You probably already know this, but we here at GWS have a major love of florals — in all forms. Whether they’re cascading down arches, brimming from bouquets, serving as table décor, or even inspiring the print you’re rocking. Well, when we saw Leslie + Cano’s floral-filled wedding, we about flipped! Not only was their blush + white backdrop seriously stunning, but Cano rocked a floral suit!
Leslie shares: Our wedding was undoubtedly us. Think modern, chic, backyard luau, and a dance party to end it. We wanted to bring that nostalgia back. I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, in a beautiful town called Waimea. Anna Ranch was the perfect venue – my family proudly takes care of the landscaping – now 3 generations running. There’s a great, huge, green lawn where we pitched a clear tent, complete with café lighting to accommodate 240 of our family & friends. As my cousin is a talented florist (Ivie Joy Floral Arts + Events in New York), I gave her free range on flowers and colors. I really wanted her to run with her creativity!
With the help of designer Bliss in Bloom, L+C’s day was the talk of the Big Island. Just wait, you’re going to flip (just like we did) over these photos by Chelsea Abril Photography!
The Outfits
WHAT THE WHAT. Have you ever seen so many florals?! Hello, dapper gent!
Seriously, how stylin’ is this groom?! For those that want to achieve a similar look, take a look at our picks:
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The Ceremony Space
Leslie knew early on that she wanted a circle arbor for the backdrop and a flower wall, and Ivie Joy Floral Arts + Events seriously BROUGHT IT.
It’s tropical, it’s unique, it’s totally, totally perfect. Definitely pinning this for later!
Bride: I loved having all of the people we love under one beautiful tent in my hometown. There was so much love in one place and we all felt it. Merging our family and friends as one ohana, supporting us as a married couple was definitely a memory, a feeling I will never forget.
Groom: The hula that Leslie did for me was one of my favorite memories – it was the only time I cried. I also really liked the traditional Filipino dance that Leslie’s sister, Jayleen, performed. It was so different and unique.
Processional: Wedding Party: With a Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles; Bride: Lei Pikake by HAPA
Recessional: La Bamba by Ritchie Valens
First Dance: Make You Feel My Love by Adele
The Newlyweds
Such snazzy outfits! Cano’s floral suit is from ASOS, while Leslie looked super chic in her Sottero and Midgley gown.
Leslie’s bouquet was the epitome of spring – filled with blush pinks, peachy tones hints of creams. They incorporated trailing bougainvillea from an old macadamia nut factory — paying homage to her grandparents, who are macadamia nut farmers.
She shares: I always knew I wanted to wear a haku lei on me wedding day. I wore 2 actually! A smaller one for the ceremony and a larger one for the reception.
Say Aloha to this Reception
My wedding favors were bags of macadamia nuts that were farmed and dry roasted by my grandparents. The label on them cheekily read, “Enjoy these Nuts.”
Tables were dressed with beautiful, lush, happy flowers along with local, tropical fruits: rambutan and longan.
Leslie says: I even hugged the flower wall to make sure it was real and thought – dreams do come true! It was the perfect backdrop for every photo.
Planning – definitely use Pinterest and bridal magazines as inspiration but don’t get tied up and let it overwhelm you. Make sure you stay true you and your love. Pick things that are important to you and focus on them. For us, we prioritized our musician, DJ, photographer, videographer, an open bar & food. We did not have any glassware at our wedding – no champagne flutes, no wine glasses, and no dishes – and no one cared. We also did not have a photo booth – instead I brought my Polaroid camera and bought film off Amazon. And honestly, mostly everyone has a phone with a camera. We opted out of the bouquet & garter toss so we could open the dance floor earlier. For the DJ, we created a playlist on Spotify so he knew the type of music we wanted and just as important we told him the songs we did not want to play – sorry Cupid Shuffle.
Day of – do yourself and your family a favor and hire a day of coordinator. Just put it in the budget at the beginning. The day goes by so fast and you worked so hard – let someone help you with your timeline, let someone else be the one who answers everyone’s questions and enjoy your day. Be present and be flexible – don’t let anything ruin this beautiful life event!
Leslie shares: We have a serious donut obsession. Cano creatively proposed to me in donuts, so donut details were important! We ordered 100 donuts from the local grocery store and displayed them on a homemade peg board.
Their friend, Chad Raymond, owns a sign company custom designed 4-foot tall illuminated letters for them: L&C. He ingeniously added a donut graphic in the C – perfect!
And be sure to watch their sweet video by Kahena Cinemas
What a day!! From the team at GWS, congrats you two!
photography: Chelsea Abril Photography // venue name: Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Kamuela, Hawaii, USA // event design: Bliss in Bloom // planning: Bliss in Bloom // florals: Ivie Joy Floral Arts + Events // wedding dress: Sottero and Midgley // bride's ring: Na Hoku Jewelers // bridesmaid dresses: Lulus // hair stylist: Andi Kimiko // makeup artist: Gerilyn Iga (Bride) Kisa Von Der Hayden (Bridesmaids) // groom attire: ASOS and Gucci Belt // groom's shoes: Gucci // groom's ring: Na Hoku Jewelers // videography: Kahena Cinemas // paper goods: Laura Hughes // calligraphy: John Allen Signs // catering: Joe Stender & Crew // furniture rentals: Big Island Tents // linen rentals: Big Island Tents // specialty rentals: Grace Flowers (Arbor Rental & Haku Leis) // music: Bula Akamu // dj: 808Hype // groom's haircut: Leucadia Barbershop // groomsmen’s outfits: Quiksilver Waterman
Absolutely beautiful and creative!! Love the suit, really fancy!
The circle arbor really is amazing!!
Refreshingly different !
Love it ! ♥♥
Loving this Groom’s style and his fashion forward suit!
WOW, the floral design is stunning!!