By the time of Jen and Jonas’ wedding in Kauai, they had been together nine years, and engaged for almost five. To say that everyone was ready to see these two walk down down the aisle is an understatement.
Even when we shot their San Francisco engagement session a year before, they still hadn’t nailed down their wedding location. So we were relieved when, four months later, they returned from Kauai with a confirmed wedding date.
Jen and Jonas’ destination wedding weekend began with a rehearsal dinner at Makanalani, a privately owned property that hosts private events but whose main mission is to provide a free camp experience for city youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Renting out the location for private events like Jen and Jonas’ rehearsal dinner helps fund their youth programs. The evening began with all of us jumping in the back of a truck with the owners and driving into the fields to feed the donkeys, and ended with a hula lesson by two local dancers. Quite a way to kick off the celebration!
On the wedding day, Jen and Jonas got ready at the former St. Regis Princeville, which is now 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, one of the most beautiful beach locations I’ve ever seen. Their raucous, mischievous Chinese wedding games and emotional tea ceremony were also held there, before everyone was shuttled over to the stunning cliffside ceremony location on the Daniels Property. Afterward, everyone walked down the hill to the Gallenson Property for the tented reception.
It rained off and on during the two days, including right before Jen walked down the aisle. And we were up against extreme heat and humidity the whole weekend. But nothing could have dampened Jen and Jonas’ spirits. They took such great care of everyone all weekend, and kept us laughing and entertained with their constant humor and shenanigans. There’s a lot of love between these two, but there’s also a lot of playfulness and mischief – which, to me, seems like a pretty perfect balance for a long life of adventure and fun.
See our other Hawaii weddings!