Meet Aaron Snow and Carl Zoch, two amazing photographers who also happen to be the best of buds. Now meet their latest collaboration, a McDreamy Maui wedding full of gamorous details and so much golden sun, we New Englanders sort of want to bottle it up and put in our pockets for safe keeping. And then there is the couple. Let’s just say they are incredibly easy on the eyes. See for yourself in the FULL wedding galleries here and here.
Click here and here to see both image galleries!
From the Bride… Stephan and I first began chatting online over 13 years ago when we discovered we had a mutual love of creative writing, poetry and Shakespeare. We were only teenagers at the time and I was so impressed that another young person had a strong interest in Shakespeare as I did. What began as an amazing online friendship, turned into a real life romance, even though he lived in New York and I in California. After a long distance relationship that lasted for 6 years (and the use of many frequent flyer miles), Stephan moved to California to be closer to me and that’s when I knew he was who I wanted for life. Another two years would go by before Stephan finally popped the question and (of course) I said “yes!”
Since our families were split between the East and West Coasts, Stephan and I decided we wanted an intimate destination wedding in a tropical location and Maui was perfect. My mother and I flew to Maui to check out different venues for the wedding, but when we stumbled on to Olowalu Plantation, our search was over. The property was postcard perfect with an eclectic house that was a perfect backdrop for pictures. I was literally able to envision myself getting married there and the planning began.
Although I wanted to have a beach wedding, I wanted to incorporate an old world Shakespearean feel to it in a simplied, mordern & elegant way as a tribute to what brought us together so many years before. Instead of the traditional ring bearer pillow, I had the rings tied to a copy of the “Complete Works of Shakespeare” and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116 read by a close family member. The theme song from “Romeo & Juliet” (“A Time for Us”) was played by a harpist while my mom and dad walked me down the aisle.
After the ceremony, we all dined under exotic fabric tents with chandeliers and dozens of lit candelabra’s. Because we were in Maui we kept our flowers minimal and simple. Creme & white roses in small low vases complimented the table decor without overpowering it. The colors were creme, champagne and gold, which presented a warm relaxed feel in the night. Since my family loves to dance, we also had an all white lounge area that surrounded the dance floor to give the beach a cool nightlife type atmosphere.
To honor my groom’s heritage, I wanted to incorporate Greek inspired dishes to the fare. Guest dined on lamb sliders with tzatziki sauce, medittereanean salad skewers and smoked mozzarella with honey and figs in phyllo. The guests raved about these hor duerves all night! To go along with the wedding cake, we also had a dessert bar made up of different types of creme brulee’s, miniature cheesecake’s and chocolate caramel puff’s.
Ultimately, my wedding day was everything I wanted and more. I felt like there were touches of me, Stephan and the path of our love from the first online chat to the first kiss as husband and wife infused into different elements of the ceremony and reception. What I will remember most is being surrounded by my loved ones and my loved one in a beautiful location and I will forever smile and laugh whenever I think back on it.
Wedding Photography: Aaron Snow Photography / Second Shooter: Carl Zoch Photography / Wedding Venue: Olowalu Plantation House / Wedding Coordinator: Hawaiian Island Wedding Planners / Tents: RAJ Tents via Pacific Event Group / Wedding Decor: Pacific Event Group / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender / Bride’s Engagement Ring: David K. Jewelers / Wedding Band: Tiffany & Co. / Groom’s Attire: Friar Tux / Best Man’s Attire: Friar Tux / Maid Of Honor Dress: Custom / Caterer: Aloha Events Catering / Florist: Dellables / DJ: Ace Beats / Lighting: Pacific Event Group / Harpist: Alfred Wolf