Inspired by the colorful film UP and the beauty of Hawaii, Theresa and Michael’s Olowalu Plantation House wedding was whimsically romantic. The bride incorporated DIY elements like paper flowers, handmade Aloha pins, and vintage Hawaii-inspired invitations that set the mood for a festive and personal wedding. Photographer Wendy Laurel captured each playful detail and the most romantic sunset portraits of the newlyweds looking out over the ocean.

The Couple:

Theresa and Michael

The Wedding:

Olowalu Plantation House, Lahaina, Hawaii

Our favorite Disney Pixar movie together is “UP.” So we wanted to incorporate UP with its colorfulness, vintage appeal and travel adventures, but also tie some Hawaiian traditions. Everything was pretty much DIY. I made colorful paper flowers which we put in recycled beer bottles that we collected over time. Balloons were a must! Oh, and can’t forget the our aloha soda pin that we made!

I’d say our vows and the memorial were the most meaningful. We wrote our own vows. We literally wrote them a few days before the wedding. Michael was adamant about writing them separately but ended up coming up with a guideline we would both follow. Then the memorial. It was a great way to honor my grandparents. It was very emotional for me and my whole family. We lost them a little over a year ago in a 3 month span. But we honored all those who were looking down on us with leis and plumerias into the ocean.

Thanks to Wendy Laurel for sharing Theresa and Michael’s colorful Hawaiian wedding with Junebug! For more of Wendy’s Hawaiian wedding photography, check out this steamy Hawaiian wedding inspiration.