{Destination Wedding} Lemanaco + Delfino | Beach-Chic Elegance in Gold

Hawaiian Island I Do's

When you think of a destination wedding in Hawaii, beach scenes and bare feet come to mind -- but Lemanaco and Delfino had something a little more upscale, elegant in mind for their I Do's. Expertly captured by Creatrix Photography, this wedding celebration is a superb example of how to infuse style and sophistication into your exotic destination wedding.  In the oh-so-lovely island setting of Honolulu, these high school sweethearts finally tied the knot with a beach-chic, golden elegance theme that fit their personalities while also highlighting the charm of the location.

The bride was a vision of modern pizzazz in her strapless mermaid gown embellished with crystals and ornate embroidery, and the seriously blinged out heels. I love her fashion forward style with the sheer elbow-length gloves, multiple pearl bracelets layered up her wrist, a flowing cathedral veil and a simple beachy bouquet of baby's breath, orchids, seashells and starfish. Delfino's beach inspired khaki colored suit was a perfect complement to his relaxed, island attitude. His seashell, pearl, and flower boutonniere was an exact match to Lemanaco's bouquet and wedding jewels.

I love the white sunlit strewn chapel with its soaring ceilings and cathedral windows.  It is romantic and awe inspiring in one fell swoop -- and best of all you get the swaying palms and local flora as a backdrop.

The reception, at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, was a combination of golden glam goodness and natural elements local to Hawaii. Gold chargers and napkins graced the tables, while personalized chocolate bars shared the ingredients to a happy marriage as a sweet way to thank guests. Manzanita branches and lush white orchids made up flowing centerpieces, while candles and of course, seashells added light, ambiance, and the branded beach feel without being too overdone.

Every element was in place, from white chiavari chairs wrapped in silky gold bows to the kissing bells left for each guest, from the lifelike sandcastle cake to the tiny starfish decorations scattered around the room.

Most certainly a day to remember for these two love birds, and the friends and family who joined them for their destination wedding adventure. Their beach-chic theme in gold and cream is fresh and welcome take on the traditional island wedding.  Congratulations to Lemanaco and Delfino -- we wish you joy, laughter, and an abundance of love.

Thank you to the talented crew over at Creatrix Photography for this submission through Two Bright Lights. I look forward to working with you again in the future!

What do you think about this upscale version of a beach inspired destination wedding? Leave us a comment below and let me know you favorite thing about this wedding! I am slightly partial to those those shoes and those jewels.....join us on Facebook for more great ideas and photos.

Make it HAPPY!

P.S. OH...fyi, I put together these great tips to help you plan your beach wedding. And while it may not quite cover Hawaii, you get the gist....happy planning!

(Real Wedding) Kerri & Dennis: Sweet Engagement + Wedding Cruise

A Modern Day Love Story - Part 1

Sometimes there are those couples who are so authentic, genuinely sweet with their words and actions, easy to smile and laugh, and are so in love you just want to show the world. Meet Kerri and Dennis; they are THAT couple.  I know them through a friend and when Kerri emailed me her sweet story, I knew I just had to share it!

Ever thought of just canning all the wedding plans and you know, hopping on one of these big beauties to tie the knot? Well, that is exactly what they did!

Kerri and Dennis connected online through a mutual friend's music page one Christmas Eve. They finally met after a few months of virtual friendship, but didn't make it official for almost a year. Kerri says "Truth is,  we were friends, we liked each other but it just never happened. Later, I kicked myself for waiting so long...there he was, my soulmate, right under my nose the whole time." Their  first date was exactly one year to the day they first met.

As Dennis tells it: I usually don't chase a girl. If I ask them out and they dont go, I dont keep asking. But I kept asking Kerri because I knew she was something special. And speaking of asking, did you hear the one about the girlfriend who accidently found a box of bling under the bed while her boyfriend was taking a shower? Yeah that's Kerri - so instead of the fancy, dancy romantic New Year's Eve proposal, he proposed right then and then when she came to confess. And the rest they say is history!

The thing I love about these two is they do it their own way!! Instead of buckling to tradition, they chose a Norwegian cruise to Bermuda as a destination wedding. Having both been married before, they wanted no fuss or major financial commitment, just an experience and celebration all about them! Plus they love cruises, and what better way to celebrate wedding AND honeymoon at the same time!

You know, if you are going to do it up, this is the way to go! Enjoy their wedding photos plus their official wedding reception at home a few months later, in Part 2 later today!

I love the Just Married sign on the back of Dennis's wheelchair. So sweet! 

Kerri and Dennis went on to enjoy the rest of their cruise in wedded bliss, no hassle, no fuss, great food, drink, and a warm tropical environment.....exactly what you want for your wedding day.

And what wedding is complete without a rockin' reception? Tune in today at 3pm EST for the rest of the story! But here is a little hint to tide you over.

Photo by Cook Productions

What do you think is the best part about getting married on a cruise? Would you ever buck tradition and say Ahoy? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below or hop over to Facebook or Twitter and LIKE/Follow de Lovely Affair!

Happy Monday to you,