Kualoa Ranch Wedding at Paliku Gardens with Jumanji First Look // Oahu, Hawaii Wedding Photographer

Oahu, Hawaii | Kualoa Ranch Wedding | Paliku Gardens | Charlotte + Zach

So, this is the time I was a co-maid of honor and the lead photographer for one of my best friends wedding. I would not have been able to pull it off had it not been for Shelby, Char’s other maid of honor or Lindsay, my second shooter.

This isn’t about me though – it’s about Charlotte and Zach’s perfect intimate wedding. We started out the day getting ready at their AirBnB in North Shore, Oahu. Char got us all matching pajamas and Shelby did her makeup. Once we were lookin’ snazzy, we drove to Kualoa Ranch and got settled at Paliku Gardens. We got Char into her dress, put on her jewelry, her veil cape and her belt. When she was ready, she and I headed to Jumanji – where Jurassic Park was filmed – for her and Zach’s first look. Zach was waiting in a huge, picture-esc spot. Char walked across the grand expanse and Zach turned around to see her standing there. They said their vows, kissed a bunch, and cried a little.

After that, we all went back to Paliku for an intimate ceremony where their closest and best were waiting for them. The sun was peeking over the huge, jade mountains as they exchanged their rings and promised forever.

Now, if you know Char and Zach, you know they love 2 things- music and food. They have great taste in both and that was apparent in every corner of the day. Dinner was amazing and the entire vibe of the reception was everything and more. Instead of a cake, they shared a Honey Slush. Instead of a bouquet toss to only the unmarried women, Char tossed the bouquet to a collective group of unmarried people. Most importantly, when the dancing was over and it was time to say goodnight, all of their guests cleared out and Charlotte and Zach shared a romantic last dance just the two of them.

They were present all day and everything went right. It was absolute magic.