Why Oahu?
That is a great question, also the response we have been getting the most second to “yay, a destination wedding!”
So, why Oahu?
Well, to make a long story longer; it occurred to us very suddenly, but once it had, it was as good as set. When it occurred to us to start planning the wedding, we were considering all possibilities.
Even before we got engaged we had discussed locations ranging from Santa Barbara, Malibu, Los Angeles, to our own area in Orange County. I began scouting and researching locations and venues around these areas that we had in mind. Not sure if we (I am) are particularly picky, but nothing seemed to offer what I imagined for my dream wedding. I did stumble upon a beautiful rental estate in the amazing hills of Laguna Beach, but had to scrap it when I found that it would cost upwards of $20,000 for the venue alone, for one day!!
Why not Oahu?
For the longest time, Hawaii, Oahu in particular, would occur to me as a possible location. Immediately I would push it out of my mind, for two major reasons: 1) it seemed too cliche, and 2) because the weather, although mostly beautiful, is still unpredictable.
After a few disappointing weeks, maybe months, of sifting through unappealing California venues, I decided to put it on the back burner for a while.
I have to admit, I lost sight of the point. All Jared and I want our wedding to be is a party, a celebration with our families, loved ones, and friends of this special moment in our lives. When I finally took a moment to stop and think about that goal, the next thing to come to mind was, we need it to be in a place that means something to us. We have been to Santa Barbara once, we loved it, but it’s not somewhere we go often. Malibu was the same. And, while I like LA, it’s safe to say Jared despises it. So, why would we get married in any of those areas. Aside from some of the beautiful places we visited on our amazing mediterranean cruise in 2012, like Croatia, Rome, and of course, my dream destination Tuscany, I asked myself, “what is a place that means something to us.” The moment I asked myself that question, the answer was clear and immediate. We both love Oahu, Hawaii. I have always loved it, since first going with Mom and family when I was 16. But even more still when Jared joined the family and me on another trip in 2007.
Then, last year, we were fortunate to be offered the opportunity to go back to Oahu with our good friends. That trip seemed to solidify, even more, if possible, how in love with Oahu we are.
We often discuss moving there someday.