Willow and Jean-Christophe cut their cake at The Willows.

Gerald and I had the great pleasure of attending the wedding and reception of Willow Chang and Jean-Christophe Alleon last Sunday. The wedding was held under a lovely tree in Foster Botanical Gardens. The reception was in a private room upstairs at The Willows .

This just in: Someone (I’m thinking a botanist) sent me this information about the tree: “The wedding was held under the timeless monolithic towering Earpod Tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) planted more than a century ago. As this was the backdrop for their wedding, it signifies their enduring timeless love that withstands all that life confronts them with. ”

Many of my readers know Willow, as she was the inspiration for my Fashion Forum, which was in full swing for twelve years. Willow has a fabulous fashion sense, totally individual and unique. Her personal style is so eclectic that you can never guess what she will be wearing – but you know it will be original and flattering to her tiny, tiny figure. (Her waist looks like it’s about 20 inches!)

Willow is a dancer, dance instructor and vocalist (we love her jazz vocals) as well as the producer of Puja, a world music and dance festival held annually. She also designs her own costumes for belly dancing, tango, or whatever style of dance she happens to be performing. She has developed an international following and travels widely to teach dance in places as varied as France, Switzerland, San Francisco, Greece and Egypt.

Retired judge Marie Milks officiated, while Representative Corinne Ching served as maid of honor. Both are long-time friends of Willow's.

Imagine my surprise when Willow chose a traditional wedding gown for her nuptials! As she described it to me, her gown was “Calista, off the rack, with a few beads and crystals added by moi.” She also chose a traditional tulle veil. Willow always puts thought into what she will wear and here’s what she said about her choices:  ”I can wear anything anywhere any time, I can be wild and weird when I want to, but for my wedding day, my one and only wedding day, I wanted to be a bride – and nothing but a bride!” And a beautiful, transcendent bride she was, especially when looking into Jean-Christophe’s eyes. (Yes, I get corny about weddings.)

I especially loved the back of the gown, which was laced up, corsetry-style. It was so flattering to Willow’s trim figure and wisp of a waist.

The love story of Willow and Jean-Christophe is a romantic worldwide whirlwind. They met last summer in Tunisia. Jean-Christophe is from the south of France and went to Tunisia to be best man in his best friend’s wedding. Willow traveled to Tunisia to be in the wedding of one of her best friends, and, as fate would have it, they were at the same wedding. They carried on a “five-hour-a-day-Skype relationship” for several months, then decided they simply did not want to be separated by thousands of miles. Jean-Christophe has been in Honolulu for the past three months and loves it, and clearly loves Willow deeply. So, they decided, why not get married now? They will have another larger, more inclusive wedding in the fall, when Jean-Christophe’s family is able to attend.

Willow poses under a tree in Foster Botanical Gardens.

It was such a relaxed, joyful Island-style wedding and everyone had  fun. Jean-Christophe is a kind, thoughtful, gracious, gentle man, as witnessed by several gestures that truly spoke to the sort of man he is. Of course he also happens to be incredibly handsome. Don’t they make a gorgeous couple, in spite of my photos, which were kinda taken on the fly?

Jean-Christophe has already learned the shaka sign.

Vows were carefully crafted by both bride and groom and said in both English and French, with retired judge Marie Milks officiating.

There couldn’t be a Willow wedding without dance, now could there? She surprised Jean-Christophe with a hula and belly dance. He was in awe and nearly in tears. At times they were both so happy that it brought them to tears, which touched everyone at the wedding.

Willow dances a hula for the enchanted groom.

And, of course, the belly dancing belt came on over the wedding gown!

After many years of searching and finding “almost” the right man, Willow Chang has met – and married – her ideal match. Wishing Willow and Jean-Christophe all our best!

- Paula Rath

The flowers were fabulous - a mix as eclectic as the bride, with peonies, orchids and roses all in harmony.