San Diego Hawaiian Wedding on The Bay

Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Bali Hai, a Hawaiian restaurant and venue in San Diego, has become a great space for San Diego weddings of all sizes. Melisa and Chad chose it for their San Diego Spring Wedding. While celebrating began at Bali Hai, the couple got ready at Humphreys Half Moon Inn, just walking distance away on Shelter Island. This hotel was not only minutes away, but it had the perfect tropical vibe that would be carried out throughout their wedding day.

The couple enjoyed their first look and family photos before the ceremony, making time for after the ceremony. Melisa surprised her groom with her jeweled headband piece and matching diamond jewelry, accessorizing her look.

Bayside Wedding Ceremony

The lawn outside of Bali Hai had an amazing backdrop of the water and downtown skyline. The circular wedding arch was decorated with florals in their wedding color palette; orange and blue roses with greenery. The color palette was vibrant and fun!

The procession included bridesmaids in bright blue dresses, groomsmen, and two flower girls and two ring bearers. These four were the cutest acts in the wedding ceremony! They all made their way down the aisle on a runner from Bali Hai, scattered in red and orange petals. The two boys walked with a sign that read, “Uncle Chad here comes your bride!”

The ceremony was officiated by Janet Westall, who translated the ceremony in Spanish so all could understand and enjoy. A traditional lasso ceremony also took place. Here, the couple had the cord wrap around them as a symbol of their becoming one and were blessed by each of their parents. As the couple recessed, guests blew bubbles in celebration.

Cocktails & Appetizers

The patio off to the side of the ceremony served as the space for the wedding cocktail hour. The welcome table was finished with a beautiful canvas of Melisa and Chad, a card box, and was decorated with faux orange slices for the pop of color. The pens also fit the tropical theme with pineapple tops.

Venue Room Details

Bali Hai’s reception space; the South Pacific Room with large picturesque windows showcasing the San Diego bay and skyline. The long tables were decorated with greenery and flowers, including honeysuckles. Faux pineapples with photos of the couple served as guest favors. The small blue lit candles paired beautifully with the uplighting in the room. Each place setting was completed with thank you cards from the couple.

Melisa and Chad’s sweetheart table was decorated with florals from the ceremony, a heart lamp that lit up the table cloth, with a Mr and Mrs. Sign in front.

There was a table of props for open dancing with signs, glasses, leis, and blow up saxophones and guitars. Another great idea for guests was the “dancing feet”; a basket of flip flops for guests to grab to switch into a more comfortable pair of shoes!

Dinner and Dances

The grand entrance was left only for the couple, allowing them to go right into their first dance. As guests were fed by Bali Hai, Melissa and Chad visited each table, taking a photo with each. With dinner wrapping up, toasts were given by the bride’s parents, Chad’s mother, the best man, the maid of honor, and Melisa’s brother. The father-daughter dance and mother-son dance were very sweet.

Good Times

DJ Danny Torres did a great job throughout the evening, keeping everything lively with songs for all! He announced the bride’s bouquet toss and the groom’s garter toss, which the guests loved! Towards the end of the evening, a full mariachi band took over the music – a great surprise for the last hour. Throughout the night, guests served themselves from a giant Mai Tai punch bowl, using tiny tiki mugs that were perfect for the theme and venue.

Finishing Touches

The orange and blue popped on the couple’s cake too! Jenny Wenny Cakes had decorated a tiered cake in tie dye look, and was finished with a bride and groom figurine cake topper.

The couple also provided cupcakes, along with late night snacks like a loaded french fry station and chicken wings! This San Diego wedding was a beautiful one. Thank you Chad and Melissa for allowing us to come alongside and assist with your day!