I know from personal experience that getting married on the beach with just the two of you is extraordinary and unbelievably romantic. Looking at the pictures, I can really feel the specialness of Gina & Chris’ Day and wish them nothing but happiness.
Gina & Chris | July 29, 2010 | Anini Beach, Kauai
How he proposed
On Valentine’s Day we went to The Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga Canyon, CA. What a beautiful setting. My left palm was sweating the whole time on the drive up there and Chris noticed that. I had NO idea he was planing to propose. We were seated at a quiet table for two beside a beautiful Oak tree outside, with a stream running beside us. Got up to use the restroom and upon returning there were two cards on the table. They were both beautiful and perfect and touching. After reading them both he reached in his pocket and presented the engagement ring and proposed. We ended up staying there for over three hours. Time stood still as if there was a bubble around us with nature surrounding.
The ceremony
We got married on Anini Beach in Kauai. We planned to decide on a wedding location once we got there (only two days prior to our wedding date!). Sure enough just after we arrived on the island we met a beautiful couple at a new organic raw food restaurant close to our hotel and they suggested we take a drive to Anini Beach. We fell in Love with the beach and decided that was where we would be wed. We had no idea where on the beach we would wed, and on the drive out for our ceremony it started raining! It turns out the beach was PACKED with campers and sunbathers. Then, Chris pulls off to the side of the road and discovers a quiet little cove, with NO ONE there, and only enough parking for the three cars that were our crew. The rain stopped, the sun came out, and the ceremony was private and beautiful. We had an acoustic guitar player (who we later discovered was well known on the island) and a wonderful minister, wedding coordinator and photographer. That was it! Just us. Perfect.
The moment Gina will never forget
Saying our vows. It is a moment that is ingrained in my soul.
The reception
We went to Postcards Cafe on Hanelei Bay on Kauai for dinner. I had a dress picked out for after the ceremony but we ran out of time so we went straight to the restaurant. I ran into a little shop in town and picked out a sundress to change into at the last minute. It was a blast. The couple who introduced us to Anini Beach ended up making our wedding cake! They own a restaurant called Living Rainbow in Kapaa. 100% organic and raw and sooo beautiful and delicious.
Splurges & Savings
Splurged on my dress 🙂 and our accommodations (Presidential Suite for two weeks). Saved by having a destination wedding with just the two of us.
What made her dress “The One”
Tried on two basic dresses that were OK, and the third dress was THE ONE. Everyone said “Wow….” Once the dress was picked out I was able to relax! Sooooo loved the dress.
Why she decided to sell her wedding gown
Why not share this beautiful dress with another woman who might otherwise not feel comfortable spending 8,000 on a gown. This dress is so very special. It should be shared. And my husband says that if we have a daughter she will want her OWN dress.
Her advice for other brides
try to RELAX 🙂
