Behind the Scenes of Oahu Officiant’s June Weddings: Real Stories, Real Romance

 

Aloha lovebirds! Summer (for those of you on the mainland - it’s summer all year long here in Paradise) started off with an absolute whirlwind of “I do’s” and magically heartfelt moments here on Oahu. It was a true joy to witness so many incredible love stories unfold and I wanted to share a  little peek behind the scenes into some of the wonderful couples I had the pleasure of marrying in June. Now before we dive into the Weddings of Oahu Officiant in June a little note from me to you on these real stories and real romances: I picked these sweethearts completely at random. If your love story isn’t featured, it is not because I didn’t adore you - It’s simply because this blog would become a book. So without further ado, let’s relive some of June’s memorable moments… 

An Alliance Secured: One Father-In-Law Very Excited to Make His Golf Buddy for Life Official

From Oahu, both going to the same elementary school, both dating in that puppy love type of way when kids (with the inevitable breakup following) it wasn’t until Sheri and Dustin met again as adults at a gig Dustin was playing that sparks took off. 

On that first date, Dustin found someone he could communicate and go hand in hand through life with. 

Sheri found a local bruddah who checked almost all of her boxes (just throw some bigger rims on that 4Runner and you’ll be six feet tall in anyone's eyes). 

More importantly, Sheri - clearly a daddy’s girl - found in Dustin a seamless addition to the family. Sheri's dad, it seems, found his favorite golfing buddy for life - with Dustin asking for his daughter’s hand in marriage playing a round. 

"I now pronounce you father-in-law and son-in-law, may you enjoy many rounds of golf together for as long as you both shall live."

The family showed up and showed out at Sandy’s. Bringing the trucks with the speakers, a world class designer ( Kini Zamora brother of the groom), and a whole lotta love. Drake and I had a lot of fun capturing this elopement. 

Maybe You Should Look Outside Your Door For Love - German Couple's Journey to a June Wedding with Oahu Officiant

B+C lived right across the street from one another in Germany and even had mutual friends in common - yet it took Tinder to get them to meet. 

Their first date - not what you’d call stellar on paper.

C doesn’t drink beer - it was at a beer garden with specialty brews. 

B decided he wanted to roast C for wearing what he dubbed “the Christmas tree outfit.” 

Yet, they agreed on a second date - in sweats no less. 

And this dressed down, lazy date at B’s apartment turned out to be the most romantic setting.

Seven years later, travels, and work keeping them apart they decided to say “I do” on the west side of Oahu in the calm of the early morning. Wanting to keep their elopement private they chose me to officiate, Beth to take photos, and the whole thing to be a private affair - declining to share their images on socials until they are ready. 

The Steinbergs’ First Week of June is for Celebrating

Laura and Ricky met the most Southern California way imaginable. 

LA traffic leading to a vegan restaurant.

Then a meditation class in Encinitas. 

Followed up with In-N-Out fries (which can be more nirvana inducing than meditating). 

They chose to say ‘I do’ sandwiched in between two important dates - and their only guests at their beach elopement. 

June 2 - Their daughter Coraline’s Birthday

June 6 - Laura’s madre’s birthday

& in between on June 4th they chose their elopement day. 

Wanting to honor these two important figures and their celebrations I crafted the bride’s bouquet to break into two - one for the bride to hold and the other for her mom. 

Coraline was my mini officiant and she beamed with pride helping with the lei, holding her mom’s bouquet when needed, handling the rings, and even pronouncing them Husband and Wife. The memories captured were by Drake during our 30 Minute Elopement Package - which was the perfect amount of time as it rained immediately once the 30 minutes were up. 

Travel Bugs and Babies First Destination. 

Chris and Claire love to travel - I could have also said they were Australian and I think that would have said the same thing. Holidaying is in the blood “down under.” 

They met at work during COVID, and tried to keep it a secret from coworkers that they were together - but I suspect that they could tell work from home for both of them looked strangely cohesive and the decor matching was more than a shared interior design style. 

Once restrictions were lifted, they began their explorations. 

First with Bali. Then a 6.5 week classic American road trip.

A spontaneous stop in Vietnam, where they realized there was a stowaway from that little holiday.

Lottie came into their lives and gave these travel bugs a whole new lease on life. 

Now they get to see the world through their little girls eyes. 

Lottie’s first destination was her parent’s elopement at Kualoa Regional Park. The towering Ko’olau Mountain range to our backs, an ocean ahead, and an offshore island as a backdrop. The very talented Kimiko captured the memories. I enlisted the help of family and friends - as their hands were full of Lottie - for rings and lei during the ceremony. I supplied the groom with Pikake wrapped Maile and the bride I foraged for fresh plumeria in my neighborhood for her lei po’o. 

Photos by Kimiko Photo

Thailand Meets England

It never ceases to amaze me how much needs to happen to get two souls to meet. It baffles the mind to think of all the logistics, all the moving parts, all the perceived setbacks or failures, all to get you at the RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME. 

In a world with billions of people and billions of opportunities to see more people in your dating sphere in the time it takes you to go to the bathroom and scroll through your preferred dating app than most people in history would see in a year! It amazes me when two people, from polar opposite places can meet and fall in love. 

Peter hails from foggy, cold England and Salinee from the warm and tropical Thailand. 

They happened to both be in Southern California (in different towns though!). 

They both happened to have a mutual friend. 

They just happened to be at the same party.

They just happened to feel a spark and hit it off. 

So yes, all that had to “just happen” to get them to meet. But then they had to make it work. 

Salinee chose to drive 1.5 hours (on a good day) in LA traffic to see Peter.

Peter had to choose to accompany her on those drives - even if it was only on the phone to make sure she stayed awake. 

They had to choose to move to Virginia together when work changed.  

They got married on June 1st at Magic Island with me officiating and Drake (the love of my life) capturing all the moments during our 30 Minute Mini Elopement Package. I made her flowers, I helped edit the photos, and of course I had the pleasure of crafting their ceremony to hold space for the 4 years they’ve already been committed and the many decades to come as husband and wife. 

Your Story is Next!

See? Every love story is unique, and every wedding or elopement day is a testament to those incredible journeys. From unexpected reunions to cross-continental connections, being a part of these moments is truly the greatest gift. If these stories have sparked your own dreams of a magical "I do" in paradise, know that I'm here to help make it a reality. As your dedicated Oahu Officiant, I'm committed to bringing the same warmth, care, and seamless execution to your special day, whether it's a grand celebration or an intimate elopement. Let's connect and start planning the next unforgettable chapter of your love story on our beautiful island. I can't wait to hear from you!