Courtney & Kasen’s Hawaii Destination Celebration

Heartfelt Wedding at Hulihe’e Palace, Kailua Kona Hawaii

Courtney and Kasen’s wedding was a perfect blend of history, romance, and Hawaiian beauty. The couple chose to say their vows on the historic grounds of Hulihe’e Palace in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii — a truly unique location for their love story. Kasen, a former NFL football player, and Courtney, a meticulous planner with an eye for detail, brought their dream destination wedding to life. After planning everything in advance, the couple was able to relax and enjoy their big day. You only have to scroll through the photos below to see how in love and happy they are!

The day began at the historic King Kamehameha Hotel, where Courtney and Kasen got ready surrounded by their closest friends and family.

Their first look took place in the lush gardens of Hulihe’e Palace — a former vacation home for Hawaiian royalty built in 1838. Once a retreat for King Kamehameha’s descendants, the palace now stands as a beautifully preserved museum filled with the charm of old Hawaii. Its oceanfront setting provided the perfect backdrop for an emotional moment as Courtney and Kasen saw each other for the first time that day.

In a heartfelt ceremony, Kahu Tom led the couple through a beautiful cultural celebration that incorporated Hawaiian tradition and pointed back to the Creator of all of the beauty and history around them. Courtney and Kasen read their vows amidst laughter and tears.

Afterward, guests made their way down the street to Papa Kona Restaurant, where the reception unfolded with ocean views, delicious island cuisine, and heartfelt toasts. The atmosphere was warm and joyful surrounded by friends and family. One of my favorite moments was when the guests began to open the cards sitting at their place settings, each one unique: hand-written and heart-felt. What a beautiful, personalized touch!

Courtney had thought through every last detail — from the floral arrangements by Wild Blooms to the “destination” seating charts — creating a wedding that was not only stunning but deeply personal. Every element reflected the couple’s style, passion for travel and adventure, humor, and love story (for the full vendor list, please scroll to the bottom . . . everyone was amazing).

From the history-steeped grounds of Hulihe’e Palace to the sunset and crashing waves around Papa Kona, this Kailua-Kona wedding was truly unforgettable — a celebration of love, legacy, and the magic of Hawaii. Scroll through to see the magic!