boats, bamboo, and punk rock love straight from the islands

“on an island in the sun, we’ll be playing and having fun.”

– weezer

Kris & Andrew hail from the beautiful islands of Hawaii, so it felt only natural that their big day reflect the island attitude. From the ceremony amidst sculptures to the reception-arrival via boat, the day was positively bursting with personal touches and funky twists. Kris donned a leather jacket and carried a killer cascading floral whip, while Andrew wore a pineapple tie and punk vest to serenade the guests alongside his band.

Add an empanada truck, a classic photograph booth, and tropical drinks to the mix, and you’ve got one heck of a fun wedding!

the preparations

the ceremony

The artistic couple picked the idyllic Grounds for Sculpture for their ceremony, where they tied the knot among statues and their blue-clad bridal party. To make matters even sweeter, Andrew SANG his bride down the aisle to Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” (because they live in Hawaii!). I may have cried. Just maybe. Alright, totally.

the reception

Kris & Andrew then took to the seas to arrive at their Monmouth Boat Club reception in style (as all of their guests cheered!). Their casual cocktail hour included charcuterie, canoes brimming with craft beers, an empanada & churro truck, and a bonafide vintage photo booth.

Classic boathouse pennants and twinkle lights lined their reception space, and each unique place setting was created using vintage plates found by the couple. The dessert table was bursting with Greek & Polish goodies (made by family!) as well as a cake topped with the two on a motorcycle from the incredibly awesome Grateful Bites (who advocate for employing those with special needs). Throw in blue Hawaiian drinks, a jazz trio, a dead ringer for Bobby De Niro, and metal jackets, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious fun.

your love is an island, you two.

thanks so much for inviting me in to capture it.

the vendors

venue: grounds for sculpture – hamilton, nj; monmouth boat club – red bank, nj /// photography: opal & jaye photography /// photographer’s assistant: ALR Photo /// hair + makeup: lambs & wolves salon – red bank /// cake: grateful bites /// dress: lulu’s /// food truck: empanada guy

thanks for reading!