I am happy to start off a very busy week with a beautiful wedding on Hawaii’s Big Island in the peaceful surroundings of The Palms Cliff House Inn. The sleepy town of Hilo, Hawaii is often overlooked by travel writers, but it remains one of my favorite destinations in the Islands. It is here that you will discover the “Old Hawaii” of friendly smiles and a genuine appreciation among residents that you’ve chosen this idyllic spot for your wedding. Tucked above staggering ocean cliffs, The Palms Cliff House embodies this welcoming aloha spirit that Jeannine Ishi and Thomas Gomez desired for their destination wedding.

The couple escaped with their closest family and friends to exchange vows overlooking the majestic Hamakua coastline. The wonderful thing about Palms Cliff House is that you and your family members can literally take all the rooms on the property (eight total and all with fabulous ocean views!) and relax together in the days preceding the wedding. Isn’t the view amazing?

The secluded location and warm hospitality of proprietors, John and Michele Gamble, make Palms Cliff House a magical getaway. Michele will even help you plan the details of your Hawaii wedding. For this event she and Jeannine took a cue from the natural beauty of the Islands, using a palette of sunset orange, tropical green and contrasting black lava bridesmaid dresses with tangerine sashes—an unusual combination that works well with the location. (Photos by Mark Nomura, Honolulu, Hawaii)