FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please RSVP by November 1st, 2026. This will help us finalize all the details and make sure we have everything ready for the big day. We appreciate your prompt response!

Question

Where will the wedding be held?

Answer

The ceremony and reception will be at Puakea Ranch. The wedding will take place on March 13, 2027 at [Wedding Time will be updated]. Please be sure to arrive ~5 minutes early.

Question

Is there a dress code for the wedding?

Answer

Dress Code: Garden cocktail attire FYI: We know some guests may ask about the wedding colors or suggested colors to wear, so we’ve provided a list below. Please note, these colors are simply suggestions and are not required. For Women: Mid- to full-length dresses, suits, garden cocktail style Shoes: block heels, wedges, or flats (recommended for walking on grass and gravel) Suggested colors (not required): olive green, sage green, dark rose pink, mauve, wine, blush Please no white-based clothing and avoid casual clothing. For Men: Nice button-up shirt with a blazer or aloha shirt with a blazer, and slacks (tie not required) Shoes: loafers, dress shoes Suggested colors (not required): olive, grey, black, dark blue Please no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, casual shoes such as slippers/flip flops, or running shoes

Question

How do I get to the wedding venue?

Answer

We’ll have a shuttle service available for guests staying at the Waikoloa Marriot Hotel. The shuttle will run once to the venue and once back after the reception, so if you plan to use it, please be on time for both the pick-up and return (more details to come) If you're not staying at the designated hotel, we recommend driving to the hotel and using the shuttle to the venue, as Hawi can get dark, and the roads are windy. There is limited parking at the venue if you prefer to drive directly. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available, but we recommend pre-booking your return ride, as availability can be limited, especially after dark.

Question

Will the wedding ceremony and reception be indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The ceremony will be held outdoors, followed by the reception, also outdoors, with covered areas and tents for comfort. Both events will take place at the same venue, just about a 4-minute walk apart. Please dress appropriately for photos, dinner, dancing, and the short walk between the two areas.

Question

What should you expect the weather to be like in March?

Answer

In March, the Big Island enjoys mild, pleasant weather, but it can vary depending on where you are. Dry side (Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea): Expect sunny, warm days with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-30°C). These areas are usually dry and great for outdoor activities and beach time. Rainy side (Hilo, Volcanoes National Park): This side tends to be cooler and more humid, with occasional rain showers. Temperatures range from the low 60s to mid-70s°F (16-24°C), so pack accordingly if you plan to explore the lush rainforests or visit waterfalls. Hawi (where the wedding is): Hawi, located on the northern tip of the island, tends to be cooler, especially in the evenings. Expect daytime temperatures in the low 70s°F (21°C), with occasional breezes and a chance of light rain. It’s always a good idea to bring layers, as temperatures can drop at night. Be sure to pack for warm weather, but also bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you’re on the rainy side or in Hawi.

Question

Will there be food and drinks during cocktail hour?

Answer

After the wedding ceremony, we will be serving light pupus (appetizers) accompanied by an open bar. We invite you to toast to our nuptials with a curated selection of wine, beer and our signature cocktails.

Question

Will dinner be served at the reception? What kind of food?

Answer

Yes, dinner will be served at the reception buffet style from different serving stations. You can look forward to local favorites like kalua pig, teriyaki chicken, and ahi, along with some mainland comfort foods. There will be no assign seats as we want to encourage mingling :) Please let us know in advance when you RSVP if you have any dietary restrictions.

Question

What time will the reception end?

Answer

The Big Island has a strict no loud music policy after 10 PM. The shuttle will depart at 10 PM so if you plan to stay later, please make your own transportation arrangements back.

Question

Can I give the couple a gift at the wedding?

Answer

We truly appreciate the effort it takes to travel for our wedding, and we consider your presence the best gift we could ask for. Physical gifts are absolutely not necessary! However, if you would like to give something, we do have a wedding registry available on our website. We kindly ask that you not bring physical gifts to the wedding, as we will need to arrange shipping back to St. Louis. If you would like to send a gift, please feel free to mail it to our address in St. Louis (6226 Southwood Ave, Apt 3E, Saint Louis, MO 63015). Thank you so much for your understanding and generosity!

Question

Can I bring a plus-1?

Answer

To ensure all of our favorite people have a spot to celebrate with us, we have a strict guest list due to the venue's limited capacity. Our celebration is RSVP only, and we can only accommodate those listed on your invitation. If you're invited to bring a plus-one, please be sure to include them in your RSVP. Unfortunately, uninvited guests or those who don't RSVP won't be able to attend. Thank you for understanding!

Question

Are kids invited, or is it adults-only?

Answer

We love kids, but to keep the focus on the celebration, the wedding will be adults-only with the exception of close family members. If a child becomes disruptive during the ceremony, we may need to ask for them to be taken out to maintain the flow of the celebration. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to create a peaceful, enjoyable experience for all guests!

Question

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?

Answer

Sam loves documenting special moments, so we’re happy for guests to take pictures with their phones and cameras! That said, we do have a professional photographer capturing all the key moments, and we encourage everyone to be present and enjoy the celebration. We’d love for our guests to live in the moment while still having the option to snap a few memories when they feel inspired!

Question

What airport should we fly into?

Answer

We highly recommend flying into Kona International Airport (KOA). While there is also Hilo International Airport (ITO), most direct flights from the mainland land in Kona. Plus, Kona is closer to many of the hotels and vacation rentals guests are likely to choose, making it the most convenient option for your stay.

Question

Are there any group discounts or hotel blocks for guests?

Answer

Yes! We have secured a hotel blocks at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel for guests attending the wedding. You can find booking details on the wedding website. (Link to hotel block: https://book.passkey.com/go/MarrackandPentzWedding)

Question

What are the best areas to stay on the island?

Answer

We will have a few hotel blocks available, but if you’re looking for a different type of stay, we recommend VRBOs near Waikoloa Village (35 mins away from Puakea Ranch, the Wedding Venue) or Waimea (15 minutes away) for a more relaxed, central location. If you’re coming in and leaving quickly or want to be as close to the wedding venue as possible, there are options in Hawi, such as the Hawi Plantation Inn or The Last Resort. These are convenient and charming options right near the wedding events.

Question

How many days should we stay on the Big Island?

Answer

While we’d love for you to stay longer and really soak in everything the Big Island has to offer, we totally understand that time off can be limited. To truly experience the island, here’s a good guideline: Relaxed trip: 3–4 days. Enough time to enjoy a few beaches, a great meal or two, and take in the island vibes without feeling rushed. Exploration-focused trip: 4–6 days (including the wedding). This allows you to really see the diversity of the island: 2–4 days on the dry side (Waimea, Kona, Waikoloa) – for beaches, snorkeling, and local eats. 1–2 days on the Hilo side (Hilo town and Volcanoes National Park) – for lush landscapes, waterfalls, and volcano adventures.

Question

How do we get around the island—car rental, rideshare, taxis?

Answer

We highly, highly, highly recommend renting a car or having someone in your party get one. While rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber exist on the island, there are very few drivers, so relying on them can be tricky. Taxis are limited and can get expensive. The Big Island is large, and most attractions, beaches, and restaurants are spread out, so having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and makes getting to the wedding events, sightseeing spots, and dining options much easier.

Question

Do you have any recommendations for where to eat, points of interest or things to do?

Answer

Yes! We recommend visiting the ‘Things to Do’ page of our wedding website, where we’ve compiled all of our favorite local hot spots and fun things to do in the area, including coffee shops, beaches, and restaurants to visit before or after the wedding.

Question

Will the couple be changing their last names?

Answer

Sam and Jackson have been together for 6 wonderful years and plan to continue as a united couple. While neither plans to change their last names legally, they will go by the Pentz’s casually. Sam's last name, Marrack, holds special significance, and they want it to be recognized if they return to Hawaii, where the Marrack family is known in the community.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

The rehearsal dinner will be a more intimate gathering for members of the wedding party and immediate family. However, we’re hoping to organize some casual get-togethers (e.g., beach day, snorkeling), and we’ll share details once we know when everyone will be on the island.