1. Real Weddings

A Charming Island Wedding at Hale Ohia Kai in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

When it came to wooing Charita Carter (29 and a salesperson at Tiffany & Co.), Niager Herndon (30 and a general manager at The Buckle Inc.) pulled out

When it came to wooing Charita Carter (29 and a salesperson at Tiffany & Co.), Niager Herndon (30 and a general manager at The Buckle Inc.) pulled out all the stops. After a few chance encounters at University of West Georgia, he offered to take her anywhere in Atlanta. With the entire city to choose from, Charita settled on her go-to spot – Arby's! Seven years later, Niager made up for their low-key first date with a surprise proposal over a sit-down dinner at Charita's favorite Mexican restaurant. As soon as Charita's initial shock wore off – she was exhausted from a business trip and didn't see it coming! – the couple started planning their destination wedding in Hawaii. Her dream of black-sand beaches made Kailua-Kona an easy decision. "We knew our families would have to travel no matter where we chose to get married, so we wanted to make it worth their while," Charita says. Her yellow diamond engagement ring inspired their color palette.

Kailua-Kona Hawaii Destination Wedding
Yellow Bouquet with Roses, Dusty Miller and Craspedia
Since it was a destination wedding, we wanted to incorporate a travel theme," Charita says. The couple's 21 guests received mini-luggage save-the-date magnets as well as custom boarding pass invitations with an RSVP portion that detached – just like a real ticket!
Bouquet Wrap with Gold Locket
Kailua-Kona Hawaii Wedding
Charita decided on a flowy vintage-inspired dress that was airy enough for her beach locale yet still felt formal. She completed her Gatsby-esque look with a birdcage veil and an embellished headband that matched her beaded cap sleeves.
White Reem Acra Wedding Dress with Sleeves
Niager opted for a vibrant billy ball boutonniere that popped against his champagne-colored suit.
Yellow Rose Aisle Decorations
"We said our vows on the edge of a mountain with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and the black-sand beach," Charita says of their 21-person ceremony at Waipio Rim B & B in Honokaa, Hawaii
The couple took pictures in Waipio Valley – where Jurassic Park was filmed – with lush greenery and wild horses. "They weren't afraid of us – we literally stood as they surrounded us," Charita says. "It was magical!"
Destination Wedding in Kailua-Kona Hawaii
A globe played into the couple's vintage travel motif and doubled as a sweet keepsake for guests to write on.
Flip Flop Shoe Valet
A few gladiolus and yellow fondant beads accented the simple two-tier buttercream cake. "I went with fresh flowers because I loved the element of realness they added," Charita says.
Hale Ohia Kai Wedding Reception