If you’re dreaming of a Hawaii destination wedding with postcard-worthy views, ocean breezes, and a touch of vibrant color, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa might just be your perfect match. This oceanfront venue is located in the heart of Honolulu, just steps from the sand, and offers a seamless experience for couples looking to tie the knot in paradise.

From its iconic views of the ocean and palm trees to the breezy, open-air event spaces, Hyatt Regency Waikiki makes destination wedding planning surprisingly effortless. And that’s exactly why Holly and Jason chose it for both their ceremony and reception. With 75 guests flying in from all over the country, they needed a space that was both beautiful and convenient, and this spot absolutely delivered.

This wedding also held something extra special for me, it was the final wedding I photographed in Hawai‘i before moving to the mainland. Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover it. But spending the day with Holly and Jason, who brought so much joy, heart, and thoughtfulness to every part of their celebration? It was the perfect send off.

Holly and Jason’s Hawaii destination wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed and high-energy. The entire day was designed around one major goal: to actually enjoy it. From our very first call, they said they didn’t want to feel rushed or like they were stuck in an all day-long photoshoot. They wanted a celebration, with room to breathe, be present, and laugh with their favorite people. So we built a timeline that gave them exactly that. The morning was calm and ahead of schedule (a wedding miracle, honestly), and they spent it surrounded by their closest friends. The overcast skies made the tropical colors pop in all the best ways, and everything just flowed.

Holly had a clear vision from the start: a color palette that honored the tropical beauty of O‘ahu without screaming “theme party.” She landed on a mix of white, yellow, and lush greens with just the right amount of fuchsia to make everything pop, and wow, did it come together beautifully!! The bridesmaids wore satin dresses from Revelry in different silhouettes, each one reflecting their individual style while still tying the look together. (A+ on letting your girls be themselves, Holly.) The guys kept it island-casual in khakis and white linen shirts, finished off with ti leaf leis, such a simple yet meaningful nod to local Hawaiian traditions.

Even with all the attention to detail, nothing about their wedding felt overly styled. It felt like them. Relaxed, thoughtful, and full of color and life, just like the two of them and their relationship.

As a photographer and fellow boy mom, the parent dances got me. Holly and her dad had everyone teary-eyed, and Jason’s dance with his (step)mom, Cindy, was one of those quietly powerful moments that sticks with you. The speeches? A perfect one-two punch. Macy, the Maid of Honor, had the whole room laughing to tears. And Jeremy, the Best Man, brought heart that had us all misty-eyed for a different reason.

Despite being in one of the most visited spots in Hawaii, their wedding still felt intimate and deeply personal—which is what made it so special.

Photography That Lets You Enjoy the Moment

Let’s be honest—wedding photography can either make or break your experience. And Holly and Jason knew early on that they didn’t want their wedding day to feel like a production. They found me on Zola, and fun fact: Jason was stationed in my hometown of Kings Bay, Georgia. Small world!

One of the best parts of our collaboration was building a photo timeline that didn’t take over their day. We planned everything so they could enjoy the lead-up to the ceremony, soak in the little moments, and even (drumroll please)… make it to their own cocktail hour!

And when I could tell Jason was getting a little “pictured out” during portraits, we wrapped early so they could jump back into the party. That’s what it’s all about—beautiful photos and a wedding you actually remember enjoying.

Planning Your Own Hawaii Destination Wedding at Hyatt Regency Waikiki?

Whether you’re planning a big beachside bash or a laid-back elopement in Honolulu, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki offers the ideal mix of location, views, and aloha spirit. Plus, with an experienced team of local vendors and a timeline that prioritizes your experience, your wedding day doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here’s the amazing team that brought this Hawaii destination wedding at Hyatt Regency Waikiki to life:

💐 Vendor Credits:

• Photography: Kristen Campbell Photography
• Venue + Catering: Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa
• Planning + Coordination: Wedding Goals Hawaii – lisaw@weddinggoalshawaii.com
• Florals: The Flower Bunny
• DJ & Entertainment: From Above Entertainment
• Officiant: Joffrey Rabanal
• Bridal Gown: Enzoani – via Bridal Beginnings
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry
• Invitations: Zola
• Cake: Homemade with love by the groom’s (step)mom

My Final Hawai‘i Wedding—and What’s Next

My last wedding in Hawai‘i… and I couldn’t have asked for a better one to close that chapter. Holly and Jason brought so much joy, color, and heart to their day—and reminded me exactly why I love doing this. Helping couples feel calm, cared for, and completely themselves is what it’s always been about.

Now that I’m based in California, I’m bringing that same experience to couples getting married in the vineyards, gardens, and estates of Napa and beyond. Different backdrop, same intention: effortless images that feel like you, and a day you actually get to enjoy.

If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s start planning something beautiful.