These two recently backpacked through Southeast Asia together for four months and decided to move to Hawaii to start a new life together. They wanted a gorgeous ocean themed wedding, careful to not use Hawaiian themed as to not appropriate a culture. These two were simply so in love it affected even bystanders. There were so many tears and laughs. They were adventurous and the rain on their wedding day didn’t deter them from their big day. They even had a gorgeous rainbow to make up for it!
How They Met
From the bride:
We met at a coffee shop (Caribou Coffee) near Meghan’s office at National Geographic Traveler Magazine, in Washington, D.C., after exchanging messages on OkCupid. Our first actual date was a few weeks later. We planned to meet at a popular restaurant that served locally sourced foods, but the wait was really long and reservations were booked out a week in advance, so Chase had planned a backup place with a reservation, called Firefly. We had dinner and a bottle of wine and then Chase walked Meghan back to her office, where she headed home.Chase proposed to Meghan at the New Zealand Embassy Ball in Washington, D.C. in November of 2013.
The Proposal
Two year prior, at the last New Zealand Embassy Ball, Chase told Meghan he loved her for the first time outside on the Embassy patio. Chase planned the occasion to propose as it would bring their relationship “full circle” so to speak. He carefully hid the ring in his jacket, waiting for the right moment to take Meghan out to the patio, to the very spot he first told her he loved her. That moment came when the band playing at the ball began performing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” Feigning the need for a cigarette, Chase led Meghan outside. He had planned a big speech, but after reminding her that this was where he first told her he loved her, the moment overwhelmed him and he just dropped down and asked her to marry him. She was quite excited and happy and quickly said yes, at which point they hugged and kissed without her even looking at the ring. Some folks nearby overheard what was happening, and after quick phone calls to friends and family sharing the good news, the entire ball was made aware of the proposal and Chase and Meghan were brought up to the front and the entire crowd joined the Ambassador (the former Prime Minister) in congratulating Chase and Meghan and watching them dance. They were given a bottle of champagne, and numerous congratulatory toasts and shots. Meghan got alcohol poisoning. By the end of the evening they were driven to their hotel by New Zealand military attache who worked at the Embassy, and they were invited to honeymoon in New Zealand by all.
The DIY Projects
Meghan did most of the table designing herself. They also had a s’mores station, cigars, and a thai food truck to create a family style dinner for everyone.
VENDORS
Photographer: Creatrix Photography
Dress Store: David’s Bridal
Bakery: Hokulani Bakery
Caterer: The Elephant Truck
Reception Venue: The Loulu Palm Estate
Makeup Artist: Whik’d Hawaii