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Hawaii at Home

San Diego is the ideal backdrop to re-create the romance and beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. With both locations being home to palm trees, perfect weather and a laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to weave island traditions into a ceremony and give wedding guests the gift of Hawaii right here.

One of Hawaii’s greatest assets—its breathtaking, natural beauty—can effortlessly be incorporated into a locally created Polynesian-inspired celebration with a venue that offers lush landscaping. The Catamaran Resort Hotel is one option, with its tropical setting of imported palm trees (some native to Hawaii), bamboo collection and 30 different types of hibiscus, as well as its panoramic views of Mission Bay. Or, consider Paradise Point Resort & Spa—the only San Diego resort that holds wedding ceremonies on the sand—which offers acres of verdant grounds and lagoons for a romantic tropical ambiance.

Wherever the locale, island-inspired decorative elements will bring the splendor of Hawaii into a wedding and reception. Sharon Mintz of Organic Elements, which specializes in contemporary, customized floral design, recommends the use of tropical, exotic flowers to signify Hawaii’s blossoming foliage; brightly colored silk shantung pillows for a dose of Polynesian color; glass tabletops to represent Hawaiian sand (since glass is made of sand and heat); and chargers made of bamboo-like horsetail reed, which can be bound together to look like quaint Hawaiian rafts. Instead of clear votives, she recommends using amber votives to add a warm, inviting glow.

For the bridal bouquet, Mintz recommends including Hawaiian flowers and succulents. For the bouquet base, use a rock rose succulent with anthurium emerging from its center. As a symbolic gesture, she also suggests using leis—a garland that traditionally strings together plumeria, orchids, birds of paradise or maile—throughout the bouquet. Interweave three leis in the bouquet to represent the bride, the groom and future generations.

In keeping with another Hawaiian tradition, skip a conventional veil for a more tropical touch. “Traditionally, Hawaiian brides wear ‘haku leis’ (headpieces) of white jasmine or orchids instead of a traditional veil,” says Mike Durniok of downtown San Diego’s Hilo Hattie.

And, to announce the arrival of the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony, have a conch shell blower belt out two short blasts to the gods, which symbolizes asking for their blessing, followed by one long drawn-out blast to signify long life and a lasting relationship, says Durniok.

During the ceremony, consider exchanging leis, both with each other and with members of your immediate families.

Music of the Islands

For a tropical music touch for the ceremony or reception, consider a group who specializes in ukulele or Hawaiian steel guitar. You can also employ a harpist to play the famous traditional “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” originally composed in 1925 by Charles E. King—it’s considered one of Hawaii’s most popular songs and a requisite at weddings.

 

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