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Photography by Chrissy Lambert Rhodes & Reve Photography |
What a wedding to remember...a three day event well planned against the back drop of Kona Village, Hawaii.
Although the bride and groom reside in Hawaii on the island of Oahu they decided to plan their wedding on the Big Island. The majority of their guests flew in for the big event.
Malia and Jon wanted to have an intimate wedding with their closest family and friends. They believed that the unique setting of Kona Village would be perfect.
You see, Kona Village is set up with Halés. There is no tall high-rise with elevators. Each Halé looks like a hut pretty much out of Gilligan's Island. In each Halé there is your typical amenities of a bed, bathroom, and lanai. BUT, there is no telephone, television, or even a radio. Cell phones or pagers in public places is a great big, "NO NO!". Can you believe the doors don't even have locks. The do not disturb sign is a coconut strategically placed on your porch. This location was wonderful for getting the guests out to the pool, beach, tennis courts, or in the water to sail, surf, skin dive or to just frolic.
Friday night was hosted by Jon's family. The luau was set up on the beach with several bon fires along the beach. Jake Shimabukuro, the world renown ukulele player flew in to provide entertainment. The food was wonderful. Traditional luau goodies were set up for all to enjoy.
Saturday was very busy for the Wedding Planner but the bride and groom, along with family and friends were able to enjoy the day swimming, hanging at the Shipwreck Bar or beach, and/or enjoying a massage or lazy stroll along the many scenic paths at Kona Village.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful. The setting was on the lawn beach side while the sun was setting. The bride was statuesque in her Monique Lhuillier gown. The groom was handsome, comfortable, and dressed perfectly for a beach wedding.
Love was in the air. You could see the love passing through both the bride and groom as the ceremony proceeded. You could feel the love emanating from their closest family and friends who had gathered to share with them this wonderful event. Happiness was everywhere.
Shortly following the ceremony the bride's father toasted the couple. Then the guests were led by Owana Salazar serenading them along a rustic path to the reception site which was nestled at the base of a beautiful waterfall. The theme included dragonflies which was in remembrance of a dear friend lost recently. What was amazing was that during the reception two dragonflies wandered in to circle the tent and then fly off, almost as if... she was there in spirit saying I'm here. This did not go unnoticed by the bride.
Azure McCall was flown in with her band to provide entertainment. From the get go, the guests were dancing in the aisles, on the dance floor, and under the stars. The party was then moved to the Bon Fire set up on the beach. Those who chose to walk along the beach were greeted by sleeping sea turtles. Everyone was careful not to disturb them in fear of the hefty fine levied if caught doing so.
The highlight of the evening was the bride and her girlfriends strolling off to skinny dip at the other end of the bay. Finding the water a bit brisk they choose to run off to the Jacuzzi to warm up.
As the night wore on couples drifted away from the bon fire and back to their rooms.
Sunday morning everyone met for the farewell brunch. Good friends of the bride and groom performed hulas that weren't planned. Only in Hawaii.
The brunch turned into an even more special occasion when another young couple announced their engagement.
This was a very special wedding event. A few glitches were handled that the bride and groom, or family new nothing about, which is the way it should be when a coordinator is on the job.
Thanks to the staff at Kona Village for being so supportive and professional. Paige, Mariko and Tom were wonderful to work with. If you are looking to have a similar event with the same feel and closeness with your guests, I'd highly recommend considering Kona Village.
Copyright © 2001 Gayle, Weddings & Lifetime Events. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/06/07.
