Our Story

About Aloha Weddings

Creating magical celebrations in paradise since 2009.

Wedding ceremony
Our Beginning

A Love for Love Stories

Aloha Weddings was born from a simple belief: every couple deserves a wedding that feels authentically theirs, without the stress of making it happen.

Founder Leilani Nakamura started planning weddings in 2009 after helping a friend create her dream beach ceremony. What started as a passion project quickly grew as word spread about her ability to turn visions into reality while keeping the planning process joyful.

Today, our team of four dedicated planners has coordinated over 200 weddings across Hawaii's most beautiful venues. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, we bring the same level of care, creativity, and aloha spirit to every event.

We believe that planning your wedding should be as enjoyable as the day itself. That's why we handle the details, navigate the challenges, and celebrate the wins alongside you, all while keeping your vision at the heart of everything we do.

What We Believe

Our Values

🌺

Aloha Spirit

We infuse every wedding with the warmth, love, and welcoming nature that defines Hawaii.

💕

Authentic Connection

We take the time to truly know each couple, ensuring their day reflects who they are.

Flawless Execution

Behind every magical moment is meticulous planning and seamless coordination.

🏝️

Local Expertise

Deep relationships with Hawaii's best venues and vendors give our couples exclusive access.

The Team

Meet Your Planners

A passionate team dedicated to making your wedding dreams come true.

Leilani Nakamura

Founder & Lead Planner

With 15 years of experience and a deep love for Hawaii, Leilani founded Aloha Weddings to share the magic of island celebrations with couples from around the world. Her attention to detail and calm demeanor make even the most complex weddings feel effortless.

Emma Chen

Senior Planner & Designer

Emma brings a background in interior design to her wedding work, creating cohesive aesthetics that wow guests and photograph beautifully. She specializes in luxury resort weddings and destination celebrations.

Kai Williams

Coordinator & Logistics

Kai's background in event production means nothing rattles him on wedding day. He's the behind-the-scenes master who ensures every timeline runs smoothly and every detail is perfect.

Sophie Park

Associate Planner

The newest member of our team, Sophie brings fresh ideas and boundless enthusiasm. Her background in hospitality and fluency in Korean and Japanese makes her perfect for our international couples.

Recognition

Awards & Honors

  • The Knot Best of Weddings 2024
  • Wedding Wire Couples' Choice 2024
  • Hawaii Magazine Best Wedding Planner
  • Modern Luxury Hawaii Top Planner
  • Pacific Weddings Featured Vendor
  • Honolulu Magazine Best of the Best
As Seen In

Press Features

Martha Stewart Weddings
The Knot
Brides
Style Me Pretty
Hawaii Magazine
Pacific Weddings
“We don't just plan weddings. We create the beginning of your greatest adventure together.”
— Leilani Nakamura, Founder
Wedding celebration

Let's Create Your Story

We'd love to hear about your vision and show you how we can bring it to life.

Get in Touch