If you’re planning an outdoor or beach wedding on Oahu, there’s nothing quite as intimate and impressive than the Kualoa Ranch Wedding at Secret Island. I was lucky enough to photograph the loveliest couple at this incredible venue and I’m so excited to share the details of the day.

We started the day with some getting-ready and detailed photos at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel (which in itself is a gorgeous resort). Lauren was surrounded by her bridesmaids and closest family members while Reveal Hair & Makeup was busy making her look like a total queen. A special thank you to Kelly from Aloha Bridal Connections for setting up the bridal details and curating a stress-free day for the couple

First look with the ladies

After spending months obsessing over the perfect gown, Lauren found the right fit in a stunning, Rue De Seine lace masterpiece. I mean this dress had all those dreamy details any girl could ask for on her wedding day: lace details, fitted sleeves, a plunging back, and a mermaid train. Lauren got to do a fun first look with her gals and they were BLOWN AWAY. Also you should definitely add this adorable wedding tradition into your big day 🙂

First look at the banyan tree

Lauren and Ian opted to have the first-look tradition incorporated into their wedding day. First looks are such an incredible way to have an intimate moment with your partner without the stage fright. There are so many expectations that accompany hiding from your boo and only seeing them when they walk down the aisle.

In my opinion, your wedding day is a celebration of YOUR love and commitment to each other; so why not spend the MOST time together possible, am I right?

First looks are also a great way to slow down the wedding timeline. It also provides ample time for couples portraits and pictures of the bridal party. Otherwise, we have to shovel all this together frantically during family portraits…not fun.

Lauren and Ian chose to do their first look at a beautiful banyan tree near the hotel. Although this area was a bit busy, when Ian saw Lauren in her gorgeous Rue De Seine gown, time stopped and all those distractions melted away.

Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch

As I mentioned before, a secret island wedding at Kualoa Ranch is hard to top. Featuring a white sand beach and lots of shade, secret island offers couples an intimate and secluded tropical paradise. To get to the “island” guests travel by a short catamaran ride (you can opt to park in the parking lot at Kualoa Regional Park, but Lauren and Ian splurged on the boat and it’s SO worth it).

Next came the gorgeous ceremony. Lauren had actually envisioned a larger scale wedding but had to change her guest count due to new Covid restrictions that were put in place just before her and Ian arrived to Oahu for their wedding day. I’m talking riiiight before (I think it was by a few days).

Luckily the couple was flexible and easy-going and made the necessary changes. They were able to have an incredibly beautiful ceremony with their nearest and dearest. I personally LOVE intimate (or micro) weddings and I’m not mad that they’re becoming more and more popular. Carving out time to say hi to everyone at a large wedding is hard. It doesn’t leave a lot of room for your partner or those closest to you.

So even though Lauren didn’t have the wedding she had originally planned for, the day was perfect. Lauren even mentioned how much fun her small wedding was!

I was so honored to be a part of this secret island wedding at Kualoa Ranch and can’t wait to photograph more bohemian tropical goodness at this venue. Want some more inspo? Check out this gorgeous wedding at the Kekaha Harbor House in Kauai.

Photographer | Masha Sakhno Photo

Venue | Kualoa Ranch Weddings

Hair and Makeup | Reveal Hair and Makeup

Dress | Rue De Seine

Hotel | the Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Wedding Coordinator | Kelly at Aloha Bridal Connections

Rentals | Aloha Artisans

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