As we head into the end of 2019, we look back on our most viewed, most “liked,” viral photo of Aquaman Jason Momoa photobombing our bride and groom. While most of you might have seen this photo in your local news or on social media, we thought we’d give you the “behind the scenes” story of how this all came to be.
L’amour Photography and Video’s owner and lead photographer, Eric Mansperger, was photographing an intimate wedding followed by a sunset portrait session near Ko’olina on Oahu. He had heard vague whispers that Jason Momoa was said to be in the area doing promotion for his upcoming premiere of the much anticipated Aquaman movie. As Eric was finishing up the portraits of the bride and groom, he glanced backwards and saw that Jason Momoa was standing on the sand with two local media producers. They were seemingly waiting for the photo session to wrap up so that they could use the gorgeous location for their shoot.
Eric, having had many years of directing photo and video shoots, instantaneously thought up the idea of Jason Momoa acting like Sasquatch strolling by behind the bride and groom. Eric politely explained his idea to Jason Momoa who at first was focused on his own job at hand but then quickly decided that it would make for a hilarious photo and joined in. Jason Momoa borrowed the trident from a young boy who just happened to be strolling on the beach in our area. It really does seem like all the lucky stars in the sky aligned at that moment and these photos are the result.
Jason Momoa was such a great sport and really made this couple’s wedding day even more memorable than it already was. Eric and the bride and groom were endlessly thankful for this photo-op and were even more excited when the photo went viral! News and social media sites spread this image, as well as some candid photos taken by bystanders on the beach, all over the world including India, the UK, and all around Asia just to name a few! There was particular interest here in Hawaii because Jason Momoa is a local boy who is part Hawaiian. We are incredibly thankful to not only meet wonderful people at each wedding, but also have these once in a lifetime moments as well.
Take a look at this news coverage of our viral photo!
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There are many good reasons to do a first look before the wedding ceremony. It can help your timeline along with seeing each other first, then doing some portraits together as opposed to doing all of your portraits along with your family and wedding party between the ceremony and reception while all of your guest wait. Another reason to have a first look is to get our some nervousness by seeing each other before walking down the aisle. I’m a big ugly crier when I’m overcome with emotion, so I knew when I walked down the aisle it was going to be bad. I should have done a first look! Along with these reasons, it’s a nice way to share some last minute thoughts and feelings together before they jump feet first into the most eventful day of their lives to that point. Wedding days go by so fast that it might be nice for couples to have a last moment of clarity together before the whirlwind. But, many couples have thought about all that and just don’t want to see each other before the walk down the aisle. For those people this new trend of the first look without looking might be the right choice for them! This bride and groom met up before the ceremony without seeing each other to just share a sweet little moment together just holding hands. 
The ceremony site, down the stairs along the pond at Molii Gardens had a wood trellis draped with sheer white fabric and adorned with red flowers and lots of greenery. The wedding ceremony involved a few nice traditions including the exchange of lei and the washing of hands. 
The wedding reception was set up with wood tables without table cloths, draped fabric runners, red flower centerpieces in gold vases, gold votive candle holders, and gold pineapples. Guests were treated to gold pineapple bottle openers or wine corks as wedding favors. The bride and groom’s chairs had wood signs with calligraphy that said “Better Together” and their reception table had matching signs that said “I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more, with a brown suitcase serving as a card box. 
The wedding cake was a two tier, round cake in the “naked” style with minimal frosting covering the cake and a gold personalized script name cake topper. All of the deep reds, golds, and pineapples gave the whole venue a luxurious tropical ambiance. What a lovely way to start their lives as husband and wife!
Stay tuned for much more from this destination wedding couple and their Oahu wedding!