Crystals & Keys ~ Marla & Gary unlocking the spirit of love!

Marla & Gary – unlocking the spirit of love

About 7 years ago, when I was just a getting into the wedding business, a wonderful girl named Marla took me under her wing and showed me the ropes of the wedding business on Maui.  I have her to thank for the start of my career as a planner and she has taught me so much along the way.  Unfortunately for the Maui wedding industry, Marla left the wedding business to open her own amazing boutique called Details.

Marla, gorgeous fashionista extraordinaire, met Gary, a boyishly handsome and humorous, at the roulette table in Las Vegas while Marla was visiting for a retail trade show.   Gary was immediately enamored and asked Marla out on a date.  The continued to talk over the phone after they returned to their homes.  Marla, living on Maui, and Gary was living in Seattle.  It took about a year before Gary announced that he was packing his bags and moving to Maui to be with Marla.

Since we as planners, know how important it is not to coordinate your own wedding (too much stress!), I had the pleasure of being Marla’s coordinator and was able to repay her for being such a huge part of my career. The planning process was so much fun, and actually very much stress-fee. Marla is one that knows exactly what she wanted form the very beginning which made the planning seamless.

Marla knew immediately that she wanted to hold the event at Haiku Mill, which is a reconstructed sugar mill.  She envisioned a romantic, vintage theme with fall colors, and we decided on a rich chocolate brown, complimented by muted golds and olive greens.  Because Haiku Mill is so rich in ambiance, we wanted to compliment the surroundings without going overboard.  We complimented the venue and the color scheme with dark burgundy dahlias, ivory hydrangea, and wax flower used in the centerpieces and scattered small bud vases.  We mixed in natural dark woods using Manzanita and succulents as well to give it a cooler complimenting tone.

For the décor, we played with strands of crystals underneath the canopy to compliment the existing crystal chandeliers.  Place cards were tea stained by the bride herself and attached to an array of vintage skeleton keys.  All of the table numbers were hand-painted by a wonderful artist from Etsy: Cheryl from My Primitive Boutique

Guests enjoyed simple, yet refined “pupus” by Maui Executive Catering (that’s Hawaiian for hours d’ vours), of Coconut Shrimp, refreshing Lump Crab & Rock Shrimp Summer Rolls, and Grilled Chicken Skewers with Thai Peanut Sauce.  For dinner an incredible buffet of Szechuan Veggies, wok-fired at the buffet, along with Macadamia Nut Encrusted Fresh Mahi Mahi with a Miso Butter Sauce, Hoisin Braised Short Ribs (OMG amazing),  with Wasabi Crème Fraiche, accompanied by Asparagus Risotto with White Truffle Oil and Shaved Parmesan Reggiano.  Ah-maz-ing!

Congratulations Marla & Gary!!! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of these incredible moments in your lives! Love & Aloha – Jane

Special thanks to Marla’s hand-picked “A-Team”:
Photography by: Scott Drexler of Photos on Maui
Cinematography by: Todd Perkins of Hawaii Video Memories
Hair & Makeup by: Mira Carman

The island of Lana'i – a different Hawaiian Experience.

I absolutely love going to the island of Lana’i, whether it’s just for a day or a weekend getaway!  On  Lana’i everything slows down; it is quiet, relaxing and absolutely beautiful.  Lana’i is one of the only islands that is easily accessible by ferry from the island of Maui.  A short 45 minute ferry ride aboard the Lanai Expeditions Ferry and a small round trip transportation fee of $50.00  will take you to the “Pineapple Island”.

I found myself itching for a weekend getaway this last weekend and thought while I was on Lana’i I should check out an amazing private estate owned by some friends that has just become available for vacation rental and weddings. As I had suspected, this custom built gated estate blew my mind away…..

The 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home stretches over 7,500 square feet of living area, just perfect for entertaining! Gorgeous hardwood floors, etched glass windows and ceder exterior siding compliment the tropical surroundings.

Some of the other amenities include a wide wrap around deck boasting 180 degree ocean views, beautifully manicured lawns and lush tropical foliage that can accommodate a larger outdoor wedding recepiton.

The kitchen is adorned with granite counter tops and a wrap around bar – truly is a chef’s dream.

Beautiful panoramic views of the Ocean and neighboring islands can be seen from the bedrooms.

This estate is a gem like no other that can offer absolute privacy and serenity for the couple who want a different Hawaiian Experience. For larger groups, since the estate can only sleep 8-10 people,  the amazing and luxurious Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay is conveniently located just a few minutes away to accommodate your guests. Contact Belle Destination Weddings and Events if you would like any further information.

Lena ~

Private Wedding Estate in Tahiti

Tahiti Bound!

Some family friends recently went for a 2-week stay in Tahiti…I know…completely jealous!  They went to visit another family friend of ours who just happens to own an amazing black pearl farming business on the island of Moorea.  They have an incredible home of which they rent out and it has become available for private Tahiti weddings as well!  Anyone interested?  We are dying to do an event in Tahiti… I mean come on..who isn’t?

The 3 bedroom, 220 sq. meter villa features a private office (just in case) and it’s own private gym!  The rates are incredibly reasonable, especially compared to what you find in Tahiti normally.  Imagine yourself beach-front, tropical drink in hand, soft island breeze, calm lagoons and far off waves crashing on the outer reefs!  There is also plenty of yard space for a party of any size, but knowing Tahiti, you will want to keep it small and intimate. A beautiful wedding adventure awaits!  Contact Belle Destination Weddings & Events if you would like to receive additional information for your very own private Tahiti wedding at this gorgeous locale!