Riding together to the ceremony site at Manele Bay, Jarah was relieved for the levity ever present with her father. Standing above the cinematic stretch of beach, they watched as her groom Vincente and the wedding guests took their places. “I was glad to have that moment to collect myself and take everything in,” says Jarah. When the time came to walk down the aisle, her father took her arm in his and said, “Don’t worry about it, I’ve got you.” Thinking back, Jarah says fondly, “Which he has—all my life!” Clutching a stunning bouquet of white orchids and lush peonies, she was ready to make her entrance.
It was important to both Jarah and Vicente to honor the family and friends who had made the trip to share in this auspicious occasion. Since many of their family members were meeting for the first time, gatherings during the week gave them time to settle in to Lanai’s relaxed island pace and get to know one another. Jarah put together thoughtful welcome gifts for each room: Baguu reusable bags filled with rum, a water bottle, lip balm, sunscreen, Maui Chips and Big Island Candies. They invited all their guests to the rehearsal dinner, a traditional luau highly anticipated by the groom. “The phrase ‘whole roast suckling pig’ really made my husband’s eyes light up, so we had to do it,” quips Jarah.
Naturally, the only wedding theme the two required was, in a word, “fun”. Tables were dressed in white and fuchsia linens with flamboyant tropical centerpieces running the length of the grand table. Jarah says, “We wanted the reception to be magical and festive, so we had piñatas and garlands. Nothing says ‘party’ like confetti!” The décor choice had nothing to do with the groom’s nationality and everything to do with their desire to throw their guests the quintessential party. Jarah had long admired a small company she found in New York’s East Village called Confetti Systems. Known for their paper art typically used in retail installations and extravagant fashion week displays, the company created Jarah’s piñatas and streamers in vivid crayola hues and shipped them to Lanai in time for the wedding. “One of the designers was surprised when I told him we actually planned to smash them,” says Jarah. “They’re usually seen as real works of art.” Indeed, at the height of the evening, Vincente was pleased to do the honors, shattering the piñatas to create a splendid cascade of confetti over the dance floor. Dancing together under the paper rain was the magical and happy ending they had desired.
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