A Love Worth Capturing Forever

Some love stories are too beautiful not to be captured. For Michelle Navarro and Christopher Zegunis, their wedding day was not just about celebrating their love—it was about preserving every heartfelt moment for years to come.

Since losing her mother, Michelle has cherished every opportunity to document life’s most meaningful milestones. Their wedding at Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island of Hawaii was destined to be a day of joy, love, and treasured memories shared with their closest family and friends.

How They Clicked

The Proposal That Took It’s Time

Chris had been planning the perfect proposal long before Michelle even suspected it. In March 2022, he confided in his future Best Man about his intentions.

A month later, they attended Back to Wonder, a show by one of their favorite magicians, Helder Guimarães. Before the performance, guests were asked to write down a private secret. Chris, feeling bold, wrote: “I am going to propose to my girlfriend on her birthday.”

As the show reached its finale, secrets were revealed anonymously. Michelle overheard Chris mumble, “Oh fck,”* as his note surfaced. Suspicion flickered in her mind, but Chris quickly diverted attention, convincing her that he had simply written, “I’m Batman.”

Months passed, and in August, Chris orchestrated a surprise birthday weekend filled with friends, secret rendezvous, and playful code names. Michelle, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, secretly hoped for a proposal—but Chris made the heartfelt decision to wait, knowing that the recent passing of her beloved Grandma Lita made the timing not quite right.

Two weeks later, their long-awaited Disneyland trip arrived, a postponed birthday celebration. As they posed for a photo in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Chris got down on one knee, fulfilling Michelle’s dreams in the most magical place on earth.

Why The Hilton Waikoloa Meant Everything

Hawaii’s special to Michelle. She went solo to the Big Island back in 2011, stayed at Hilton Waikoloa, and loved it—but wished she had someone to share it with. Then in 2018, she and Chris went together, and it clicked. That place became their spot. So when they started talking wedding venues, it wasn’t even a question. This time, they’d bring everyone they love along to make it official.

Honoring Hawaiian Traditions

A wedding in Hawaii wouldn’t be complete without honoring its rich cultural traditions. Michelle and Chris planned to incorporate:

• The Lei Ceremony: A symbol of love, respect, and unity, the exchange of leis during the ceremony would serve as a beautiful reminder of the deep bond they share.

• Blowing of the Pū (Conch Shell): A sacred Hawaiian tradition, the conch shell’s sound would signal the beginning of their new journey together.

Every element of their wedding was carefully chosen to reflect not only their love for each other but also their deep appreciation for the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha.

A Wedding Full of Personal Touches

Every love story is unique, and so was their wedding day. From the little details to the grand moments, everything reflected who Michelle and Chris are as a couple.

• A Magic-Inspired Guestbook: A creative nod to their love for illusion, their guestbook featured playing cards for guests to sign—a fun and personal twist on tradition.

• A Sports Fan’s Dream Entrance: As a lifelong Chicago Bulls fan, Chris and his groomsmen entered the ceremony to the iconic “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project—just like the Bulls during the Michael Jordan era.

• A Musical Walk Down the Aisle: Their niece sang “Rest of My Life” by Bruno Mars as Michelle walked down the aisle, a moment made even more special by her love for the artist.

• A Surprise First Dance Medley: As movie lovers, their first dance was a surprise medley inspired by iconic film and TV moments, following their more traditional first dance to a Prince song—Chris’ favorite artist.

• Fire Dancers to Light Up the Night: As the evening unfolded, guests were mesmerized by an electrifying fire dance performance, a breathtaking way to close a night of magic and love.

The Beginning of Forever at Hilton Waikoloa

FAQs

Why did Michelle and Chris choose Hilton Waikoloa for their wedding?
Michelle had a deep connection to the venue from a solo trip in 2011, and when she and Chris visited together in 2018, it became even more special. They wanted to share that magical place with their loved ones.

What Hawaiian traditions were included in their ceremony?
Their wedding featured the Lei Ceremony and the blowing of the pū (conch shell), both significant Hawaiian traditions symbolizing love, respect, and new beginnings.

What unique personal touches did they incorporate?
From a playing card guestbook to a Chicago Bulls-inspired entrance, a surprise first dance medley, and fire dancers, Michelle and Chris made sure their wedding was filled with personal and unforgettable moments.

Why was the wedding video so important to Michelle?
Since losing her mother, Michelle values capturing special moments more than ever. Their wedding video ensures they can relive this beautiful day for years to come.

How did Chris propose?
Chris planned to propose on Michelle’s birthday but postponed it out of respect for her grandmother’s passing. He eventually proposed at Disneyland, making her dreams come true in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

What made their wedding at Hilton Waikoloa so special?
Beyond the breathtaking scenery, it was the history, the traditions, and the presence of loved ones that made their wedding truly magical.

• Planning a Destination Wedding in Hawaii? Check out my free guide!

• Hilton Waikoloa Village Website

• Hawaiian Wedding Ceremony

• Wedding featured in the NY TIMES!!