Tropical Wedding at Moli’i Gardens | Kualoa Ranch | Chelsea Abril Photography

Hawaii Weddings

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Your Full Guide to a Magical Moli’i Garden Wedding

Situated between the serene Moli’i fishpond and the majestic Ko’olau Mountain Range, Moli’i Gardens is one of the most MAGICAL places combing almost all the best parts your dream O’ahu wedding venue could offer. The Moli’i Gardens offers an all-inclusive, private experience with an outdoor pavilion, two lawns and Dupree cottage on the water’s edge, and part of Kualoa Ranch’s extensive and diverse wedding experience. The Hawaiian oasis even has separate spaces for either spouse to get ready in – one air conditioned room closest to the parking lot and reception area, and another open-air pavilion down near the waterfront.

Did I mention the grand staircase leading down to the ceremony area? If you’re looking for a natural way to have a blow-everyone’s-minds-make-everyone-cry entrance – this venue is it.

In this blog, we’re featuring a recent fave: an intimate, lush, tropical glam wedding with under 100 of the bride and groom’s favorite people. Ben and Christiana, shared their vows in this tropical paradise and may inspire you for your epic Hawaiian wedding day!

Thank you to all vendors who made lasting memories for the Bride & Groom at Moli’i Gardens!

Coordination For a Moli’i Gardens Wedding | ABC Weddings | instagram

As easy as 1, 2, 3…this wedding day at Moli’i Gardens wouldn’t be this beautiful without the amazing ABC team! Seriously, they’re like the best big sisters you’ve never had. Since 2008, Aloha Bridal Connections has established themselves as one of the most trusted Hawaiian wedding planning companies, and for good reason. Over the years, they have planned Hawaiian wedding parties and events for over 1500 couples! The pride themselves on being knowledgeable, fun and fabulous as they help you step up your wedding planning game. From acrylic wedding signs to custom love letters, ABC dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s (literally). Custom leather wedding favors were given out to guest as a wonderful way to honor their presence. When it comes to fine-tuning elegant and modern tropical design for their couples, I highly recommend the ABC team to have your back.

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding details
Per the bride & groom requests, “Date Night Ideas” cards were handed out to guests. SO cute!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding details
The ABC team crafted a custom, hard copy memory journal for guests to sign, “Beloved” candles and “Words For Newlyweds” picture frames for the happy couple. Safe to say, they were happy with the result!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding details
The ABC team designed leather luggage tags with guests’ names and seating for the couple’s Hawaiian destination wedding theme 🧳
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding details and souvenirs
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding details and souvenirs

Bridal Hairstyles | Salon Mei | instagram

At Moli’i Gardens, there is a separate area in the cottage for the bride, bridesmaids and family to get their hair and makeup done. Seating is available for up to 25 guests. So, the cottage is the perfect place to relax and get ready! For the top hairstyles in Hawaii, check out Salon Mei. Founder Mei Au, is a superstar hair scientist. Working for over 30 years for the likes of Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Zach Braff, Salon Mei is the premiere hair salon in Honolulu. These photos clearly show us why.

Bridal Makeup | Jenn Tabata | instagram

LOOK at those cheekbones! As if the bride and bridesmaids weren’t beautiful enough, Jenn Tabata’s makeup prowess is in full swing for this Moli’i fishpond Hawaii Wedding. For example, she created an enchanting Asian Bridal Makeup look, focusing on a warm, tanned glow and bold lip look. And since the cottage is air-conditioned, noooo sweaty makeup to worry about! Phew!! From baby glam to boho chic, Jenn does it all. She works closely and consistently with the bride-to-be on her perfect glam! 

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride preparing for her wedding.
Salon Mei styled the bride-to-be with bouncy curls for that effortless beach-wave look. Girl, you are GLOWING.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride preparing for her wedding.

Wedding Florals | Creative Concepts by Jeff | instagram

Considered a perennial local favorite, Creative Concepts by Jeff is one to watch. Jeff and his team have the unique ability to deliver the most stunning floral design vision for your wedding. With over a decade of experience in floral-design, these Hawaiian wedding florists excel at floral masterpieces. For example, an array of bold, bright-blush toned and light cream flowers make the bouquet for this Moli’i Gardens & Fishpond celebration. For an elegant floral and event design team, contact Creative Concepts by Jeff today!

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride holding her bouquet
Christiana looks stunning with a sophisticated V-neck dress paired with the prettiest of pink florals.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride with the flower girls
The tropical flower girls were oh, so cute! With whimsical wedding dresses and baby bouquets, they brought the magic to Moli’i.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride holding her bouquet black and white
I captured a few film-inspired Noir wedding portraits for Christiana’s classic look. 📸
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride with the bridesmaids

Kualoa Ranch Wedding Venue | Molii Gardens, Kualoa Ranch | instagram

At Kualoa Ranch, the Moli’i Gardens are home to an abundance of lush vegetation, rare species of butterfly, and endangered fish, like o’opu and moi. This tropical island escape is yours to privately share with your loved ones or simply discover the serenity yourself. Whether for a wedding venue or honeymoon, this Moli’i garden estate is a time capsule at Kualoa Ranch, taking you to historic Hawaii. The site includes a covered pavilion, two lawn areas and premium cottage “boathouse” (it’s air-conditioned DUH). However, due to boat dock activity with Hawaiian tours, ceremony times at Moli’i Gardens is recommended for afternoons and night only. Most importantly, we can’t forget the amenities available! They include water, electricity/electrical outlets, air-conditioning, men and women’s restrooms and a partial kitchen. Also, an adjacent paved parking lot is located next to the site.

Check out an aerial view of the Moli’i Gardens! You can read more about Kualoa Ranch and Moli’i Gardens in one of our more recent blogs titled All About Weddings At Kualoa Ranch.

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom with the groomsmen
Looking sharp, boys! Sporting light linen shirts and pants, the groomsmen look classic, yet comfortable.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom with the groomsmen black and white
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom with the groomsmen on the dock
Hawaii’s #1 boy band? Here are some clever groomsman photoshoot ideas for your special day.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom presenting gifts to the groomsmen black and white
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom presenting gifts to the groomsmen.
As a thank you, Ben surprised his groomsmen with alllllll the essentials. Cigar, Tylenol…you know the drill.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom presenting gifts to the groomsmen.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom portrait shots, black suit.
Ben rocked an earth-toned, charcoal suit for a chic groom look.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding black and white back hug
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom exchanging vows
Caught backstage, the couple privately shared a moment for their first look.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom romantic kiss
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii groom and groomsmen waiting for the bride
The Moli’i Gardens include a whimsical, winding staircase for the bride.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii groom embracing the flowergirl
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride walking down the aisle
Ben, don’t ruin your makeup!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii groom awaiting his bride
The groom and groomsmen wear a traditional Hawaiian accessory called leis.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony
Like most ceremonies in Hawaii, the bride and groom chose to have a lei exchange during their ceremony to honor each other and beautiful traditions of Hawaii.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony laughing out loud
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony
Spanning 5,000 acres, Kualoa Ranch offers several venues. Moli’i Gardens serves as the perfect place to have both waterfront and mountain views.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony shot under the wedding arch
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding Lei exchange
She said YES! 💍
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom wedding ceremony kiss

A flower shower exit at Moli’i Gardens and Fishpond marks your first walk into life as a married couple. With a shower of bright pink and white petals, we don’t think there’s a more picture – perfect way to end a Hawaiian wedding ceremony.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom showered with flowers
This is what a Hawaii heaven looks like, right? RIGHT?!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding couple kissing while showered with flower petals
Fun fact: The ABC team sat in the aisle to throw additional flowers for the couple. What an EPIC way to end a wedding ceremony. Cheers to Ben and Christiana!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding
Your daily dose of bridal veil inspiration! The bride chose a cathedral style veil to flow elegantly into her dress.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding
They’re signing off! Ben and Christiana sign their marriage license shortly after the ceremony.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding
Bow down b*tches! We are not worthy of these two looking like tropical paradise royalty in the beautiful Moli’i Gardens.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding
💐 💐💐💐💐💐💐
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding flowers and rings

Party Rental For Hawaiian Wedding | Pacific Party Rentals | instagram

With the Moli’i Garden pavilion seating up to 100 guests and garden seating up to 200 guests, we believe some chairs are needed for your guests! That is one of the main things that Pacific Party Rentals can arrange for you. Regardless of your style or budget, this Hawaiian-based rental company has it all. Pacific Party offers an array of gorgeous designer wedding themes to choose from. In addition, you can mix and match event accessories from lighting to chinaware to chairs. As a result, everything is easily customizable to fit your theme.

Special Rental For Hawaiian Wedding | Aloha Artisans | instagram

Custom backdrops! Style lounges, galore! It’s hard to imagine an upcoming event that Aloha Artisans won’t support. We live for their unique, hand-crafted items and appreciate the Hawaiian touch they added to this Moli’i Gardens and Fishpond Hawaii wedding. Undeniably, they know the little details to make your big day extraordinary.

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals from aloha artisans
“Bride” and “aloha” party favors were handed out to every guest. SO FUN!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals from aloha artisans. bride and groom kiss.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals from aloha artisans. bride and groom celebrating.
Aloha Artisans absolutely nailed it with the couple’s lounge area. They brought their A-game with a forest-green, floral arch for the couple’s backdrop.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals from aloha artisans. bride and groom dancing.
Make all of your boho, tropical weddings come to life with this Artisan lounge set. NAILED it!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals and details
A custom, handwritten “Mr. and Mrs.” head table sign front and center, surrounded by a tropical bouquet of flowers.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals and details
From white wedding plates to gold flatware to hand-knotted lines, this chic table setting creates the perfect garden wedding display.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding rentals and details

Desserts | Purve Donut Shop | instagram

Feast your eyes on Purvé Doughnuts in all their glory for all your tropical dessert desires. We heard they’re like, life-changing. This incredible Hawaiian bakery offers fun flavors like a “Sunburnt Haole”, “Smurf Balls” and even “O Face”. Ha! I hope after seeing these a-dough-able, delectable desserts, you’ll be inclined to experience their masterful craftsmanship for yourself. Trust us, you donut want to miss these (sorry, had to).

Purve Doughuts absolutely serrrr-ving their delectable desserts along with a gorgeous flower display.

Catering For a Hawaiian Wedding | Flyin’ Ahi | instagram

Aha! We think Flyin’ Ahi is your absolute gem. There aren’t too many Hawaiian food trucks that are this tasty. First of all, these delectable dishes will top the list. They include traditional Hawaiian mixed plates, blackened ahi salad, Korean fried chicken…ok, I’m drooling already. The quality of the food speaks for itself, but the amount you get for the price is hard to beat. Will work for food, diet starts Monday 😉

Bar | Stir Beverage | instagram

You want the best for your guests on your wedding day, and Stir Beverage leaves a lasting impression. Providing an elevated bar experience is just what the happy couple deserves. Whether it’s a simple wedding or an extravagant affair, Stir Beverage dresses their drinks to impress. This Hawaiian premier cocktail catering company is guaranteed to provide the perfect bar experience for you and your guests. Overall, a sexy, solid choice!

Shake it like a polaroid picture! 💁
“A Drunk in Love” custom drink menu was provided for the couple. Stir Beverage did some tasty takes on champagne, bourbon and more!

Here are some wedding party photo ideas for the stars of the show and their VIP guests.
Our wedding party photos shots were taken before the reception so these crazy kids could get on the dance floor!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride and groom by the pond
My favorite thing about the Moli’i Gardens is how we can use the ancient Hawaiian fishpond and private dock for some very romantic couples’ photos.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride and groom by the pond
The Moli’i Gardens gives couples complete privacy. Always take some extra time for your private portraits. Trust me, they’re worth it!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride and groom by the pond
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride and groom dip kiss on the dock
*saves to my Pinterest page*
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding groom portraits
The groom wears a Hawaiian wedding staple – a lush Maile Lei.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding bride portraits
Mixing and matching florals is a wonderful way to bring life to your tropical glam look. We LOVEEE how the magenta-colored Orchid adds a pop of color!
Christiana surprised everyone with a special pregnancy announcement! Here are some pregnant wedding photo ideas for your baby bump.

Perks of being a pregnant bride? You are glowing already more than you are!
After a spectacular moment, the couple is welcomed by the sounds of Spectrum Entertainment. Ow ow!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding reception groom and bride dancing
When Spectrum Entertainment is in the house, get ready to ~ groove ~.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding reception couple dancing
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding reception

DJ/MC | Spectrum Entertainment | instagram

For all the right tunes and all the right grooves, Spectrum Entertainment has you covered. Spectrum is my top recommendation to anyone who needs a DJ for a wedding or any type of event. Firstly, they are Oahu’s premiere source for DJ/Emcee Entertainment Services, professional sound & lighting and special effects. Secondly, they are reasonably priced, with top-of-the-line audio equipment. Finally, Spectrum offers so many options for their clients. The dance floor will undoubtedly be a night to remember.

Moli'i fishpond Hawaii groom smoking cigar
The groomsman gifts were a hit, especially for the groom! Thanks ABC team for coordinating all the fun!
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom romantic dance and kiss. Black and white
Nothing more romantic than a first dance under the market lights and Hawaiian night sky.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii bride and groom romantic dance and kiss. Black and white.
I’m not crying, you are.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding cake and couples kiss
For the wedding reception Christiana wore a vibrant flower crown, native to the land of Hawaii.
Moli'i fishpond Hawaii wedding cake and couples kiss

Are you interested in booking or planning a Hawaii wedding? Check out how to get started and some of the simple steps you can do today to make your wedding day that much more special!

Check out my Pinterest for some Hawaii elopement and wedding inspiration. But, if you’re ready to see what I can do for you, head to my Instagram or my contact page for more information. Let’s rock your wedding day and make it a day you won’t forget!

Wanna see more? Check out these blogs for wedding tips and more Hawaii Elopement and Hawaii Wedding inspiration:

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