Every great love starts with a great story
Where it all began.
"Hey, I'm Cody," he said as he turned around to greet the girl in the bright pink dress.
It was Valentines Day in San Diego and they exchanged a brief conversation before splitting ways entering into an event that hosted the launch of Esther's 5th book.
After the night was over, Cody walked up to Esther's book table and purchased 2 books under one condition, "You gotta write me a special message and sign it." Game on. Esther wrote something profound and life changing (lol) and handed back the book. The conversation continued and the air between them was electric. The laughter and relentless smiles left Esther's cheeks sore from the enchanted encounter. She knew there was something fiery about this one and in a moment of bravery, she snatched the book back from Cody and wrote her number beneath the signature.
And just like that their love story was born...well, sort of. Esther never received a text or call from Cody after that night. Instead, she got a DM from him on Instagram with an invite to join him on his podcast. She was sure there was something there, but apparently Cody would rather interview her than take her to dinner.
As it would turn out, Cody had texted Esther right after they met, but mixed up the 7 for a 9 and messaged the wrong person.
They laughed about the mix up and set a date for a waterfall hike a few weeks later. When they got to the top of the falls, Cody turned to Esther, "Let's jump in," he said as if it was the most logical idea. Esther peered down the 50ft drop to the bottom. "I think I'll just watch you," her palms were sweaty just standing at the top. Cody turned to Esther and grabbed her hand,
"Esther, just imagine the story we'll get to tell..."
Her eyes glazed over as he coerced her with his words. Esther loved a good story. "Crap, alright. Let's do it. 3, 2, 1," they jumped off the cliff and plunged into the freezing cold mountain water, emerging back into the sunlight feeling wildly brave, and seeing each other through new eyes. On the count of 3 they fell in love...quite literally.
Now, they'll be telling this
story for the rest of their lives.
WHERE IT'S GOING.
A destination wedding of our dreams.
The Ceremony
January 15, 2024
Four O'clock in the afternoon
Paliku Gardens, Kualoa Ranch
Oahu, Hawaii
The Reception
Dinner + Dancing
to follow after
Under the tent
RSVP
Will you be joining us on this matrimony adventure?
more festivities
Family +Wedding Party Games
January 14th, 2024
Ten in the morning
Location TBD
bring comfy clothes
(plan to go back to your hotel after to get cleaned up for rehearsal)
Rehearsal + Dinner
four in the afternoon
paliku gardens, kualoa ranch
dinner to follow
at wedding party airbnb in waikiki
(address will be sent)
Travel Tips
Flights + REntal cars
Fly into Honolulu airport
If you are going to rent a car the best
prices are found on TURO.
Great airlines to book with:
Alaskan Air
Hawaiian Airlines
Southwest
OTHER ACTIVITIES
The Sony Open Golf Tournament
Beautiful beaches, snorkeling, hiking, dining, traditional luau, and more!
(More details will be emailed to you after RSVPing)
Where to stay
Waikiki (40 minutes from Venue)
This is closest to the airport and cheapest area to stay in. There are TONS of hotel options, these listed are great prices:
If you'd like to stay closer to the venue these are great options:
We also highly recommend checking Airbnb or VRBO or even sharing one with other guests.
Areas to look in:
Waikiki
Honolulu
Kahuku
Laie
Hauula
Kaawa
questions?
Do I need a rental car?
You will either need a rental car or plan on Ubering to and from the venue (it's about 1 hour away and a $50 ride each way)
What should I wear?
Formal/cocktail attire is requested. Ladies, it will be in the grass, so don't wear stiletto style shoes.
What time should I arrive at the venue?
We encourage you to arrive by 3:30pm to ensure enough time for parking and walking to the venue site at Paliku Gardens.
How far away is Kualoa Ranch from Waikiki?
It is about 40 minutes, but we strongly encourage you to margin 1 hour in case there's traffic. There are no exits along the main highway so DOUBLE CHECK you have everything before you leave as you will have no turn around exit to go back.
When is the wedding party arriving + when should I arrive?
Cody & Esther will arrive with their wedding party on January 12th-- you are more than welcome to come this day and join us for a firework show some time together in Waikiki. Most people will likely arrive on the 13th.
Newlywed Fund & Registry
We're so blessed by your presence at our wedding-- that in itself is a gift.
If you desire give to our Newlywed fund, we will be giving 20% of it to a local non-profit we work with called Julian Oaks that serve at risk youth. The remaining 80% we will use to start our new life together.
We've also registered with Amazon & West Elm :)
Let the adventure begin...