Andrea and Kevin flew from California to have their exclusive destination wedding in Hawaii at the magical healing pools of Makapu’u beach park. Having met in 2003 and sharing a passion for Hawaii, as well as some of Kevin’s family being local to Big Island, they decided to have their closest friends and family meet up here for their wedding day.

Their ceremony, performed by the amazing Kahu Pomaika’i with Hawaiian Aloha Blessings, and Ukulele player Keaolani, starts off with an oli or chant, to acknowledge the sacred healing pools and bless the area.

Andrea and Kevin exchange lei’s with their family and friends. And then with each other. The lei’s they’re exchanging though are maile lei’s, which are open ended lei’s, symbolizing two becoming one as well as open to invite their ancestors to join in their circle of love.

Kahu Pomaika`i’s eldest son Po’okela blows the conch shell to summon their ancestors. Following a Ho’oponopono,  is a universal prayer meaning to put things in their proper order, and help cleanse the energetic connections from the past relationships of negativity or disharmony. To perform this, Kahu Pomaika`i uses a Ti leaf and after this prayer a pa`akai, (hawaiian sea salt and herbs), is given to both Kevin and Andrea to seal the blessing.

Bringing the canoe paddle forward for Kevin and Andrea to hold onto together, Kahu Pomaika`i explains the “Lokahi,” or balance between two people. She then intertwines their lei’s together, representing two separate lives becoming one.

A final blessing is performed for the rings and vow exchanges, before the final, “I do.”

Stealing the bride and groom away to take advantage of their portrait session, we headed off! And it’s no wonder how both Andrea and Kevin photographed so naturally at the Makapau’u healing pools, as they both share a passion for the ocean and outdoors.

Congratulations Andrea & Kevin!