A Beach, Destination Wedding At Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa in Maui, Hawaii

Kate Parker and Bryson Duhon met during their time as Doctor of Pharmacy students at the University of Texas, at the Austin College of Pharmacy. Bryson had asked Kate to attend a taping of the popular music television series, “Austin City Limits,” to which he won tickets in an online raffle. Unfortunately, there was a slight miscommunication and Bryson could not attend; but he wanted to gift his tickets and “show interest in the cute girl in class.” After the confusion subsided, they began dating and graduated together in May of 2011.

Bryson proposed to Kate on May 4, 2013, during his birthday weekend in New Orleans. The question was popped in Jackson Square with his family present and her favorite song, “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones, playing in the background. Afterwards, the preparations began for their upcoming destination wedding in Hawaii.

With the help of wedding planner Tracy from A Dream Wedding: Maui Style, as well as Karen from the Wailea Marriott, planning their wedding was a breeze. “Not much can go wrong when you get married in paradise!” the couple says. “Tracy and Karen helped to make this process smooth and easy for us, since we were doing a destination wedding.”

Their wedding was a special experience that spanned four days. Accompanied by 50 close friends and family members, activities included a snorkeling trip and luau, all leading up to the nuptials. The ceremony was officiated by Bryson’s cousin and featured Kate’s niece and nephew as the flower girl and ring bearer. As she walked down the aisle, local Hawaiian musician Kalani Smythe played Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s signature version of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The bride and groom were married at sunset on the Kahoolawe lawn at the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa, and guests were greeted with a welcome bag filled with local Hawaiian favors.

A fun-filled reception took place afterwards on the hotel rooftop, where attendees enjoyed local Hawaiian beers, Mai Tais, and a vanilla sponge wedding cake with strawberry filling and cream cheese, crowned with custom his and hers Longhorn cake toppers. The party continued well into the night with lots of dancing, celebrating the couple’s new life together.

The next morning, the newlyweds departed for their honeymoon in Kauai, with a full itinerary of outdoor adventures and relaxation. Mother Nature, however, had alternate plans. Due to torrential downpours, Kate and Bryson decided to fly back to the driest part of Hawaii, Wailea, to finish their trip. They enjoyed their time spent in Maui so much, they returned six months later to celebrate their six-month wedding anniversary of wedded bliss.