Special memories of childhood summers spent on the island of Lanai inspired Kili Chang and Keola Gerell to hop a ferry from Maui in search of the perfect wedding location. “The moment I arrived, I could just picture all of my closest family and friends there with me. The Four Season's Lodge at Koele has a really unique feel to it. If someone blindfolded me, took me there, and revealed it to me, I wouldn’t have known I was in Hawaii!” says Kili. Surrounded by rolling green pastures, the resort is nestled high on the hills of the remote pineapple island, and the interiors offer a formal plantation-style elegance uncommon in Hawaii. The intimate, pastoral setting suited the couple’s classic style.

As a special gesture of welcome, the bride’s mother and sister arranged hand woven gift baskets full of pineapple inspired treasures from around the island. Scented candles, soaps, and picture frames awaited each guest upon arrival to their elegantly appointed suites. As everyone attending would be making a journey to Lanai, the couple planned three days of activities, including golf at Keole’s world famous course and an intimate brunch at the lodge. The evening before the wedding, everyone gathered for a barbecue at the Manele Bay, where friends and family performed impromptu hula for the guests.

The ceremony was held in the magnificent, lush gardens of the lodge beneath the ancient banyan trees. The bride stood with her father atop a hill overlooking all of the guests below. Kili looked breathtaking in an elegant Nicole Miller gown that she found  by chance while shopping with her mother in Honolulu. “I immediately loved this dress but the store owner told me that it was on hold for someone else. She called me the next day to tell me it was mine!” Her bridesmaids, Kili’s sister and best friend, wore deep red satin dresses from BCBG Max Azria. Kili watched calmly as Keola joined hands with his core family members as they approached the ceremony in a touching expression of unity and love. Officiant George Scott presided over the touching union, and as the couple stood in front of their guests, he asked them to look down at their joined hands,  a symbol of the love that they held for each other.

As the sun set, the party was invited inside to enjoy dinner and dancing in the library. Stacey Pierce of the Lodge at Koele coordinated all of the romantic details and the delicious menu, including the guava and mango-filled white cake topped with crimson roses. Kili surprised her new husband with an enchanting hula, dancing gracefully beneath the glimmering light of the chandelier. Three generations of Kili’s family, including her grandmother, father, and sister then took the stage for another moving and spirited hula to honor the newlyweds. Everyone danced late into the night, filling the intimate room with the sounds of laughter and endless toasts to the newlyweds, and creating precious memories of the occasion. “Lanai will always hold a special place in our hearts,” says Kili.