• Real Weddings

This stunning couple wanted their wedding day to feel warm and intimate, and to be a day which reflected them, and their unique heritages, as a couple. They wanted to treat their guests to a beautiful evening that still felt relaxed, with drinks a-flowing, delicious food on offer, and killer music on the dance floor.

The bride quickly settled on the idea of creating an intimate and elegant garden party. In terms of decor she brought together all of the things she loves including: gorgeous organic flowers raw wood tables, metallic accents, and calligraphic paper goods. Fall in love with all of it when you view the full gallery, photographed by Tamiz Photography.

Let Your Family Traditions Shine

We wanted to include subtle nods to where we were getting married, so we included a Hawaiian chant, exchanged leis, and had an amazing ukulele player. To reflect my family’s traditions, we included the first letter to the Corinthians and exchanged traditional wedding vows. To reflect my husband’s traditions, we signed an interfaith Ketubah, broke a glass, and danced the Hora. The coming together of all those details made the day immensely meaningful and reflective of us as a couple. As for choosing Maui, well, that was decided as soon as I laid eyes on the work of Tamiz Photography.

How To Splurge & Save Creatively

Splurge on your must-have items (I would put a particular plug in for splurging on both your dream dress and dream photographer – you won’t regret it!) And, then get creative! We couldn’t include a videographer, so we inveigled a few very willing friends and family members to take videos of key parts (they actually turned out great!) I loved the idea of coordinated paper goods, but couldn’t afford to commission a calligrapher. So, I looked at a few blogs, bought a dip pen, and did (my own version of) modern calligraphy on our place cards, escort cards, signage…and yes, even all the menus. I was very firm to have all my projects completed way in advance though…DIY is only fun as long as you have enough time, so don’t leave anything to the last minute.

Why To Hire A Wedding Planner

Finally, make sure you hire a great wedding planner, especially if you’re planning a destination even, and even more so if you won’t be seeing your venue or meeting your vendors prior to your day! I had complete confidence in Lena, of Belle Destination Weddings, who seamlessly took me through the planning process, understanding what was most important to us and our style esthetic. When I wanted beautiful chandeliers for our outdoor wedding Lena organized for a custom rigging company to make it happen. She stopped at nothing to make the day progress effortlessly. All we had to do was just enjoy every minute of it.

• Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Bride: Bride
• Bridsmaids Dress: Adriana Papell
• Cakes & Catering: Maui Sweet Cakes
• Cakes & Catering: Aloha Events Catering
• DJs: Maui DJ Services
• Entertainer: Marvin Tevaga
• Event Planning & Design: Belle Destination Weddings & Events
• Fashion: Bisou Bridal
• Fashion: Alvina Valenta
• Flowers: Bella Bloom Floral Boutique
• Groom & His Men: Brooks Brothers
• Groom & His Men: Allen Edmonds
• Health & Beauty: Maui Mira
• Officiant: Pia Aluli
• Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy
• Rentals: Hawaiian Style Rentals
• Rentals: Signature Event Rentals
• Rentals: Winters Events
• Wedding Dresses: Jenny Packham