Lauren and James say ‘aloha’ to intimate Hawaii wedding

Lauren Hunt and James Kealy got the best of both worlds when they jetted off for their Hawaii wedding.

“James wanted a large wedding at home and I wanted a very small, intimate wedding overseas,” Lauren, 28, says. “We compromised and decided we would invite everyone to our destination wedding in Hawaii.”

The couple did their homework, heading to the island paradise a year before the big day to check out wedding venues, catering, cakes and hair and make-up.

Lauren and James, 29, from Dural in New South Wales, wed in Oahu on October 22, 2015.

Thirty-six guests made the journey to Hawaii for the celebrations, which were held Loulu Palm Estate. “We had our reception at the same location as our ceremony. We had a beautiful clear-top tent set-up on the lawn, so at night guests could look up and see the stars.,” Lauren says. “It was beautiful.”

“We just enjoyed the night and had fun dancing under the stars, sipping piña coladas and roasting marshmallows by the beach. It wasn’t just the perfect day, it was the perfect holiday with our family and friends.”

Photos courtesy of Rachel Robertson Photography

 

Lauren’s strapless Brides Desire gown was sourced from Brides of Beecroft. “I chose this dress as I wanted something that would suit a beach wedding and also feel comfortable in the humid Hawaiian weather.”

Lauren chose elegant lavender gowns for her bridesmaids’ dresses.

“James is the most patient, kind and loving person I know,” Lauren says. “No one is perfect, but James comes pretty close.”

As their wedding cake, the couple opted for three tiers of cupcakes topped with an elegant single layer cake.