Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens

Wedding Day

Reception - Kalamaku Luau

Our Wedding

Our wild adventure kicked off in an unexpected corner of the internet—a hiking group chat where I asked for tips for an upcoming Costa Rica trip. Enter Heather, a bona fide travel badass who’d lived in Costa Rica for nine months. With the audacity only a true free spirit can muster, she playfully suggested I “smuggle her in my suitcase.” And just like that, sparks flew faster than you can say “hiking gear sale.” We started flirting, texting, and calling each other—bonding over our mutual obsession with scaling mountains, chasing sunsets, swapping jokes about “funguys,” and our wild pasts. I was instantly captivated by her stunning looks, fiery red hair, and that adventurous spirit that makes you want to toss convention out the window. I knew I’d found someone who wasn’t just successful on paper but was also the life of every off-road party. Since that epic first exchange, we’ve racked up more adventures than a travel blogger on a caffeine high. Picture this: our first backpacking trips to Ancient Lakes, scaling mountain tops like we’re auditioning for a nature documentary, and even conquering the legendary Kalalau Trail in Kauai—complete with a detour to the infamous nude beach of Kalalau, where we swam in warm lagoon waters, explored sea caves, and lounged in our hammock beneath palms and fruit trees. We’ve found a home away from home in the Yucatan of Mexico, where we were scuba certified in beautiful cenotes alongside a prehistoric-looking alligator casually swimming alongside while Heather struggled with faulty dive equipment - talk about breathtaking adventure! We have done everything from shredding powder on snowy peaks to exploring ancient ruins and archaeological sites, to scuba diving in the mysterious waters around Niihau, the Forbidden Island. Every escapade has not only added crazy stories to our wanderlust repertoire but has cemented the fact that together, we’re unstoppable. But hey, it hasn’t all been rainbows, s’mores, and perfect trail mixes. We’ve weathered our fair share of storms—battling dark days, narrowly dodging disaster, and even duking it out over who forgot to take out the trash (spoiler: it was usually me). From commitment issues to the never-ending chore wars, we’ve learned that love means choosing each other every single day—even when we’re at each other’s throats over the last clean pair of socks. My calm tempers her fiery spirit, while her fierce passion keeps me from turning into a couch potato. Together, we prove that even chaos can be downright charming when shared with your best friend. The pinnacle of our wanderlust saga came on Xpuha Beach in Mexico. While aimlessly combing the beach (and probably looking more like a goof than a groom), I pretended to find something in a tidepool, then got down on one knee, presented my grandmother’s ring, and popped the question. She hardly knew what was happening, but her shocked silence quickly melted into laughter and joy—and just like that, amid the crashing waves and salty breeze, our lives became inextricably entwined. We adore nearly everything about each other—even if we still argue over where to eat and whose turn it is to plan the next spontaneous weekend escape. Heather’s dazzling red mane and a heart as bold as a tropical storm perfectly counterbalance my unflappable, logical vibe. Sure, we butt heads (more than a couple of stubborn goats), but we always find our way back to the love and laughter that started it all. Looking ahead, our bucket list reads like a mad travel diary: hiking Iceland’s Laugavegur Trail, scuba diving the Blue Hole in Belize, backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail, and globe-trotting until we run out of passport pages. And who knows? Someday, we might even retire in another slice of paradise—maybe Mexico, maybe somewhere else equally wild and wonderful.In the spirit of our riotous, rule-breaking, utterly unpredictable love story, we live by this mantra: "Find someone who is both your home and your greatest adventure." We can’t wait to keep writing this crazy, beautiful, hilarious chapter of our lives—surrounded by our favorite people, sharing laughs, love, and a whole lot of adventure.

Our Story

Photos

Eric Leathart

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel &amp; Transportation ✈️🚗 We’re so excited to celebrate with you in Kauai! All travel arrangements, including airfare and car rentals, will be the responsibility of our guests. To make your trip as smooth as possible, we’ve put together some helpful details below. Remember to book early to ensure the best deal and availability. ✈️ Airports – Guests will fly into Lihue Airport (LIH), which is centrally located and about a 25–45 minute drive from most accommodations. 🚗 Car Rentals – Renting a car is the best way to explore Kauai at your own pace! We’ve researched several rental agencies and found average rates for full-size cars and SUVs to help you plan. You can check out the best options by following the links provided below. 💳 Travel Tip! Consider the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card and the annual companion fare, which could help save on airfare for two! Alaska Airlines offers direct flights to Kauai from several major cities. 🚐 Transportation to the Luau – If you’d rather skip driving for the night, some luau packages include transportation from certain locations. Check your booking details or let us know if you need help coordinating! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are limited on the island, so a rental car is highly recommended. If you have any questions about travel logistics, let us know—we’re happy to help! 🌺🚙☀️

Avis has some great deals and is conveniently located at the Lihue Airpot. Full-size cars average $100/day.Mid-size SUVs average $150/day.Convertibles average $150/day.

Avis Car Rental

Another reasonable place for car rentals. Full-size car averages $80/day. Mid-size SUV averages $150/day.Convertable averages $150/day.

Thrifty Car Rental - Lihue Airort

Another option for car rentals. Full-size car averages $130/day.Mid-size SUV averages $160/day.Convertible averages $170/day.

Hertz Car Rental - Lihue - Lihue Airport (LIH)

Travel

Kauai Motorcycle Adventure 🏍️🌴 Kick off the wedding week with an epic motorcycle ride around Kauai! On Wednesday, September 17th, we’re renting bikes from Kauai Motorsports to explore the island’s scenic roads, from lush jungles to coastal highways. This is a perfect way to experience Kauai’s beauty on two wheels. 📅 Date: Wednesday, September 17 @ 9am📍 Pickup Location: Kauai Motorsports, Lihue💰 Cost: Varies by bike - Guests will book &amp; pay individually🔗 Details &amp; Booking: <a href="http://www.kauaimotorsports.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kauai Motorsports Rentals</a> If you're interested, book early—availability may be limited! Let’s hit the road and make some unforgettable memories. 🏍️☀️🌊

9/17 - Kauai Motorcycle Ride (Optional at Own Expense)

9/18- Brunch TBD

Kauai Rum Safari 🏝️🍹 Before the luau, you might want to enjoy the fun and flavorful Rum Safari through Kauai’s lush landscapes! This guided tour takes you through a historic plantation, where you’ll sample locally distilled rum, sip on craft cocktails, and enjoy a scenic ride through tropical orchards and wildlife habitats. It’s the perfect way to kick off the evening before we head to the luau! 📅 Date: Friday, September 19th @ 4pm-6pm📍 Location: Kilohana Plantation, Lihue💰 Cost: $80/person - Guests will book &amp; pay individually🔗 Details &amp; Booking: <a href="https://www.kauaisafaris.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kauai Rum Safari</a> If you book the 4pm tour you will be back by 6pm to start the Laua festivities. This tour is super popular, so we recommend booking early if you’d like to join us! Cheers to an unforgettable night! 🍹🌺🚜

9/19 - Rum Safari (Optional at Own Expense)

Luau Kalamaku 🌺🔥 End the night by sharing our favorite luau on the island with an immersive and spectacular Hawaiian experience at Luau Kalamaku, an award-winning performance that takes you on a journey through ancient Polynesia. This theatrical luau goes beyond the traditional feast and hula—it’s a storytelling extravaganza featuring fire dancing, Tahitian rhythms, graceful hula, and a powerful legend brought to life. 📅 Date: Friday, September 19th @ 5:30pm📍 Location: Kilohana Plantation, Lihue💰 Cost: Included as our treat to you and thanks for celebrating this special day with us!🔗 Details &amp; Booking: <a href="https://www.luaukalamaku.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Luau Kalamaku</a> Come early to explore the artisan craft fair, enjoy the open bar, and watch the traditional imu (underground oven) unveiling before dinner. The night ends with an unforgettable fire and dance performance that brings ancient Hawaiian legends to life. 🌿🍍🔥

9/19 - Luau Kalamaku (Included)

Nā Pali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise 🌅🚤 If you'd like to experience Kauai’s beauty from the water, consider joining us the evening before the wedding for an unforgettable Nā Pali Coast Sunset Dinner Cruise with Holo Holo Charters! Set sail along Kauai’s breathtaking Nā Pali coastline, marvel at dramatic sea cliffs, waterfalls, and caves, and soak in a stunning Hawaiian sunset over the Pacific. This optional excursion is self-booked and paid for by each guest, but we’d love to enjoy the evening together over a delicious dinner, drinks, and great company as we celebrate before the big day. 📅 Date: Thursday, September 18th @ 2:30pm📍 Departure: Port Allen, Ele’ele, Kauai💰 Cost: $210 per person - Guests will book &amp; pay individually🔗 Details &amp; Booking: <a href="https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/kauai-boat-tours/napali-sunset-sightsee-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holo Holo Charters Sunset Cruise</a> Spots may fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early if you’d like to join! We can't wait to share this incredible experience with you. ⛵&nbsp;🌊✨

Heather & James

Heather & James