Not every couple that comes to marry on our beautiful island desires to do so at the beach. The beach is definitely made for swimwear, splashing in the waves and sunning yourself until you skin is shades darker than when you started. When you spend hours getting ready, wearing your finest threads, the sand may not be the ideal location for your nuptials. Some couples want to marry in the countryside, in a church or backyard setting. For Laura and Chris’ celebration of love, they invited an eclectic mix of 88 loved ones to Hawaii from the brides home state of California, others from the East Coast, the UK and Chris’s brood from Australia so they could “meet in the middle”. Taking a trip to scout locations a year before their wedding, they fell absolutely in love with the historic Hotel Wailea on Maui’s Southside. They knew this secluded location with views of the ocean and the open rooms with high ceilings was the perfect place to tie the knot.
Guests stayed both at Hotel Wailea and the nearby Marriot Wailea. With activities such as golf at the Wailea Blue course, a sunset sail with Trilogy Excursions, and rehearsal dinner at a private residence with Jawz Taco truck catering the event, guests were given a full Maui experience. Laura and Chris stayed at the Marriot to spend time with their guests before the wedding. After the wedding, they lodged at Hotel Wailea for several days enjoying the luxury it had to offer. Both were absolutely fantastic!
So many beautiful elements went into creating a beautiful event, our Maui Wedding artist never cease to amaze…
Our wedding coordinator at Hotel Wailea, America Salinas, provided us with a list of vendors, but was also flexible to other options. Since we were planning long-distance, it was very helpful to have her trusted recommendations. Our florist was Dellables, their arrangements were absolutely stunning! We gave them a little guidance regarding color (mostly white, with hints of pinks and greens), but let them handle the rest. The number of flowers at the ceremony and reception was overwhelming…in a good way!
Documenting the biggest day of someones life is a true honor, we meet at a pivotal pint in their life but we always love hearing about how a couple came to be…
Chris and I met through mutual friends shortly after I moved from San Francisco to Sydney in 2012. In February 2015, after three years together, Chris popped the question on the Northern Beaches of Sydney at Jonah’s Hotel Whale Beach after taking a Seaplane trip up the coast.
When asked to share a special memory from the day, this is what Laura had to say…
There were so many great moments that day, its hard to pick just one but we both think that the most special moment was seeing each other for the first time during the processional on the Sunset lawn.
Additionally, one thing we were really happy about is that we decided to take the time to go to the beach with Kaua for photos with just the two of us shortly after the ceremony. Initially we thought we would want to be with guests celebrating, but in retrospect that time with just the two of us shortly after tying the knot was really special and gave us a moment to take it all in before the reception started.
After the ceremony, the celebration was moved to the Anuhea Room where guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the terrace prior to the reception. They feasted on passed appetizers while sipping on cocktails from the open bar before sitting down to a family-style dinner.
We want to say a special “thank you” to Kaua and his team for doing such an incredible job. He captured the vibe of the day perfectly and so many of our guests come up to us to compliment the photographer!
Venue: Hotel Wailea
Coordinator: America Salinas
Florist: Dellables
Caterer: Capische at Hotel Wailea – we got several compliments from guests that it was the best wedding meal they have had.
Band: The Drivers – can’t say enough good things about them. They kept the crowd on the dance floor…and even let one of the groomsmen (who is a drummer) jump on the drum set for a song!
Cake: Cake Pops by Liz
Hair/Makeup: Salon 253
Wedding Stationary: Minted
Guest Accommodations: Marriott Wailea
