I’ve actually stayed at the hotel where Natasha and Robert got married. I can definitely say their beautiful pictures don’t even do justice to the stunning scenery there. Hawaii is an amazing place and the perfect setting for a wedding.
Natasha & Robert | August 29, 2009, Grand Hyatt Kauai | Kauai Island, Hawaii
How he proposed
Robert proposed in Half Moon Bay, California, on June 14, 2008. We were staying at the quaint Mill Rose Inn where he surprised me after we came back from dinner. I did not expect it at all. He had asked my parents for permission, and even had the Inn owner put some things in our room while we were at dinner to help with the surprise.
The ceremony
We had a small ceremony with 60 quests, family and close friends. Robert’s brother officiated the wedding. We held the ceremony outside at the Grand Lawn Gazebo at the Grand Hyatt.
The reception
We had a cocktail hour between the ceremony and the reception. During the cocktail hour we took pictures with family and the wedding party while guests enjoyed cocktails and hor des oeuvres. The reception was at the Ilima Terrace which has a beautiful view of the koi pond, fountains and swans.
We wanted a simple yet elegant wedding. We had a buffet dinner with beef tenderloin, chicken, fish, wasabi mashed potatoes, various vegetables and salads and baked beans (at groom’s request) which were a big hit. Our colors were light blue and ivory. We had tall orchid arrangements on each table which went well with the tall ceilings and open atmosphere of the Ilima Terrace. For table names, we selected our favorite eateries from cities where we lived and from our travels. We wrote a brief fun description of the eateries. We tried to have our guests sit at the table to which they can relate and where we shared memorable meals with them.
The moment Natasha will never forget
The most memorable moments from that day were the speeches made by our fathers. My father gave a very warm and touching speech that made many guests cry. Robert’s father’s speech was very fun and uplifting that set the tone for the fun night.
What made her wedding dress “The One”
I tried on probably 30 dresses. I wanted an A line strapless dress, something that looked light and romantic yet was celebratory. I did not want a lot of bead and lace but did want enough detail to make the dress unique and intricate. Initially I did not even think much of the Melissa Sweet Becca dress but my sister wanted me to try it on. As soon as I put it on, I knew I loved it. The style of the dress really suited me; it had amazing detail and hand sewn flowers but yet was not over the top. I debated for a long time about the dress primarily due to cost but after trying on many more dresses, I knew that this was the one I wanted.
Her advice for other brides
Be open minded. Try on as many dresses as you can but you will know once you find “the one.”
