Sustainable Destination Wedding in Hawaii

Chris and Kris

From Kris and Chris:

How did you two meet and how long have you been dating?

We met at work when we were 19 and 20. We weren't fast friends, but once we started hanging out about two years later we realized that although we had nothing in common (LOL), we really looked forward to spending time with each other. We make 10 years this coming April!

Kris, how did you know Chris was "The One?"

As far as I can remember, there wasn't a lightning strikes moment, but one nondescript day I looked up and realized he was home and he has been ever since.

Chris, how did you know Kris was "The One?"

I actually have two moments, both of which Kris will find hilarious: One, our first date. I asked her to go to Brooklyn Museum because she mentioned she loves museums annnnd cuz I had a school project. Up til that point, we had been flirty but friendly and unbeknownst to me she wasn't even sure I was interested. During that date, I reached for her hand, which she pulled away because she panicked. Just two shy kids making a mess of things.
Two was when I finally managed to hold her hand a few weeks later, conveniently pulling her through a crowded movie theater lobby. As soon as I did, I knew there was no hand I'd rather hold.

Why did you decide to get married in Hawaii - and specifically why did you choose Sunshower?

Hawaii is such a special, magical place. We spent a week in August 2017 on the North Shore of Oahu and we fell in love. The people, the pace, the culture, the natural beauty...Hawaii felt more like home than New York ever had. We knew we wanted to come back over and over and explore each unique island. While looking for wedding venues, we kept hitting walls with NY venues. They were either too expensive or too small or not enough parking or too far for our parents (because Brooklyn is apparently long distance). In a moment of clarity, Chris suggested a destination wedding in Hawaii. Kris (fatigued from all the venue hopping) said if Chris could find a venue that fit the budget and vision, Hawaii would be perfect. The next day, Chris pulled up Sunshower Farms on his chromebook and after two minutes on the website, Hawaii was set in stone. Well, after talking it over with the family :-p

What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day?

Kris: The moment where time stood still for me was when I was walking down the aisle and our eyes met (ironically, cuz I was definitely walking fast out of nerves). Even though we had technically signed our marriage license the week before in a dive bar in Midtown, the fact that I was walking towards Chris in this beautiful white dress surrounded by the loves of our lives, it felt so surreal and so REAL. Like, this is my husband. It was overwhelming.
Chris: My most memorable moment of the wedding was our first look. Standing there, waiting for Kris to show up, then hearing the golf cart roll up...I had so many butterflies. This was a woman I had seen almost every day for over nine years...knowing in a few moments that she would be a vision that I would never forget. We actually joked that I would probably laugh, because that's what I do when I'm nervous. I did, but it was still perfect.
What was your favorite wedding detail?
Kris: I absolutely loved the live ceiling and we were so happy to be the first couple to make it a part of our wedding. Oooh, and the coconuts and the sparklers and the lights and the fog...it was just the most magical night we could have ever imagined.
Chris: She basically covered everything [eyeroll] but the pizza was amazing. We are New Yorkers, after all.

Any advice for future couples?

Kris: Don't stress the rain, it's gonna look amazing either way. Actually, don't stress anything because Kate is Queen and her staff are amazing. Also, the tahitian lime from onolicious is UNREAL.
Chris: Hire a DJ. And if you don't, make sure you download your songs like Kate suggests haha.

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Kris: Weirdly enough, even though I laughed all night, I don't remember anything being really funny lol. It was just such a joyful evening.
Chris: Ned (our best friend and officiant) jumping in and out of our photos at the alter as per Kate's instructions.

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Kris: It was perfect. If anything, I would have eaten more s'mores.
Chris: We would hire a DJ or band. Everything else was wonderful.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

We didn't. But were are planning a trip to Europe in September but Covid made us postpone. We hope to go soon! And we hope to keep honeymooning every year thereafter lol. Especially to Hawaii, as often as possible!