Rainy Kualoa Ranch, Oahu Wedding Day

February 25, 2022

Donna + Wade’s hawaiian wedding day started out sunny and humid, and finished out rainy and dreamy. Though it rained, the only thing that was pouring was the hype and celebration surrounding Donna and Wade’s wedding day. All in all, this wedding day was really special to be able to witness, be apart of, and help document. Donna + Wade’s love for eachother was soft, peaceful, and captivating. They had been dating and waiting for this day for over 10 years! 75 of their loved ones were able to travel and join them to celebrate their long awaited wedding at the famous Kualoa Ranch. Words will never truly be able to do this wedding day justice. From the outpouring of love from their family, to the intimate traditions they embraced throughout their day, nothing could shake the feelings of excitement, true happiness, and overwhelming joy overflowing throughout this Oahu wedding day.

Kualoa ranch is a stunning property on the east side of Oahu with unmatched beauty found it’s open Jurassic valleys and fields overlooking the ocean in one direction and the massive, rigged hawaiian mountains in the opposite direction. For those wondering if there is any relationship to the Jurassic Valley to Jurassic Park….. YES! Jurassic Park was filmed here at Kualoa Ranch as well as The Lost World, Jumanji, Godzilla, Hawaii 5-0, 50 first dates, and many many more famous hollywood movies and series! Their day literally was on the most dreamy movie set in the world 🥺😍

Donna and Wade’s day began at Paradise Bay with their wedding party as they sipped champagne and enjoyed each other’s company as they prepared for all the wedding day festivities. Paradise bay is a gorgeous hideaway condo style resort overlooking Kane’ohe Bay. The specific ceremony location for their Oahu Wedding Day was at the Paliku Gardens framed with tropical palms overlooking the famous Mokoli’i Island aka “Chinaman’s Hat” and Kane’ohe Bay.

They and their loved ones are THE MOST HYPE, FUN LOVING kinds of people. It was raining for their entire ceremony and everyone rolled with it, embraced it, and it was honestly such a vibe! They did not let anything stop them from enjoying every moment. As soon as the ceremony was finished it was PARAYYY TIME. They danced, laughed, had the most moving speeches, and took many group tequila shots haha.

Wade’s family are born and raised on Maui and have deep Japanese roots. A fun and meaningful japanese tradition they included within their speeches was the Banzai Toast. The word Banzai is believed to mean 10,000 years of life. Typically there are two different Banzai toasts: 1 from the guests to the bride and groom wishing them 10,000 years of happy life together and 1 from the family to all of the guests wishing the same. The first toast was led by a good friend of Wade’s family. He shouts Bonzai at the top of his lungs 3 times as the crowd repeats after him with loud shouts as well. The second Banzai toast was given by Wade’s uncle. The good energy radiating after the toasts was out of this world!

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Enjoy this highlight gallery of some of my favorite moments from Donna + Wade’s complete gallery below :’ )