Hi Ladies!
I was able to plan my wedding in 9 months with the help of the ladies here and want to pay it forward. I got married last friday and it was a glorious day!
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Tropical Maui Weddings A++
Lori and Jackie were instrumental in keeping me calm and stress free. They handled all of the details and were great at keeping me on schedule. Expecially because I chose to have my hair and makeup done last. Not the best idea. When it started to rain at 3 in the afternoon and crocodile tears were streaming down my face, Lori had a tent ordered in less than 2 minutes. The weather ended up clearing up and the tent wasn't necessary, but it was nice to know that I didn't have to worry about anything.
Venue
Olowalu Platntation House. A++++
The place was spectacular. Photos don't do it justice and I'm blessed that we were able to have our event there.
Sunset Villa A+/C-
We rented the house next door to the plantation house so that we could have AC. The plantation house doensn't have any, and I didn't want to bake in the room while waiting to walk down the aisle. It was absolutely beautiful with all of the amentiies necessary to be comfortable. I give a C- because of the property managers. They were difficult to work. I asked to check in two hours earlier so that I could unload the alcohol. I was told that if I wanted to to come earlier, I should pay for the extra night. I told them that I had rented the house for a week, couldn't they work with me and figure something out. Nope, they hung up on me.
Officiant
Greg Scott - A!
Our ceremony was short and sweet. Intimate and unrehearsed. Greg was great at personalizing our ceremony and kept it from being too cookie cutter.
Photographer
Scott Drexler A++
Scott was fun and relaxed and blended seamslessly into the party. We saw some of the shots he got, and they were truly the magical moments that take yor breath away. We had a trash the dress photoshoot three days later and he directed us in such a calm and easy going manner. He already made a slideshow presentation and it was mere hours after the photoshoot. You can see the video at
https://Vimeo.com/49225122
Caterer
Aloha Events A+
Chef Lee and Michelle made it easy to choose our passed hor's douevres and entrees. Everyone at the wedding commented on how delicious everything was. The favorite among everyone was the lamb with pesto. Even people that didn't know they liked lamb, devoured it.
Bartender
Maui Bars R Us A++
Delicous drinks ready as soon as the ceremony was over. My guests were good and intoxicated and enjoyed every cocktail. She told me how much alcohol to buy, and I went over her suggested amount. I should have listened. Her numbers were spot on. I had to return to Costco and return the extra alcohol.
Decor
Pacific Isle Rentals A
Chiavari chairs, dining canopies, uplights, and the bamboo canopy we got married under made the evening look festive and beautiful. My husband even admitted that the canopies contributed to the sparkly and intimate atmosphere.
Shuttle
Maui Tours & Transportation A
They came, they picked up guests, they dropped them off. I even asked the driver to make multiple stops, and he was completely agreeable. I asked him to wait for my extremely drunk friend and he just smiled and said sure! It was a mini bus for 25 people and there was a two hour minimum each drop off. But it was still a lot cheaper than some other options.
Maui Flip Book A+++
My guests had such a blast, it was the talk of the party. They were professional and worked well with my guests and even worked on a cover that matched my invitation. Loved them!
Rehearsal Lunch Restaurant
Aloha Mixed Plate - B+
They were able to accomodate 18 people, and some of the food was good, the rest was ok. I should have gone with Da Kitchen. The food is always fantastic there.
Hotel
Maui Hyatt Resort & Spa A-
They gave me the best block rates out of all of the hotels in Ka'anapali, and my guests all enjoyed the pool and thought their rooms were great. My husband and I got the Ocean Suite. Honestly, we were better off with a regular guest room. Those bathrooms were larger than ours.
Desserts
Cakes by Joanne - A+
We opted for a dessert buffet with mini cheesecakes and chocolate covered strawberries. I also included stick donuts from Komodas and chocolate peanut butter mochi from Maui Specialty Chocolate. The table was cleared in minutes. People simply couldn't get enough.
DJ
Del Sol - A+++
He played great music, took requests and had people on the dance floor. There was no obnoxious talking and he even rounded everyone up for our sparkler entrance while playing out introduction song..
Entertainment
Polynesian show - kuliaikanuuproductions A
Lots of energy and costume changes. We probably should have only book them for 30 minutes because an hour was long, and people were running around grabbing desserrs and getting their flipbooks, but everyone enjoyed their performance\\
Leis
Maui Elegance. - A
I ordered a Maile Dendrobium orchid lei for my husband and leis for the mothers. They were aboslutely beautiful. It's a shame my husband kept asking me when he could take "the salad " off.
Flowers
Maui Foral - A+
They are the florist that Costco uses. I spoke with Maureen who was able to help me figure out which flowers to use as centerpieces and which would hold up well. They were awesome and they were cheap.
Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, and Happy Planning!
xoxo