A "Jetset-Era Dinner Club" Wedding on Hawaii's Black Sand Beaches
The romantic journey of Hope Gould and Sam Wadsworth began with an unexpected encounter, leading to a meticulously planned celebration of their union. Though both attended the same college in California, fate intervened during a summer program in Paris in 2018 where they first met. A casual introduction quickly evolved into a deep friendship upon their return to school, blossoming into love during their sophomore year. Over the next six years, their bond strengthened through college graduation and the start of their careers in experiential marketing and real estate development, respectively, culminating in Sam's romantic Hamptons proposal in July 2024 with a heartfelt letter and an intimate moment for two.
Choosing the perfect wedding venue proved to be a significant challenge for the New York City-based couple, given their West Coast roots and an international guest list. After exploring various options, they ultimately chose Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, on Hawaii's Big Island for their July 12, 2025, ceremony. This location held special significance for Hope's family and was a place where the couple had fallen in love with the raw beauty during their time living there amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. To execute their vision of a \"jetset-era dinner club\" wedding weekend, Hope and Sam collaborated with renowned planner Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events, with Hope actively involved in curating the aesthetic from her experiential marketing background, embracing the challenge of being on the client side. The couple's distinct sartorial choices also played a key role in setting the tone for the multi-day celebration, with Hope opting for a crochet Oscar de la Renta dress for a beach rehearsal dinner and a vintage Roberto Cavalli silk dress for a Hawaiian cocktail welcome party, while Sam donned elegant linen ensembles.
This tale of romance, careful planning, and personal touches underscores the beauty of a wedding that truly reflects the couple's journey and shared passions. From their serendipitous meeting to their chosen destination, every element of Hope and Sam's Hawaiian celebration was a testament to their unique love story and their desire to create an unforgettable experience for themselves and their loved ones. Such events serve as a poignant reminder that love, when nurtured and celebrated thoughtfully, can create moments of profound joy and lasting memories, echoing themes of connection, aspiration, and the pursuit of dreams.