Some stories begin with fate. Tara and Jessica’s began with an algorithm and led them to their Westin Hapuna Beach Wedding.
“I was on a dating app, and Jessica immediately caught my eye,” Tara shared. “I sent her a message request, but after two hours with no reply, I deleted my profile. I was too insecure at the time.”
The universe, however, had other plans. The next day, Jessica appeared under Facebook’s “People You May Know.” With a mutual friend in common, Tara debated sending a friend request but decided against it. Weeks later, Jessica appeared again, this time on Instagram. Tara finally sent a follow request… and waited.
Nothing.
Then, one ordinary Sunday morning at the local pet store, the extraordinary happened. Tara ran into Jessica in real life. “I called her the wrong name ‘Jennifer’ and then had to admit that I’d kind of been creeping on her ever since I saw her on the app six weeks ago,” she laughed.
That same night, they started texting. “We were both hoping neither of us was being catfished,” Tara said. “After explaining everything, Jessica agreed to a date, and the rest is history.”
Three years later, they were married on the anniversary of that very first date.
How They Knew They’d Found ‘The One’
For Tara and Jessica, love didn’t come with fireworks—it came with peace.
“It was the feeling of being at ease. We didn’t have to perform or please, we just fit,” they said. Their adventures started early, from traveling the world to quiet nights at home with their two dogs. They realized that no matter where they were, being together made everything feel like home.
The Proposals
“As two women, we wanted both sides of the proposal experience,” Tara shared.
She proposed first, during their Christmas vacation in Palm Springs at a drag brunch, surrounded by their “peers and queers,” as they lovingly put it. Jessica’s turn came later, on a visit to Nova Scotia, at Tara’s favorite beach near her East Coast hometown. It was the perfect balance, bold and joyful, then intimate and deeply personal.
The Wedding Day
Hawaii has always held a special place in Jessica’s heart, so when it came time to choose a destination, the Big Island was the obvious choice.
The couple envisioned a celebration that felt luxurious yet relaxed, rooted in nature but framed by architecture. They chose The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, a breathtaking property perched over one of Hawaii’s most pristine beaches.
“We knew Lauren had such a gift for capturing both emotion and architecture,” they said. “The resort offered everything, sweeping ocean views, modern lines, and the kind of light that makes every photo glow.”
Their favorite moment was exchanging vows, surrounded by family and friends, during a Hawaiian-style ceremony that honored local traditions. “It was deeply emotional. The music, the words, the setting, it all brought tears to our eyes.”
Advice for Future Couples
Tara and Jessica heard plenty of opinions about timing. “People told us to wait. To postpone. To pick a better time,” they said.
“If we’d listened, we would’ve only faced new challenges. Our advice? Stick to what your heart tells you. There’s never a perfect time, but if it feels right for you both, that’s what matters.”
Their other piece of advice: plan for more time than you think you’ll need. “Little moments in between activities add up quickly. Give yourself breathing room to actually take in the day.”
Honeymoon & What’s Next
After the wedding, Tara and Jessica hopped over to Maui, spending their honeymoon in Napili Bay, swimming with tropical fish and sea turtles, soaking in the sun, and celebrating the life they’d just begun together.
“As a queer couple, we’re deeply grateful for the privilege to be married,” they said. “We know not everyone in our community has the same support or opportunity, and we don’t take that for granted.”
Now, they’re setting their sights on new adventures. Career goals, travel plans, and everything in between. Their love story may have started with an algorithm, but it continues with intention, two hearts building a life that feels completely their own.
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
