Brides & Weddings Magazine
Captured & submitted by Life Captured by CLN
Kanoa and Jessica met playing soccer back in 2016 and it was instant chemistry between these two! In December of 2017, Kanoa took Jessica to Bean Point in Anna Maria for dinner and a sunset walk on the beach where Kanoa had a romantic proposal planned, complete with rose petals strewn all over the beach and a photographer hidden in the bushes. When he got down on one knee, the rest was history!
Kanoa grew up on a sailboat and Jessica was raised in Florida, so when it came time to plan their wedding, they knew that incorporating the ocean was important to them. Jessica had always wanted to have a fairy tale wedding, with amazing views and they wanted to bring in Kanoa’s Hawaiian tradition of having lei’s at the ceremony for good luck (shipped directly from Hawaii!!). They decided on a classy, modern coastal theme with blue colors to represent the ocean. It was simple, but elegant and Opal Sands Resort ended up being the perfect backdrop to realize their wedding vision with the help of their wedding planner, Janova Events.
When we first spoke with Kanoa and Jessica, they made it clear that portraits on their wedding day were incredibly important to them! This is absolutely a photographers dream, especially at a beautiful venue like Opal Sands. The couple decided to do a first look, which both agreed was so incredibly special to them. They had a moment to talk and relieve some of the wedding day jitters before the ceremony, but both say it didn’t take away from the amazing feeling of walking down the aisle and seeing each other. Kanoa also shared a first look with their adorable daughter Alana prior to the ceremony, which was so sweet!
The outdoor ceremony space at Opal Sands lends itself to spectacular views of the ocean and sunset and created a dramatic backdrop for Kanoa and Jessica’s ceremony, complete with a custom made driftwood arch. Jessica was absolutely stunning and Kanoa could not take his eyes off her as she walked down the aisle with her mother. During the ceremony, the bride and groom took a moment to remember family members who had passed, including Jessica’s father who passed away in 2019. The ceremony ended with a bubble send off! Then off to sunset portraits on the beach, where the remnants of Hurricane Nicole gave us an absolutely spectacular sunset!
For the reception, Kanoa and Jessica wanted a party! Opal Sands provided the catering and the cake was created by A Piece of Cake. They were on the dance floor nonstop with their friends and family celebrating their big day. Events Done Right kept the party music going, even getting out on the dance floor a few times to help lead the group. Jessica said this wedding was everything she could have ever dreamed of and then some and we agree, everything about this day was absolutely perfect and we were so luck to be a part of this sweet couple’s wedding day.
Floral Designer: Shy Chic Boutique//Makeup Artist: Just Beauty//Invitation Designer:Paper Source//Officiant:Sensational Ceremonies//Groomsman Attire:Jim’s Formalwear//Bridesmaid Dresses:Azazie//Dress Store: Something Blue Bridal//DJ: Events Done Right//Cinema and Video: Sublime Studios//Event Venue: Opal Sands Resort//Floral Designer:Poise Flowers//Bakery: A Piece Of Cake//Event Planner: Janova Events//Photographer: Life Captured by CLN//
