Wedding at Moli'i Gardens - Kualoa Ranch
Oahu, Hawaii by Wedding Photographer
Meloney Thill

First let me start off by saying what an epic wedding venue this is. I honestly do not think there are many sites around the Island that can compare. The gardens offer a pavilion that combine indoor-outdoor elegance with breathtaking mountain views and exclusive privacy.

Moli'i Gardens is an ancient Cultural site that borders an 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond, which has been listed on the natural register of historical places by the US Department of Interior since 1973. It is a beautiful two-tiered garden featuring a open air cottage that has been used in the making of many films and television shows.

I cannot think of a more perfect place to say your wedding vows.

Matt and Jessica did just that.

Getting ready

Getting ready is one of the most important aspects of the wedding day and probably plays one of the biggest roles of the wedding day. This is when the bride puts all those very carefully thought out details together. It is the beginning of her fairy tale vision. Most brides have been dreaming about their wedding day for years and these are the intimate moments she will never forget.

Jessica spent her morning with her best friend. They have known each other since childhood and have shared in many life changing adventures together. Jessica chose the air conditioned cottage in the woods to get ready. It is so magical in there. You really do feel like you are in a fairy tale.

Matt on the other hand shared his morning hanging out and being silly with his best man and best friend in the open air cottage overlooking the historical fishpond and majestic views of the Ko’olau Mountains.

First Look

Most couples these days choose to see each other before the ceremony. In the wedding industry we refer to this as the "First Look". I highly recommend newly engaged couples considering doing a first look. This truly makes your day flow a lot more smoothly and takes some of the pressure off for the rest of the day. Couples that do a first look tend to enjoy the rest of their day much more and feel less stressed.

Matt and Jess had their first look among the trees in the woods. Matt waited for Jess in a beautiful old wicker peacock chair that Jess specifically requested for this private moment between them.

Ceremony

The ceremony is probably the most important part of the wedding day. This is when couples get to profess their love for each other in their wedding vows. Jess and Matt chose a traditional ceremony. They did write their own vows which was truly beautiful and gave everyone a small glimpse into the love they share.

After the ceremony it was time for the family formals or portraits and on to some intimate couples photos.

meloney Thill Photography

Reception

Their wedding day ended in a fun celebration at the reception under the pavilion looking out at the stars as night drew in. Jess took a lot of time perfecting every detail from the table decorations to the floral arrangements. They traveled all the way from Australia and had their perfect destination wedding right here in Hawaii.