I’m sure there must be disadvantages to having a destination wedding but looking at these images by Mike Adrian Photography I really can’t imagine what they might be. Just seeing that magnificent view off the coast of Maui makes my cares melt away. I love the subtle tropical touches, especially those giant lanterns, throughout the classic and elegant wedding decor and the almost all white palette is just dreamy against the Hawaii horizon. Click here to see even more!
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From the Bride… I knew that I wanted to have a simple, classic wedding. Even though we were having a destination wedding in Maui, we still wanted a sophisticated wedding with beach elements. It was very important that we did not cross the line of making our décor feel cheesy as some destination themed elements can be sometimes. We added soft touches of beach throughout; we had apothecary jars filled with shells on the tables, shell place card holders were placed in sand filled boxes, white starfish were placed on each guests napkin, and modern lanterns were used outside on the deck for the ceremony. I think we were able to achieve a fun beachy look while keeping it modern, classy, and sophisticated.
I have not always been too fond of bright colors (my closet mainly consists of black, cream, white, and grey). I love the simplicity of all white weddings and this is where we started. In the end we decided to add pops of soft color by adding soft coral/peach colored flowers to the arrangements and bouquets. This was such a beautiful contrast to the white/cream/beige colors we selected for the attire and décor.
We decided to place white starfish on each napkin for the guests to take away with them. We also decided to opt out of a traditional wedding book. Instead we purchased vintage Hawaiian postcards that guests wrote their wishes on for Matt and me. We then asked the guests to place the finished postcards in small leather luggage trunks which would then be mailed out to us over the first year of our marriage. Matt and I plan to compile all of the postcards we receive and place in a book to make our guest book to look back on.
The highlight for me was when Matt and I read our own personal vows to each other during the ceremony. It was such a special moment to be able to share these thoughts we had worked so hard to prepare and be able to express our love to one another in front of all of our friends and family. It was such a special and touching moment.
Matt and I now share the same anniversary date as his grandparents. When they found out we were thinking of having a September wedding, they asked that we share their special day with them and we felt so honored. We were able to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary with them on our wedding day and can only hope that our marriage will be just as strong as theirs is when we reach that same milestone.
Wedding Photography: Mike Adrian Photography / Event Coordinator: Jane Park of Belle Destination Weddings & Events / Officiant: Reverend Pia Aluli / Floral Design: Bella Bloom Floral Boutique / Wedding Cinematography: Hawaii Video Memories / Linens: Pacific Event Group / Event Rentals: Pacific Isle Rentals / Wedding Invitations: Minted / Wedding Gown: Christos / Men’s Suits: JoS. A. Bank / Bridesmaid Dresses: Banana Republic / Flower Girl Dresses: Us Angels / Venue: Merriman’s Kapalua