A Pastel Color Palette Ensured This Hawaiian Destination Wedding Was So Romantic

When Yu, a real estate investor, knew he was going to propose to Michelle, his girlfriend of two years (and friend for six!), he wanted everything to go exactly as planned at a private dining room in New York City, where the pair lived. Two attempts later, when the timing didn't work out, he finally proposed at home with a Harry Winston engagement ring while the two were in their pajamas. "He cried his eyes out," says Michelle of the sentimental moment. The couple loved Harry Winston because the company's initials H.W. are like "husband" and "wife," and because they're based in the place they fell in love (Manhattan). As a further way of personalizing the dazzling ring, Yu chose a 2.20 carat diamond because the pair began dating on February 20.

For their wedding, the now California-based couple personalized their day with just as many sweet touches. First, there was the location, the Four Seasons Lanai in Hawaii, which they chose because it was halfway between the United States and China, where many of their family and friends live. Because Michelle loves dusty pink, the shade set the tone for the day's décor and fashion choices. But more than anything, they wanted to throw an energetic bash for the 50 guests that attended. "We didn't want anything too serious or traditional," Michelle says. "So the focus was just to have a great time with our friends from all over the world—and to drink lots." And the three-day party, which included Chinese door games, a tea ceremony, and, on October 5, 2017, a romantic, outdoor wedding, accomplished just that.

Welcome to Paradise

The delicate stationery suite by Jenny Sanders featured the day's colors (white and dusty pink), and gave all the details for the celebration. Lettering by Miss B Calligraphy adorned envelopes and a floral illustration was carried across multiple pieces, including a sheet of translucent vellum over the invite itself.

Helping Hands

Michelle's mother guided her into her strapless wedding dress by Reem Acra. "I tried on about 30 wedding dresses," Michelle confesses.

Heads Up

A floral headpiece by Twigs & Honey and a tulle veil with satin edging were the bride's finishing touches.

First Steps

Michelle walked down the aisle in a sparkly and sophisticated pair of ivory Manolo Blahniks.

Dapper Details

Yu wore a purple Tom Ford bow tie and Santoni shoes with his gray Dolce & Gabbana suit.

Lovely Loops

The couple purchased their Chaumet wedding bands together in Paris. "Yu wanted a diamond on this ring, but didn't want to come out as too flashy, so he got one that has a small diamond on the inside of the band," Michelle says.

Rosy Thoughts

The Lanai Gardens at the Four Seasons Lanai was a stunning setting for the two to wed. An archway of light pink and white roses met them at the end the aisle. "Words cannot describe how magical the day was," Michelle says.

Parental Guidance

Michelle's parents walked her down the aisle to "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. "They both wanted us to relax and not to worry too much," Michelle says of the wedding-day advice that her parents gave her to try to enjoy the day.

The Ceremony

The nonreligious ceremony included some Hawaiian touches, and the couple wrote their own vows.

We Did It!

The couple walked up an aisle strewn with rose petals after they were named husband and wife.

The Whole Crew

After the ceremony, the newlyweds posed for portraits with their wedding party, which was made up of friends. The women wore pale pink Jenny Yoo dresses, and the men were decked out in Suitsupply.

Cocktail Time

A calligraphed wooden sign displayed the tropical drink options at cocktail hour: Molokai Breezes, Piña Coladas, and Mai Tais. Champagne and wine also made the rounds.

Let's Dance!

As the cocktail party took over the luau grounds of the Four Seasons Lanai, Hawaiian dancers put on a show for the crowd.

Sweet Snaps

Michelle and Yu bought a pink guestbook online, then left instant cameras on the table for guests to take pictures and add them to the pages along with their handwritten messages.

Time to Relax

Hammocks on the property were a fun spot for guests young and old to relax during the party.

The Reception

Dinner took place in an open air structure where Mandy Grace Designs hung tropical buds overhead, and more pastel roses adorned tables. After the salad course, guests dined on a entrée duo of roasted beef tenderloin and butter-poached Kona lobster with celery root puree, sautéed spinach, and Alii mushrooms with a red wine jus.

All Set

Gold-rimmed plates and matching flatware from Set gave an elegant glow to dinner tables. "It stuck to the theme of purple and pink with a little touch of gold," Michelle says.

Aloha, Cake

A four-tier confection topped with flowers made by the Four Seasons Lanai was a sweet surprise for guests, because under the buttercream exterior was a vanilla bean cake with passion fruit filling and crème brûlée top that was served with Malibu rum sauce and a scoop of ice cream.

A Chic Crowd

Guests were asked to wear cocktail attire to the beachfront affair.

Dancing the Night Away

Michelle changed into a navy Herve Leger cocktail dress for the first dance, which she an Yu choreographed to a mashup of Ellie Goulding's "How Long Will I Love You" and Lil Jon and Tyga's "Bend Ova."

Sources

Photography, KT Merry

Location, Catering, Cake, and Transportation, Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Event planning, Belle Destination

Flowers, Mandy Grace Designs

Videography, Hi Focused Cinematography

Stationery, Jenny Sanders

Calligraphy, Miss B Calligraphy

Rentals, Inspiration Events Hawaii; La Tavola Fine Linen Rental; Set

Bride's gown, Reem Acra (ceremony); Herve Leger (reception)

Bride's accessories, Manolo Blahnik shoes; Bergdorf Goodman veil; Twigs and Honey headpiece; Graff jewelry

Hair and Makeup, Ting

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jenny Yoo

Groom's suit, Dolce & Gabbana

Menswear, Suitsupply

Groom's accessories, Santoni shoes; Dolce & Gabbana shirt; Tom Ford bow tie

Lighting, Inspiration Events Hawaii

Silk Ribbon, Adorn