After meeting in college through a mutual friend, Sarah Durrer immediately sensed Andrew Predis was someone special. “I could so easily be myself around him, which I have not experienced with anyone else,” she confides. After dating for several years, Andrew asked Sarah’s father for his blessing during their fun-filled weekly golf outing. “I waited some time to ask Sarah to marry me because I wanted to make sure I was good enough for her. I always knew she was good for me, but I wanted to be the same for her,” Andrew reveals. 

A magical proposal unfolded at a private residence on Oahu. Andrew had planned an intimate dinner that provided an amazing view of the tropical Hawaiian setting as the sun set. “The food was fabulous, and before we got to dessert, he knelt down next to the table and asked me to marry him with a beautiful ring,” describes Sarah of the surprise. “I, of course, said yes, and he had the biggest smile on his face.” The romantic grand gesture was reminiscent of when Andrew asked Sarah to be his girlfriend, which made it even more special to his bride-to-be. 

The twosome began planning their island nuptials with the help of Charley Izabella King of Bluebell Events. “We both knew we wanted to have our wedding on the North Shore of Oahu since that is where we spent the most time when we lived on the island for six months,” explains the bride. Sarah envisioned an affair featuring bright-white linens, and light pink and vanilla for florals. In contrast, the groomsmen would add a dazzling pop of color with suits in emerald green. “Our wedding planner was fantastic about bringing the ‘Euro Tropical’ theme to life,” confirms Sarah. 

“Our wedding planner – Charley King of Bluebell Events – was fantastic about bringing the ‘Euro Tropical’ theme to life.”

Short arrangements of florals dotted the grassy aisle that faced the sea and provided a gorgeous panoramic view. Loved ones took their seats in white X-back chairs and watched in delight as two precious flower girls and one dapper ring bearer preceded the bride down the aisle. Sarah was resplendent in a classic A-line gown with a lovely flowing skirt and complementary cathedral veil. She carried a lush, feminine bridal bouquet highlighting quicksand roses, garden roses, spray roses, and ranunculuses in shades of ivory and blush. 

Since the couple opted for an alfresco ceremony, they could not perform a traditional Catholic mass, and instead asked the officiant to include a Catholic blessing during the service. Though there were many tender moments throughout the big day, one of the groom’s most memorable moments is when he met his father-in-law at the end of the aisle and took Sarah’s hand to begin the vow exchange. “She looked gorgeous,” Andrew shares of his thoughts upon seeing his bride. “Once I married her, I knew I had waited too long.” 

The elegant tropical theme was carried over into the reception décor, beginning at the entrance which had been adorned with collections of vivid greenery. Twinkle lights were suspended above, as were chandeliers bedecked with verdure. Guest tables were named after the couple’s favorite spots throughout the island, along with a short description of why they enjoyed each location. Attendees took their seats at either a white wood rectangular table or a round table graced with a lace linen decorated with centerpieces filled with phalaenopsis orchid blooms, quicksand roses, garden roses, and foliage, surrounded by taper candles in hurricane vessels. 

Throughout the dinner service, heartfelt speeches and toasts honored Sarah and Andrew, and both the bride and groom share that the words of their loved ones united the families. “It was absolutely amazing,” remembers Sarah, who also cherished the special dances with her new husband and her dad. To keep partygoers energized until midnight, generous slices of the delicious three-tiered chocolate cake – featuring a tasty vanilla filling and cream-cheese frosting – were passed. 

As revelers hit the dance floor, the youngest guests relished in all the offerings originally organized with them in mind: balloon making, face painting, drawing stations, and games. “I think I saw more adults getting face paint and balloon animals than the kids. It was great! I would definitely recommend doing this at every wedding,” Andrew suggests.

This real wedding was originally published in the Spring 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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