Love in paradise. Congratulations to Jessica and Sean! We’re back home from a family wedding on the Big Island. It was simply STUNNING! The bride and groom, the scenery, the coziness of a small gathering… all pretty perfect. Jessica and Sean planned a beautiful celebration at the Hilton Waikoloa Village and we were all so happy to be there as they began their life as a married couple.

I simply cannot wait to see their wedding photos. The photographer sent them a sneak peek and the images are so incredibly beautiful! I am sure it will be hard to choose which photos to display in their home. I hope they choose many and print them BIG!

This photo is one I quickly snapped with my phone at the end of the ceremony. Thank goodness for iPhones and the ease of taking photos pretty much anywhere. Makes it so easy to share with each other as well.

After the ceremony and before Jessica and Sean posed for their wedding photographer, I grabbed my “big girl camera” and was able to get some candid shots as Jessica and Sean were met with loving arms, big smiles and congratulations from family and friends. I’m especially loving this photo of Jessica as she beams with happiness… hugging her dad.

Before the ceremony, Jessica and Sean had their “first look”, and we were so excited to see Jessica ( and her mom) headed to that very exciting moment. Look how beautiful the bride is! Her dress was simply spectacular. And notice her magnificent blue shoes!!!

I love this photo of Emily ( in the purple ) and her cousins from California, excited to catch a glimpse of Jessica as she made her way down the path. I honestly don’t know how she walked in those heels all around the resort. This place is huge!! Here is the Hale Aloha Wedding Chapel, nestled just steps away from the ocean and along a path that’s anchored with intricately carved doors. These doors were closed during the wedding ceremony to ensure Jessica and Sean’s wedding was as special and private as could be. It worked beautifully.

While Jessica and Sean’s wedding was the highlight of the trip, we certainly took advantage of some of what this amazing resort had to offer: especially the stunning views! Views so spectacular these photos just don’t do it justice. This is what we saw on our morning walks. I can almost hear the crash of the waves while looking at this photo.

What you don’t see to the right is a GOLF COURSE!

Here’s the view looking back on the walking path. You can see the green and the absolutely crazy beautiful view for the golfers — and us walkers!

As I said, it’s just one stunning view after another. This was our backdrop at the welcome dinner the evening before the wedding. An oceanside table at the Kamuela Provision Company, where we watched the sun set behind the Pacific while enjoying time together and feasting on a delicious meal. There were laughs, toasts from the parents and lots and lots of looking in wonder at the beauty all around us.

A sunset dinner, a gorgeous wedding, and a luncheon to follow that had us at the water once again. This time at the Lava Lava Beach Club where relaxation was top of menu, along with the most delicious rice and chicken filled grilled pineapple and key lime cheesecake. For the kids, the beach was calling their name. And why wouldn’t it? Just look at this gorgeous place!

The beach, the breathtaking views, the amazing resort… and a beautiful couple starting their journey together. Wishing Jessica and Sean a lifetime of happiness!