Barefoot Vows & Aloha Vibes: A Hawaiian-Inspired Beach Wedding
We all dream of a wedding that reflects our personalities and our love story. Devon and I were no different. We wanted a venue that spoke to who we were, from our individual quirks to our shared passions. For me, that meant an outdoor space near the beach, beautiful flowers, and a touch of Hawaii with hula dancing. Devon, on the other hand, prioritized a dance floor, delicious food, and the freedom to be barefoot.
Finding Forever on the Florida Coast: The Venue Hunt
The pandemic threw a curveball at our planning, forcing us to navigate guest safety concerns and differing preferences. With an outdoor venue being a must-have for both of us, we started exploring beaches near Orlando. After checking out Cocoa Beach, Melbourne Beach, and Vero Beach, we stumbled upon the idyllic shores of New Smyrna Beach.
Located just an hour from Orlando, it was perfect for our local guests. Plus, my Michigan-based family would enjoy a beach destination wedding and vacation rolled into one. We ultimately found the Delamater House, the ideal spot for our reception, and secured a permit to get married directly on the beach at Grayce K. Barck North Beach Community Park.
From Etta James to Barefoot Vows: Ceremony Special Touches
The ceremony music was a delightful blend of Hawaiian melodies by Zion Cruz, culminating in the classic "Can't Help Falling in Love" for our wedding party's entrance. My walk down the aisle was a deeply personal moment. I chose "At Last" by Etta James, a song that resonated with our journey from friends to soulmates.
The lyrics of "At Last" mirrored the unique path our relationship took. We knew each other for years, even attempting to set each other up with other people. But somewhere along the way, a spark ignited, and we became inseparable. The song's soulful yearning for a love that finally arrives perfectly captured the emotions I felt as I walked towards Devon, ready to commit to forever with him. The building tension in the song, followed by the powerful release of finally finding "my love," summed up the years of waiting and the joy of finally finding our happily ever after.
Beachside Blunders and Unexpected Guests: Taking it all in Stride
Being on a drivable beach presented a unique challenge – cars occasionally interrupting the ceremony. But instead of getting annoyed, we found humor in it. It became a metaphor for our journey together – no matter what life throws our way, we'd face it together. There were also some lighthearted moments when beachgoers in swimsuits realized there was a wedding and scurried away to avoid photobombing!
One of my favorite details was Devon going barefoot during the ceremony. As someone who always leaves his shoes behind, it was a perfect way for him to incorporate his love for bare feet into our special day, even extending it to his groomsmen.
Aloha Vibes Take Over: Food, Fun, and Entertainment
Following the heartwarming ceremony, we headed to the Delamater House for photos as the cocktail hour began. Here, our tropical-themed reception venue came alive with vibrant colors and island vibes.
One aspect that was incredibly important to both of us was greeting and connecting with each guest. We achieved this by meeting everyone at the start of the food truck line, where they picked up delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes like barbecued kalbi beef, hulu hulu chicken, mac salad, and lumpia. It was a fantastic way to share a personal moment with each loved one and ensure they felt welcome and celebrated.
Hawaiian Hula & Fire Dancing
As we sat down for our meal, the entertainment began with captivating hula performances. An informative narration about the Polynesian islands followed, culminating in a breathtaking fire dance performance. Witnessing this cultural celebration was deeply special for me, rekindling memories of my Hawaiian upbringing. It also proved to be a fun and educational experience for many of our guests, with some even getting a chance to learn a few hula moves!
Dancing the Night Away
No wedding of Devon's would be complete without an epic dance party. With my background as a wedding musician, we had all the necessary sound equipment to create an amazing atmosphere. We danced the night away, surrounded by loved ones and overflowing with joy.
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, we opted for a decadent spread of giant cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse in Orlando. These colossal treats, perfectly in line with our casual vibe, were cut into generous slices and devoured by everyone.
A Sweet Ending (with a Twist)
As our wedding night approached, we walked out to find our car adorned with playful decorations (courtesy of the groomsmen, though none of them ever admitted it!). The irony wasn't lost on us – my mom and aunt ended up driving the car for hours the next day, turning heads everywhere they went. It was a hilarious and unexpected ending to a perfect day, a perfect reminder of the lighthearted moments that make weddings so special.
Saying "I Do" with the sand between our toes and the sound of the ocean waves in our ears was a dream come true. Our Hawaiian-inspired beach wedding was a beautiful celebration of our love story, filled with personal touches, unexpected moments, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. It was a day that truly reflected who we are, a perfect blend of Aloha spirit and barefoot bliss.
Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: New Smyrna Beach
Reception Venue: Delamater House
Photography: I Do Art photography
Videography: Kristina Pinero
Musician: Zion Cruz
Catering: Sweet and Salty Island Grinds
Bartending: J and T Bartending
Cookies: Gideon’s Cookies
Hair and Makeup: Laura Reynolds Artistry
Live Entertainment: Polynesian Luau Productions
Decor Rental: Paradise Beach Rentals
Rings: Victoria Jewelers
Earrings: Olive and Piper
Dress: Vow’d Weddings
Officiant: Bobby Hegedish
Coordinator: Lisa Kelly
Flowers: Aunt Ellen Frogner
Flower Crown: Madeline Frogner
Arch Design: Ginger Galvin, Sarah Zillmer, and Mary Hegedish
Wedding Songs:
Guest Arrival: Hawaiian Music
Processional: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis
Walk Down the Aisle: “At Last” by Etta James
Recessional: “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
First Dance: “Butterflies” by Kacey Musgraves
Father / Bride & Mother / Groom Dance: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
