Destination Wedding: Hope & Jeff – Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort & Old Lahaina Luau – Maui, Hawaii

If you’ve ever been in a long term relationship (married or not), then you know every year is worth celebrating. TWENTY years is worth celebrating…in Hawaii. Hope and Jeff chose a windy day at the Aston Kaanapali Shores Resort in Maui for their vow renewal, and asked me to come along. Pssshhh. Like I was gonna say no. 😉 Some things haven’t changed in 20 years when it comes to weddings. You still have the basics like rings and flowers:You still have your mom there to help you get ready:And if you’re lucky, your first look at each other is just as powerful.They incorporated Hawaiian wedding traditions into their vow renewal ceremony, including a lei exchange……as well as the ti leaf wrapped lava rock. The bride and groom choose a place to leave the rock on the island – the rock symbolizes the moment they made their commitment to each other and is steadfast, while their rings are the symbol they take with them wherever they go.The cocktail reception was held at the resort’s Beach Club restaurant, complete with a cake made by one of Hope and Jeff’s friends. They incorporated several items that Jeff had saved from their wedding day 20 years before, including the original cake topper (Did you notice I said JEFF saved all that stuff, not Hope? Apparently the comedian is a big softy on the inside. :)).Michael Castro of 3C Events (who coordinated the festivities and was also on floral detail) made good use of the original invitations, by asking the guests to write their thoughts and best wishes to Hope and Jeff inside:Several of their friends and family had touching words to share out loud as well:Instead of having a “traditional” dinner reception, Hope and Jeff had all of their guests attend the Old Lahaina Luau. I think it was because Jeff really feels at home there. 😉Of course we had to get a family picture – did I mention Hope is a professional photographer back in my home state of California? Yeah, no pressure there!Special thanks to my homie Alison who came all the way from Canada to second shoot for me. Plus she makes good entertainment, getting all up in hotel plants and taking hysterical pictures!Hope and Jeff: thank you so much for letting us watch you embarrass your kids. 🙂 I have always loved a sense of humor in a man, but the two of you have convinced me even more that being able to laugh often (at each other, at yourselves, and at life) is the secret to real happiness. Here’s to another 20 years of laughter. And yes, I expect a call. 😉