Bride's Surprise Hula Dance Captivates Hawaiian Groom

In a touching display of cultural appreciation, a bride in Las Vegas surprised her Hawaiian groom with a heartfelt hula dance at their wedding on September 27th, 2025. The groom, Austin Rodrigues-Ganigan, had jokingly reminded his then-girlfriend, Sofia Bella, for years that it was a Hawaiian wedding tradition for brides to hula dance. However, unbeknownst to him, Sofia had been secretly planning to do just that.

After months of private hula lessons, Sofia took the stage during the reception, leaving Austin and the other 115 guests completely shocked. As she danced to the love song "Ke Aloha" by Natalie Ai Kamauu, Sofia's nerves disappeared, and she locked eyes with her now-husband, creating a moment that felt like it was just the two of them. Guests "went wild" during the performance, with Austin's family members beaming with pride.

The couple had made a concerted effort to blend both their Cuban/Mexican and Hawaiian heritages into the wedding celebration. In addition to the hula dance, the event featured mariachi, Island reggae, and reggaetón music, as well as a variety of cultural cuisine. Austin's grandfather even had fresh leis shipped in from Hawaii to place on the newlyweds after the ceremony.

For Austin, whose Hawaiian roots run deep, Sofia's surprise hula dance was an incredibly meaningful gesture. "It wasn't just entertainment -- it was something that connected directly to who we are," he said. The bride's thoughtful tribute left a lasting impression on the groom and their guests, creating a truly unforgettable wedding day.