Pittsburgh Pirates player Isiah Kiner-Falefa and his girlfriend of four years, Tayea Chun, exchanged vows at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute in Hawaii.
- Dec 24, 2024
AceShowbiz - In a stunning ceremony on the idyllic island of Oahu, MLB player Isiah Kiner-Falefa married his longtime girlfriend, Tayea Chun. Both born and raised in Hawaii, the couple incorporated their love for their home state into every detail of their special day, making it a celebration to remember.
The couple, who have been together for four years, tied the knot on December 21 at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute. With 228 guests in attendance, the day was a mix of intimate moments and joyous celebrations.
"We really wanted it to be a fun, yet intimate ceremony with our closest friends and family," Chun shared with PEOPLE. "We [wanted] all of our favorite local Hawaiian spots to be a part of our day. Every detail was intentional and showcased our love of Hawaii."
The ceremony was held outdoors, embracing the natural beauty of Hawaii. Chun looked radiant in a "timeless, elegant" off-shoulder Berta gown, paired with Jimmy Choo bridal shoes. Kiner-Falefa sported a custom black suit by Tom Marchitelli, playfully adorned with socks featuring their dog Bella's face.
"I really leaned into the natural wildness of being outdoors in Hawaii," Chun explained. "We're surrounded by nature and we leaned into that. No tents, just under the stars. And lots of flowers with green foliage incorporated throughout."
During the reception, the couple's favorite local restaurant, Taniokas, provided a Hawaiian feast. The spread included traditional Hawaiian dishes like Ahi sashimi, teriyaki barbecue chicken, kalua pig, and various local sweets. "Since we come home once a year during the off season, we couldn't wait to eat all of our local cravings," the bride said.
The reception also featured a three-tier wedding cake with strawberry guava filling, along with a special birthday cake for Chun, both adorned with nods to their beloved dog Bella.
One of the highlights of the evening was a banzai toast, a Japanese tradition meaningful to Kiner-Falefa, signifying a wish for a long and healthy marriage.
The night concluded with dancing to local bands Rebel SoulJahz and The Green, capturing the hearts of everyone present. The newlyweds' love story began at a friend's dinner in 2020 and culminated in a romantic proposal in Utah's Amangiri resort in October 2023.
