When we first met Josh and Andrea, their vision for their wedding was clear: an elegant yet relaxed celebration that blended the magic of a backyard wedding with the sophistication of an oceanfront fairy tale. With just 20 guests, their celebration at the historic Kona Beach Houses was intimate, heartfelt, and absolutely unforgettable.
This couple, both busy neurosurgery providers from San Diego, entrusted us with the creative reins, giving us a budget and the freedom to craft a design as ethereal and beautiful as their love story. What emerged was a dreamy, garland draped wonderland of crystals, white and cream flowers, a perfect setting for a new family to come together and celebrate.
As a second marriage for both Josh and Andrea, this wedding was as much about blending families as it was about their union. Their children played special roles in the wedding party, symbolizing the creation of a new family. Andrea’s father, George, walked her down the aisle, and Josh’s mother, Josephine, accompanied him, setting the tone for a day full of love and connection.
Under a canopy of hanging orchid garlands and sparkling crystals, Josh and Andrea exchanged vows in a ceremony led by Elizabeth Theriault. Elizabeth’s thoughtful words honored the Kona Coast’s natural beauty and included a symbolic blessing of their rings in ocean water, grounding their union in the place they chose to start their new life together.
The ceremony began with the timeless strains of “Canon in D,” played on the harp by local musician Bonnie Mitchell. The gentle notes floated on the ocean breeze, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.
After the ceremony, while their guests enjoyed cocktail hour accompanied by the soulful ukulele stylings of Ponchoman, Josh and Andrea slipped away for sunset photos on the beach. The golden hour light, paired with the waves lapping at the shore, made for a series of breathtaking moments captured forever.
Meanwhile, our team transformed the ceremony space into an enchanting al fresco dining experience. The sparkling garlands of orchids and crystals were joined by chandeliers, creating a soft glow under the star-filled Hawaiian sky.
Dinner was a feast of flavors, crafted by Chef Dan Robayo to reflect Josh and Andrea’s favorite dishes. Served ohana-style, the three-course menu celebrated the best of the Big Island’s bounty. The evening unfolded like a dream, with family dances, meaningful toasts, laughter, and the soft melodies of Hawaiian-inspired covers setting the mood.
Josh and Andrea’s wedding was the perfect blend of elegance and intimacy. It honored the simplicity and warmth of a backyard gathering while embracing the grandeur of an oceanfront celebration. Every detail, from the cascading orchids to the family-focused ceremony, spoke to the love and unity at the heart of their day.
Josh and Andrea, thank you for allowing us to bring your vision to life. It was an honor to be part of a day that so beautifully celebrated your love and the creation of your blended family. Here’s to a lifetime of love, family, and the magic of the Kona Coast.
Venue – Kona Beach Houses
Florist – Lalamilo Flower Girl
Photo – Corey McCarley
Hair and Makeup: Golden Hour Beauty
Men’s Styling: Hair Medics
Catering: Pa’ina Pantry
Bar – Spirited Cocktail Co.
Cake: Onolicious LLC
Harpist: Harpist in Hawaii
Luau Performance: Tiana Productions
Cocktail hour music: Ponchoman
Officiant – Blessing Ways
Music – Hawaii Sound and Vision
Rentals – Kona Event Rentals and Kea and Loa
Sunshower Weddings and Events offers wedding planning, event planning, on-site coordination, staffing, and rentals for couples in Big Island, Hawaii. The team specializes in destination weddings and making your wedding dreams a reality.