As Kristie Rose Kahlweiss and David Serge Nonberg were paddle boarding one early morning in Hawaii, David got down on one knee and proposed. “We were sooner surrounded by sea turtles and manta rays and a massive rainbow at sunset that evening,” gushes Kristie of the unforgettable moment.

When planning their nuptials, it was important to the couple that they incorporate their deep connection with the ocean into the design of their wedding – and also have a special sand ceremony featuring sand from each of their favorite childhood beaches. On the day of the ceremony, 115 guests joined Kristie and David for a Jewish ceremony with interfaith elements at the groom’s family home, planned by Geller Events. “Nothing we looked at was better than the Nonberg’s family home,” admits the bride. “It was made for entertaining!” 

The color scheme of the celebration was very important and personal for the couple. Being born with an eye disorder that left him blind for the first year of his life, the color yellow has always been significant to David since it is the first color he remembers seeing. Rather than wearing a white gown, Kristie chose to wear a custom yellow bridal gown and asked that guests wore white or lighter shades to accent the tones worn by the wedding party. “We opened up the idea to our love of the ocean, so yellow and blue came pretty naturally,” notes Kristie of the unique color scheme, which was beautifully captured by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography.

Before the bride processed, the couple's families, as well as an adorable ring bearer and two flower girls, made their way down the aisle. Kristie held a lavish bouquet embellished with shades of pink, orange, and yellow flowers detailed with green foliage, while both the bride and groom’s mothers as well as bridesmaids clutched bouquets based on their own dress color and personality. 

Designed to complement themes of the sun and the sea, the color palette of the floral arrangements designed by The Hidden Garden incorporated hues of deep reds, oranges, pinks, and blues like that of a single sunset. Accented by heliconias and other tropical twists, guests were stunned with the grand displays of florals that decorated the lush chuppah as well as reception tables. “It was unbelievably beautiful and the perfect combination of sharp, strong lines and soft, flowing colors. Definitely sun meets the sea,” smiles Kristie of the theme. 

Following the memorable ceremony, friends and family delighted in the ambience of the reception while the newlyweds cherished their seven minutes alone, as is customary in Jewish tradition. Table assignments were tied to bundles of sage accented with a fresh orchid, and the alfresco space was just as beautiful and colorful as the ceremony. Bright yellow linens adorned round tables showcasing décor in tones of burgundy, blue, purple, and green. Once Kristie and David joined their loved ones, they were overjoyed with the entertainment. The band continued into the night as guests danced above the plexiglass-covered pool, keeping their energy up by indulging in an ombré blue-and-gold three-tiered cake as well as late-night bites including French fries and pigs in a blanket.

When asked what advice they would share with other couples planning their own celebrations, Kristie and David urge: “The week before the wedding, stop planning! Enjoy the little time you have left together in the sweet space that is your engagement.”