Some love stories start in unexpected places. For Martin and Ashley, it all started at jiu-jitsu practice.
Fast forward a few years, and we found ourselves photographing their beautiful wedding at Paliku Gardens at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu. Surrounded by incredible mountain and ocean views, these two celebrated their wedding with a simple, beautiful ceremony followed by an elegantly designed reception.
We couldn't have been happier to be part of it!
From Jiu-Jitsu to a Surprise Proposal
According to Martin, he first noticed Ashley checking him out while he was practicing jiu-jitsu. Naturally, he decided to introduce himself.
They eventually connected on social media, started hanging out, and the rest is history.
After a few years of dating, Martin decided to propose in 2017. And he picked a pretty unforgettable moment to do it: during the bouquet toss at their friends' wedding!
Not a bad way to turn someone else's wedding into the beginning of your own.
A Beautiful Paliku Gardens Wedding at Kualoa Ranch
Martin and Ashley chose Paliku Gardens at Kualoa Ranch for their wedding, and it's easy to see why.
Located on Oahu's windward coast, this wedding venue offers incredible views of the Koʻolau Mountains, Kāneʻohe Bay, and Mokoliʻi Island, also known as Chinaman's Hat.
The natural beauty of Kualoa Ranch makes it a wonderful setting for outdoor weddings in Hawaii, especially for couples who love a mix of lush tropical greenery, mountain scenery, and ocean views.
Martin and Ashley kept their ceremony setup simple, allowing the surroundings to speak for themselves. Their elegantly designed reception was the perfect complement to the beautiful setting.
As an Oahu wedding photographer, I love photographing weddings at Paliku Gardens. There's so much natural beauty here, and every couple brings something different to the space.
Celebrating Two Wonderful People
One of my favorite things about photographing Martin and Ashley was getting to know them beyond their wedding day.
They're both wonderful people who are doing positive and inspiring things for the local youth here on Oahu, and I'm genuinely grateful to have met them.
I also had the opportunity to photograph their engagement session at the beautiful Kāneʻohe Sandbar, which made being part of their wedding day even more special.
Martin and Ashley, thank you both so much for trusting us to photograph these special moments in your lives. We loved being part of your wedding and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together!
Planning Your Own Kualoa Ranch Wedding?
If you're planning a wedding at Paliku Gardens or another beautiful venue at Kualoa Ranch, we'd love to hear from you!
Tone Photography Studio specializes in natural, candid wedding photography on Oahu, capturing everything from intimate elopements to full wedding celebrations.
We're especially familiar with Kualoa Ranch and love helping couples make the most of its beautiful scenery while keeping the photography experience relaxed and enjoyable.
Contact us to learn more about our Oahu wedding photography packages and availability.
We’re also on the vendor list at Kualoa Ranch as a preferred photographer. Check out our Hawaii Vendors profile: https://www.hawaiivendors.com/listings/tone-studio
Kualoa Ranch Wedding Vendors
Wedding Venue: Kualoa Ranch, Paliku Gardens
Wedding Coordination: Ever After Moments Hawaii
Officiant: Jonah Kaauwai
Wedding Photography: Tone Photography Studio
Videography: Inspired Films Hawaii
Hair & Makeup: Dani Gella
Catering: Kailua Kine Grindz