Just before sundown on July 21, 2007, friends and family gathered on the cliffside overlooking Kalihiwai Bay on Kauai’s North Shore. The bevy of celebrants travelled from as far away as Sweden, Jordan, Taiwan and Japan to attend the wedding of Miki and Noah. The summer celebration at the bride’s family home was just the thing to bring the international set together. The bride says, “Our family and friends were already scattered around the world, and with Hawaii, we had the additional allure of the islands to encourage people to attend!”

Noah, a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of State, first met Miki nearly seven years ago while studying abroad in Japan. From the onset, the two had a sweet and romantic rapport, but soon found themselves separated at their respective universities. It wasn’t until graduation when Miki and Noah were able to spend time together backpacking around the world that the relationship quickly turned serious. Noah presented his girlfriend with a ring in 2006 and they set out to plan a far-flung affair.

The couple made sure it was a worthwhile journey for everyone, entertaining celebrants throughout the week preceding the wedding day. One special evening, the bride’s family hosted a traditional luau at their home with Polynesian dancers and island fare. The couple spent one fun-filled day with friends at nearby Anini Beach. Once the wedding day arrived, everyone was relaxed and officially on “Hawaii time”.

The joyous celebration began in earnest and guests were welcomed with kukui nut leis. The magnificant location offered the ultimate in privacy and the most breathtaking ocean views. The natural beauty of the setting was further enhanced by lovely floral displays in soft shades of pink, green and white. Yvonne Chapman of Yvonne Floral Design lined the aisle with river stones, orchid blossoms and glass cylinders containing dendrobium orchids. The stunning couple stood beneath an elegant altar drapped in fabric and flower petals.

Miki was beautiful in a strapless gown by Domo Adami with a delicate veil. She carried an abundant bouquet of fuchsia and white cymbidium orchids accented with hot pink roses. Noah looked handsome in a white suit paired with a black dress shirt and white tie to add a stylish touch of formality. In a heartfelt ceremony, Reverend Kelvin Ho pronounced the radiant couple “man and wife.”

Miki and Noah’s vision for a contemporary island dinner party prevailed under a grand white tent glowing with candlelight. The bride worked closely with wedding coordinator Deanna Schafer of “I Do” Weddings to arrange all the elegant details of the reception. Yvonne created exquisite crystal chandeliers drenched in orchids that hung overhead. Tight monochromatic bundles of hydrangea, stock cymbidium, roses and amaryllis were perfectly arranged atop sage dupioni silk tabletops. Hot pink roses and peonies added a burst of color to the reception space. Kauai Cuisine prepared a fresh mix of local seafood and island delicacies that suited the affair perfectly. Champagne was served and the wedding party took to the dance floor for Crazy Fingers who flew in from the neighboring isle of Maui to perform. “The band was fantastic!” Miki exclaims. The couple danced late into the evening with all of their closest friends and family. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable celebration.

Photos by Visionari