Hawaii Weddings

With February vacations in full swing we’re day-dreaming of some sand between our toes. So when this Maui photo shoot came across our desks, we started to pack our bags. Brought to us by a truly talented team of wedding experts, this shoot is full of fresh island inspiration. With photography by Anna Kim Photography and styling by La Fleur Weddings & Events and Davia Lee Events it’s a playfully preppy twist on the tropical wedding. Sun-kissed skin, beachy waves, and beautiful, bold details are totally our kind of paradise… so let’s take a trip to somewhere warm, right here in the gallery.

From Anna… Inspired by the vibrant colors of summer, fashion and a unique take on an island romance, this isn’t your average wedding. It is a fun, carefree cocktail-style wedding with a classic Maui backdrop of blue water, palm trees and tropical colors.

This bride loves bright colors, fashion & the waters of Maui. She wanted to keep her dress a classic white, but bring in fun details with the textures, details and length. She then brought in pops of color through her accessories and a tropical bouquet.

Tropical flowers in vibrant colors would dress the table with details that would leave guests thinking they stepped back in time to a retro pool party. Bright pops of color are continued throughout the table with accents from the linens. Fun patterns were brought in with the linens and place settings to add another fun dimension and unexpected element.

LOVE was the theme for the shoot & what better way to portray that than with oversized letters spelling out the word next to the cake table.

Photography: Anna Kim Photography / Styling: Davia Lee Events + La Fleur Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Dellables with special thanks to Jeannie Givens + Reba Dodge of North Shore Botanicals / Cake: Ghiselani Designer Cakes / Rentals: Opihi Love / Linens: La Tavola /Plates: Kate Spade / Dresses: Veronica Sheaffer  / Hair: Eboni Prentice of Maui Wedding Hair / Makeup: Jessica Waite Makeup Artistry / Model: Sarah Hardestry

There is nothing better to this wedding-obsessed gal than a perfectly laid-back day-after session – especially if that shoot takes place in a breathtaking Maui waterfall with Trish Barker Photography behind the lens! And that, my dears, is what I’ve got here for you. It’s crazy-beauitful from start to finish and you can see it all right here!

From Trish Barker Photography… Being a photographer on Maui, I’m always VERY excited when someone wants to shoot somewhere other than the beach.  This particular couple wanted to get married on the beach, but then have a romantic, day after session.  When they said waterfall, I knew the perfect place.  Twin Falls in Maui is a popular tourist attraction, however, in the early morning hours, it is quiet and peaceful and the light is just divine.  So we trekked in with my gear and them donned in their wedding best.  The rest is history.  This is one of my favorite shoots EVER.  One of those times where everything just goes flawlessly, from the light, to the energy of the couple.  And it didn’t hurt that they are both beautiful and TOTALLY in love.  And that the groom decided to jump from the top at the end.  So perfect!

Wedding Photography: Trish Barker Photography / Location: Twin Falls in Huelo on the Island of Maui, Hawaii / Wedding Dress: J.Crew

Swooping up your nearest and dearest to tie the knot in Hawaii? Genius. I think it would be filed nicely in your “best decisions ever” category. It most certainly did for this couple (who tucked away another fabulous decision by tying the knot to each other), and their oh-so-adorable suspender-wearing son. With perfect Maui backdrops, images from Sarina Love Photography, perfectly placed details from White Orchid Wedding, Inc, and love so obvious it seeps through the screen – this gallery can’t be missed.

And there is also a gorgeous film from Kai Media that you should be sure to watch!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/52271472?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff 600 338]

And since you probably love this little family as much as we do at this point, we just couldn’t help but share their little day-after shoot snapped up again by Sarina Love Photography. I mean who doesn’t love another excuse to put on that gorgeous gown? Mostly when you get photos like these as a result…

From Sarina Love Photography… The wedding was located in the heart of Maui, and the weather was perfect, of course! Nice breezes all day long! It was an intimate affair of only around 20 guests, but as soon as Melisa walked down that aisle to “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars, the sweet party had begun with laughter, smiles and a few tears. The ceremony was unique, and their officiant was even previously featured on “Modern Family.” The couple and their guests ate a beautiful Hawaiian buffet with drinks on hand and danced the night away. It was a beautiful day!

From the Bride & Groom… Robert and Melisa met nine years ago while working at Disneyland, and they have an adorable 2-year-old son named Sawyer. Robert works as a software developer, and Melisa is an ER nurse. They truly believe that opposites attract! He’s neat and organized, and she’s well … not! He’s always warm, she’s always cold. He always has a plan, and she’s a fly by the seat of your pants kind of girl. Combine these characteristics, and you have a perfect match!

The bride’s fondest wedding moment was dancing to our song, “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones with the gorgeous Maui sun shining through the trees, the cool gentle breeze, and the subtle sounds of the ocean waves. It was exactly how she always imagined it would be. The groom’s favorite moment was the first look. In his words, “I will never forget how nervous I felt when she tapped me on the shoulder. As I turned to look, I was amazed at how beautiful and elegant she looked. She was absolutely stunning and took my breath away.”

Wedding Photography: Sarina Love Photography / Wedding Venue: Olowalu Plantation House in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii / Wedding Coordination: Steven of A White Orchid Wedding, Inc. / Floral Design: Janna Hoen / Officiant: Rev. Laki Pomaikai Ka’ahumanu / Wedding Cinematography: Kai Media / Catering: Maui Style Seafood / Bartending: Maui Bars Are Us / Wedding Stationery: Mavora Art and Design / DJ: KC Sound Productions / Wedding Dress: Martina Liana via Blush Bridal Couture / Bride’s + Bridesmaids’ Hair + Makeup: Heather Ellison of Beach Brides by Heather

Wendy Laurel + Hawaii is a match made in wedding-loving heaven. She constantly brings us gorgeous, sun-kissed soirees from those dreamy islands (see here, here and here), and today is no different. Today she providing inspiration overload by way of this Big Island beauty planned to perfection by Simply Detailed. With a Bride as gorgeous as they come, a custom gown from Alina Pizzano Couture Bridal, flowers as pretty as can be and all that island charm we can’t get enough of – it all makes me want to jump on a plane and sink my toes in those white-sand shores, or at least spend the day clicking through the gallery pretending I am there. See so much more here.

From Wendy Laurel… Flora and Derrick chose a destination wedding. They chose a beautiful location in Hawaii for the weather, views, and scenery. They based their wedding on classic styling with a little nod to the couple’s shared history. Earlier in their relationship, Flora had given Derrick the framed “Lego” poster because she thought it captured their relationship dynamic perfectly. Once engaged,the couple decide to incorporate this theme into their wedding with the framed poster, lego place holders and lego cuff links.

From the Bride… We wanted to have our wedding in Hawaii because planning a group adventure with our best friends and family sounded a lot more fun than planning a traditional wedding. We ended up throwing a lovely bash with tons of drinks and great music for our favorite people, and still got to spend lots of quality time with everyone before and after the wedding. It was the best party of our lives and as much as we dreaded planning it, we loved every minute on our wedding day!

Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel / Wedding Venue: Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Big Island, Waikoloa, Hawaii / Wedding Planning: Ashlee Chung of Simply Detailed / Floral Design: Passion Flowers by Nalani / Entertainment: Hawaii Sound and Vision / Reception Rentals: Hawaii Island Events / Bride’s Dress: Custom Made by Alina Pizzano Couture Bridal / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: BCBG Max Azria / Groom’s Suit: Brooks Brothers / Makeup: Delish Make-up Artistry

We may be in the thick of winter, but I say we are also in the thick of destination day dreaming. Visions of sandy shores and warm sunshine are constantly dancing in my head, and I am pretty sure I’m not alone. So for all of you lovelies out there not only dreaming but doing by planning your big day Hawaiian style – well let us introduce you to your superheroes dressed as wedding planners – Your Aloha Wedding Company, Inc. They’ll be on hand to make sure your dream day is a just that – a dream. So you can enjoy all the perks of having a wedding in one of the most gorgeous places around. We couldn’t be more thrilled to make the introduction…unless, of course, we pulled an invite to the whole shebang!

About Your Aloha Wedding Company, Inc…We are a full-service event coordination and design team based on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Because every wedding is truly unique, we specialize in customization and personalization of each and every element of our client’s wedding day. We work closely with each couple to achieve their vision of the perfect wedding celebration. 

Our goal is to provide superior service and attention to detail while guiding through every step of the planning process. Your Aloha Wedding Company offers a winning combination of impeccable organizational skills, enthusiasm and honesty that helps make your planning experience as enjoyable and stress free as possible. The result is an amazing, unforgettable celebration to share with your family and guests.

Photography: Anna Kim Photography / Mike Sindey Photography / Anna Kim Photography / Natalie Brown Photography / Mike Sindey Photography /  Natalie Brown Photography / Mike Sindey Photography

Welcome to the family Your Aloha Wedding Company, Inc! Couldn’t be happier to have you join our family! xoxo

 

 

There’s no doubt about it, when you’re newly engaged, there’s nothing better than taking a little pre-wedding vacation. Except of course, going to Maui and meeting up with Wendy Laurel. Now that’s fabulous! She snapped up some pretties of this adorable couple and you can see the whole thing right here.

From Wendy Laurel… Jun and Peter came to Maui from New York City for a much deserved vacation away from it all. They just wanted some beach, sun and sand.  The couple was recently engaged, so they decided to have their engagement photos done while on vacation. We met at a beach right in Lahaina town and had fun with the photographs.

Photography: Wendy Laurel / Location: Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii / Bride’s Red Dress: Halston Heritage / Bride’s Blue Wrap: Serendipity / Groom’s Shorts: Quicksilver

We can spot a Beth Helmstetter celebration from a mile away. A little bit because we’ve been semi-stalkers of hers for a while now and tend to love everything that her group touches, but mostly because of the simply beauty behind every last detail. The way that she seemlessly integrates the most beautiful colors, textures and moments into the backdrop of the space so it seems as if they’ve been there forever and ever. So when we spotted this beauty, photographed by the talented Steve Steinhardt with stunning blooms by Holly Flora, we knew it was one we could gush over with ease. Oh and we’ve included the rehearsal dinner below too because while perfectly laideback and lovely, it is fab enough to be a wedding in and of itself! Click here to see even more.

From Kristin of Beth Helmstetter Events… We just love our Texas brides! You might be surprised to know that while based in California, we actually work with a lot of couples from the Lone Star State and we love them. Something about our attention to the tiniest of details while still producing luxurious celebrations draws them to our aesthetic and we couldn’t be happier! Tara was no exception to this. She was oh so sophisticated, discerning and had an eye for the finest touches. We had the pleasure of working with her and Kurt on their amazing Big Island wedding weekend last November and it is definitely one of our favorite destination wedding weekends to date. 

Before we let you off to dive into the galleries, we thought you guys might also be interested in the absolutely gorgeous rehearsal dinner that Beth Helmstetter Events put together for the couple. In our opinion, it was wedding worthy from soup to nuts and perfect inspiration for rehearsal dinners and grand celebrations alike.

From Kristin of Beth Helmstetter Events… First up, we want to share their Aloha Party which took place in form of a Beach BBQ. Guests came, kicked off their shoes and feasted on a fusion of Hawaiian, Texas and Louisiana (the Groom’s stomping grounds) style BBQ. We had a full luau show with guests lounging right in the sand on Hawaiian quilts while drinking Mango Margaritas and Mai Tais. My favorite is that sunset…only in Hawaii will you find colors like that in nature! 85 of their closest family and friends traveled from Houston to Kona and shacked up at the Four Seasons Hualalai for a wedding weekend they will not soon forget.

Wedding Photography: Steve Steinhardt Photography / Wedding Venue + Site Coordination: Four Seasons Hualalai in Hōlualoa, Hawaii / Wedding + Event Design: Beth Helmstetter Events / Floral Design: Holly Flora / Wedding Cinematography: Russell Fowler Studios / Wedding Stationery + Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Lighting: Hawaii Island Events / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental / Wedding Dress: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale

Can you possibly think of anything more romantic than eloping to Maui with your love? This laid back couple decided they wanted nothing to do with planning a big wedding so they hopped on a plane and spent their wedding day with one another. Lucky for us they invited Wendy Laurel along to capture their intimate and oh-so-pretty day, and you ca see it all unfold right here in the full gallery.

From the Bride… Syed and I wanted a destination wedding because we really wanted to stay away from planning and having a big wedding. We wanted something very intimate, informal, and relaxed. Living in Pennsylvania, we look for any excuse to plan a beach vacation. We decided on getting married in Maui because this particular island seemed to offer exactly what we wanted…beautiful beaches; quite, small towns; great sunrises and sunsets. We were very happy with how our wedding day went. It stopped raining for that day and Makena Cove was completely empty except for us…making it perfectly intimate and relaxed.

Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel / Wedding Location: Makena Cove in Maui, Hawaii / Floral Design + Leis: Bella Bloom Floral Boutique / Wedding Dress + Headpiece: Alfred Angelo / Bride’s Earrings: Clarissa Bridal / Bride’s Bracelet: Nordstrom / Bride’s Shoes: CL by Laundry / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew

Tamiz Photography, you nailed it. This wedding is at the tippity top of my list of favorite weddings and it’s all thanks to this gallery’s overflowing amount of pretty. Haiku Mill is beautiful in every way and is rich in amazing history that provides the perfect canvas for the florals by Dellables and all the details you could dream of. You won’t want to miss one bit of the gallery, so click here for the full wedding.

And don’t miss the video of this spectacular day from Supreme Video Productions below.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/56302566?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=046d8c 600 338]

From Tamiz Photography… This bride and groom were legally married and began saving up to have their dream wedding at the Haiku Mill. They enjoyed the night with their closest friends and family, as well as their adorable daughter. The Haiku Mill was strung with cranes and orchids to create an incredibly breathtaking backdrop for their intimate wedding.

Wedding Photography: Tamiz Photography / Wedding Venue: Haiku Mill in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii / Wedding Coordination: Stephanie Shepherd of Haiku Mill / Floral Design: Dellables / Wedding Cinematography: Supreme Video Productions / Catering: Maui Executive Catering / Wedding Cake: Maui Wedding Cakes / Cello: Ron Schecter / DJ: Marty Dread / Wedding Dresses: Vera Wang / Hair + Makeup: Jean David

Maui is a beautiful, beautiful place – especially when seen through the lens of Wendy Laurel.  I am fairly certain her breathtaking images are the sole reason for many a Hawaiian wedding and this intimate beach affair is certainly no exception.  Crazy gorgeous and literally overflowing with romance (seriously), it’s the epitome of island matrimony – casual, yet elegant, seaside nuptials and a whole lot of dancing on the beach.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Two years ago Nick and I came to Maui together and fell in love. Coming from the hustle bustle of San Francisco, we knew that Maui would be the perfect place to have an intimate wedding and to share that special day with our close family and friends. And we were right! The day, and the whole trip, was an absolute dream and we can’t wait to get back.

From Wendy Laurel… They got ready at the oceanfront Wailea condominiums, had their ceremony at Polo Beach in Wailea, and then continued on to Gannon’s in Wailea for their reception dinner. The bride’s father passed away several years ago but she wore the Mickey Mouse watch he gave her in the ceremony so he could be there with her.

Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel / Assistant Photography: Images by Jeffrey / Ceremony: Polo Beach in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii / Reception: Gannon’s in Wailea-Makena, Maui, Hawaii / Catering + Wedding Cake: Gannon’s / Signs: DIY by a Friend / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Groom’s Suit: John Varvatos

We’ve all seen the gorgeous beach weddings that come out of Hawaii. They are seriously unreal. But have you ever seen the amazing rolling hills and ranches of Hawaii? We’re absolutely loving this unique and oh-so beautiful vision from Rebecca Arthurs Photography. With an emphasis on up-island natural beauty, this photo shoot is jam packed with casually elegant details and there’s so much more to feast your eyes on right here.

Click here for the FULL photo shoot!

From Rebecca Arthurs Photography… This styled shoot was a collaboration of ideas. We were inspired by Upcountry Hawaii on the Big Island. Our goal was to offer brides some inspiration that is not typically associated with Hawaii. Hawaii has a long history in cattle ranching. Set up high on the mountain, the green rolling hills that drop into the ocean made Kahua Ranch the perfect backdrop to showcase our ideas for the unconventional Hawaiian bride.

Photography: Rebecca Arthurs Photography / Photo Shoot Venue: Kahua Ranch in Waimea, Hawaii / Event Coordination: Vintage & Lace / Floral Design + Decor: Bliss in Bloom / Cake + Cupcakes: Food For Thought / Lighting, Furniture + Structures: Hawaii Event Lighting / Wedding Dresses: U Poppy / Head Pieces: Petal & Thorn / Jewelry: Sense & Sensibility / Shawls + Accessories: Elena Rosenberg / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Little Borrowed Dress / Hair: Katherine Elizabeth Salon / Makeup: Belle de Paradis

I seriously can’t even take the cuteness of this wedding. Just looking at the images makes my heart feel like it’s going to explode, I can’t even imagine what being there would feel like. It’s so sweet and full of love with tons of heartfelt details, yet perfectly simple and effortless. I could stare at these beauties by Beloved Photo Boutique all day long. Join me in the full gallery for even more!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Beloved Photo Boutique… Ken and Karen chose to have an intimate wedding on their favorite island of Hawaii, Kauai, because of a family love story, their love for the island and the feeling that the island evokes. Ken’s parents met on a beach in Hawaii, and it was love at first site, so they couldn’t imagine a more romantic place that embodied family and love to get married at.

The wedding and reception were held at a private estate on Anini Beach, Kauai, with their closest friends and family, and it was all orchestrated by Ken and Karen. Ken is the general manager at the John Varvatos store and Karen is an account director at an advertising agency in San Francisco, so organizing the wedding themselves was very important to the two of them to ensure that it was brought to life how they envisioned it. They wanted it to be effortless with a mixture of classic, vintage and simplicity while including some of their favorite elements of what Kauai means to them: love, nature’s beauty, family, friends and food! The wedding was on a Tuesday because, well, why not? It’s Kauai!

Their very dear friends were part of the wedding, some of them going back as long as 20 years. One of their best friends was even the officiant for the ceremony. All of the ceremony, table and reception decorations were created by the bride and her family and friends before the wedding and were set up the days leading up to the big day. It was definitely a group effort! It was very important to Ken and Karen that their wedding be more than just a one-night event, so they encouraged all of their guests to spend the week leading up to the wedding on the beautiful island of Kauai. The wedding party stayed at the private estate with the bride and groom, and other friends and family stayed very close by — so many beach days, BBQs and events took place prior to the wedding.

Wedding Photography: Beloved Photo Boutique / Wedding Venue: A Private Estate on Anini Beach, Kauai, Hawaii / Floral Centerpieces + Decorations: DIY by the Bride / Bouquets: North Shore Buds & Blooms / Food: Koloa Fish Market + Foodland / Wedding Cake: Cakes by Kristin / Signage: ashleybrianna / Wedding Dress: La Soie Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Hair: Melissa Moreno Studio / Men’s Suits + Shoes: John Varvatos San Francisco / Flower Girl’s Dress: DIY by the Bride’s Mother

I am thoroughly convinced that the entire state of Hawaii possesses some kind of magical wedding power.  One that turns each and every soiree into the most amazing wedding you’ve ever seen.  Or maybe it’s just that the scenery is always breathtaking, the couples are always stunning and the vendors are always delivering the pretty.  And in the case of this gorgeous Oahu wedding captured beautifully by Beloved Photo Boutique, it’s all of the above, plus a floral hair wreath from Flowergirls.  And, well.  You know how we feel about those.  Click here for so much more.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

And a breathtaking film from Isle Media to send you off into the weekend…

From Beloved Photo Boutique… I photographed Reiko and Yoshiyuki’s wedding on the island of Oahu at the end of June 2012. The couple is from Japan, and Yoshiyuki, the groom, is an esteemed fashion photographer there. Reiko is a fashion designer. Sugako Johnson from Bliss Bridal was the wedding coordinator for our clients. The couple lives in Tokyo, but Reiko and Yoshiyuki often travel to LA. When Reiko saw the dress at a secondhand store they happened to stop by, she instantly thought it was the perfect dress for their wedding venue, Bayer Estate and bought it. The dress had no tag, so brand name is unknown. Their wedding colors were white and green with accents of lavender. Country, natural and simple was the theme they wanted to achieve.

Wedding Photography: Beloved Photo Boutique / Wedding Venue: The Bayer Estate in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii / Event Planning: Sugako Johnson of Bliss Bridal / Floral Design: Michelle Maeda of Flowergirls / Officiant: Kahu Bruce Ah Leong / Wedding Cinematography: Isle Media / Catering: EAT Honolulu / Bakery: Cakeworks / Specialty Linen + Lounge Rentals: Designs by Hemingway / Accommodations: Kahala Hotel & Resort / Wedding Dress: Vintage / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Groom’s Shirt: J.Crew / Groom’s Pants: Ralph Lauren / Groom’s Shoes: Yuketen

Oh sweet SMPers, you are in for a treat. A treat that’s one part Hawaii, one part sweet lovebirds and all parts fabulous. With images that captured all the lovely moments from Tamiz Photography, it’s hard not to get a little lost in all the pretty that is in this post. But I say why hold yourself back? Getting lost is oh so easy when the gallery is as good as this one. See it all here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Joe and I dated for a long time before we got married, and we are very personal people who keep a close group of friends and family. As such, we wanted our wedding be an intimate event with immediate family and close family friends. That being said we still wanted it to be a great time for everyone! As the bride, my style is more girly, glamorous, and romantic, while the groom is very casual — he refused to wear a tie on our wedding day. :)

Wedding Photography: Tamiz Photography / Wedding Venue: Haiku Mill in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii / Wedding Coordination: Jane Schumacher of Haiku Mill / Floral Design: Teresa Sena Floral Design / Catering: Maui Catering Services / Wedding Cake: NoSh / Bar Service: Maui Bars Are Us / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Gerit Williams / DJ: Ace Beats / Rentals: Island Rents + Pacific Event Group / Transportation: Travel Plaza Transportation / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Belt: Kenneth Pool / Bride’s Red Chinese Dress: Custom / Bride’s Reception Dress: Theia / Hair + Makeup: Liz Javelosa of Maui Makeup Artistry

I’ve fallen head over heels for a lot of gorgeous e-shoots in my day, but this breathtaking Oahu session just moved to the top of my favorites list in like 1.5 seconds flat.  Because not only is it all kinds of crazy gorgeous (read: the most beautiful session you will ever lay your eyes upon), it’s filled with sooo many stunning details crafted by the talented team of Ashley Goodwin, Marissa Rodriquez and Crystal Pancipanci, it’s like an overdose of HAPPY.  All caps style.  Ashley Goodwin snapped up every moment and it’s a blissful frolic on the beach you won’t soon forget.  See it all here.

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

And don’t forget to check out this beautiful Save-the-Date film from Ashley Goodwin and Marissa Rodriquez.  It’s amazing.

From Ashley Goodwin… This was a fun save-the-date photo session on a bright and dreamy O’ahu, Hawaii beach, styled with unique vintage tea sets and glam colors. Also featured were lace, lanterns, floral headpiece, balloon tassels, an Indian style dress, and the session ended in the water during sunset. 

Photography: Ashley Goodwin / Location: A Beach on Oahu, Hawaii / Cinematography: Ashley Goodwin + Marissa Rodriquez / Wardrobe Styling: Crystal Pancipanci / Detail Styling: Ashley Goodwin, Marissa Rodriquez + Crystal Pancipanci

I swear Hawaii must have been crafted specifically to be the best wedding location ever. How else can you explain the grassy land and swaying palm trees that just so happen to rest atop a cliff that overlooks the ocean like at the Olowalu Plantation House? Coincidence? I think not. And the romantic love story behind these nuptials is a sure sign that everything leading up to these two tying the knot has been pure fate. Kaua Wedding Photography has captured every moment and you can find it all in the gallery right here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… Bryan and I met as teenagers in 1997 in the hallways of Burlingame High School. We were high school sweethearts for two years (we have the prom pictures to prove it!) before Bryan graduated in 1999 and we went our separate ways. Fast forward a decade to 2009, and thanks to a message on Facebook, Bryan and I reconnected over dinner. Sparks flew, and two years later he popped the question, surprising me during a friend’s photo shoot with a proposal and an impromptu engagement party with our close family and friends. (He knows how to make a girl happy!) We always knew we’d have a smaller destination wedding in Hawaii. Bryan basically said, “Will you marry me… in Hawaii?” I am only half kidding! Bryan has family there, and my family has vacationed on the island for many summers. With my father’s passing in 2010, we wanted a place that he loved and where we both had a connection — Maui!

When I first drove up to Olowalu, I knew it was the place. There was no other place I could see us getting married. A fun fact is that my now-husband was actually not on that trip to Maui, so he didn’t see Olowalu until he drove up to get married! If that doesn’t say love, I don’t know what does. He trusted me, and we agreed that it was by far the most beautiful wedding site we had ever seen. And lucky us, it was ours. Once we found Olowalu Plantation House, the wedding planning fell into place with the fantastic recommendation of Lori and Jamie Lawrence and Jackie Tanaka of Tropical Maui Weddings. I knew very early on that I wanted a rustic, Hawaiian, garden party type of wedding. Bryan and I both like a clean palette and didn’t want to take away from the gorgeous Maui Olowalu setting with overly tropical decor – greens, tans, and lots of white and cream were central when conceptualizing the look and feel of the wedding. Once I connected with Lori, Jamie and Jackie, they knew just the photographer who would capture our day with grace – Kaua! After I was introduced to his website and we chatted over email, I just had a feeling it would be a great match, and we were right! I think the photos speak for themselves.

So many wonderful moments! Getting ready with my best friends, my sister and my mom. Holding my beautiful bridal bouquet wrapped in my late father’s tie. Walking across the grass with my mom and looking up to see the very first love of my life, my high school sweetheart and now my soon-to-be husband, standing at the end of the aisle waiting to marry me. Listening to Bryan’s touching vows. Our first dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” and just dancing, dancing, dancing with everyone until the last call. And finally, holding hands and running through the sparklers held by our amazing friends and family! My advice to other brides is to trust who you are working with when planning, and let go of the small things. Be present in your planning, and be present at the wedding, too! Having a destination wedding allows you to spend real time with your guests, and it’s an incredibly overwhelming feeling to know that your closest friends and family flew over an ocean to be with you to celebrate such a special occasion. We will always look back on our wedding day and wedding weekend with deep love and gratitude. Aloha and mahalo to everyone who celebrated with us!

Wedding Photography: Kaua Wedding Photography / Wedding Venue: Olowalu Plantation House in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii / Wedding Planning + Coordination: Tropical Maui Weddings / Floral Design + Table Decor: Lois Hiranaga Floral Design / Wedding Cinematography: Maui Wedding Videography by Outer Island Productions / Catering: Cafe O’Lei / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Cakes by JoAnn / Bar Staffing: Maui Bars Are Us / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Jamie Lawrence / DJ: DJ Del Sol of Maui Wedding DJ / Wedding Dress: Blue By Enzoani “Casablanca” (2010 Collection) / Bride’s Veil: Her Mother’s from Her 1974 Wedding / Bride’s Hair + Makeup: Pam Jensen / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy “2832” Color: Apple Slice) / Bridesmaids’ Hair: Martie Balmer

I think it’s safe to say that Maui is a pretty fine backdrop for an engagement session. I think it’s also safe to say that if you are lucky enough to be in Hawaii for that engagement session – Wendy Laurel is your girl. We’ve seen some seriously pretty features from that talented lady’s lens (like this wedding, or this one or this one – just to point out a few), so not only are these two soon to be Mr. & Mrs adorable as all get out – they have great taste too. See so much more of their e-session here!

Click here for the FULL engagement session!

From Wendy Laurel… Krista and Peter chose to come to Hawaii to get married. They both wanted a destination wedding and picked Maui as being the prettiest and easiest to coordinate from the mainland. A few days before the big day, we met for some fun engagement photos. They wanted a relaxed, casual feel, so we meet a local beach to have some fun. It was a great way to get to know each other and gave us a big head start for the wedding day since we got comfortable with each other, and I got to know the couple and how they felt in front of the camera. It turned out to be way more fun then they had imagined.

Photography: Wendy Laurel / Location: Maui, Hawaii

It won’t take long for you to fall head-over-heels in love with this Maui beach wedding from Anna Kim Photography. What started as an elopement turned into an intimate affair when some of the bride + groom’s family decided to join the celebration as they became a Mr. + Mrs. There’s a gallery full of pretty (and an amazing Makena Cove sunset) for you to swoon over right here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Anna Kim Photography… Anita and Dal were planning an intimate elopement in Maui from Utah. At the last minute, a few of their family members decided to come along to celebrate their Maui wedding celebration. A Hawaiian turtle even decided to hang around for their wedding as they said their I do’s on one of Maui’s picturesque beaches, Makena Cove. The happiness and the tears made this wedding such a sweet celebration of their love.

Wedding Photography: Anna Kim Photography / Wedding Location: Makena Cove, Maui, Hawaii / Bouquet: Lois Hiranaga Floral Design / Officiant: Reverend Kimo / Wedding Invitations: Polka Dots & Daisies / Wedding Dress: Allure Couture / Bride’s Veil: Bridal Expressions / Bride’s Shoes: Matisse via Nordstrom / Hair + Makeup: Mira Carman of Maui MiRa / Groom’s Suit: Joseph Abboud via Nordstrom / Groom’s Tie: J.Crew

This pretty-as-all-getout Maui wedding will have you dreaming of a seaside fête all your own. Held on the stunning grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, in the property’s quaint seaside chapel, the day was filled with sunshine, beautiful surroundings and LOVE. Lucky for us, Wendy Laurel captured it all through her lens! See the rest right here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride… We chose Hawaii because it is my favorite place in the world, and it is also where we got engaged! We were there celebrating my dad’s 60th birthday, and Tim proposed in Maui one year before our wedding. We chose the Ritz because the level of service we received from the wedding planners (Akkiko, Michelle, and Tori) there was outstanding. (Not to mention the beauty of the chapel and the grounds!) It was my absolute dream come true! The chapel at The Ritz-Carlton is a wooden, quaint, seaside chapel right on the edge of the property. It is reminiscent of a different era. The ceremony in there was gorgeous, and then we stepped outside to a beautiful, classic Maui day, full of sunshine and breeze.

Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel / Wedding Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii / Planning: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua / Wedding Dress: Lea-Ann Belter “Lucy” via Mariee / Bride’s Veil: Mariee / Hair + Makeup: The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Their Choice / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss via Nordstrom / Rings: Jared

It’s bound to be a beautiful Monday when the amazingly talented Wendy Laurel is involved and this family-centered Maui wedding simply couldn’t be any prettier. Keeping things low-key and intimate, this bride + groom (along with their four children) said “I Do” on a private estate with a traditional Hawaiian ceremony. Stunning florals from Dellables and an (almost) too-pretty-to-eat cake from Maui Wedding Cakes added to the already perfect day. See the rest right here!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Wendy Laurel… Dana and Roland escaped from their busy lives in Oregon and ran away with their kids in tow (three of his, one of hers) to a beautiful palm estate on the west side of Maui to get married. Dana planned the wedding and ceremony for an early morning to catch the clean, bright light and really bring out the Maui colors. Yellow details and flowers made the ceremony pop against the bright blue skies and lush green of the Maui backdrop. It was gorgeous and low-key for the family so that everyone could enjoy the day. The same pastor from the Modern Family Hawaii episode presided over the ceremony, giving it an authentic Hawaiian touch.

Wedding Photography: Wendy Laurel / Wedding Venue: A Private Estate in Maui, Hawaii / Floral Design: Dellables / Officiant: Rev. Laki Pomaikai Ka’ahumanu / Wedding Cake: Maui Wedding Cakes / Sign: Go Jump in the Lake / Wedding Dress: J.Crew / Bride’s Shoes: ModCloth / Bride’s Ring: LFrank Jewelry via TWISTonline / Girls’ Dresses: United Colors of Benetton Kids via Nordstrom / Groom’s + Boys’ Attire: J.Crew / Groom’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Groom’s Tie: Cheap Neckties / Groom’s Ring: Annie Fensterstock Jewelry via TWISTonline