Happy Hour at the Barto's

Rehearsal Dinner

Kona Salt Farm

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Matt and Jennie’s story began on April 16, 2022, when mutual friends introduced them at Dogwood Bar in downtown Raleigh. What started as easy conversation over drinks turned into a friendship that neither of them expected to grow so quickly, or feel so natural. By September 16, 2022, they made it official! In January 2023, they moved in together and began creating a life filled with adventure and laughter. From traveling for weddings and exploring New York—Matt’s home state—to visits back to Jennie’s hometown in Hawai‘i, their time together has been full of memories, traveling, adventuring, football Sundays, golfing, and more laughter than either of them can count. Their family grew on May 4, 2023, when they brought home their sweet pup, Mila—who quickly took over their hearts. Then in May 2025, they bought their first home in Clayton, NC, where weekends were instantly filled with painting projects, takeout dinners on the floor, and dreaming about their future together. Shortly after, with Bill and Theresa visiting, Matt proposed to Jennie on their front porch.... simple, sweet, and absolutely perfect. Now, they’re beyond excited to continue their next chapter in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, surrounded by the people they love most, as they say “I do” on February 28, 2026.

our Journey

Our Story

Photos

Jenna

Cassie

Carly

Megan

Gabi

Kyla

Krystal

Heather

Chris

Drew

Mike

Nick

Conor

Taylor

Wedding Party

Q + A

You will want to fly into Kona International Airport!The code is- KOA

Kona International Airport

Airbnbs are seeming to be a cheaper option. Please reach out to Jennie or Matt if you have any questions on locations!

Airbnb

15 minutes from venueThe Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel is a beachfront hotel located in the heart of Kailua-Kona, steps from historic sites, shops, and restaurants. Set on Kamakahonu Bay, it offers beautiful ocean views, modern rooms, and easy access to water activities like paddleboarding and snorkeling. Guests can enjoy amenities like an oceanfront pool, full-service spa, and on-site dining. It’s a convenient and scenic option for those staying in town for the wedding.

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Oceanfront in the heart of Kailua‑Kona, the Royal Kona Resort offers lush tropical gardens, sweeping views of Kailua Bay, and beautifully renovated rooms with private lanais. Guests can enjoy amenities like a saltwater lagoon, private beach cove, oceanfront dining at Don the Beachcomber &amp; the Mai Tai Bar, and regular luaus under the stars. It’s just steps from Kona’s shops, restaurants, and local attractions, blending island ambiance with convenience. Perfect for enjoying both relaxing days and vibrant evenings during your wedding celebration.

Royal Kona Resort

OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa

Travel

Jennies FAVORITE beach!Directions and Access to Mahaiula BayPlan on arriving early as parking fills up pretty quickly, especially on the weekend. Kekaha Kai State Park is just a couple of miles north of the Kona airport. Access to Mahaiula Bay is between mile markers 90 and 91 on Highway 19. The lava road to the shoreline is rough so take it slow, especially if you are driving a car and not a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. The end of the road is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the highway. Continue on foot to your right (north) for 5 minutes to the beach.

Mahaiula Beach

Makalawena might be the best beach on the Big Island that can't be reached by road unless you have a lifted 4-wheel drive car. You can walk into it from the Mahiulas beach I listed. Here are the directions:Trailheads: It's possible to hike to Makalawena beach from either the north or the south:<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3WVGkK9Uequ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trailhead #1</a>: Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and Kona International Airport. The dirt road to Makalawena Beach is located just south of the paved road to Kua Bay, between mile markers 88 and 89. 2-wheel drive vehicles can park just off of the highway before the road begins to get rough. 4-wheel drive vehicles can continue for 1.6 miles of very rough road to a gate and small parking area just north of Makalawena Beach. There are no services of any kind at either parking area.<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/HuWJm4EL3Uu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trailhead #2</a>: Take Hwy. 19 north of Kailua-Kona and Kona International Airport. Find the road to Mahai'ula Bay between the 90 and 91 mile markers. There are restrooms and picnic tables at this trailhead. There is no water.

Makalawena Beach

Kua Bay, officially Maniniʻōwali in the Kekaha Kai State Park, is a stunning white‑sand beach with crystal clear turquoise water and dramatic lava‑rock outcroppings. It’s perfect for sunning, boogie‑boarding (especially in winter), snorkeling when the ocean is calm, and watching sunsets.Directions: From Kona, head north on Highway 19. Between mile markers 88 &amp; 89, turn off across from the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery onto Kua Bay Access Road. Follow the paved road about 1.4‑1.5 miles down to the parking lot, then walk a short distance to the beach. The park is open roughly 8 AM to 7 PM.

Kua Bay Beach

Here are a list of great Luau's if you want to go to one during your stay:- Royal Kona Resort- Outrigger Resort- Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel

Luau's in Kona

Go visit some of our favorite restaurants in Kona!- Umekes- Willie's Chicken- Kona Brew Pub- Quinn's Almost By The Sea- Kona Inn- Humpy's- Huggos On The Rocks- Don's The Beach Comber- Ocean's Sports Bar- Magic Sands Bar &amp; Grill- Lava Lava Beach Club- Papa Kona

Matt & Jennie's Favorite Restaurants in Kona

Want a HAPPY HOUR drink or a fun night out? Here are some of our favorite spots!- Kona Brew Pub- Ola Brew- Humpys- Cheeky Tiki- Kona Inn- Humpys- Oceans Sports Bar- Laverne's Sports Bar- Kai's

Happy Hour?

For ocean fun right in the heart of Kailua-Kona, Kona Boys offers kayak, paddle board, and snorkel rentals at beautiful Kamakahonu Bay. Whether you're looking to paddle with dolphins, snorkel, or just relax with beach gear, they’ve got everything you need! Perfect for an easy, breezy adventure just steps from town!

Kona Boys Beach Shack

One of our favorite spots on the island is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—it's such a wild, otherworldly place. You can walk through lava tubes, see massive craters, and if the volcano is active, maybe even catch a glimpse of lava! It's definitely worth the trip if you’ve never been.

Hale Ma'uma'u Volcano Crater

Kona Country ClubMakalei Golf ClubMakani Golf Club (formerly Big Island Country Club)Waikoloa Village Golf CourseWaikoloa Beach Resort Golf

Golfing on the Island

Kahalu‘u Bay, just south of Kailua‑Kona off Ali‘i Drive (near mile marker 5, look for small blue &amp; white St. Peter’s Church), is one of the best places on the Big Island to try surfing if you’ve never done it before. The bay has a protective reef wall and gentle inside breaks, which soften the waves and make them friendlier for beginners. There are several surf schools right across the street (like Kahalu‘u Surf &amp; Sea) offering lessons and board rentals. The beach also has restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and lifeguards—just get there early, because parking fills up fast.

Kahalu’u Beach Park

Things to Do

Registry

Memories

GET READY TO PACK YOUR BAGS FOR HAWAI'I! 🌺✈️ - Swimsuits (yes, plural — you’ll want options!) 👙🩳- Sunscreen🌞🧴- Sunglasses &amp; hat🕶️👒- Lightweight, breathable clothes — thin linen, cotton, and breezy fabrics- Flip-flops (a.k.a. slippahs) and comfy sandals🩴- A light sweater or jacket for those dreamy ocean evenings- Beach semi-formal attire for our wedding day — light, colorful, and fun! 💒💃🕺- Sand-friendly shoes (short heels will work!)- An outfit for the welcome festivities — think aloha shirts, sundresses, and island vibes👗👕- A beach tote for all your sandy essentials- Travel docs, ID, and your best vacation attitude 🏝️- And most importantly… your dancing shoes and wedding attire for the big day!💃🕺

Jennie & Matthew

Jennie & Matthew

J&M

Wedding Day

4:00 PM–4:30 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM–10:00 PM

Reception