Real Wedding in Hawaii: Where Heaven Meets Earth

Sorry this is a little late girlies, but I’ve got a destination wedding in paradise for you this afternoon sent to us by Aric Becker Photography.  Our beautiful oceanside couple, Jenna and Wilson married at the lovely venue, Lanikuhonua which means “where heaven meets earth” within the Ko Olina resort on the island of O’ahu. Aric’s photography combined with the beauty that this paradise location holds certainly does create a perfect little piece of heaven for us.

So since I’m behind on the time today, I won’t waste much more and just let Jenna & Wilson share their special day details with us…This has got to be my favorite “About” story from any of our oceanside couples. You must read their personal intros and especially the love story recap from the groom, Wilson.  It is a perfect  ”guy-like” recap of a first encounter and will seriously make you giggle, smile, and melt your heart! I can just picture the whole thing now- thanks Jenna & Wilson for making my afternoon so much brighter! =)

A little about the Bride…

I was born in Minnesota, in a small city called Mankato and spent most of my younger years in St. Paul.  We moved to Washington State when I was approaching 12 years old as my Mom had just married a wonderful man from Seattle.  The marriage allowed me to have a new sister and brother, Ward and Elisabeth.  Close to the same time my Mother remarried, so did my father.  He went on to have two children (Nathan and Linsey) which blessed me with another brother and sister.  I always had caring and loving parents even though my dad was geographically far away.

Our blended family settled in Olympia, Washington where I later went to middle school, and high school.  Go BEARS!  After high school, I finished my college career at University of Washington.

As I grew older, I settled easily into being a Seattle girl and big city life.  I started my career in Mental Health and thrived for several years before ending up in Dental…It wasn’t until my career landed me in Portland that I met Wilson Baisa.  I still remember when we first dated and having no idea this was going to turn into something magical.  But it wasn’t more than a month or two before we both knew this was something special.

I am so thankful God answered my prayers by bringing this wonderful, kind, goofy and loving man into my life.  I truly cannot wait to be Mrs. Baisa.

A little bit about the Groom…

Where do I begin?  Here we go…Born on the beautiful Island of Maui, I grew up in Upcountry Maui in a little town called Makawao where I lived most of my life.  I attended Makawao elementary school and later went to Maui High School, the home of the SABERS!….Go Sabers!…..After high school, I ventured on to the Mainland to the state of Nevada where I attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas and became a “Runnin’ Rebel”.  A graduate in Hotel Management, I pursued my career, my life, my dream and here I am in Portland Oregon.  Since moving to Oregon in 96′, I have lived a very diverse lifestyle that only Wilson Jr. will be able to understand.  But with endurance and perseverance, this local boy has managed to live a very happy life here in the Great Northwest and find a diamond in the rough.

I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it finally did in 2009 where I had the opportunity to meet the dazzlin’ Ms……Jennifer Leah Stewart (a.k.a. Jenna) whom everyone knows that one look at her and her gorgeous smile will light you up instantly.  Do we have a story to tell you on how we met?…But of course we do.  Be patient and we’ll tell our story.

Jennifer is truly the heart and soul of our relationship and the love of my life.  I will forever count my blessings to have found such a beautiful person.

The story of Wilson and Jennifer

We were meant to be…

Our story began on May 16, where I got a chance to meet the “dazzlin’” Ms. Jenna Stewart for the first time.  I had a chance to talk with Jenna prior to our first encounter and yes I was very nervous, but I took deep breaths and headed out that early morning to meet her.  I’m a firm believer in making a good first impression so I did what any guy would do…Take a shower, slick the hair, put on your most favorite jeans/shirt, sprayed a lil’ cologne, look in the mirror about 20 times, but I took it a step further, I practiced my first lines to Jenna as I drove down to the Hawaiian Festival where we agreed to meet.  The words came out as such…Hi there!…Hey there I’m Wilson!….Hey how’s it goin’?…Anyways, don’t know what I said or if I said anything at all but when she turned and smiled, all I could think of was….she is the most gorgeous women I have ever met.  As most of you know, Jenna has the most amazing smile and she took my breath away with her smile, while my full assessment of Jenna had to be put on hold for another time.  All I can say is this…Love does not teach us how to communicate, nor does it teach us how to resolve conflicts, but love makes us see the other person with clarity and in Jenna I have found my true love. To my beautiful gorgeous fiancé, this I would like to say to you in Hawaiian…No Keia La, No Keia Po, A Mau Loa O Ku’u Aloha No ‘Oe-From this day, from this night forever more, you are in deed my true love.

How and why did you choose your destination/location?

We both knew we wanted to get married in Hawaii because we had a special connection.  Jenna found Lanikuhonua on the internet and as we researched that area and wedding site, we knew we found the perfect spot.  The meaning of Lanikuhonua means, “Where heaven meets earth “ and one look at that location you can’t help but to fall in love with that place and that we did.

What unique elements or DIY projects did you incorporate into your big day to help make it extra special?

We infused the Hawaiian culture with the Caucasian culture by hula dancing along with authentic Hawaiian music performed by a local band, we also had handmade sushi candles as favors which were made by a vendor from the big island which represents our love for that entrée.

What challenges (if any) did you face while planning your destination wedding?

Since it was a destination wedding, we encountered many obstacles such as having to work through the internet for our main source of communication.  But through the magic Skype, emailing and calling vendors, we made sure it all came together.

What was the best thing about having a destination wedding? Share your best wedding weekend moment!

Getting married in paradise under the beautiful Hawaiian sunset was the best part of having a destination wedding and made all the hard work so worth it.   Our absolute best wedding moment was the simple fact of having all of our dearest friends and family –- old and young – Hawaiian or Caucasian — in one amazing location.  Where heaven meets earth.  We realized that may never happen again for us, in our lifetime.

What is your best advice for other couples considering a destination wedding?

Savour every moment of your special day despite what challenges may come your way.  Take it all in moment by moment and bottle it!   And no matter what don’t sweat the small stuff.   If your wedding is perfect and nothing happens, it won’t be unique or special.  Everyone is there to rejoice in your love, revel in the moment and enjoy.

Wow look at that beautiful little cove and gorgeous big blue ocean! Such a sweet and tropical wedding. I’m so fortunate Aric shared this with and and of course a big thank you Jenna & Wilson for sharing your love story and big day details! You’ve truly given me words to live by as I embark on my wedding and marriage journey here soon myself. So thank you. Congratulations newlyweds!

To see this couple featured out in other parts of wedding blog land, you can go here and here.

Bride & Groom:  Jennifer and Wilson

Wedding Date: February 12, 2011

Location: Honolulu, HI USA

Approximate Guest Size:  150

Ceremony and Reception Venue or Site: Lanikuhonua

The Creative Team Behind the Scenes:

Photographer: Aric Becker Photography / Primary Guest Housing: Ala Moana Hotel /Rentals: Hawaii Tents and Events / DJ (Master of Ceremonies): Troy Michael / Officiant: Reverend Mel Morishiege / Reception Catering: Paradise Cove / Wedding site: J.W. Marriott (Ihalani) /Floral Designer: Spinning Web Florist /Cake Designer: Aloha Cakes & Satura Cakes / Wedding Hair and Make-up: Flaunt Make-up /Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Just Tacos

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights!