A Sunset-Inspired Celebration of Color and Natural Beauty in Kailua-Kona

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The color palette was inspired by the stunning sunsets of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Our wedding planner, Maurisa of Collis Co., had a really fun idea to progress the colors throughout the day in the same way a sunset would evolve. For the ceremony, the florals were soft and dreamy with pastel shades of yellow, pink, and purple mixed with white, similar to the sky right before the sun goes down. Then, as the evening kicked off, the palette got bolder and brighter, pulling in richer peach and coral mauve tones. The palette brought the magic of a Hawaiian sunset into every part of the day.

Throughout the planning process, it was very important to us to focus on enhancing the natural beauty of Hawaii, rather than competing with it. We wanted the weekend to feel warm and inviting to every guest. The Kona Village venue spaces are breathtaking on their own, striking a perfect balance between natural beauty, comfort, and simplicity. Through collaboration with Collis Co. and Kona Village, our vision was brought to life beyond what we could’ve ever imagined!

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Over the years, I told Ryan about some of my favorite childhood memories that took place at Kona Village and how bummed I was when the resort shut down in 2011 due to a tsunami. Coincidentally, the reopening of the hotel happened around the same time as our dating anniversary. We took a trip to Hawaii to celebrate, and I was surprised with a beautiful and nostalgic proposal dinner with all my favorite foods, including the “Cookie Monster Milkshake” I used to have with my cousins after lunch at the old Kona Village.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

I wore a custom Cinq corset and skirt made of pleated silk tulle, along with a lace-trimmed veil. My favorite part of the attire was that I was able to create different looks over the course of the day through detachable pearl straps and a matching mini skirt for the reception. I loved that the pieces allowed for so much versatility – from a simple strapless gown for the ceremony, to nod at our beautiful beach setting for cocktail hour and sunset photos.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore a mix of dresses in different cuts and colors within our sunset palette – muted yellows, soft pinks, and peachy-mauves. It was important to make sure everyone felt confident, comfortable, and beautiful!

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos and patent leather dress shoes. Groom Attire: Ryan wore a custom J.Hilburn tuxedo with a velvet-trimmed lapel and cufflinks engraved with our initials. Later in the evening, Ryan switched to a white tuxedo jacket with black trim, while I changed into my mini skirt for dancing!

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Throughout the weekend, we offered guests a mix of local-fusion cuisine from land to sea. Kalua pork stations, ceviche shooters, local fish, and a malasadas bar were some of our favorite selections. We got to work with the amazing culinary team at Kona Village to curate a menu that spoke to our own tastes while indulging our guests in a fun culinary experience. The signature cocktails were refreshing, light, and reflective of our favorite go-to drinks – the Hula Hula (tequila with fresh pineapple) and the Kona Coffee Old Fashioned.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We had so much fun working with our planner, Maurisa, and florist, Flower Me Pretty, to create a garden oasis that flowed seamlessly with our beach surroundings. We made sure to use as many local blooms as possible to ensure the design felt natural and cohesive. One of our favorite details was adding black sand from the beach to the candle holders on the reception tablescape.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

We had a delicious brown sugar cake with lilikoi filling, decorated with sunset colored flowers to match our ceremony!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Our ceremony was officiated by my grandfather, with whom Ryan and I are very close, so it was extremely special to hear his perspective on our relationship and the meaning of marriage. The ceremony also included Ryan’s uncle reading his favorite bible passage and sharing memorable and wise tips on sustaining a happy marriage. One of our favorite elements of the wedding was infusing music we love throughout the events and festivities. Notable songs were Island in the Sun by Weezer (recessional), This is the Time by Billy Joel (father-daughter dance), and Forever Young by Alphaville (first dance).

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

It was extremely special holding the wedding events at the same locations I have so many fond memories of as a kid – our first look and ceremony took place on the beach my siblings and I used to build sand castles on, and the reception took place on the lawn where we used to play flag football with other families at the resort.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

During cocktail hour, Ryan’s family surprised us with a beautiful painting of the reception by Stephanie Gaffney, capturing the sunset colors and joy-filled essence of the evening!

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

During our after-party for a late-night bite, we had to surprise our guests with the famous Cookies Monster Milkshakes from the legacy Kona Village menu!

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

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