Jenny & Lou say “I Do” at Merriman’s Kapalua Bay

Aug 6, 2026 | Destination Wedding Planning, Merriman's Kapalua, Real Weddings

Jenny & Lou’s Sunset Wedding on Merriman’s Kapalua Bay Lawn 

A sunset wedding at Kapalua Bay Lawn already has its own kind of magic — but Jenny and Lou’s celebration felt like Maui itself was blessing every moment.

Jenny and Lou gathered with a small circle of their closest family and friends on the Kapalua Bay Lawn at Merriman’s, choosing intimacy over spectacle and letting the natural beauty of Maui carry the day. What unfolded was the kind of wedding that reminds you why people travel across oceans to say I do here.

A Passing Shower, a Fleeting Rainbow

Just before the ceremony began, a soft passing shower swept across the bay — the kind that lasts only a minute or two but leaves everything sparkling. As it drifted away, a delicate rainbow arched briefly over the mountains. It felt like a quiet blessing, a moment of color and calm before the celebration began.

And then, as if on cue, the sky opened into the most perfect summer evening: warm, clear, and glowing.

A Ceremony Filled With Heart

As guests gathered on the lawn, everyone was welcomed with cocktails on Merriman’s deck — a relaxed, joyful start to the evening.

Lou walked in arm‑in‑arm with Jenny’s mom, a gesture that immediately set the tone: family-centered, meaningful, and full of love. Jenny followed with her brother, looking absolutely lovely — her hair and makeup styled by Renata of Waves of Beauty, soft and radiant against the soft pastel sky. A tropical flower piece tucked into her hair added the perfect touch of island elegance.

Kelii officiated with warmth and intention, grounding the ceremony in Hawaiian tradition and heartfelt storytelling. Marvin’s ukulele added a gentle soundtrack to the moment, his music drifting across the lawn like a breeze.

One of the most touching parts of the ceremony came when Jenny and Lou presented fresh leis to each of their guests. As Marvin played Over the Rainbow, the couple moved from person to person, offering gratitude, connection, and aloha. It was intimate, emotional, and deeply Maui.

A classic four‑post bamboo arch from Aloha Wedding Arches, draped with soft fabric, framed the ocean perfectly. Sunya’s Flowers added tropical elegance with blooms that felt both timeless and island-inspired.

Sunset, Music, and Celebration

After the vows, the celebration continued with photos, music, and laughter as the sun melted into the horizon. The sky shifted from gold to pink to deep lavender — one of those Kapalua sunsets that feels almost unreal.

Marvin’s ukulele carried through the evening, giving the entire experience a gentle, joyful rhythm.

Dinner at The Plantation House

As twilight settled in, the group was transported by Jules and Jim of BeachinRides up to the Plantation House Restaurant for dinner — a perfect way to end the night. The drive itself felt celebratory, everyone still glowing from the ceremony, ready to enjoy a beautiful meal together overlooking the rolling greens and ocean beyond.

🌿 A Wedding That Felt Like Maui

Jenny and Lou’s day was everything a Maui wedding should be: heartfelt, relaxed, full of natural beauty, and centered on the people who matter most. From the fleeting rainbow to the sunset that lingered just long enough, every moment felt touched by aloha.

If you’d like help crafting a similar intimate, meaningful celebration on Maui, I’m here to bring your vision to life.

We were honored to help make their dream wedding a reality. Read Jenny & Lou’s glowing review on our Love page (or Wedding Wire, The Knot or Google)!

Vendor Team

Mahalo to talented group of vendors who made this amazing wedding day so successful!

 

Celebrating our Award-Winning Maui Wedding Team

Mar 12, 2026 | Destination Wedding Planning, Maui Weddings, Wedding Pro Awards

The Knot Best of Weddings and WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award Winner!

As I sat with my coffee and watched the Maui light come through the windows, I opened two emails that made me pause, breathe, and feel an overwhelming wave of gratitude. I am thrilled to share some exciting news as we step into 2026—our team has been honored with two of the wedding industry’s most meaningful awards.

Even after all these years, moments like this still make my heart swell. These awards aren’t just badges or logos — they’re reflections of the couples who trusted us with one of the most meaningful days of their lives. They’re reminders of the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments behind the scenes, and the beautiful chaos that comes with creating a wedding day that feels true to each couple’s story. What makes these awards especially meaningful is that they come directly from your reviews, your words, your experiences. 

You are the reason this recognition exists.

The Knot Best of Weddings celebrates the top wedding professionals across the country, recognizing those who consistently deliver exceptional service and unforgettable experiences, and

WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice Award highlights those who demonstrate excellence in quality, responsiveness, professionalism, and value—based entirely on real reviews from real couples. To receive both honors in the same year is incredibly humbling. 

As a Maui-based wedding planning team, we pour our hearts into every celebration—whether it’s an intimate beachfront ceremony, a cultural-infused experience, or a destination gathering filled with family and aloha. These awards affirm the care, intention, and dedication we bring to each couple’s story.

From the bottom of my heart – mahalo. Thank you to every couple who welcomed us into their journey, trusted us with their vision, and shared their experience with others. Your love stories inspire everything we do.

Here’s to another year of meaningful connections, beautiful celebrations, and moments that remind us why love is worth celebrating every single day.

We can’t wait to continue creating magic with you in 2026. Cherise & Mele - ready for the ceremony to begin. photo by Tara Lee Photography

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Island Vibes – Tropical Touches for the Maui Groom and Groomsmen

Apr 23, 2025 | Destination Wedding Planning, Maui Weddings, Olowalu Plantation House Maui Wedding, Tropical Wedding Inspo, Wedding Tips & Trends

5 Ways to Add Tropical Flair for the Men in Your Wedding Party

Planning a Maui wedding? While the lush island scenery sets the perfect romantic tone, don’t let the groomsmen’s style get lost in the tropical waves. Adding a vibrant island-inspired touch to your groom’s and groomsmen’s looks can elevate your wedding theme while letting the guys have their own taste of paradise.

Here are some inspired ways to weave those tropical vibes into the men’s wedding attire:

1. Tropical Print Suit Lining

Imagine the groom slipping on his suit, revealing an unexpected tropical print lining inside the jacket. Whether it’s lush green palms or vibrant hibiscus flowers, this subtle yet striking detail can tie the look to your Maui setting while giving a touch of personality.  Indochino is a favorite for this special touch.

2. Tropical-Patterned Ties & Socks

For a hint of island fun, accessorize with tropical print ties and matching socks. These add pops of color that feel fresh and playful, perfect for the sun-drenched Maui vibe. Plus, they make for great photo moments that capture the spirit of the day.

3. Tropical Print or Island-Style Shirts for Groomsmen

If your wedding is leaning toward a more relaxed vibe, embrace the laid-back island aesthetic with light weight, Island-style linen shirts or spunky tropical prints.  Think classic Tommy Bahama-inspired shirts for the groomsmen or the vibrance of Maui’s Billy Aloha shirts. Picture crisp white or shirts with vibrant tropical patterns—perfect for staying cool while looking effortlessly stylish.

4. Mini Pineapple Boutonniere

Add a charming and unique twist to the traditional boutonniere with a mini pineapple detail. It’s a small nod to the tropics that will turn heads and spark smiles. You can carry the theme further by incorporating a mini pineapple in the bridal bouquet, creating a cohesive and whimsical detail for your Maui wedding.

5. Leis and Wooden Accessories

For a bold yet refined island look, incorporate kukui nut leis into the groomsmen’s attire. These traditional Hawaiian leis, crafted from glossy black or brown nuts, add a natural and distinctive touch that perfectly complements the Maui vibes. Pair them with stylish wooden-framed sunglasses and watches with wooden bands to enhance the tropical aesthetic. These accessories exude a blend of sophistication and rustic charm, tying the entire outfit together and reflecting the spirit of Hawaii’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Not only are these elements a nod to island tradition, but they’re also perfect gift for your groomsmen and will make for photos that capture the relaxed elegance of your Maui wedding. The groom and groomsmen will look polished and effortlessly connected to the tropical surroundings.

Let’s not forget—the groom deserves to shine just as brightly as the bride! These tropical touches ensure the entire wedding party reflects the beauty and charm of your Maui destination wedding.

How are you incorporating tropical vibes into your Maui wedding? We’d love to hear your ideas and help you bring your vision to life. Reach out to start planning your dream day!

Photo Credits

Mahalo to this wonderful photographers and wedding parties for sharing these images!

 

Frannie & Mac’s Moody Tropical Olowalu Wedding

Dec 11, 2024 | Destination Wedding Planning, Maui Weddings, Olowalu Plantation House Maui Wedding, Tropical Wedding Inspo

Tropical Moodiness – Frannie & Mac’s Stunning Maui Wedding

Today, we’re diving into the beautiful celebration of Frannie & Mac at the Olowalu Plantation House, a wedding that was nothing short of magical. 

A Heartwarming Ceremony

On a picture-perfect day, we were honored to help Frannie & Mac tie the knot in the stunning setting of the Olowalu Plantation House.  From the scenic backdrop to the intimate touches, every detail of their special day was a testament to their unique love story and vibrant personalities.

One of the standout moments of the ceremony was the adorable participation of Pachi, the couple’s beloved rescue dog. Having been a survivor of the Maui fires, Pachi’s journey to this joyous occasion was truly heartwarming. Pachi, couldn’t contain his excitement as he practically dragged his handler down the aisle to greet Mac. His joyful energy brought smiles to everyone’s faces. And let’s not forget their dignified older dog, Strider, who also played a significant role in the ceremony, acting with dignity and loyalty.

Spectacular Decor and Personal Touches

Their ceremony arch was a masterpiece – a rustic wooden arch adorned with large tropical floral arrangements and a braided ti leaf curtain.  At the head of the aisle – custom-made wooden columns with vibrant tropical arrangements added to the spectacular beauty. These columns later flanked the sweetheart table at the reception, making the transition seamless.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed fun Lawn games and comfy lounge seating on the lawn overlooking the ocean and islands off-shore. The reception was filled with personal touches that truly reflected the couple’s bond. Custom cookies adorned with likenesses of their three dogs (their third pup, Bruce was unable to attend the wedding) were a delightful feature at the dessert bar, while napkins printed with playful messages—”drinks on us” and “sweets on us”—added a personal touch to the bar and dessert station. 

Tropical Moody Vibes

Embracing a “tropical moody” theme, the wedding decor was a stunning blend of deep, lush greens, vibrant tropical oranges, and crisp whites, enhanced by dramatic black elements. A life-size black acrylic seating chart, black charger plates over green woven place mats, and dark vessels for the floral arrangements created a moody yet elegant ambiance. Colored water goblets in amber and deep green added a pop of color, enhancing the beauty of the table settings.

As the sun set, the sky lit up in a palette of oranges, corals, and peaches, perfectly complementing the day’s color scheme. A special highlight was the cake topper, a thoughtful surprise from the bride’s parents. Crafted in spun glass, it featured a scuba diver and a spear fisherman, symbolizing how Frannie and Mac met. Frannie, a scuba instructor in Lahaina, first met Mac on a diving tour, and their love story blossomed from there, eventually leading Mac to Maui to be close to his bride.

An Evening to Remember

The evening was filled with unforgettable moments captured beautifully by our talented photographer, Amber. The celebration kicked off with a touching first dance, followed by a dance of the couple with Mac’s young sons, setting the stage for a lively dance floor. Heartfelt toasts brought the celebration to a close, leaving everyone with warm memories of a day filled with love, laughter, and joy.

Stay tuned for more beautiful celebrations and stories from our wedding planning adventures!

Vendor Team

Mahalo to talented group of vendors who made this amazing wedding day so successful!