Trina and Chris said “I do” on the Big Island of Hawaii, at the Fairmont Orchid in Kona. But this big day was almost derailed by a natural disaster; luckily however the weather (and the surf) was perfect for the outdoor ceremony and reception overlooking the ocean.
The couple came from Washington to the islands to tie the knot and found the Fairmont to be the perfect spot for their size, budget and style. Wedding planner, Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings & Events filled us in on the planning and day’s details. “The Fairmont Orchid is great because it carries the brand and service of a Fairmont property but isn’t very big compared to its sister property over on Maui or other surrounding mega hotels on the big island. It almost feels like a boutique hotel and is a perfect size for a smaller wedding group.”
“The wedding was held just before Christmas so the hotel and surroundings were all decked out for the holidays. I am so in love with the red poinsettia plants that overwhelm Hawaii during this season. Their colors of deep red-fuchsia and purple were perfect for this time of year in Hawaii.”
“The wedding day started off a little rocky — without warning there were record breaking waves that day along the Kohala coast and a large wave had crashed into the resort at 6am that morning, flooding the property. The area that they were going to get married on was flooded as were the restaurants closest to the water. The hotel staff didn’t miss a beat. They started working on the property immediately. The incredibly high surf continued all day. It was so spectacular I even saw a chef grab a surfboard and go tear up a few waves during his lunch break. Gotta love the cowabunga dude attitude of the locals!”
“As the day went on we needed to make the call whether or not we should do the wedding outside so close to the ocean or move into a ballroom. This was a very difficult decision for everyone to make, including the hotel for liability purposes. I am glad the hotel made the right decision and I am glad the bride and groom weren’t scared off by this either. Let’s just say no one was swept away and they had the most spectacular backdrop to their wedding I’ve probably ever seen. The waves were so massive and loud, you could barely hear the ukulele player during the ceremony.”
Rain or shine, this darling couple was going to have an amazing wedding day, and that they did!
As guests enjoyed an amazing sunset, the reception kicked off next to where the ceremony had taken place. One long purple-clad table was set to get the party started.
The pair rented chandeliers to add a little drama to the outdoor setting which popped with color otherwise.
The vibrant color palette was carried throughout the day and night, right down to the tropical wedding cake!
This picture perfect wedding certainly doesn’t look like it faced a natural disaster that morning! Luckily all was well!
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Fletch Photography
Wedding Vendors: Wedding + Reception Location: Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, Wedding Planner: Lindeman Weddings & Events, Stationery: Nicole Mae Paper Design, Florist: Ainahua Florals, Linens: BBJ Linen, Chandelier Rental: Hawaii Island Events
