Say "I Do" to sustainable nuptials

Long-recognized as Hawai'i's most romantic destination, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai announces a new wedding option for couples who want to give back to the environment on their special day. With the Sustainable Nuptials Package, couples vow to create a memorable experience that is socially responsible, without sacrificing elegance and sophistication.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai wedding planner works with the happy couple to customize the details of a sustainable wedding that fits their personality and taste. To offset the carbon footprint of traveling to Hawai'i and staying at the resort, the package includes a carbon credit to one of several organizations in Sustainable Travel International or STI's carbon offset portfolio*.

The Sustainable Nuptials Package costs $10,050 and includes:

- Wedding planner's eco-expertise
- Choice of outdoor wedding location (before sunset to save electricity)
- Carbon credit to offset wedding’s carbon footprint (up to 25 guests)
- Teak chair set-up (for up to 25 wedding guests)
- Marriage license appointment (within walking distance!)
- Non-denominational officiant to perform ceremony
- Solo acoustic musician (guitar, 'ukulele, or violin) for one hour
- Consultation with florist (who will recommend the best locally-grown flowers)
- Bridal bouquet
- Groom's boutenniere
- 2,000 dendrobium orchids sprinkled at the wedding site
- Floral lei for up to 25 Guests
- Natural 'ohi'a wood or bamboo wedding arch
- Two-hour photography package
- Two-tier wedding cake with floral topper
- Bottle of champagne on wedding night
- Steam press wedding dress and groom's attire
- Ground transportation from/to the Kona International Airport
- 50-minute Couples Massage at The Hualalai Spa

But don't stop there - consider the following reception, recycle, re-use, and reduce ideas. Because the cuisine served should be considered just as carefully as every other wedding detail, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Executive Chef James Babian partners with local farmers and fisherman, creating excitingly sustainable, regional, seasonal, menus. Sample items include Keahole Lobster and Pa'auilo Vanilla Bisque; Waimea Organic Greens, Hearts of Palm, and Hamakua Mushrooms; Seared Kona Kampachi with Chili Mango Butter, and Big Island Chocolate Cake.

Take advantage of Hawai'i's natural beauty and the Kona-Kohala Coast's reputation for sun-filled days with an outdoor wedding and reception. The added benefit ... no air conditioning and/or electricity. Consider silk lanterns lit by compact florescent bulbs. Incorporate natural bees wax candles, which are a clean-burning, energy-saving light source that can be reused. Use biodegradable and sustainable bamboo plates, utensils as well as cocktail napkins and cups are used during the reception. And, let us donate your potted plants or flowers from local growers for centerpieces to local hospitals or elderly care establishments after your event.

“Since its introduction this month, our Sustainable Nuptials Wedding package has generated significant interest from brides and grooms to be," said Jennifer Gillis, wedding planner, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. “More and more couples are seeking custom, eco-conscious weddings."

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is part of the master-planned 865-acre Hualalai Resort and is located on one-half mile of sandy beach along the North Kona Coast of the Island of Hawai'i. The 243-room hotel comprises 36 low-rise ocean view bungalows and was recently honored with a “Who's Keeping Hawai'i Green Award” by Hawai'i Home + Remodeling, Honolulu, and Hawai'i Business magazines. The resort also received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for the tenth consecutive year.

For reservations and more information, log on to fourseasons.com.

* SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL Carbon Offset Portfolio currently consists of myclimate (Verified Emission Reductions and Certified Emission Reductions); Bonneville Environmental Foundation or BEF (Green Tags); and Conservation Carbon from Conservation International.