Rheannon Owen and Robert Burgoyne had their hearts set on a destination wedding, and when the decision was narrowed down to Hawaii and Mexico, it was the Hilton Waikoloa Village that swayed their decision. “The resort had everything we could imagine for our wedding: an onsite wedding coordinator, a private ceremony location and beautiful scenery,” says Rheannon. Nestled within 62 oceanfront acres, the Hilton is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is truly a village unto itself—a four-acre swimming and snorkeling lagoon, three freshwater swimming pools, a sun-drenched beach, waterfalls, exotic gardens and canal boats to carry guests to their suites. Rheannon says, “The resort had such a large array of things to do...there was never a chance that any of our guests would feel bored!” (Click for a gallery of more Hawaii weddings at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort.)

Family and friends were on their minds as the couple worked together with their coordinator, Heather Sousa, to plan a variety of fun activities and events in the days preceding the wedding. By day everyone lounged by the pool and played in the surf, taking in the unique amenities of the resort including a saltwater lagoon. Fabulous cuisine and good company filled the evenings, and the entire guest list was invited to a Hawaiian style barbecue giving everyone a chance to get acquainted. Robert and his groomsmen were treated to a day at sea aboard a private fishing charter, and the couple hosted a sunset dinner party as a special thanks to their attendants.  The day before the wedding, family and friends gathered one last time at a rehearsal dinner held at the Kamuela Provision Company overlooking the ocean, a breathtaking sunset provided the perfect backdrop for photos.

The wedding day arrived and loved ones stood as the bride descended a grand staircase to meet her groom by the glistening lagoon. Rheannon’s bird cage veil and ivory train gave her an air of classic elegance in this magical setting.  The wedding party was dressed in traditional black and white in keeping with the bride’s taste for all things vintage. Vibrant purple anthurium bouquets added the only splash of color to the romantic setting, which Rheannon felt needed little embellishment beyond the resort's natural tropical beauty.  The celebration continued at the reception with lovely tables set in black and white for an inviting island elegance.  Rheannon recalls entering the enchanting scene, saying, “The reception had exactly the soft glow feeling I had envisioned. The only light was from the flicker of candles on the tables and the tiki torches surrounding the lagoon.” She and Robert are grateful that each and every detail came together seamlessly for a week-long celebration they will never forget.

Photos by Kai-Photo