Hailey and Max Island Soirée
When Hailey & Max became engaged without question, they knew exactly where they would be wed; on the beloved family owned oceanfront paradise on Maui’s North Shore lovingly referred to as the Oli Oli Kai. The couple’s vision for their wedding day was to have an intimate tropical Maui wedding with a touch of New England class.
The Maui Wedding ceremony took place at the breathtaking Holy Rosary Church in Paia, a short 15 minute drive from the Oli Oli Kai.
Exchanging Roman Catholic vows in this sacred place amongst their closest family and friends was a dream come true for the enamored in-laws to be. As Hailey entered the church you could feel the peace as she walked down the aisle with her Daddy to her forever Prince Charming who joyfully awaited his bride.
Guests were greeted upon arrival by Polynesian lei greeters as a nod to the Aloha spirit.
A delicious menu from Cafe O’Lei Catering featured coconut shrimp, shoyu poke, fresh caught mahi mahi and braised short ribs. Stir Beverage delighted the crowd with hand crafted signature cocktails; Hailey’s Hula Punch and Max’s Maui Margarita with champagne glasses that held guest table seating assignments in the shape of a hibiscus, carefully crafted by the talented Pen & Paperie.
Our talented on Island creative teams brought the sophioceanfront Island beach vision to life with the incorporation of local blooms in bright bursting color shades of pink, orange, green, yellow, white, coral and sherbet orange. Paired with a playful and colorful combination of linen mixtures from Nuage Designs and BBJ Latavola and a custom designed tablescape with Tabletop Maui’s furnishings, the scene took your breath away.
Hailey and Max, we love and miss you both and are happy to hear of your newest addition, Baby Jack! Come visit us soon back in your Island Home away from Home!
Top 10 Guest Gifting Ideas for your Hawaii Destination Wedding
At Maui’s Angels we love to say we’re not just wedding planners, we’re experience creators! Your wedding experience starts the moment your devoted guests arrive to Hawaii, and as such we feel wedding guest gifting is an essential part of the planning process. After traveling from near and far to attend your Hawaii destination wedding, there’s nothing your guests will appreciate more than a carefully curated gift. Your welcome gifts are the perfect opportunity to provide a sneak peek into the celebrations soon to follow. We’re huge proponents of stepping outside of basic wedding-day essentials and instead selecting thoughtful and personalized components to make every guest feel your gratitude for their presence on your big day. To help inspire you, we’ve rounded up our top 10 Hawaii wedding welcome bag gift ideas below!
1. Local Ingredients – Celebrate Hawaii by sharing a few of your favorite local delicacies! Consider incorporating regional snacks, tropical produce and Hawaiian made treats. We love including favorites like pink Hawaiian sea salt, macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, fresh pog juice, Hawaiian honey and Manoa chocolate.
2. Something to Sip On – Consider greeting your guests with a bottle of bubbly or your favorite wine to get the festivities started. Alternatively, for any guests that don’t indulge (or even for those that do and need a morning pick me up!) local coffee or tea is the perfect destination wedding weekend essential.
3. Bride & Groom Favorites – Including a his and hers themed element to your Hawaii wedding welcome bag is a great way to personalize it. This is the opportunity to share your favorite goodies with your guests. Consider including the groom’s favorite spirit, the bride’s go to cocktail mixer or a guilty pleasure of both of yours, such as milk cookies which was a major hit in one of our couple’s recent welcome bags!
4. Curated Paper Goods – Your welcome gifts should include informational details such as a map, weekend itinerary, transportation times and activity recommendations. It’s also a great opportunity to show your appreciation and excitement with a welcome or thank you note. We recommend working closely with your stationer to ensure everything correlates with your wedding’s other paper elements.
5. Post Party Recovery Kit – For couples with a heavy-imbibing crowd, a post wedding recovery kit is a thoughtful component for any Hawaii wedding welcome bag. Think Advil, band aids, eye drops and mints. Have some fun with it and throw in a cheeky do-not-disturb sign that’s cohesive with your wedding stationary!
6. Warm Weather Essentials – Consider what activities your guests will engage in when they’re not attending your nuptials and pre and post wedding events. Turkish towels, sunscreen, lip balm, fans, sunglasses and flip flops would all be well loved guest gifts!
7. Travel Friendly Additions – Set the stage for rest and relaxation with some travel friendly components. Custom robes, sleep masks, soap and hand poured candles are the perfect gift to get guests in the vacation mindset. Alternatively, you could opt for some practical travel essentials, like a leather luggage tag, hand sanitizer or organic bug repellent.
8. Something Celebratory – Get the party started by including confetti, cocktail mixers, bottle openers or coasters. Feature a local favorite, such as a ginger and Hawaiian chili shrub guests can enjoy with their sunset cocktails!
9. Personalized Packaging – Don’t overlook the packaging for your welcome gifts! It gives you the chance to include your wedding design details and peak guest excitement for the big day! Think raw silk ribbon in colors coordinating with the wedding day and custom name tags. Or one of our favorite destination wedding gifts; seagrass basket with custom sayings to express who you are as a couple.
When designing any wedding guest gifts we focus on customizing them to the needs and style of our couples and we LOVE working with the experts, like Papaya Exchange. A professional gifting company can help you stay on budget, ensure everything is beautifully displayed and assist with an easy distribution plan, which is key! But guest gifting doesn’t have to end with the welcome bag. Up next, we’ll touch upon guest favors and guest gifting at the wedding and surrounding events. Stay tuned!
Hana Wedding at Hotel Travaasa | As Seen on Wedding Sparrow
Rewinding to the fall of last year, we are taking you back to a beautiful Hawaii wedding with our stylish couple, April and Noah, at the Hotel Travaasa in Hana. It was important to them to create an unforgettable destination wedding in Hawaii that their friends and family, traveling from the East Coast could enjoy. With its rugged coastline and secluded location, Hotel Travaasa offered the perfect backdrop.
April and Noah, seeking adventure, enlisted Hawaii wedding planner, Lorrie Nielson with Maui’s Angels who is adamant about creating unparalleled experiences for both her couples and guests. Hence insert Fagan’s Cross, a 30-foot stone cross dedicated to Paul Fagan, founder of Hana Ranch Hotel. Just below this memorial site, sits a majestic and peaceful cow pasture that Lorrie knew would make for an awe-inspiring first look location. While reaching their destination took some maneuvering through a fence in their wedding day attire, and an uphill trek, it was well worth the effort!
As a spin on tradition, Lorrie suggested having the groom walk up to the bride as opposed to having the groom staged, and the bride walk up to him. It added the perfect element of surprise and made their first look that much more special!
Inspired by the lush beauty of the surrounding landscape, this tropical Hana Hawaii wedding incorporated dusty lavender, mauve, nude and toffee color hues to set a romantic and very fitting fall tone.
Following the oceanside ceremony guests were transitioned to a cozy cocktail hour and reception at the Plantation House tucked away in the rainforest of Hana just a short three minute drive from the Hotel Travaasa main property.
It was also important to the couple that the design featured both feminine and masculine touches. To add an element of masculinity, Lorrie added wood and leather details in the wedding day design. Guests enjoyed a cigar seating lounge, which Lorrie dubbed as the “groom’s corner” ensuring his vision was carefully incorporated into the wedding design. Balancing strong masculine details and soft feminine touches, April and Noah’s big day was an absolute stunner and was recently featured on Wedding Sparrow.
After the specialty dances and speeches, the crowd kept the dance floor full and the celebration going throughout the most incredible evening celebrating April and Noah’s love and commitment. We could not be happier for our dear couple. Congratulations April & Noah!
CREATIVE PARTNER DETAILS
Photographer: Corinne Graves | Film Lab: The Find Lab | Stylist / Planner: Unveiled Hawaii | Floral Designer: Mandy Grace Designs | Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii | Venue: Travaasa Hana | Cake Designer: Cake Fanatics | Hair & Make-up Artist: Meili Autumn Beauty | Tabletop Rentals: Set Maui | Linens: BBJ Linen | Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy | Videography: Zeb Films | Entertainment: KCK Entertainment
Top 5 Bridesmaid Dress Trends for 2020
With a focus on creating sophisticated and unforgettable wedding experiences, at Maui’s Angels every little detail matters! Bridesmaid dresses are a too often overlooked component in the wedding design process. Offering an opportunity to make some of your favorite gals look and feel their absolute best as well as enhance the overall wedding aesthetic, bridal party attire is such an important wedding element. It all starts with the wedding dress, which sets the tone for the wedding and should help guide the bridal party attire selections. Here are the top 5 bridesmaid dress trends we’re crushing on this year.
Midi-Length Dresses
We’ve seen more than our fair share of maxi bridesmaid dresses and love the idea of stepping outside the box with a flattering mid-length dress. Hitting mid-calf, midi-length dresses can feel vintage or modern depending on the details. As a bonus, this bridesmaid dress length eliminates any tripping concerns over a too-long maxi dress, especially as shoes get kicked off on the dance floor!
Cowl Necklines
Cowl necklines are a 90’s trend that we’re so happy has made a comeback! This style is perfect for brides looking for a simple, chic and effortless dress design for their ‘maids. Ultra-flattering and offering the perfect little detail for solid dresses, cowl necklines are a trend we can’t wait to see more of!
Off the Shoulder or One Shoulder
Off the shoulder or one shoulder bridesmaid dresses are ideal for a Hawaii wedding, offering the perfect fit for warmer weather without leaving your bridesmaids feeling too exposed. Whether your wedding day style is classic, bohemian or contemporary there are so many off the shoulder or one shoulder dress designs to compliment your desired aesthetic.
Plunging Necklines
Plunging necklines are the perfect enhancement to some long-standing bridesmaid dress styles. A deeper v can give wrap dresses an updated feel and keeps velvet dresses from feeling too weighted. Paired with a silk midi style, a plunging neckline exudes a soft, ethereal style perfect for spring. While not necessarily within everyone’s comfort level, consider incorporating a plunging neckline with mix and match bridesmaid dresses allowing your ‘maids to find a style that best suits them!
Structured Silhouettes
If you’re looking for a clean contemporary look for your bridesmaids, you’re going to love the structured silhouette trend! Clean lines, solid colors and minimal adornments are trademarks of this 2020 bridesmaid dress trend. After years of the flowy bridesmaid dress fad, structured silhouettes feel fresh and refined and we’re thrilled to be incorporating them into our 2020 weddings.
Notable Mentions
While not in our top 5 trends, we’re also continuing to see flutter sleeves and wrap dresses this year, which are perfect for a Hawaii wedding, as well as the resurgence of halters and cap sleeves. Since we’re always a fan of doing something different, we also adore the idea of bridesmaid jumpsuits instead of dresses! Find a few more of our favorite dresses this season below.
We love working closely with our couples to create bridal party attire pairings for each design, all while still staying true to the overall wedding décor. Contact us today to learn more about our luxury wedding planning and design process.
5 Hawaii Faves: Pre and Post-Wedding Festivities Your Guests Will Love
Getting married in Hawaii creates an opportunity not only for a memorable wedding ceremony but also for an array of events that will stay with you and your guests forever. From pre to post-wedding festivities, there are endless opportunities to spend time with your guests exploring one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Having insider knowledge and connections on all Hawaiian islands, we love nothing more than to help our couples create unique and unforgettable events that escalate the celebrations to the next level while also bringing everyone closer.
Destination Wedding Festivities Your Guests Will Love
Every couple is different. While some choose to have only one or two activities, we've also had couples opting to take full advantage of their gorgeous setting with a week of festivities ranging from tropical luaus to sailing trips in the dazzling blue waters surrounding the islands. The possibilities are endless, and we love creating bespoke occasions for our couples celebrating their destination weddings in Hawaii.
You have arrived at your gorgeous destination wedding location in Hawaii, and whether getting married on Oahu, Maui, Lana'i or the Big Island, it's time to start celebrating. That's easily one of our favorite things about Hawaii (among others, for sure) - it feels both familiar and so exhilaratingly out of the ordinary.
1. Welcome Reception
Putting together a welcome party is a great opportunity to kick off your wedding celebrations in style. Once all guests have arrived, it is a wonderful chance to thank them for traveling to celebrate your wedding. Moreover, a welcome party is a chance for you to let your hair down, relax, connect with your guests, while also giving them a chance to mingle.
Destination wedding welcome receptions are incredibly fun, and this is one of the best opportunities to play around with creative ideas and design features. Beach or tropical-themed receptions look fantastic infused with matching decors like surfboards, tropical greenery and fruit (think coconuts and pineapples), gift bags for your guests, and some tempting food. Consider handing out leis to your guests upon arrival - they will love it, and it's also such a sweet Hawaiian tradition to include.
2. Aloha Luau
When in Hawaii... you have to have a tropical wedding luau! A luau, while still a traditional party or a celebration, also features entertainment, and it's a fantastic opportunity to allow yourself to be immersed in Hawaiian culture and traditions - something both you and your guests will love.
Design-wise it's another great opportunity to play around with ideas that go well with a tropical theme - seating options in various sizes and layouts work really well, and if you plan to have the luau continue after the sunset, some gorgeous lights will beautifully enliven the setting.
For a true luau, you'll want music and hula dancers, and once the sun has dipped below the horizon, fire dancers will leave you in awe. This is also the perfect chance to get your guests involved in activities, bringing everyone closer.
3. Sailing Excursion
Hawaii with its year-round perfect weather, stunning beaches, and monumental green-capped mountains is as close as you can get to paradise. While there are endless opportunities to explore Hawaii's natural beauty on land, it's completely something else to witness it while sailing the waves. Embark on a luxurious catamaran to witness the naturally striking appeal of the volcanic islands, the colorful reefs, and the gentle ocean breeze.
Set sail from Maui to the smallest publicly accessible inhabited Hawaiian island Lana'i and explore its spectacular Hulopo’e Bay or enjoy an unforgettable sunset sail, watching the sun dipping below the horizon and perhaps even witnessing a wale or two! These sailing excursions are an amazing opportunity to offer your guests the chance to explore while still enjoying good company and craft cocktails celebrating the special occasion.
4. Beach Day
All Hawaiian islands are renowned for their alluring appeal, white-sand beaches with volcanic rock formations, the most remarkable backdrops, and clear blue waters are what draw most people in. Even if you are having a beach wedding, more likely than not you and your guests would surely enjoy a relaxing day on the beach without a worry in sight. After all, there are so many gorgeous beaches dotted around the islands!
Create a luxurious beach day for yourself and your guests with colorful deck chairs, loungers, and umbrellas. Picnic-style nibbles and cool drinks will be the perfect accompaniment for a day on the beach, even though you could take it further with refreshing signature cocktails or coconut water.
5. Farewell Brunch
Farewell brunches are one of our all-time favorite post-wedding activities. What better way for everyone to come together swapping favorite moments from the wedding, and enjoying Hawaii's gorgeous landscape before jetting back home? It's all about relaxed vibes in a beautifully decorated setting with refreshing food and drinks. You're in Hawaii, after all!
Whether your guests are all staying in the same hotel or not, a private post-wedding farewell brunch will be a much better way for everyone to come together than meeting during breakfast at the hotel. Keeping things light and easy is key as you can finally relax after the wedding, and it's also worth considering that everyone will be setting off on medium to long-haul flights home.
Farewell brunches are the perfect opportunity to play around with some fun and bright tablescape designs - from brightly-colored glassware to unconventional tableware, and bold napkins.
Darby & Evan - Maui Estate Wedding
Wedding magic is hard to deny. Whether you are the one getting married or whether you're there as a guest, witnessing the most special day of someone's life, you can feel the magic in the air. And honestly, no matter how many weddings we put together, even we can't deny that it gets us every time and this is the main reason we love weddings so much - they are just THAT special! But have you ever wondered what exactly goes on behind the scenes, when putting together a wedding, before the picture-perfect final result?
For the wedding of Darby and Evan, which took place at a drop dead gorgeous private estate in Wailea Maui, we put together a little behind the scenes video of all the meticulous work that goes into making a luxury destination wedding in Hawaii a once in a lifetime occasion that it is. A team of the most dedicated professionals all coming together to put their skills and talent together to create something unforgettable.
The team of Mandy Grace Designs created some of the most spectacular floral arrangements we've seen in bold pink and red tones. Each wedding is different, reflecting the essence of the couple's personalities, and while some weddings look great with a more minimalistic approach, we just love to see daring use of color that defines the whole ceremony, and this was something undeniably memorable.
This wedding is the perfect example that you can have sophisticated elegance, tradition, and a wealth of fun at the same time. The stunning setting with the tall swaying palm trees on the oceanfront was the embodiment of Hawaiian luxe with manicured lawns and endless sunshine.
Inspiration Events Hawaii and Signature Events Maui created a stunning setup for the ceremony and reception with a beautiful selection of chairs, tables, and lounge furniture which was perfect for laid-back elegance - a pop of pink in table linens and pillows on the sofas created lovely contrasts with the gorgeous floral.
Keeping things traditional with well-loved Jewish wedding customs, the ceremony and the reception afterward was truly all about having fun and celebrating love - from The Hora to the live band after dinner, the laughter and smiles from ear to ear never stopped, and that's what it's truly all about, isn't it?
Hair & Make-up: Meli Autumn Beauty
Photography: Christina McNeill
Videographer: Island Eye Productions
Catering: Celebrations Catering
Table Settings: Set Maui
Live Music: Cowling Band
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Flowers: Mandy Grace Designs
Stationary & Calligraphy: Kate Paulson Creative
Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii
Lounge Furniture: Signature Events Maui
Liz + Ryan - Married on Maui
This was particularly true on Liz and Ryan’s wedding day at the Olowalu Plantation House. This popular Maui wedding location not only excels in natural charm and awe-inspiring backdrops but also has a historical significance which adds to its very particular charm.
There truly isn’t a more magical moment than when the shoe fits. Two people finding each other and falling so deeply in love that they decide to spend the rest of their lives together. Or when a wedding ceremony is so beautifully harmonious and each detail seems to complete one another - nothing really compares to these moments.
This was particularly true on Liz and Ryan’s wedding day at the Olowalu Plantation House. This popular Maui wedding location not only excels in natural charm and awe-inspiring backdrops but also has a historical significance which adds to its very particular charm.
Liz and Ryan's small wedding was full of warmth and character gushing from every detail. Olowalu Plantation House has its roots in the sugarcane industry and the engrossing old-time vibes can be felt throughout. Therefore the intricate vintage elements of the wedding couldn't have fit more perfectly in the overall ambiance. From deeply personal pieces like the heirloom brooch with Liz and her dad's picture to antique-inspired elements among the wedding rentals and the custom ceremony arch designed by yours truly - everything tied together perfectly.
One of the most heartwarming moments during the ceremony was when Liz's mother walked her daughter down the line holding her father's Panama hat. It's things like this that add so much intimacy and affinity.
The ceremony took place on the beautiful and spacious oceanfront lawn amidst a tree grove. The Provence chairs remained stripped with the addition of beautiful floral chair garlands in the back that tied in perfectly with the arch garland by floral designer Mandy Grace.
What we've always loved about Olowalu Plantation House for weddings are the stunning backdrops not only for creating unforgettable memories but also for photos. Rebecca Arthurs captured it amazingly - Liz and Ryan looked so in love with the dramatic peaks of Mauna Kahalawai, also known as West Maui Mountains, in the background.
After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed some lovely cocktails, while the little ones kept themselves busy with giant Jenga. After sundown, the couple enjoyed their first dance under beautiful fairy lights, while friends and family created some more magic with sparklers.
Wedding Planner: Unveiled Hawaii
Venue: Olowalu Plantation House
Photography: Rebecca Arthurs
Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii
Custom Stationery: Shindig Bespoke
Floral: Mandy Grace Designs
Destination Wedding & Honeymoon: Should You Have Both in the Same Place?
Every couple dreams of the perfect wedding and a honeymoon that follows suit. But some people worry that having a destination wedding and then jetting off to a picturesque place for the honeymoon can get a little expensive. The solution isn't choosing one or the other. When you set your mind on having a destination wedding in Hawaii, that gives you the perfect opportunity to ask yourself - what if we also have our honeymoon here? In a place as beautiful and rich in stunning locations as Hawaii, you don't have to worry about it being a compromise but rather an opportunity that cannot be missed. Here's why.
1. Honeymoon in Your Destination Wedding Location is Cost-Effective
If you are already flying to Hawaii for your destination wedding, you can save significant costs towards your honeymoon by also having your honeymoon there. Some resorts offer deals on wedding and honeymoon packages, and even if you don't want to stay in the same location, there are plenty of other options to explore. Getting married on Maui? How about having your honeymoon in Lana'i? The small and beautiful Hawaii island off the beaten path is right next to Maui but offers an unforgettable experience.
2. Hawaii Offers Plenty of Beautiful Places for Your Honeymoon
From Oahu to Maui, to Lana'i and the Big Island. Even if you decide to stay on the same island, Hawaii doesn't lack fairytale-like sunset spots and beaches that seem otherworldly and perfect for a private getaway.
Hawaii offers a phenomenal variety of things to do and places to see, and contrary to popular belief, it's not just sandy beaches. Head over to Kauai and explore an island also known as the Garden Island, renowned for its tropical rainforests and waterfalls.
Head over to Molokai, rich in Hawaiian history and traditions, but also full stunning landscapes and surrounded by turquoise waters.
There is something for everyone in Hawaii and whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an active adventure in nature or on the water - you can find it in Hawaii.
3. Really Get to Know the Place You Got Married At
Some would argue that having had spent several days prior to the wedding in your destination location takes away the excitement of exploring it during your honeymoon. Wouldn't it get boring and feel the same as before? But consider this - even if everything goes according to the plan (and by choosing a good wedding planner, it will), thinking about the wedding, interacting with family and guests, and having that inevitable little bit of stress is something you cannot avoid before the wedding. And no doubt that while you will still enjoy the experience you have before the wedding, it's not the same as having the place to yourself and your partner. Finally, life goes back in the slow lane and you can really take in your surroundings.
4. Save Time
Travelling is fun and exciting, but it can also be exhausting and time-consuming. Especially right after a wedding. Even if you travel to a different part of an island or a different island altogether, having your honeymoon in Hawaii will save you lots of travel time. Why spend a day in the airports and on the plane, when you can go on a romantic ferry or boat ride instead to a nearby island or spend it on the beach with your loved one?
So if you find yourself undecided on the question of where to spend your honeymoon, consider the place you are getting married - there is always more than meets the eye.
Married on Lana'i - A Secluded Island Paradise
When thinking about Hawaii, most people will instantly think of The Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, and Oahu. You can't go wrong with choosing Hawaii as your destination wedding location, but before you decide on getting married on one of the better-known islands, have you considered all the options? Lanai is the smallest inhabited Hawaiian island that is publicly accessible, and to those looking for an unforgettable destination wedding location, Lanai could be the perfect hidden gem.
Lanai: Luxury Off the Beaten Path
Whether you're after unparalleled luxury away from the crowds or an untamed adventure prior the wedding, Lanai packs a punch despite its small size.
The 140 square mile island with 3000 residents can only be reached via plane from Oahu or a ferry from Maui. Due to that, the island retains its privacy and serenity as only approximately 200-300 tourists visit per day.
At the very heart of the island is Lanai city - both geographical and cultural epicenter of Lanai. You cannot help but embrace the exotic small-town charm and life here moves in the slow lane. Quite literally. There are only about 30 miles of paved roads in Lanai and a 20-30 mph speed limit. What about the rest? You will need a 4-wheel drive for that. You won't find buzzing nightlife in Lanai. Instead, you'll be met with hospitality and natural beauty.
The only resort on Lanai is the Four Seasons. It excels with unmatched oceanfront views overlooking Hulopoe Bay (we dare say, one of the best beaches in Hawaii) and is only a 20-minute drive from Lanai City. Not only does it offer indoor and outdoor wedding venue options, but there's also plenty to do for both you and your guests before the wedding. Head inland and explore the island with an adrenaline-fueled UTV ride, go horseback riding or enjoy a game of golf in the Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course.
A more budget-friendly option is staying in the charming and historic Hotel Lanai that has welcomed guests since the 1920s. In Lanai City at Dole Square, you will find many local-owned shops and restaurants, or you can catch a movie in the movie theater.
Exploring Lanai
Historically, Lanai was known for its pineapple plantations, and if you head to Lanai City from Hulopoe Bay, you will pass through Palawai Basin which used to be a pineapple field. You can also head up the Munro Trail that reaches Lanaihale, Lanai’s highest peak. If ocean views and serene beaches aren't enough to take your breath away, Keahiakawelo
certainly will. Known also as the Garden of Gods, it is known for its otherworldly Mars-like scenery of red sand and rock formations. It is located only about 45 minutes away from Lanai City. Some eeriness can be found in Kaiolohia or the Shipwreck Beach where the hull of a 1940s oil tanker still sits in the water. We already mentioned the Hulopoe Bay which is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii but also offers perfect snorkeling spots. And if you are looking to chase those romantic last rays of the sun during an unforgettable sunset, there's no place better than Kaumalapau Harbor.
Useful facts:
Many activities are offered by and booked directly through Four Seasons while some are exclusive to resort guests, so check beforehand.
Majority of the island outside of Lanai City can only be reached by 4-wheel drive, therefore it's best to check locally for directions and/or restrictions.
For accommodation options aside from Four Seasons Resorts Lanai and Hotel Lanai, there are a handful of local-owned vacation rentals.
Expeditions is the name of the ferry between Maui and Lanai.
Sailing Trilogy offers sailing tours from Maui to Lanai.
Wed Like a Local: Embracing Hawaii Wedding Traditions
There are many reasons to choose Hawaii as your destination wedding location. The beautiful white sand beaches and the lush green foliage create an unforgettable backdrop for an outdoor wedding. Furthermore, Hawaii has a vivid history, influenced by Polynesian, Asian, and Western cultures. Incorporating Hawaiian traditions into your wedding pays homage to this beautiful place and by doing so, we can also create a unique experience for you and your guests. Whether it's the gentle melodies of a ukulele or the colorful lei, here's a list of traditional elements to consider for your Hawaiian wedding ceremony.
Traditional Hawaiian Wedding
Flower Lei
When thinking of Hawaii, one of the first things most people will think of will be the lei. The flower garland worn by ancient Polynesians has nowadays become the symbol of Hawaii. Receiving a lei symbolizes friendship, kindness, honor, peace, and love. What could be better at a wedding? Usually, the groom will wear a lei made of maile leaves around his neck and the bride will wear a haku lei resembling a flower crown around her head. Tuberose, plumeria or pikake flowers are common in haku lei. You could also greet your guests upon arrival by giving out these traditional garlands. There are various options available. Having years of experience as Maui destination wedding planners, we can suggest the best option that fits both your wedding style and personality.
Blowing of the Pū
All island cultures draw inspiration from the surroundings and that can be seen in their traditions. Water influence is present and felt throughout Hawaii. A very sacred ceremonial tradition is blowing of the Pū, which is the Hawaiian name for conch shell. Traditionally, blowing of the Pū marks the beginning of a ceremony. The hollow sound stretches far and wide, and the Pū usually gets blown in all four cardinal directions. What better way to let the world know of your special day!
Music
Music adds a deeply personal touch to any wedding. The songs chosen will often stay with you and your guests long after. Musical instruments that are native to Hawaii like slack-key guitars and ukuleles are a popular addition to Hawaiian weddings and not without a good reason. Whether it's a rendition of a well-known song or a traditional melody, you cannot help but think of romantic vibes when hearing these soft sounds. Traditional Hawaiian music will create the perfect ambience to celebrate your special day, both at the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception.
Hula
If you have traditional Hawaiian music at your wedding, why not also add hula dancers? Hula is a traditional dance and an art form created by Polynesian settlers on Hawaii. Accompanying a song or a chant, hula dancers interpret the words with various hand and body movements that resemble water, trees, even emotions. Hula dancers are a lovely addition to the wedding reception and it can be a fun way how to get your guests involved by learning hula moves themselves.
Blessing of the Rings
Wedding traditions differ all over the world. In some places, couples lock their marriage and their love into a love lock that is attached to a bridge to symbolize the unbreakable nature of their union. In Hawaii, it's another kind of tradition and it's called the Blessing of the Rings. It involves using Koa wood and Ti leaf and both have symbolic meanings in Hawaiian culture. The Koa wood is a strong hardwood and it represents values of any marriage, like strength and integrity. Ti leaf symbolizes health, prosperity, and blesses the body and soul. The blessing of the rings happens by filling Koa wood bowl with water and then dipping the Ti leaf in the water and sprinkling the water over the rings three times.
Food
Many will agree that the best part about different cultures is the food. And how can it not be? We all love food and introducing your guests to new flavors can easily be the highlight of their trip to the islands. Hawaiian cuisine has many gems that fit perfectly into any wedding feast. From beautifully prepared seafood to tender kalua pork and pu pus (Hawaiian for appetizers). Hawaiian cuisine has formed from Polynesian and Asian influence and many influences and settlers that arrived in Hawaii over time. How about a bowl of fresh Poke? Poke, pronounced (po-kay), which means to dice or cut into pieces, is a traditional preparation that consists of fresh seafood prepared with shoyu (Hawaiian soy sauce), green onions, sweet onions and sometimes even garlic, ginger and sesame oil. This dish can be served as small bites or even the main dish along with steamed white rice and Laulau which consists of meat or fish prepared in taro leaf pouches and cooked in the ground in a traditional imu.
Getting Married in Hawaii
As experienced destination wedding planners, we are here to make your dreams a reality. We will help you pick Hawaiian wedding elements that best fit your vision. Sometimes less is more and if you feel like you only want to add one feature, choose the one that speaks to you the most. At the end of the day, it's a celebration of love between you as a couple and the people closest to you and that should be the center of the attention.
Wedding Décor and Details You Can’t Live Without!
One of the questions we are most often asked by our clients is “How do we design a wedding day that is unique to who we are?” Our answer- it’s all in the details! Incorporating personal style and well thought out details into your wedding design is the absolute best way to show your guests who you are as a couple and what this day means to you. From your color palette selection, guest favors and even custom cocktail offerings, designing your day to be as unique as you are just takes a little creativity and of course- details. Here are a few of our favorite wedding day details you simply can’t live without.
Custom Designed Stationery
Whatever you do, don’t overlook the opportunity to wow your guests months before your wedding day! The first details your guests will come in contact with are your save the dates or wedding invitations. From the moment the envelope arrives in the mail, this will set the stage and give your guests an idea of what’s in store for your big day.
Custom Cocktails and Bar Offerings
Because who doesn’t love a great cocktail? Creativity comes in all forms when designing memorable details for your wedding day and signature cocktails are a fabulous way to show off a little of your personal style. Maybe you and your fiancé met over margaritas while vacationing in Mexico or maybe you like to have cocktail making competitions for a Friday date night. Whatever drink you fancy, be sure to include a couple favorites when designing your cocktail hour and reception bar offerings.
Place Settings
You can really bring the wow factor to your tablescape by paying close attention to the details of your place settings. With endless combinations of color, pattern and texture, your place settings can easily become a guest conversation piece all of their own. In addition to charger plates, dinnerware, glassware and flatware, you can create stylish and memorable details by incorporating custom designed menu cards matching your stationery suite or add guest favors and floral accents. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to design so when in doubt- shoot for the stars!
Lounge Atmospheres
Guests LOVE variety when attending a wedding and lounge furniture or seating arrangements are the perfect design element to keep your event and conversations flowing. Lounge atmospheres are one of our favorite ways to create comfort at any wedding or event. Whether it be outdoors overlooking the ocean or indoors perfectly placed around a dance floor, guests will love the opportunity to relax with a cocktail and a group of old or new friends.
Sweets and Treats
Out with the old and in with the new! Now don’t get me wrong, we love a beautiful towering wedding cake- which can really be the centerpiece for design in your wedding. But come on, who doesn’t love a creative display of assorted sweets like donuts! After dinner, your dessert offerings can really be as creative as you are. Consider adding your favorite sweet treats to the menu that will leave your guests nothing less than satisfied.
Fun with Food
Luckily for us, planning the menu for a destination wedding here in Hawaii comes with unlimited culinary options. We love when couples embrace the islands, the culture and especially the amazing food scene that makes Hawaii so unique. Consider the location of your wedding, find out what the locals are eating and add it to the menu! Your guests will love the opportunity to broaden their horizons and try new things- especially tasty and memorable menu items.
Be Creative and Be YOU
The only rule is, there are NO rules when it comes to designing details for your wedding day! If you are a “more is more” kind of couple- roll with it! If you are simple and want to keep things understated, embrace your style and guests will see “you” written all over it. No matter what you decide for your wedding day, you can add big or small personal touches to every aspect of your wedding day. Simply be creative and be YOU.
Dreamy Romance at The Olowalu Plantation Estate in Maui
If you are looking to get married in Hawaii, look no further! You can have it all right here at the majestic Olowalu Plantation Estate in Maui, where local destination wedding planner Lorrie Betsill Nielson had the great pleasure to organize this dreamy oceanfront soiree for Lee, Paul and their fur baby Mamba. Which might we add traveled all the way from the East Coast from New York City!
This Hawaii Wedding was a dream to plan as every element was custom built for Lee and Paul; from the dining canopies, to the natural stained vineyard tables, to the wedding ceremony archway, even the sweetheart canopy ceiling that was installed flawlessly by local floral designer Mandy Grace Designs was assembled on site the day of the wedding.
Lighting was at the top of the décor priority list, so what better way to pull together the interior canopy lighting than these gorgeous Taylor Grace chandeliers from Inspiration Events Hawaii.
For the full gallery, and even more gorgeous details from this stunning Maui Wedding, you can find more here on the Style Me Pretty destination wedding feature!
Congratulations Lee and Paul! And as always, a warm thank you to our incredible team of professionals for helping to bring their vision to life!
Wedding Planning and Design: Unveiled Hawaii
Photography: Wendy Laurel
Videography: No Ka Oi
Venue: Olowalu Plantation Estate
Catering: Sugar Beach Events Catering
Florist: Mandy Grace Designs
Silk Runners: Adorn Company
Hair and Makeup: Meili Autumn Beauty
Music: Marvin Tevaga
DJ/MC: Maui DJ Services