We are so in love with this Bride and her gorgeous, stylish Hawaii affair. The perfect combination of elegant details, gorgeous locale, and pure happiness is simply magical! Trista & Steve’s wedding is a personality-packed pretty-fest, and their adorable love story made us smile from ear to ear. The wedding photos captured perfectly by Derek Wong Photography illustrate the true emotions and beautiful details of the day. Join us as we share this wedding story below.
Love Story
Steve met Trista through a mutual friend while he was on vacation in Taiwan. Believe it or not, Steve claims he could tell that Trista was the one after they first met! Trista would always ask him how he could tell and his response was always: “Because you were glowing!” To be clear, they didn’t meet at a rave and she wasn’t wearing any bright colors, maybe it was her Asian glow.
On their very first Christmas, Steve surprised Trista by sending her a big box. Inside was a stuffed animal, a t-shirt, a notebook and lots of Teuscher dark chocolates! The note said on a cold Christmas Trista could wear the big t-shirt, hug the stuffed animal in one hand, eat the chocolates with the other and think of him! This guy sounds creepy.
After a few weeks, Steve flew back to Taiwan to spend New Years with Trista, and then again on Valentine’s week. Steve was very romantic and he planned everything way in advance. One thing Trista will always remember was that during Valentine’s week, in addition to the beautiful flowers and romantic dinner, Steve made her pick a number from 1-5 every morning and each number represented a different surprise! Trista told her dad about it and he commented: “this guy really has some moves, where did he learn all that?”
They continued to keep in touch and talk on the phone until Steve convinced Trista to visit him in California in April 2012. He took her to Napa where she met a lot of his closest friends. At that time she was still a bit shy, but after a few glasses of wine, it was clear who the alpha dog was!
Steve continued to court Trista and even went to meet her parents in June 2012 (2 months after Trista’s visit). On the same trip he somehow convinced everyone that it would be great idea for Trista to spend the summer in CA.
After kidnapping her they spent the whole summer together laughing and getting to know each other more. He took her everywhere including Disneyland, Vegas and Tahoe. It was clear they connected on many levels and shared the same values. Oh and the conversations were good too!
Trista was scheduled to head back to Taiwan in September but Steve wouldn’t let her go. Instead he convinced her to sign up for Pilate’s instructor certification. He also came up with a few excuses including not being able to see her for a long time if she left. So guess what? She agreed to stay a bit longer.
Proposal story
In November, Steve secretly organized a “girls-only brunch” with a few of his friends’ wives and girlfriends at Half Moon Bay. Wanting to get to know them better, Trista quickly agreed to the brunch. Steve suggested meeting Trista after and spending the weekend there because he was stressed at work. Trista was suspicious something was up only to be disappointed when all of the girls left after the brunch.
They spent the rest of the afternoon together before having a very late dinner. Trista’s suspicion was completely dispelled after he canceled dessert and asked for the bill.
On the way back to the room, Steve was grumpy and asked her to open the door. As she was about to retort back what kind of gentleman doesn’t open the door for a lady the room opened up to balloons, flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne. He got down on one knee to Adele’s Make You Feel My Love and the rest is history.
Planning priorities
Trista & Steve: Flowers and beautiful photos were very important to us! The first vendor we locked down was our photographer Derek Wong. After that it took forever to research for the right florist, because all Trista wanted was beautiful flowers in the photos!
Advice for other couples
Trista & Steve: Definitely start planning early and really spend time writing your vows. They are forever! Also, each person should identify what is most important to them for the wedding. That way you only compromise on those 2 things last.
Wedding design information
Wedding Theme: romantic and elegant
Number of guests: 60
Best moment: when we saw each other for the first time after getting dressed
Budget: Steve said I can have whatever I want as long as it’s not “too crazy”
Favorite details: beautiful flowers
What made the day special: the fact that all our loved ones were there for us to share our happiness!
Sweet thoughts from the Bride
Trista: I was so happy that I smiled all day long. My cheeks were so sore afterwards! And the most special thing is of course my husband Steven Trieu. He’s my dream-come-true and my happiness.
Thoughts from the photographer
Derek Wong: A Bride and Groom once asked me what makes a beautiful wedding. Everything really can add to the event and make it special. In Trista & Steve’s case, they really put a lot of thought in the look and feel for their event.
Trista’s dress was custom made and was the right fit and style for her. It was very flattering on her at all angles. Steve made sure all his Groomsmen’s suits were tailored fit, and details such as this make a difference in the overall look of the wedding.
Trista & Steve also used some of the best wedding vendors in the industry. Sarah Aoyama, their wedding coordinator, really knows how to create a great event. The hair and makeup was very flattering as well.
Most importantly, the couple had great chemistry and they were surrounded by some really great friends and family that made the wedding a truly memorable event.
About Derek Wong Photography
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 Photography Website | Facebook
Other vendors:
Venue: Halekulani | Flowers: Debbie Hemingway | Coordinator: Sarah Aoyama of Engaging Moments | Videographer: Imaginewurks | DJ: Tony So | Hair and makeup: Nene Sakata | Photobooth: Studio X | Chairs: Chair Cover Express
