Thatched roof bungalows with picturesque garden views, tranquil lagoon settings and dramatic ocean views made Kona Village the ideal location for the destination wedding of Kate O'dowd-Lane and Matthew Salazar. The laid-back luxury of the resort appealed to them for many reasons, most of all, Kate says, "My parents were married at Kona Village 26 years ago, and ever since I was a little girl I've dreamed of being married at the very same place!"

Kate and Matthew desired an intimate affair, so a destination wedding created the opportunity to gather their closest friends and family members for a week-long celebration. Situated on 82 ocean front acres, the resort offers one of the most romantic settings in Hawaii, a retreat free of all modern day distractions. Each of the guests stayed in individual Polynesian style bungalows on the Kohala Coast, known for its white and black sand beaches, lagoons and ancient fishponds.

With the personal assistance of a wedding coordinator, Kate and Matthew planned the wedding of their dreams from their home in Phoenix, Arizona. Bridesmaids and groomsmen wore accents of blue to reflect the azure ocean setting, and the groom looked handsome in a linen suit, matching blue tie and a maile lei. Carrying a bouquet of white orchids, Kate was beautiful in a simple strapless silk gown. And to the delight of the wedding party, a few unexpected guests provided a pleasant surprise— Hawaiian sea turtles watched the festivities from their usual spot on the beach fronting Kona Village. The couple's creed of "live, laugh, love" carried through the week of events, including bachelor and bachelorette parties, a luau rehearsal dinner and a day-after brunch. "It was so amazing to be able to travel and vacation with our family and closest friends!," says Kate. "The staff at Kona Village, especially Tracie Brewer, made all of our dreams a reality!"

Photography by Marina Miller, Red Heart Photo