Kona

A Sense of Place

September 23, 2010

Pacific Weddings

Flying into the Kona Coast of the Big Island offers a first glimpse of Hawaii’s origins—coal black lava that once flowed in fiery streams is now the living land that imbues the island with its unique sense of place. Following the highway carved out of this rugged landscape, the jet rock eventually gives way to miles of white sand and azure ocean. This is the Kohala Coast, where the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel quietly stands surrounded by Hawaii’s majestic volcanic peaks and remnants of ancient civilization. Here in this spiritual setting, Sharon Feldman and Ryan Stewart became man and wife. Tears flowed freely as they pledged their love in personal vows of devotion.

For the two Anaheim residents, there was never any doubt that Hawaii would be the place where they would exchange their vows. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is known for preserving the indigenous culture and weaving it into the guest experience. As the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great, who united the islands under his rule, Kohala is rich in history and legend, and the resort is careful to honor this past. Sharon and Ryan appreciated the relaxed ambience of this traditional Hawaiian resort with its ancient fishponds, historical sites and abundant sea life. The world class service and friendly local staff made the choice to host the wedding party there an easy decision.

While their hearts and minds were in the Big Island, wedding plans ensued back in California. Sharon met with gown designer Jenny Lee for a private fitting at her Los Angeles boutique. Her desire was a one-of-a-kind dress with a fitted bodice and an a-line skirt ideal for a beach wedding. An organza sash with hand sewn flowers adorned the back of the dress. The crowning glory was a beautifully crafted veil and blusher with a couture organza flower for her hair.

For the bridesmaids, Sharon selected floor-length Melissa Sweet dresses made of yellow silk chiffon, and hand beaded their slippers with Swarovski crystals to match the dresses. She also designed and made her own Swarovski crystal jewelry and created similar earrings as gifts for her bridesmaids.

The wedding day arrived a glorious Hawaiian day, and guests gathered on the white sand to witness the union of Sharon and Ryan. The aisle was festooned with brilliant orchid sprays that mimicked the colors of a tropical sunset. Sharon carried an elegant bouquet of phalaenopsis orchids to go with her classic bridal ensemble. The bride’s Hawaiian heritage was evident in the details of the event— her auntie made hand woven trays, a ring bearer’s pillow, and a flower girl basket using beautiful red lauhala leaves from her grandmother’s backyard in Holualoa, Kona.

The groom showed his natural élan in a Hugo Boss suit, along with his groomsmen in Tommy Bahama shirts to coincide with the ladies.

A poolside reception overlooked the ancient fishponds and the Pacific. The couple had commissioned Diane Phillips of DK Designs to create island style favors, wedding menus and printed place cards. These accents coordinated with vivid orange invitations by the same designer. The details of the evening added to the colorful affair, including Mauna Lani’s signature white chiffon wedding cake with passion fruit filling and buttercream frosting, topped with hand sculpted phalaenopsis orchids. Sharon was certain Ryan would appreciate the groom’s cake, a pineapple-shaped confection that was actually layer upon layer of malasadas. “He loves doughnuts and fresh pineapple!” quips Sharon.

Of the many Hawaiian touches at the celebration, the most memorable was the bride’s hula for her new husband. Sharon was completely in her element, having grown up dancing hula on Oahu with the Iwalani School of Dance and later under Kumu Hula Ed Collier at Iolani School. With palms swaying in the distance and the soft light from overhead lanterns, she had never looked so lovely to her husband.