LIHUE, Hawaii – February 4, 2008 – A celebration of love and marriage by Kaua‘i’s mayor helped to launch the new Wailele Terrace wedding venue at Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club. On Sunday, January 27th, Mayor Bryan Baptiste and his wife Annette celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows before family and friends at Wailele Terrace.

“Annette and I want to thank General Manager Bill Countryman and the associates of Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club for helping to make our silver anniversary a very memorable one,” said Kaua‘i Mayor Bryan Baptiste. “Wailele Terrace is truly beautiful and romantic, and we were honored to be the first to use it.”

Mayor Baptiste’s vow renewal capped a full day of celebration to launch Wailele Terrace. Earlier that morning, the resort held a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Reverend Ipo Kahaunaele-Ferreira of Ke Akua Mana Church blessed the grounds, the resort’s associates who oversee the site, and all future wedding couples who will get married at Wailele Terrace. Then, as General Manager Bill Countryman (pictured at right, row one, far left in gray shirt) untied the ceremonial maile lei to signify the opening of Wailele Terrace, a few drops of rain fell on the crowd, which was seen as a blessing.

“We conduct approximately 150 weddings annually, many of which are held at our spectacular beachfront Luau Gardens,” said Countryman. “Many couples with destination weddings prefer a garden setting, and the new Wailele Terrace offers a private and romantic location with a botanical garden ambiance that complements the convenience of being on-site at the resort.”

Literally translated as “jumping water,” the name “Wailele” refers to the terrace’s calming waterfalls. Elevated above the waterfalls and overlooking exotic koi ponds, the new Wailele Terrace is located amidst the award-winning tropical Gardens of Kalapaki, featuring more than 100 native and indigenous Hawaiian plants and flowers. A striking lava staircase and pathway lined with lava rock and flagstones will draw guests up toward the top of the hill, where the bride and groom can exchange vows under a shady banyan tree.

Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club also announces its Wailele O Ke Aloha (“Waterfall of Love”) Wedding Package. Starting from $6,500.00, the Wailele O Ke Aloha package includes use of Wailele Terrace venue, two specialty lei for the couple, a Hawaiian bridal processional including an authentic chanter, and the personalized services of a Kaua‘i Marriott event coordinator.

Couples can also exchange vows at one of the resort’s many location options: the Luau Gardens, poolside, elegant ballrooms, enchanting ocean view gazebos, or three open-air courts. Kaua‘i Marriott event coordinators can assist with wedding packages and services at all resort sites. To reach a coordinator, call toll free 1-800-246-5620.

In addition to wedding ceremonies, Wailele Terrace can also host intimate gatherings. Measuring 950 square feet in size, this venue is able to host up to a maximum of 60 people for a reception and 50 people for a banquet dinner.

Overlooking the scenic Kalapaki Beach and Nawiliwili Bay, the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club is located on 51 prime oceanfront acres on Kaua‘i’s east side. The resort offers 356 comfortably appointed hotel guest rooms and features four restaurants and two lounges, a new Fitness and Aerobics Center, full–service day spa, and 26,000 square–foot swimming pool – one of the largest in Hawai‘i. For more information or to make reservations at the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club, please call (800) 220-2925 or (808) 245-5050 or visit www.marriott.com.