Kym Gross & Josh White – Waikoloa, Hawaii

When Kym and Josh met at a party through mutual friends, they never imagined that more than a year later, they would end up in the Executive MBA program at the University of Memphis together.

When Josh decided to pop the question, he had some help from a furry friend. “I came home from work and our Yorkie, Oscar, greeted me at the door,” Kym says. “When I bent over to pick him up, Josh said, ‘Look, I bought him a new collar today.’ That’s when I saw the engagement ring hanging on it.” Josh had written a note that said “Will you marry me?” After Kym said yes, the couple headed out for dinner to celebrate, whereshe was surprised to see lots of the couple’s friends waiting to congratulate them. Josh later told her that he had called both her father and brother to ask for their permission.

The couple knew that they wanted a small wedding but it wasn’t until they started planning that they had the idea for a destination wedding.“We chose Hawaii because we wanted to get married at sunset near the water and wanted an unforgettable location that our families and friends would enjoy,” Kym says. “We have traveled to the Hawaiian Islands a few times, so we decided to get married on the Big Island, which we had not visited.”

Kym wanted a gown that was simple and appropriate for an outdoor beach wedding. After along search, she finally found one at David’s Bridal.“It was an ivory halter gown with an empire,beaded waist and a sweep train,”she says. “It had a soft, floral print,which fit perfectly in Hawaii.” Josh wore a light tan custom tailored suit with an ivory collared shirt and no tie. The couple did not have a bridal party.

The couple was married at sunset on the palace garden lawn at the edge of the ocean. Lava rocksand palm trees provided a natural backdrop. Guests were seated in white chairs evenly placed on both sides of the aisle, which was sprinkled with orange and fuchsia rose petals.

The couple was married by Reverend Dean Kauka, who lives on the Big Island and is Pastor at Imiola Congregational Church. “He was amazing and we really enjoyed spending time with him and his wife,” Kym says. “Dean incorporated Hawaiian wedding traditions into our ceremony.”

Kym had her grandmother’s pearl necklace made into two bracelets. “My mother and I each wore one,” she says. “It was the most important detail to my wedding day. My grandmother passed away in 2005. We were very close and I wanted to honor her and make her a part of my wedding day.” Kym and Josh exchanged torches, plumeria trees and waterfalls provided the backdrop, and fuchsia and orange dendrobium orchids and roses with white candles decorated the centers of the tables during the ceremony and said, “I love you” in Hawaiian.

The reception was outside on a patio near thel agoon. Tiki torches, plumeria trees and waterfalls provided the backdrop, and fuchsia and orangedendrobium orchids and roses with white candles decorated the centers of the tables. For place settings,Kym put name labels on white favor boxesfilled with chocolate mint candies wrapped in orange and fuchsia colored wrappers.

During the cocktail hour, guest enjoyed anopen bar and appetizers like coconut fried chickenbreast strips, mozzarella and Italian sausage filled mushroom caps, and crab cakes with pickledmango aioli. An acoustic guitarist provided entertainment and both the mothers and Kym’s brother gave toasts.

The main course featured Caesar salad, filet ofbeef and herb sautéed shrimp with garlic mashed potatoes and broccoli. After dinner, the guests accompanied the bride and groom back to their suite, where the party continued late into thenight.

Kym says it’s hard to choose just one favorite moment, but at the top of her list is when Joshsang her a song at the reception. “I had asked him if he was going to sing something but he would never commit,” she says. “He surprised me with this song; I had not heard him play before. The song is about a man whose life was changed for the better by a woman. He is so talented and it was a very special gift.”

Josh says his favorite moment of the day was speaking with Kym by phone before the ceremony.“It relieved all nervousness and rein forced our excitement of a new life together,” he says. He also appreciated the men’s toast with Kym’s dad and brother while the men were getting ready for the ceremony. He says it was a kind of “blessing”into the family.

Guests enjoyed welcome bags filled with a personalized letter, itinerary, bottled water, snacks,and various favor items.

One funny moment in the day was when the couple’s pastor, Dean, told them it was a Hawaiian wedding custom that the groom sing for the bride while she performs a hula dance. “I had everyone laughing as I faked my way doing the hula through the song!” Kym says.

Acknowledgements and Special Thanks from the Gross/White Wedding

Lodging / Rehearsal Dinner / Ceremony Site / Cake / Flowers / Wedding Planner:
Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort & Spa
Waikoloa, HI
808.886.1234
www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com

Wedding Photographer:
Brian K. Crain Photography
Brian K. Crain
www.bkcphoto.com

Invitations:
Fine Stationery
www.finestationery.com

Wedding Invitations:
www.swoozies.com

Wedding Gown:
David’s Bridal
www.davidsbridal.com

Tuxedo:
Oak Hall
Memphis, TN
www.oakhall.com