Keely and Gunnar’s Hollywood Luau Wedding Reception
Keely and Gunnar’s Hollywood luau wedding reception was an absolute blast! This offbeat couple eloped in New Zealand earlier this year, then returned to the states for a tiki-tastic Polynesian-themed reception.
Our afternoon began with classic Hollywood kitch as we photographed the bride and groom under the Hollywood sign in the hills of Los Angeles.
Love this kiss on the hand!
Family portraits under the Hollywood sign? Priceless.
We snuck off with the bride and groom for a few couple portraits away from the bustle of the Hollywood sign.
Behind this dashing couple is the mansion formerly owned by gangster Bugsy Malone. Malone happens to be the inspiration for the name of the bride and groom’s dog, Bugsy.
The groom sported some sexy vintage accessories, including silver cufflinks, and an art deco tie and pin.
The bride wore a vintage Hawaiian print dress rather than a traditional all-white gown. It went perfectly with her luau reception.
I can’t get enough of these awesome luau accessories: bamboo bangles, turquoise nails, jade necklace, and a yellow orchid!
What a spectacular sunset overlooking Los Angeles!
After our portrait session we headed over to the reception at Elysian Masonic Lodge in Los Feliz.
Cocktail hour was held in the mid-century modern rotunda at the entrance of the Elysian Masonic Lodge.
Photobooth!
The main hall of the Elysian Masonic Lodge was decked out with a Hollywood luau theme: turquoise table cloths, orange napkins, tiki cups, pineapple centerpieces, and tables named after tropical islands!
The raffia table skirt for the Luau sweetheart table is awesome. I love the attention to detail with this Hawaiian theme.
Mai-Tai style pineapple wedges complimented the palm-leaf and seashell centerpieces perfectly. Carol Rosen at Party Designs by Carol did a fantastic job decorating this reception!
This is one of my favorite images from this reception. I adore these doll cake toppers and the sparkly lights of the reception hall glowing behind them.
It wouldn’t be a true Hawaiian luau reception without a totem pole and a roasted pig!
The groom works as a camera assistant in the film industry. One of his colleagues, Steven Poster (Director of Photography of the films Donnie Darko, Stuart Little 2, and Rocky V) snaps a shot of the cake with his phone.
The bride and groom make their grand entrance!
I love the joy in these first dance images and how this couple is happy to snuggle nose-to-nose.
The guests were invited to shake a leg with the bride and groom.
What else do you need at a Hawaiian luau wedding? Maracas of course!
Time to eat ahi tuna poke (Gunnar’s favorite) and balsamic vinegarette vegetable kabobs. Yum!
Carving up that roasted pig!
Every couple has one or two wedding images they can’t wait to capture. For Keely and Gunnar that was the cake cutting. For these two, cutting the cake embodies the nostalgic magic of weddings for them!
Father daughter dances are one of my favorite moments. I love Keely’s bangles wrapped around her father’s neck, and the joy you can see in her eyes. Pure magic.
The couple named their tables after tropical islands. How much fun is it to find your “island.”
A slideshow played behind the newlyweds as they danced the night away.
- Photographer: Russell Gearhart
- Event Planner: Carol Rosen of Party Designs by Carol
- Catering: La Rose Cafe
- Bar Catering: Sunseri’s
- Location: Elysian Masonic Lodge
- Lighting Design: Wally Rowell
- Music and Entertainment: Liberty City Entertainment
- Rentals: Burbank Party Rentals
Congratulations Keely + Gunnar!
This isn’t the first time we’ve photographed this groom. See Gunnar be the best man at Jen + Rob’s winery wedding.
View more unique celebrations in our wedding portfolio and contact us about your awesome event!
