same without them!

33. Scott Dinsmore

    Mar 21 09, 1:42 pm

    33

    Those pictures are so beautiful Tina! I can’t tell you how happy I am for both of you.

    Here is to living true happiness, daily…

    -Scott

34. Michelle

    Mar 21 09, 1:47 pm

    34

    Wow, congrats! Your wedding looked very intimate and special…as it should be. Simply simple and beautiful.

    On a more personal (self-serving) note, your groom is very handsome…any single brothers? :-)

    Best wishes and be well!

35. Tina Su

    Mar 23 09, 3:53 pm

    35

    @Michelle,

    hahaha… thank you! You made me laugh with this comment. I agree and feel that he is very handsome.
    No single brothers, tho. :)

    @everyone

    Thank you for all your warm wishes. Your comments have truly made my heart smile. Big love to you!!

    Tina

36. Evelyn Lim

    Mar 26 09, 6:41 pm

    36

    Oh wow….your pictures are so romantic!! It sure looks like you are made for each other! Beautiful!!

    Blessings and more blessings to both of you,
    Evelyn

37. Brigitte

    Apr 12 09, 11:52 am

    37

    I’ve been reading your blogs for several months now and it’s helped me a lot.

    Seeing you SO happy and full of joy and life it’s so good. You’re a great inspiration, and all the happiness in your life is well deserved.

    Congratulations! :D

    And thank you for all the wonderful things you’re sharing in this site.

38. Liara Covert

    May 11 09, 4:01 pm

    38

    Tina, the intimate wedding experience you share through these photos enables your readers to feel more connected to you and the web of universal love. We share a soul journey. Love is a universal language that reminds you what matters. Everyone is connected through a thread of eternal joy. Thank you for reinforcing the power of compassion, light and bliss. Everything you write works magic to bring people together.

39. Michael

    Jun 02 09, 10:10 am

    39

    Good Lord, what a gorgeous couple!

    It makes me want to go out, TODAY, and find the right woman.

40. Karla

    Jun 07 09, 1:46 pm

    40

    You have proven that to have a beautiful wedding you don’t need to spend so much. I think they are the most beautiful pictures I’ve seen. I want to wish you both the best. Thank you so much for sharing them.

41. Emma

    Jun 07 09, 4:21 pm

    41

    Wow I just found your blog. Great post, congratulations, inspiring too! Loving the art of self love. Thankyou! The facebook photo link seems to have expired, would you be able to repost?

42. Tina Su

    Jun 09 09, 12:01 pm

    42

    Hi Emma,

    Thanks for letting us know. I didn’t even know the links could expire.

    I’ve just updated the facebook photo links. They should work now.

    Warmly,
    Tina

43. Elahe

    Jun 17 09, 1:28 am

    43

    Dear Tina,
    Thank you for sharing your lovely photoes with us and also congratulations and hope have great and fantastic days with each other. I would pray for you!!!
    Elahe

44. ashwin

    Jul 26 09, 3:17 pm

    44

    Tina you might want to make the mp3 player start manually according to user preference. Just a suggestion. :-)

45. ashwin

    Jul 26 09, 3:24 pm

    45

    oops I didn’t realize I was on your personal site… sorry.

46. Winnie Chin

    Sep 28 09, 12:44 pm

    46

    Hi Tina,
    I am getting married in Kauai this coming Saturday and just wanted to say a big thank you to you for posting your absolutely beautiful and wonderfully helpful wedding info here!

    I found my dream photographer, Emily, due to your high recommendation! We are having a tiny ceremony/reception at the Beach House restaurant (that’s how I came upon your site when googling).

    You and your husband seem like two people who truly understand what the meaning of a marriage is and did not let any frills get in the way of what a wedding really should be about! I like to think we are the same way and I hope we don’t forget it the day of!

    Many warm thoughts and well wishes,
    Winnie Chin

47. Julie Angelos

    Nov 14 09, 3:36 am

    47

    You look absolutely stunning. I live in Italy and we have a saying here: the sun shines on the beautiful. That’s why your face is illuminated in your pictures.

    A marriage is like a journey and my family and I wish you bon voyage.

    Julie

48. outdoor wedding venues

    Dec 24 09, 5:47 am

    48

    Sam’s has some very expensive, quality jewelry and they are “honest”. Whatever you purchase there is guaranteed to be of superior quality. I often go to their site and drool over the amazing rings they have. I hope you find something you’d like to get for your wife there!

49. Christina

    Jan 18 10, 10:56 am

    49

    Hi Tina,
    Thanks for the great tips. But one thing I would like to know is who you got to marry you and did you bring and set up the table with the cake yourself? Everything did look beautiful.

50. Jessie

    Oct 12 10, 7:11 am

    50

    WOW! Your wedding was so pretty, did you stay there for the honeymoon? ( :

51. Elsa

    Apr 19 11, 6:35 am

    51

    Dear Tina,

    Congratulations to you & your husband on your beautiful, romantic wedding! The photos were magical. I’ve discovered your site and love how you express yourself, we feel we are your personal friends by how you describe things. I’ll be returning regularly, even if I view it at work – what is lunch for? ;-)

    Well done also on how you handled the person who tried to sabotage the good wishes comments with a negative comment. It is part of the past and private, but you still responded with grace and honesty.

    I love how you left your “safe” career to follow your passion, dreams and make every day meaningful. Even your choice of articles, is thought out. Inspirational, motivating and encouraging. I may follow your steps one day ;-)

    I’m glad to share right now my happiness is thanks to a wonderful man I met in August last year. Exactly how you describe in your articles on relationships, when we least expect it, it happens :) I’ll share more sometime.

    This comment is more about wishing you & Jeremy all the happiness in the world. Wishing you God’s richest blessings of good health, peace and much love & happiness.

    Congrats & Best Wishes,
    love from South Africa
    Elsa xxxx

52. liliya

    May 13 11, 1:50 am

    52

    You and your husband ‘re so beautiful!!!!!

53. Aslih Srilillah

    Jun 22 11, 10:33 pm

    53

    Hi Tina..! This is my first time visit your blog. It is so interesting! I am started to learn about happiness, law of attraction and something like that….

    Your wedding is awesome.. congratulation Tina!

54. Kristina

    Oct 30 11, 7:05 pm

    54

    What beautiful photos! You looked radiant. I just found your site and am finding such wonderfully inspired messages and stories. Thank you so much for sharing.

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1. Yup, I Got Hitched! | ThinkSimpleNow.com - Feb 26 09
2. My Kauai Wedding | Simply Tina » My Kauai Wedding | www.acrylicnails.ca - Feb 26 09