Many of us wedding loving folk dreamed about our big day long before it arrived. This gorgeous bride not only dreamed of the day since she was 7, she knew exactly where she wanted to tie the knot – Maui. If you are going to dream, dream big right? It appears dreams really do come true, and for this pretty lady and her handsome hubby those dreams are down right gorgeous. I can practically smell the gardenias through the photos by Monique Feil. And the video by Marrone Video is a dream true in itself. So nestle in, close your office door, take that faux “conference call” and get ready to soak it all in. Click here for even more pretty!
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And now it’s time for the talents of Marrone Video to shine! Take it away!
From the Bride… It is common knowledge, amongst my closest friends and family, that I have been planning my Hawaiian wedding since visiting at the age of 7. Though I was unable to adequately articulate my reasons for my choice in wedding location at that age, I believe I can give it a shot now.
Hawaii awakens every sense. Balmy ocean air envelopes one’s skin. Soft sand tickles one’s toes. The eyes are witness to shooting stars and swaying palms. The air is fragrant with flowers too beautiful for words. Strong musical traditions and ocean tides are the lullabies that fill the air. It is synonymous with peace. And like Hawaii, when I met my now husband, he awakened every sense in me.
Mark proposed to me on Christmas Eve. No frills. No fuss. Just a heartfelt, “Will you marry me?” on the couch we had cuddled on so many nights before. It was perfect and real, and like so many other brides-to-be I couldn’t wait to begin the wedding planning process. I ran out to buy the latest wedding magazines, perused SMP religiously, and tortured my husband with endless hours of wedding programming. I wanted to have an elegant affair with an unpretentious formality, an ethereal feel, and to showcase the beauty of the island I had fallen in love with so many years ago. There were many details that needed to be worked out, but the location was already booked in my heart. I just needed the Groom to say “I do” to my location choice.
My husband had never been to Hawaii, nor had he entertained the idea of a destination wedding. Luckily, he is laid back, adventurous, and loves to make me smile. He graciously agreed to my Hawaiian nuptials plan. (He has since expressed how happy he was that he did.) We decided The Ocean Front Lawn at The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea would be a perfect ceremony and reception site; a breathtaking outdoor space bordering the Pacific Ocean.
By the grace of the wedding gods, Denise Black became my wedding planner. I sent her dozens of wedding-related pictures and ideas I’d conjured up: canopies with chiffon draping, ceremony aisles bordered by fresh flowers, bouquets of blush peonies, gardenias, and Vendella roses. Sandy golds, blushes, and shades of white were the colors I selected; they reminded me of the hues of a Hawaiian beach at sunset. She understood my vision and like any good fairy godmother, she made all my wishes come true.
Gardenias played a central role in the vision I had for our wedding. When I was young my favorite photo was of my mother on her wedding day wearing a hair wreath of of gardenias. I had never seen anyone so beautiful and in honor of her, the delicate bloom adorned our invitations, bouquets, hair combs, boutonnieres and corsages. Fresh gardenias even decorated our wedding cake!
We knew from the very beginning of the wedding planning process that we wanted to have a small intimate gathering. It was important for us to be surrounded by those people that had shaped our lives and supported us throughout the years. The day of the wedding came, and it felt magical. My mother helped my put on a beautiful silk satin and lace gown by Priscilla of Boston, and I wore a gardenia in my hair just as my mother had worn on her special day. I slipped into a pair of Oscar de la Renta shoes and walked into the arms of my father. A wonderful local Hawaii minister, Pastor Roland, married us. The ceremony was capped off with a kiss and a butterfly release. We were married under the Hawaiian sun and danced under the Hawaiian moon.
As we sat on the beach after the wedding, barefoot and surrounded by our family, Mark and I had fallen even more in love with Hawaii and each other. I was also quietly happy knowing that all the beautiful wedding flowers were on their way to a local hospital. Thanks to Marrone Video and Monique Feil, we can share one of one of our happiest days with our own children. Who knows, maybe my little girl will wear a gardenia in her hair someday…Paul Theroux once said, “Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” And so too is the love my husband and I share for one another and the memory of our wedding day.
Wedding Cinematography: Marrone Video / Wedding Photography: Monique Feil / Wedding Venue & Catering: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea / Wedding Planner: Denise Black of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea / Floral Design: Shelley Rezents of Country Bouquets / Pastry Chef: Rhonda Ashton of Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea / Ceremony Musicians: Don Lax of Maui Violin + Celia Canty of Heavenly Harps of Hawaii / DJ: DJ Dan Viola / Officiant: Pastor Roland NoNo of Living Waters Ministry of Maui / Wedding Dress: Priscilla of Boston via Kleinfeld / Wedding Veil: Kleinfeld / Hair & Makeup: Leslie-Ann Thomson / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss (Tux) + Armani (Tux Shirt) / Bride’s Shoes: Oscar de la Renta / Wedding Bands & Engagement Ring: Tiffany & Co. / Bridesmaid Dresses: Amsale / Groomsmen Attire: J.Crew (Tux) + Barneys New York (Bow Ties) / Wedding Invitations: DIY, The Bride & Groom / Bridal Cut & Color: Garren New York