There are roughly a million reasons why we adore Hawaii weddings, and today’s darling Crystal Ocean Chapel affair is checking each and every one off its amazing list. Everything from the breathtaking ocean views to romantic-meets-classic décor, each and every moment captured by the talented Derek Wong is so incredibly heartwarming and beautiful. Join us as we share Cathy & Jackie’s wedding story below.
The love story
From the bride (Cathy): Jackie and I first met in first year of high school in Shanghai, China. We became close friends and after careful consideration, we started our relationship in 2nd year of high school. Most people thought we would break up very soon, and we weren’t able to tell our parents about this relationship because “puppy love” just wasn’t accepted. We stayed together for 3 years, and I gave up my first immigration opportunity to stay with him in Shanghai.
However, after we graduated from high school, we went to different universities and had to live in different cities. The passion in our relationship started to cool off due to distance. In my 3rd year of university, my parents asked me to immigrate to the States with them again, so this time I decided to move to New York and gave up my relationship with Jackie.
I lived in New York for another 2 years. I really missed our relationship and still believed that he was the one. Meanwhile, Jackie decided to move to New York because he didn’t want to live without me. After Jackie came to New York we re-started our relationship. We cherished our relationship even more and started planning for our future life together. We went through many challenges in this relationship, but we are very blessed to find each other. No matter where we go, we believe that true love is always nearby.
Wedding venue
Cathy: I’ve always dreamed about having a beach wedding since I was a little girl. After discussing with Jackie, we decided to only invite our close family and friends and picked our wedding location in Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii is the perfect location not only because it’s the most beautiful island state in the States, but also because it’s right in the middle between Shanghai and New York.
My parents suggested that although this is a destination wedding, the ceremony should still be formal, so we took their advise and decided to hold our ceremony in the Crystal Ocean Chapel in Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Wedding planning information
Wedding theme: intimate, sweet, warm, and relaxed
Theme colors: baby pink, champagne, and white (symbolizes sweetntess, simplicity, and purity)
Best wedding moment: when Jackie said his wedding vows
Thoughts from the photographer
Derek Wong: I really enjoyed photographing Cathy & Jackie’s intimate wedding. They were great to work with and I loved capturing the chemistry between them. Everyone was excited for their wedding and you could feel the energy and love in the air, not only from the Bride and Groom, but from their family and friends.
This wedding had beautiful decor and flowers. Having the candy bar at this wedding was a nice touch to decor as well. Cathy had two gowns and it was nice to photograph her in both. I particularly enjoyed capturing the portraits on the beach and showing the true connection between Cathy & Jackie.
About the photographer
For over 12 years, Derek Wong has created some of the most memorable wedding images in Hawaii. He is recognized as one of the World’s Top Wedding Photographers. What sets him apart from other photographers are his attention to detail, commitment to quality, and talent for capturing moving images.
Find the photographer:
Derek Wong’s website | Facebook
Vendor Information:
Location: The Hilton Hawaiian Village | Wedding Coordinator/Designer: Sandra Williams of Finishing Touch Hawaii | Ocean Crystal Chapel Coordinator: Sarah Gamble of Best Bridal Hawaii, | Decor: Jaymi Seo of Event Essentials Hawaii | Rentals: Stephanie Valencia of Royal Party Rentals | Hair/Make up: CJ Siepka of Naturally You Hawaii | Cake: Cake Works Hawaii | Videographer: Christiaan Phleger | Tabletop Decoration: Passion Roots
