Audrey and Joseph's Waimanalo Beach Wedding

Every Monday here at Tradewind Weddings, we celebrate Male' Ana Mondays.  Male 'Ana means wedding in the Hawaiian language and every Monday, we feature a wedding couple that we have helped plan their wedding day!  Today's couple, Audrey and Joseph, were married at our favorite beach location, Waimanalo Beach. This beach boasts the white, sandy beaches and blue water that Hawaii is famous for, but it is also backed by beautiful ironwood forest that makes for another perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.  Audrey and Joseph's family and friends traveled with them to share in the wedding festivities and soak up some Hawaiian sun.

Tradewind Weddings Feature: The Sand Ceremony

For many, many years, unity ceremonies have been a part of wedding ceremonies to symbolize the joining together of two lives into one.  The most common of these ceremonies is the unity candle ceremony, in which a single, unity candle is lit by the flames of the bride and groom's single candle.  One of the downfalls of this unity ceremony is that there is no keepsake from the union.  Once the candle is blown out, it no longer has significance.

Many couples, especially here in Hawaii, are trading out the traditional unity candle ceremony for something that is unique and fun; the sand ceremony.  This ceremony is very similar to the unity candle, but the bride and groom pick out their favorite color of sand and each pour the sand into one keepsake vase.  The blending of the sand makes for a beautiful design that can be put on display in the couple's home.  For a blended family, children can be included in the sand ceremony and they love it!  With so many colors of sand and types of vase to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Jeff and Sandy North Shore Vow Renewal

Aloha!  Today is Male' Ana Monday and our couple, Jeff and Sandy, traveled to the island of Oahu to renew their vows on their 10 year anniversary.  Re-affirmed in marriage on the North Shore's Ali'i beach, Sandy and Jeff brought along their 2 beautiful sons to share in the special day.  After saying "I do" again, the family played in the sand and watched the sun set while getting some great photographs that will remind them of this day for years to come.  We had such a great time with Sandy, Jeff and their family and hope that they come back to visit us for their next special anniversary celebration.

Hawaii Wedding Traditions

Hawaii is the dream wedding destination for many brides around the world.  The pristine, turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and Hawaiian breeze are enough to tempt any bride to tie the knot in this land of paradise.  But, it is the culture of the Hawaiian islands that sets them apart from many other tropical locations.  Many couples choose to include some Hawaiian traditions in their weddings to add a unique and fun touch to the traditional wedding ceremony. 

Music

The "Hawaiian Wedding Song," made famous by the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, is a favorite at weddings here in Hawaii.  This song can even be played by a local guitarist or ukulele player that can be hired to serenade you and your guests during your wedding ceremony and reception.  Along with the famous "Hawaiian Wedding Song," these musicians can usually play a variety of Hawaiian inspired love songs and melodies.

Leis

One of the most popular Hawaiian traditions is the exchange of leis between the bride and groom.  Symbolizing respect and love, the lei is usually made from a variety of fresh, island flowers.  The lei is made into a circle, like a ring, to represent eternal commitment and love that is shared between husband and wife. 

Attire

In Hawaii, it is traditional for the bride and groom to wear all white on their wedding day.  The groom often wears a colored sash around his waist.  The laid-back, beach atmosphere here in Hawaii makes it acceptable for the wedding party to wear something less formal than a traditional wedding.  Many groomsmen choose to wear an "aloha" shirt with khaki or white shorts.  It is also very common for the bride to choose a less-formal wedding dress without a long train.

Hawaiian Language

An easy way to incorporate Hawaiian culture is to incorporate some Hawaiian sayings into your ceremony.  Here is a list of some Hawaiian love sayings:

Ko'u Aloha - My Love
Ku'u Lei - My beloved
Me Ke Aloha - With Love
Me Ke Aloha Pumehana - With the warmth of my love
Mau Loa - Forever
Nau Ko'u Aloha - My love is yours
Na'u `oe - You're mine

Ring Blessings

To start this ring blessing, the wedding officiant fills a koa wood bowl from a body of water.  The koa wood represents strength and integrity, like that required in marriage, because of its quality.  Representing prosperity and health, the ti leaf is then dipped into the water and sprinkles water of the rings 3 times.  He chants “Ei-Ah Eha-No. Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani. Mea A-Ku A-Pau,” which means “May peace from above rest upon you and remain with you now and forever” in Hawaiian.

Ti Leaf & Lava Rock

In this ceremony, a lava rock is wrapped inside a ti leaf and left on the beach after the ceremony.  The lava rock is said to represent the moment when the couple has chosen to spend eternity together.  The rock is then wrapped in the leaf and left on the beach where the ceremony took place.  It symbolizes the birth of your union and offering a blessing upon your marriage.  Unlike the wedding ring that travels with you, the rock remains steadfast like the love shared between the bride and groom.

Faith & Mark's Love Boat Wedding

Male 'Ana Monday couple, Faith and Mark, were married aboard the Love Boat, a 12 passenger yacht in Honolulu.  The Hawaiian sun was setting just as they said "I do" with the sound of the waves rolling in the background.   After the ceremony, Faith and Mark kicked off their shoes and relaxed on the bow of the boat, enjoying the view of the Waikiki city lights and the beautiful Diamond Head Crater.

















Stop by next week for another of Tradewind Wedding's Male 'Ana Monday couples!  Mahalo.

The Flowers of Aloha

The beautiful Hawaiian islands are famous for their lush and diverse plant life.  Its tropical climate makes Hawaii the perfect home for a wide variety of unique and colorful flowers.  These flowers are growing in popularity amongst the local and destination bride, alike.  The tropical buds are brightly colored, grown year-round and have a modern feel. 

Orchid

Orchids have been a long-time favorite amongst brides.  There are many different types of orchids including Dendrobium Orchids (pictured above), Cymbidium Orchids, and Moth Orchids.  These beauties come in a variety of colors, including; purple, white, green, yellow, and pink.

Plumeria

Plumeria is known for its pleasant, fragrant smell and its bright colors.  It grows in many colors, including; pink, yellow, white, and red.

 

Hibiscus

The state flower of Hawaii, the Hibiscus is one of the most recognized flowers associated with the islands.  These large buds are stunning and found in white, pink, red, orange, purple and yellow.

 

Ginger

Growing up to 12" tall, the Ginger plant is a leafy and unusual flower that comes in red and pink.  It is very aromatic and has large, bright leaves.

 

Protea

Protea are amongst the world's most unusual flowers and has been said to look like it came from the time of the dinosaurs.  There are many different types of this flower that come in yellow, red, orange and (the most common) pink.  Durable and long-lasting, this flower can be dried and saved for a very long time.

Anthurium

Probably the most popular tropical flower, this heart-shaped flower, the Anthurium, grows in red, pink, peach and green.  These are long-lasting, pretty, and a unique alternative to the typical flower.

 

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise, also known as the crane flower, is said to resemble a colorful bird taking flight.  The flower has showy, orange and blue petals that give the flower its peculiar shape.

These beautiful flowers are being used more and more in wedding day floral arrangements.  They add color and fun to the traditional wedding ceremony.

Jared & Erin's North Shore Beach Wedding

Aloha!  Today's Male 'Ana Monday couple, Erin and Jared, were married on the North Shore of Oahu.  It was Erin's dream since she was a child to say "I Do" with the sand between her toes and the sound of the ocean waves crashing in the background. With the famous Hawaii sunset setting the scene, they exchanged vows and celebrated along with their closest family and friends. 























Mahalo for visiting!  We hope you had a wonderful Easter holiday and make sure to visit us next week for another Male 'Ana Monday wedding couple.