Blessed to capture this amazing couple, from Matt getting down on one knee to Renee saying “I do”. We are so excited to share with you their love story and incredible Hawaiian destination wedding day.
the love story (from the couple)
Throughout college, Renee worked at 24 Hour Fitness in Brea where she met Matthew. Matthew had been working there since 2007. Renee started at 24 Hour Fitness in 2007 in Rancho Santa Margarita and transferred to Brea in 2010 because she was living out there for college.
Matthew helped Renee train for her first triathlon in 2010. They had an automatic connection with fitness.
Matthew got Renee into cycling through his classes he taught. Soon enough, Renee got her cycle certification and began teaching as a Cycle Instructor.
Matthew and Renee started dating officially in June 2012. Matthew and Renee always love working out together as well as doing many fun and exciting activities.
In 2012, they hiked to the top of Mount Whitney in one day. They also went hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere, where they bungee jumped off the bridge. They enjoy surfing together and having bonfires weekly. As a couple, they strive to put fitness and training first so they can enjoy the fun things in life.
In 2013, Renee took Matthew to see his dad in Hawaii, a trip they would never forget. Who would have known that the next time they return to Hawaii, they would get married?!
romantic proposal (from the couple)
After many days of “whining” to Matt about popping the question, it finally happened!
Little did Renee know, he had the whole engagement planned since September 2014.
With very detailed plans, from having all friends and family there, making maps on where to be and when, preparing an after party and planning a “fake” flat tire, Matt definitly knew what he was going to do.
On October 4th, Saturday they planned to go to Newport Dunes to go camping with Renee’s mom and step dad since they had a triathlon in Newport Back Bay right down the street from the camp spot. Matt played it off that Renee’s mom really wanted to go camping so she got a spot there so we could join.
The morning of October 5th, they woke up, got into our triathlon gear and hopped on our bikes to head to the transition area. There, it was a normal morning before a race. They set up their bikes and gear, got their body markings, put their wetsuits on and headed to the ocean for a warm up.
Renee and Matt got in the water where Matt asked, “Are you nervous?” Renee said, “No, well a little.” Matt responded, “Ya I am always a little nervous before a race.” Little did Renee know how nervous he really was! Then, the race began!
They were off on the swim. Apparently, the amazing David Park of D. Park Photography was following Renee the whole race taking pictures (see their proposal and photos blogged here). When Renee was on the bike she caught up to Matt, thinking his bike was having mechanical issues. They came into the bike transition together and started the run. Rounding the corner to the finish line, she heard tons of cheering.
Matt grabbed Renee right before the finish and told her, “This is not the finish, this is just the start.”
He told her how much he loved her and wanted to always be with her. While shaking, Matt tried to untie the quadruple knot from the bag the ring was in and got down on one knee and said “Renee will you marry me?”
Without time to respond, he put the ring on her finger, she jumped on him and they crossed the finish line together.
All of Renee’s friends and family were waiting there with flowers, balloons, signs and champagne to celebrate!
Afterwards, Matt surprised her at Mutt Lynch’s in Newport. On the marquee was the words “She said yes! Matt and Renee 10-5-14.” Renee walked upstairs to a room filled with her friends who were all ready to toast to their engagement! The bar played “Going to the Chapel”while everyone partied. It was definitely a day Renee will never forget.
View more from the proposal here.
the wedding day
Hawaiian weather – ah, the perfect scene for a perfect wedding day.
Renee got ready in the breathtaking Presidential Suite at the St. Regis Princeville Resort.
The adorable wedding invitations:
Renee gave her bridesmaids a wonderful destination wedding gift! Aloha shirts! This was brilliant because the ladies can show off these clothes even after the wedding.
We have rarely had the blessing of capturing a wedding filled with such an incredible amount of emotion and laughter and love and joy. It filled the day from the beginning to end.
Renee’s mother and Matt’s mother were in beautiful tears most of the day.
A precious moment with Matt’s mom
Renee, you were absolutely stunning.
These beautiful butterfly broaches on Renee’s bouquet were in memory of her late grandmother. So precious.
The beachside and settings around St. Regis Princeville are incredible.
Seriously we had way too much fun with these ladies. They are a blast!
Their oceanview ceremony was held at the gorgeous Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens in Kilauea.
The handsome groom!
And his men
Photobomb by Matt’s mom! Love this lady!
It was a beautifully intimate ceremony with a stunning view.
One of Matt’s groomsmen strummed the guitar for the ceremony.
Love the father/daughter moments on the wedding day.
Renee, I LOVE this photo of you and your amazing mom. Lori, you look gorgeous! Gah, this photo makes me tear up already.
See why I love Matt’s mom? So many precious emotions and photos of her that day!
Matt’s mom and her two boys – I will seriously want this photo when Knightly Lordwilling gets married. Ahhh, love <3
Look at these two CUTIES!
Gahhh, so adorable.
We had such a blast with this bridal party.
Na Aina Kai had incredible views for Renee and Matt’s wedding romantics.
It was party time. We celebrated the reception at the Kilauea Lighthouse Bistro.
The favorite signature cocktail of the evening was the fabulous Killer Kraken.
Seriously, these ladies were too much fun. Loved it!
It is absolutely amazing to capture a couple who will take advantage of every moment they can to show that they love each other.
Becca, the bride’s sister, toasted the couple to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” It was quite the hit.
Renee’s stepfather had the most incredible father of the bride speech that got us in tears. He shared about “passing the baton” of caring and protecting and loving their beautiful daughter to Matt. The baton was inscribed with a beautiful message to commemorate the occasion.
Matt’s father’s toast was also a tearjerker. This was a precious father/son moment.
The family closed with a Hawaiian Ohana prayertime that we were invited to join. It’s such a lovable group of people.
This is truly an incredible family.
We’ve had the blessing of capturing both these sister’s weddings now. And both have seriously become one of our favorite couples. Both so in love. Both such beautiful people inside and out.
Becca and Mike were one of our fave couples from this jawdropping Disneyland wedding (check out their wedding here).
We asked Renee’s dad, “How does it feel to have both your daughters married?”
His response:
Priceless.
Then, it was party time.
And time for the sexiest garter toss we have ever seen!
What a celebration <3
congratulations
Renee and Matt, we love you guys. Thank you for a truly incredible experience. It was an unforgettable time. Congratulations and may God richly bless your beautiful family.
With all our love,
The DPARK Family
hawaiian wedding vendors
- Kauai Destination Wedding Photographers | D. Park Photography
- Getting Ready Wedding Venue | The St. Regis Princeville Resort | 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville, HI 96722
- Ceremony Venue | Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens Kaluakai Beach | 4101 Wailapa Road, Kilauea, HI 96754
- Reception Venue | Lighthouse Bistro | 2484 Keneke Street, Kilauea, HI 96754
- Wedding Coordinator | Heather from Tie the Knot Hawaii
- Caterer | Lighthouse Bistro
- Cupcakes | Kawaii Cupcake
- DJ | Kustom Sounds Kauai
- Rentals | Kauai Tent & Party Rental
- Videographer | Hanalei Shack Productions
- Bridal and Bridesmaid Shoes | Rainbow Sandals
- Bridesmaids Gowns | Donna Morgan
- Groomsmen Attire | Tommy Bahama
- Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist | Mia Moriguchi
- Wedding Colors | Cobalt Blue + Yellow
want more?
Check out their beautiful Dana Point fitness engagement here!
Capture your beautiful destination love story with the DPARK family today!
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