AN INTIMATE WEDDING AT HALEKULANI IN WAIKIKI
Alan and David originally locked eyes when mutual friends were speaking at an event in their hometown of Sydney, Australia. They bumped into each other locally a few times, and David asked Alan out for a coffee date. From that moment, they were inseparable – and are still inseparable to this day.
A Destination Engagement in Hawaii
As the couple’s relationship started flourishing over the course of the pandemic, they decided to book a trip to Honolulu. Little did David know Alan had already asked David’s parents for their permission to marry. Alan booked a beautiful Degustation at La Mer at the Halekulani Hotel; and with the assistance of the restaurant staff, Alan proposed with a platinum engagement ring from Tiffany & Co, against a uniquely Hawaiian sunset and the beautiful sounds of the Halekulani luau.
“They both fell in love with the Halekulani and knew it would be their special place.”
La Mer was adorned with red roses, and the couple at the table next to the grooms-to-be, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, wished them well and said they “hoped that we (the grooms-to-be) would be as happy as they were in 50 years.” After a celebratory cocktail, Alan then revealed to David that he was so excited about the proposal that he had already told all their family and friends that they were to be married in Hawaii. They both fell in love with the Halekulani and knew it would be their ‘special place.’ By 11 a.m. the following day, they met with the Halekulani events team, and the grooms-to-be booked their wedding within a week.
A Wedding at Halekulani in Waikiki
It was 15 months later when the grooms’ dream day arrived, and it was time for their wedding at Halekulani in Waikiki. An intimate group of 55 friends and family travelled to Honolulu from London, Auckland, and all over Australia. Alan wanted an all-white wedding, and David wanted every second of their day to be absolutely filled with beautiful flowers and tropical greens.
To make the wedding planning process easier, the grooms arrived in Hawaii the Sunday before their wedding day. There were several pre-wedding events to greet guests in the days leading up to the wedding, ranging from sunset drinks, lunches, dinners, and even the Honolulu Halloween celebrations, which was a novelty for all their international guests. During their time at Halekulani, the grooms stayed in a beautiful Diamond Head Junior Ocean Suite and were “treated like kings” by the entire hotel staff.
On the wedding day, the grooms both wore Maile and Tuberose leis, white shirts, white linen suits, and tan woven Italian leather loafers. Their jackets, however, were slightly different to reflect their personal style. Alan chose a sports jacket, while David opted for a tuxedo cut. David also wore the cufflinks that his beloved grandmother had given his grandfather as a wedding gift. Their groomsmen wore white linen pants, white linen shirts, tan loafers, and Maile leis.
The outdoor ceremony was held on the lanai of the Hau Terrace, overlooking Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Guests were all greeted with white orchid leis on arrival, before experiencing a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, led by a fabulous local Hawaiian leader who the grooms were lucky enough to befriend on their engagement trip. The ceremony was simply magical. Guests commented that it felt uniquely spiritual and incredibly special, whilst still incorporating the special moments of a modern wedding. After the ceremony, guests were served Pina Coladas and Hors d'Oeuvres as the sun set over the ocean, while being serenaded by a beautiful luau floating up from the Halekulani lawn.
The wedding reception was held inside the Hau Terrace. The grooms envisioned an ambiance that was “relaxed yet elevated,” and everything was executed to perfection by their florist, wedding planner, and the Halekulani events team. In addition to the aesthetics of the celebration space being on point, the scent of fresh flowers wafting through the air was divine.
The grooms’ sisters were the MCs. Explaining that name “THE GAYS” was already taken by the grooms and several of their guests, the MCs chose to call themselves “THE FAYS,” aka “Fabulous And Younger Sisters,” and they certainly were fabulous. David’s father spoke on behalf of the families discussing same sex marriage and had a few very funny jokes thrown in. Each of the four groomsmen delivered heartfelt speeches and led games that absolutely matched each of their personalities. The grooms also gave a combined speech, thanking their wedding team, celebrating special people that they had lost along the way, and thanking their families and friends for joining them on their special day.
Guests enjoyed a four-course meal, including cured salmon crudo, lobster bisque, red wine braised short rib or sautéed sea bass, and white chocolate coconut panna cotta. The wedding cake was Halekulani’s famous coconut cake – often referred to as “Old Faithful” – adorned with white tropical flowers. The couple insists, “If you haven’t tried their signature cake, it is an absolute must!”
The night finished with lots of dancing and some memorable moments in the photo booth.
The following day, guests enjoyed a recovery catamaran along the Waikiki shoreline. It was a beautiful end to the formal proceedings, and the most magical time of the couple’s lives.
WEDDING TALENT
Location & Catering: Halekulani Hotel, Honolulu, HI; Planner: A Perfect Day, Honolulu, HI; Floral Design: Jeff Alencastre, Honolulu, HI; Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co.; Grooms Attire: InStitchu; Grooms Watch: TAG; Hair: Jonny+June Hair, Sydney, Australia; Invitations: Samuel Pauletto, Sydney, Australia; Entertainment: The DJ Hawaii, Honolulu, HI; Photography: Derek Wong Photography, Honolulu, HI