Hawaiian Destination Wedding with Dreamy Island Backdrop

Overlooking the Waipi?o Valley, Felicia and Liam’s destination wedding was intentionally designed to highlight the extraordinary Hawaiian landscape. Their ceremony was close to where Felicia had spent summers at her grandmother’s home, making the setting deeply personal. Choosing to wed at a dear friend’s house further anchored the celebration in sentiment. Hawaii also served as a meaningful midpoint between Felicia’s family in California and Liam’s family in Australia. Misty waters, dramatic cliffs, and an orchid tucked into Felicia’s chignon cast a moody, romantic breath of quiet. Planned by Sunshower Weddings & Events, the reception embraced a greenhouse-inspired aesthetic. A clear tent featured abundant greenery, with florals and plants native to the region layered alongside stylized decor and seating. The menu reflected the setting through hyper-local seafood, cocktails crafted with fresh fruit, and pizzas baked on site. Grazing tables kept guests energized, and disposable cameras helped everyone capture unique perspectives throughout the night.

“I grew up going to my grandmother’s house in Honoka’a during the summer, so getting married 10 minutes down the road, at such a stunning location, was unforgettable.”

“Our favorite memory was our first look and private vows – we were (Liam really) very emotional, so it definitely helped reading them the first time just for each other. Driving to the ceremony together, which gave us time to compose ourselves before the big moment.”

“Really, it was the natural beauty of the location that shaped the day, making sure we showed off the spectacular landscape without distracting from it. The ceremony site was at a family friend’s house overlooking Waipi’o Valley, so we wanted to let the land speak for itself.”

“For the reception, we went with a “greenhouse” theme: a clear tent top, as many plants as possible, and letting the natural plants and landscape be the focus. We also tried to use flowers and plants native to the area.”

“Felicia’s only non-negotiable was the champagne tower, which was definitely a highlight.”

“Our advice? Keep the guest list to the people that matter most in your life. The smaller wedding allowed us the flexibility to have the day we really wanted.”

Planning & Design: Sunshower Weddings & Events @sunshowerweddings
Photography: Aly Dove Photography @alydovephoto
Reception Venue: Puakea Ranch @puakearanch
Ceremony Venue: Private Residence, Honoka?a
Florist: Lalamilo Flower Girl @lalamiloflowergirl
Hair & Makeup: Golden Hour Beauty @goldenhourbeautyhawaii
Catering: Pa‘ina Pantry https://painapantry.com/ @painapantry
Catering: Underground Pizza
Bar: Spirited Cocktail Co. @spiritedcocktail
Cake: Leo’s Legacy @leos_legacy_808
DJ and Emcee: Eclipse Effect Hawaii @eclipseeffect
Ceremony Sound Support and A/V: Hawaii Sound & Vision @hawaiisav
Rentals: Kona Event Rentals @konaeventrentals
Furniture Rentals: Kea & Loa @keaandloa
Decor Rentals: Sunshower Rentals @sunshowerrentals
Dress: Verdin Bridal @verdinbridal
Dress Store: Kleinfeld Bridal @kleinfeldbridal
Jewelry: Mejuri @mejuri
Shoes: Loeffler Randall @loefflerrandall
Suit: Alan David @AlanDavidCustomSuits
Transportation: Blue Sky Transportation @blueskytransportationhawaii