Now Reading
Romantic Big Island Hawaii Wedding

Romantic Big Island Hawaii Wedding

Is there a better way to kick off #WeddingWednesday than with a Hawaii wedding? We definitely don’t think so. Julie Harmsen Photography, Swept Away Events, and Ainahua Florals all did absolutely amazing jobs, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give a special little shoutout to the incredible floral design. King Protea and coral charm peonies as far as the eye can see makes for a very good day, indeed.

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

From the bride, Emily: We knew immediately we would get married on the Big Island, where Brandon is from. I wanted the whole thing to feel as casual as possible. I wanted everyone to feel comfortable and included.

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

coral wedding flowers - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

bridesmaid bouquet - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

lace wedding dress - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

tropical inspired bouquet - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding
Flower recipe: Peonies, pincushions, some succulents. I wish I could tell you more but the florist did an AMAZING job. Three months later I still have people commenting on photos and saying “OH MY GOD THOSE FLOWERS.”

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

coral charm peony bouquet - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

groom and groomsmen - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

I love color and flowers so we wanted to make that the priority. You don’t need much else in a setting like the Big Island. I would say adjectives would be: bright, organic, casual. Brandon’s aunt and mom put together the party favors in these adorable bags. Inside was Hawaiian sea salt blend (made by a neighbor) and lilikoi jam (made by a friend whose son was in the hospital. What a saint).

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

ceremony altar decor with peonies - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding ceremony - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding ceremony - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding ceremony - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding favor bags - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding favors - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

romantic reception table - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

See Also
couple portrait at Kona Beach

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Don’t take it too seriously. I didn’t really want a wedding but conceded eventually. My husband actually planned the whole thing. And once it was all over I was just so grateful for the experience. All of our friends and family together in one place. There is really nothing better than that. Don’t let the details get in the way of that big picture. No matter what it will be perfect.

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

coral charm peony centerpieces - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

coral charm peony centerpiece - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

wedding cake with flower topper - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

romantic Big Island Hawaii wedding - photo by Julie Harmsen Photography https://ruffledblog.com/romantic-big-island-hawaii-wedding

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Music:
Processional and Recessional: Hawaiian guitarist playing traditional music
First Dance: “I Will Follow You into the Dark,” Death Cab for Cutie
I narrowed down the list to about 30 songs for him to pick from. The day he picked that one I saw they were playing here in Atlanta the day before we left for our wedding. So I surprised him with tickets. During the encore to the show, they played it, dedicating it to their friends who got married that weekend. 6 hours later we were on a plane heading to our own wedding. Pretty serendipitous if you ask me.

View Comments (4)
  • This was such a fun wedding and Emily and Brandon were a dream to photograph and work with. Thanks for featuring their celebration.

  • I loved the color theme and the setup. The flowers make the setup more lively and beautiful. Best wishes to the newlywed.

Scroll To Top