A Dream Wedding Maui | Stress-Free Wedding Planning, Destination Weddings, Personalizing Your Wedding

After one of the most intense storm weekends I’ve experienced in nearly 30 years on Maui, I’m sharing a quick but powerful episode you don’t want to skip. Because here’s the truth:✨ 99% of the time, Maui weddings are absolutely perfect…But it’s that 1%—when things don’t go as planned—that truly defines your vendor team. In this episode, I’m walking you through the top 3 questions you should ask your wedding planner (and any vendor) before you book—so you can feel confident, supported, and prepared no matter what comes your way. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Maui (or anywhere!), this is one of the most important conversations you can have. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why the “perfect Instagram wedding” doesn’t tell the full story How to vet your wedding planner and vendors beyond the highlight reel What really happens behind the scenes when weather, timelines, or vendors shift How experienced vendors stay calm and create solutions in real time Why understanding your priorities as a couple is key when plans change 🎯 THE 3 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR WEDDING VENDORS: 1. What does your work look like when things don’t go as planned?Anyone can execute a beautiful wedding on a perfect day—but what happens when it’s raining, windy, or timelines shift? 2. Can you walk me through a time something went wrong and how you handled it?This question reveals experience, problem-solving skills, and how your vendor shows up under pressure. 3. What’s your backup plan?From weather contingencies to vendor no-shows, every professional should have a clear plan (and a plan B… and C). 🌧️ REAL STORIES FROM A STORMY MAUI WEDDING WEEKEND In this episode, I also share real behind-the-scenes moments from this past weekend, including: Advocating for a couple when their ceremony location was about to be moved Navigating road closures and last-minute vendor changes Handling a wedding where key elements had to pivot quickly A past wedding where a florist didn’t show up—and how we refocused on what mattered most These are the moments where experience truly matters. 💛 A REMINDER FOR COUPLES It’s easy to choose vendors based on beautiful photos and social media—but what truly shapes your wedding experience is how your team shows up when things are not perfect. The best vendors:✔ Stay calm under pressure✔ Communicate clearly✔ Offer thoughtful solutions✔ Prioritize what matters most to you 🌺 PLANNING A MAUI WEDDING? I’d love to help you create a wedding that feels effortless, intentional, and completely you—no matter what comes your way. ✨ Book a consultation:[Insert your HoneyBook / consult link] 📸 Follow along on Instagram:@adreamweddingmaui 🌐 Learn more:adreamwedding.net 🎧 NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY Helping you plan your dream wedding with ease, confidence, and aloha 🤍

Planning your ceremony processional might seem simple… until you start adding parents, grandparents, stepparents, and your entire wedding party into the mix. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, Maui wedding planner Ashley breaks down the traditional ceremony processional order and the most common ways couples customize it for modern weddings — especially destination weddings in Hawaii. You’ll learn how to design a processional that feels natural, personal, and beautifully organized so everyone knows exactly where to be when it’s time to walk down the aisle. Ashley also shares insider tips from real Maui weddings, including a sweet moment many couples are adding to their ceremony and one of the biggest trends she’s seeing right now. In This Episode • The traditional wedding ceremony processional order• Why many couples customize the processional today• A sweet way the groom can honor both mothers before the ceremony• How to include blended families and special relatives• The growing trend of having the wedding party sit during the ceremony• A small moment that makes the aisle walk feel more personal• Why you don’t need to stress about timing your processional music Planning a Maui Destination Wedding? If you're dreaming of an intimate beach ceremony or a luxury oceanfront celebration in Hawaii, we’d love to help. Visit adreamwedding.net to schedule a complimentary consultation or connect with us on Instagram at @adreamweddingmaui.

n today’s episode of A Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m joined by Deb and Mike—an East Coast couple who chose to elope in Maui in December. We talk about their 13-year love story (including the daily morning emails that helped nurture their long-distance relationship), why they chose an intimate elopement over a traditional wedding, and what it’s really like planning a Maui wedding from five time zones away. They share the behind-the-scenes moments that made their day feel personal and meaningful—like choosing a non-religious ceremony with Hawaiian traditions, the magic of hearing the conch shell, and the surprising part of the ceremony they still think about: the symbolism of the lei and what it represents in marriage. We also chat about choosing the right beach at the right time of day (hello, golden hour!), the moment Deb saw her dream bouquet—tropical, bright, and joyful—and one small thing she would do differently next time. If you’re considering a Maui elopement, this conversation is full of reassurance, ideas, and permission to do your day your way. In this episode, we cover: Deb + Mike’s 13-year love story and how they met online The daily email tradition that kept their long-distance relationship strong Why they chose an elopement instead of a big wedding (and felt more present because of it) Planning a Maui elopement from the East Coast—and avoiding the “lost in translation” worry Choosing a non-religious ceremony with meaningful Hawaiian traditions The conch shell moment (and why it made the ceremony feel extra special) The symbolism of the lei and other details that made the ceremony feel personal The bouquet reveal: bright tropical flowers, birds of paradise, and total “yes!” energy Beach doubts the day before—and why the wedding-day vibe was completely different Their favorite moment: sharing private vows back at the hotel Advice for couples considering eloping in Maui (including how to handle outside opinions) Key takeaways: The right team makes planning from afar feel easy—and keeps your vision from getting lost. Golden hour + the right beach timing can completely change the vibe. Eloping doesn’t mean “skipping” the meaningful parts—it can actually amplify them. Your best wedding decisions usually come from following your gut. Links + Resources: Learn more about A Dream Wedding Maui: adreamwedding.net Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui If you loved this episode:Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who’s dreaming of saying “I do” in Maui. 🌺 Mahalo for listening — see you next Wednesday!

In this episode, I’m sharing why full-service wedding planning is one of the best investments you can make when planning a destination wedding in Maui. After helping thousands of couples get married here, I’ve seen firsthand how full planning transforms the experience from stressful and overwhelming to calm, organized, and truly enjoyable. I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes and why having a full-service planner saves you time, money, and emotional energy. From eliminating costly mistakes to managing vendor communication to creating a proven planning system that keeps everything running smoothly, full-service planning is designed to protect your peace throughout the entire journey. In this episode, I cover: Why “you don’t know what you don’t know” is often the biggest challenge for couples planning on their own How full-service planning prevents last-minute problems like missing florals or overlooked fees Why Maui vendors typically respond faster to planners and how that benefits your experience How a well-refined planning system can save you over 300 hours of work What I look for in contracts, timelines, and budgets to avoid surprises Why full-service clients enjoy a more peaceful engagement and a calm, grounded wedding day I also share real stories from recent weddings, including catching missing staffing fees in a venue contract, helping a couple navigate a forgotten floral order, and the behind-the-scenes work my team does to constantly improve our planning process. If you’re wondering whether full-service planning is worth it, this episode will give you a clear understanding of what you receive, how it supports your vision, and why the long-term value goes far beyond logistics. Resources Mentioned:Visit adreamwedding.net to learn more about our planning packagesFollow me on Instagram @adreamweddingmauiBook a consultation through my website or message me on Instagram If you’re dreaming of a beautiful, effortless, and joy-filled Maui destination wedding, I would love to support you on your planning journey.

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I sit down with my sweet bride Danyelle to relive her stunning summer wedding at Olowalu Plantation House. From her 12-year love story with Scott to her vibrant floral design and heart-melting father-of-the-bride moment, this conversation is packed with warmth, laughter, and inspiration. Danyelle shares what it was like planning a destination wedding on Maui, how she personalized her design with thoughtful touches (including a basketball-bracket-style seating chart!), and the lessons she learned along the way. We also chat about:💍 The moment she knew Olowalu Plantation House was “the one”🌸 Designing her dream wedding with Rochelle from Friday Flowers Every Day🎨 Infusing personality into elegant, tropical design🎥 Why trusting your planner makes all the difference in choosing vendors💖 The emotional surprises from her husband that brought everyone to tears Plus, I include a quick note about vendor professionalism and why it’s so important to work with a planner you trust before booking any vendors — a small decision that makes a huge impact on your wedding-day experience. Whether you’re planning your own Maui destination wedding or just love hearing real love stories, this episode will give you all the island wedding feels. 🌺

In this week’s episode, I chat with Corissa, who planned her stunning Olowalu Plantation House wedding all the way from Berlin! From an intimate welcome party at Hotel Wailea’s Birdcage Bar to a whale watch with Trilogy and a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by loved ones from around the world — Corissa’s Maui wedding was filled with creativity, connection, and emotion. We dive into her thoughtful design vision (inspired by volcanic tones and still-life art), her best advice for other destination couples, and how she and Jason navigated time zones, planning stress, and post-wedding blues with grace and humor. Whether you’re planning from afar or dreaming of Olowalu, this conversation is packed with inspiration and heart. ✨ In This Episode You’ll Hear: How Corissa and Jason planned their Maui wedding while living in Berlin The story behind their elegant, art-inspired design at Olowalu Plantation House Why they chose a long engagement and how it helped them stay grounded The vendors that brought their vision to life — from Maui Bars to Noni from Maui Palm Tree Floral Honest reflections on post-wedding emotions and the magic of slowing down to soak it all in Vendors Mentioned: Planner: A Dream Wedding MauiVenue: Olowalu Plantation HouseFlorals: Maui Palm Tree Floral (Noni)Catering: Food for the SoulBar Service: Maui BarsRentals: Rio Event DesignTransportation: Maui Tours & TransportPhotography: Jacqueline LockeVideography: Stephan BökerDJ: Jesse with Maui DJ Services 🌺 Connect with Us: Visit adreamwedding.net for Maui wedding inspiration and planning resources.Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

Your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye—and after months (or years!) of planning, the best gift you can give yourself is the ability to be truly present. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing six powerful ways to slow down, soak in the magic, and create memories that last a lifetime. From handing off logistics to your planning team, to building intentional pauses, to anchoring your favorite moments—you’ll walk away with simple, heartfelt strategies to actually enjoy your wedding day instead of rushing through it. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about a perfectly executed timeline or the exact shade of blush in your florals—it’s about connection, gratitude, and love. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌸 Why “overplanning and then letting go” is the key to peace of mind🌸 How to build intentional pauses that make the day feel less rushed🌸 Why you should put your phone away (and who to give it to instead)🌸 A simple gratitude practice to help you lock in memories🌸 How to release perfectionism so you can focus on joy🌸 The secret to anchoring memories you’ll treasure forever ✨ Whether you’re planning a beachside elopement or a grand oceanfront celebration, these tips will help you feel calm, present, and connected on your wedding day. 💌 Let’s Connect: Website: adreamwedding.net Instagram & Facebook: @adreamweddingmaui 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode, and if this helped you, please leave a review or share with a friend who’s planning their big day!

Hey friends, it’s Ashley! Today I’m diving into a problem that’s been growing in the wedding world lately — and especially here in Maui. And I’ll be honest…I’ve been part of it, too. It’s Amazon. What used to be one or two simple boxes from couples — a card box, some cocktail napkins, a few favors — has now turned into my team feeling like an Amazon fulfillment center. Dozens of boxes filled with candles, signage, chargers, and fragile glass arrive at venues, leaving us knee-deep in bubble wrap instead of where I want to be: by your side on the wedding day. In this episode, I’m sharing:✨ The hidden costs of ordering décor from Amazon (time, waste, and stress).✨ Why cheap online finds rarely hold up — fragile glass, paper-thin napkins, chargers that chip after one use.✨ The truth about live flame candles in Maui (and why LED is the way to go).✨ The new boundaries I’m setting so I can serve my couples at the highest level. At the end of the day, I want to be fully present with my clients, not unboxing Amazon shipments. Let’s rethink how we approach these wedding details and choose options that are beautiful, practical, and kind to Maui. 🌺 Find me at adreamwedding.net or on Instagram @adreamweddingmaui.

In today’s episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara has inspired me—and how it perfectly translates into the way we serve our couples. Unreasonable hospitality isn’t just about doing a good job. It’s about surprising and delighting people in deeply personal ways—in the small details, the big gestures, and the quiet moments that aren’t written on the timeline. I’ll share three real stories from weddings we’ve planned: The last-minute LED sparklers that almost didn’t arrive—and how we made sure every guest had one. A groom’s pet peeve about lighting—and the lengths we went to dim a neon sign so the dance floor felt just right. The time I reconstructed a bride’s dress minutes before her first look—because she deserved to feel radiant and confident walking toward her groom. I’ll also open up about what this means as our business grows: my commitment to making sure every couple feels cared for, seen, and celebrated through this level of above-and-beyond service. Because to us, wedding planning isn’t just about logistics—it’s about memory-making. ✨ Resources & Links Learn more: adreamwedding.net Follow on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a couple who wants a wedding that’s not just beautiful—but unforgettable.

Micro weddings are having a moment—and I am here for it! In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing all about Sarah and Aaron’s beautiful and intimate wedding at the Sheraton’s hidden gem: the Ali‘i Suite. From a sunset ceremony on a private lawn to a relaxed dinner on the lanai with their closest people, this day was low-stress, high-style, and absolutely unforgettable. Tune in to hear: What really defines a “micro wedding” (hint: it’s not just about the guest count) Why I love planning these stress-free, connection-filled celebrations A behind-the-scenes look at Sarah and Aaron’s wedding day flow My favorite Maui venues for micro weddings (including secret spots you might not know!) Tips for keeping your guest list tight—and why that matters with small venues How to make a micro wedding feel just as luxurious and meaningful as a big one Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or just want more quality time with your guests, this episode will inspire you to think small—in the best way. 🔗 Links & Resources: → Learn more at adreamwedding.net→ See real weddings on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui→ Ready to plan your Maui micro wedding? Book a free consult 🌺 Let’s Make Your Wedding Feel Like You Whether your celebration is 15 guests or 150, we’ll help you design a day that feels effortless, elegant, and full of aloha. Subscribe for weekly planning tips and inspiration!

📋 Episode Description (Podbean Show Notes): Not all vendors are created equal—and when it comes to planning a seamless Maui destination wedding, who you hire really matters. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing why our preferred vendor list is a total game changer for our clients. From florals to photography, DJs to dinner service, I break down how I personally vet each vendor we recommend—and why that list is actually quite small (for good reason!). I also share real stories of what can go wrong when couples go off-list—and what makes our vendor team such a dream to work with. If you're planning a wedding on Maui or anywhere, this is a must-listen before you start booking your vendors. 💡 What You’ll Learn: What a preferred vendor list actually is (and isn’t!) How I personally select and vet each vendor The difference between a smooth planning process and… well, chaos True stories that will make you want to trust the list Why assembling the right team is about more than just individual talent 🔗 Links + Resources: → Learn more at adreamwedding.net→ Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui→ Want to chat with me about your dream Maui wedding? Schedule a free consult 🌺 Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe for weekly tips on planning an effortless destination wedding in paradise, and leave a review if you’re loving the show! Mahalo for listening and trusting us with your big day.

🎧 Episode Summary:The big day is finally here — now what? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to expect on your Maui wedding day, from your first cup of coffee to your last dance. We’ll cover how the morning unfolds, what hair and makeup really looks like, why pacing yourself matters, and why a private post-ceremony moment might be your new favorite wedding hack. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest-of-honor who just wants to feel calm and prepared, this is your behind-the-scenes look at how the day typically flows — plus a few tips to help time slow down just a bit. You’ll learn:💄 When hair and makeup usually start (hint: it’s earlier than you think!)🍓 Why hydration, food, and minimal alcohol are game changers📸 The real reason you want to gather your flat lay items in advance💍 Whether or not to do a first look — and why it’s okay to change your mind🕊️ What happens behind the scenes before the ceremony🥂 Why you might want a post-ceremony private moment💃 And how to actually enjoy your cocktail hour and reception Mentioned in this episode: Hair & makeup day-of prep Flat lay photo tips Vow timing (spoiler: don’t wait until the day-of!) How your wedding planner runs the timeline so you don’t have to Let’s Connect:Ready to start planning your dream wedding in Maui?🌴 Book a consultation: www.adreamwedding.net📷 Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui 💌 Don’t forget:Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please leave a review if this helped you feel more prepared for your big day!