Congrats on your engagement!!!  I actually started planning on my own and thought I was going to plan everything from NYC without help of a WC until I talked to Lori Lawrence of Tropical Maui Weddings. She and I clicked instantly and I realized she would really be my advocate in Maui for wedding planning.

I have been extremely hands on in planning still yet I know she will take care of everything the day of the wedding and if there are glitches I will never know as she will shield me from them and ensure things run smoothly. I am still talking/working directly with my vendors but she is CC'd on all emails etc just in case there are issues.

Thanks so much ladies! I can’t get over how sweet and amazing everyone is on here. This rocks! Lol  This is so great to have other brides who are planning and experiencing everything. I don’t feel so all alone in the planning J

As far as our guest count: We are inviting everyone on our "if we had a mainland wedding" list so roughly 220. (Tons of cousins that we never talk to but whose feeling would be hurt if they weren't included ... long story lol) Anyhow know for sure 10 people are coming plus the two of us. I could maybe see four to six more. (most friends are in new house and baby mode so they can't afford the trip) The smart ones who really want to go are putting $50 back a week to save.

I really love the lawns overlooking the ocean or that connect to the ocean. The beach would be great too, so long as it was pretty much only us there. I’ve seen some nightmare stories and photos of random people caught on film in beach weddings. That would really bother me. (I’m afraid my add would flare and take away from the moment)

The photographer and videographer are the most important elements to us because they capture everything. I’m willing to splurge on the best. Ultimately I know that only I can select my two because it’s so subjective. However I would love videographer recommendations. I really love the cinematic looking videos.

We also want an awesome dinner / party after our “I do's”. I have considered a restaurant and a luau as our reception venues. Going to do some more bio reading for sure. I still haven’t got a true feel for how the luau would work as a reception. Would love to see video of this scenario.

I have looked at a ton of your bio already and they are awesome! Great inspiration …makes me even more excited.

I love the plantation, but I can't see spending the money for so few people, ya know. Also I know100% for sure that I want to have a day of coordinator. I will happily pay someone else to sweat the small stuff so I can enjoy the emotions of the day. Lori was great over the phone for our first conversation, but again I can't see spending $950. I am an event planner and enjoy the planning process so I want to do most everything myself. I could totally see having the full WC package if we were having 50+ but since our count won’t surpass 20 I would rather save that money for our trip.