There was never any doubt that Hawaii residents, Jody Hanako Kono and Maui Kjeldsen, would be married barefoot on the beach, and Jody selected a place where their romance had blossomed over a two year courtship. “Waikoko, Kauai is magical. It’s a bit secluded, breathtakingly beautiful, and carries with it a great sense of spirit… And there’s a surf spot in the front yard!” she laughs. Personal friends of the couple offered the use of their two private homes located on the property, so the bridal party was able to relax and spend time together a few days before the event. The groomsmen enjoyed massages while the ladies headed into nearby Hanalei for manicures and pampering. That night they all returned to the cozy little town for a casual rehearsal dinner at the Hanalei Gourmet.

Although tradition usually dictates that the groom doesn’t see his bride on the wedding day, conventional thinking was literally tossed into the ocean that day. Maui woke Jody before the sun rose for what locals call “dawn patrol," convincing her to catch the very first waves of the day. The entire bridal party eventually joined them after dawn. It was the beginning of a beautiful wedding day. That evening 125 guests traveled to Waikoko from around the world, with family and friends from New Zealand, Australia, San Francisco, the Big Island, Maui, and Oahu. The Honorable Judge George Masuoka, a family friend, presided over the touching ceremony. Jody wore an adorable Juicy Couture designed dress that was recreated by local tailor Vicki Masuoka when Jody was unable to order the original in white. Maui was handsome in casual white linen from Banana Republic. The couple presented bridesmaids with sunrise shell chokers handmade with shells found on the northern shores of Kauai, and groomsmen received brown leather slippers perfect for the beach occasion. The groom’s father flew in the flowers for the bridal bouquets all the way from New Zealand, lovely bright green cymbidiums and anthuriums.

An intimate reception marked by casual island elegance followed the ceremony, and although Jody had envisioned “something simple on the beach,” her maid of honor, Romelyn Stein, graciously took on the duties of wedding coordinator and planned a lovely, refreshingly unpretentious party for the newlyweds. Tables were set with tropical green bamboo and lit with dozens of candles. White favor bags filled with New Zealand “lollies” of mints and toffees were tied with chocolate brown ribbon to each guest chair. The personalized bags included notes of sweet-humored sentiments from the couple for each guest.

In the tradition of old Hawaii, family and friends worked together to make sure Maui and Jody enjoyed every minute of their wedding day. Gail Nakayama prepared the food, a display of Hawaiian delicacies and fresh island seafood. Dean Nakayama, owner of the Kauai Bakery, created an untraditional wedding cake made of tiers of malasadas, delicious Hawaiian pastries filled with haupia and chocolate cream. As a surprise gift, friends hired a fire dancer who “wowed” guests with an authentic performance. A disc jockey took over after, and family and friends couldn’t resist dancing to the nostalgic  tunes of the 70’s and 80’s. The festivities ended with a beach bonfire, where joyful guests listened contentedly to the sound of the waves and the soft strumming of an ukulele. Jody says, “The entire celebration was created out of love from our family and friends…the decor, food and beverage, coordination, transportation, set up and tear down. It was truly a day of love.”

Text by Shaunna Keough

Photography by Arna Johnson