bridetov

 As a wedding gift for hubs- I performed a surprise wedding hula dance for him at our reception in Maui. I took lessons on the sly for months (he had NO idea!). Despite tripping over my (too long dress) the entire dance, hubs said it was the best gift he'd ever received. I'm so proud that I actually went through with it because 1) I'm *not* a dancer and 2) I have insane stage freight. And it's really cool that we have this memory to look back on. Hubs still talks about it daily- and now calls me his "hula" girl I didn't have a videographer- but my dad caught part of it on his video camera. It turned out SO dark that you could barely see anything. Luckily, I have a cousin in the film editing world that was able to lighten it up for me. So, without further ado-- here it is (be gentle ladies-- like I said, I'm NOT a dancer)  Click here ---> http://vimeo.com/14349083

I brought my photographer over with us. Her name is Melissa McClure and... she is out of this world. She lives in San Diego, CA, but travels for DWs. Here is a review I wrote for her on these boards : http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/60612/melissa-mcclure-photography-destination-wedding-photographer  She LOVES going to Maui and her prices is fabulous considering it's inclusive of travel, Trash the Dress shoot, and wedding day photos. Amazing really!

It was this one: http://www.ebags.com/product/wally-bags/52-dress-bag/93250?productid=1232672 Â Plenty roomy enough, fit airline requirements, durable and easy to carry. I ended up selling mine to another DW bride for her upcoming wedding.

VERY small world. We just found out that she went to school with one of my friend's (who made my cake table runner) husband. CRAZY small world!! Â You are getting married in Jamaica, right?! And you're doing a TTD too?! Oooooh, how exciting. I wish I could relive our wedding in Maui EVERY DAY!!!

I want to post reviews for all my vendors: coordinator, DJ, florist, etc. I just think it's more logical to post them under the area where they are located. When I was planning, that's where I looked. Though, the format has changed a bit. Â Â But it seems like the only place I can write a review is in the "bride referrals" and that's for ALL destination weddings. There aren't any subgroups, right- or am I missing something?

My wedding is all over (4/7/10) but thought I'd post some of my DIY projects on here. Â Â I made a luggage tags and sent them out as Save the Dates. I had someone I found on Etsy take write our STD info in the sand and then photograph it. Then I added the initials of each guests on the other side. Wrapped them up all cute, added a dab of Plumeria scented oil (to make them smell yummy) and our guests LOVED them! Â Â

I know there is a section under vendors- for bride referrals. But I have Maui-specfic vendor reviews and I feel like they will get lost if I put them in the "general vendors" for ALL destination weddings, you know what I mean? Am I allowed to post vendor reviews in a specific destination thread?

Ohmygosh Sorod1!!! How cool is that?! I knew she was meeting with a potential client in Chicago- but didn't know it was you (I stalk her on FaceBook still). Congrats!! And isn't she the sweetest most darling person ever?! You will LOVE LOVE LOVE your photos!!!

I made my luggage tags and sent them out as Save the Dates. Â I had someone I found on Etsy take write our STD info in the sand and then photograph it. Then I added each persons initials on the other side. Wrapped them up all cute, added a dab of Plumeria scented oil (to make them smell yummy) and our guests LOVED them! Â Â Â

I bought a garment bag that folded (search for: Wally Garment Bags) and it worked PERFECT. It held my dress, veil, TTD, and hubs's suit. And it folded so that it remained within the airlines size requirements. The airline attendants let us hang it in the first class cabin closet at full length too.

I'm not familiar with Jamie Lawrence's music- but I used Wilmont and he was beautiful! He played guitar and sang during the ceremony & cocktail hour. Then he turned into a DJ for our reception!! Just the nicest guy too.

Actually- if you send me your email address, I have a bunch of pictures that my coordinator sent me of the RL cottages. If you are interested, I'd be happy to forward them on to you.

I've not stayed at either- but I know the area well as I've been going to Maui since I was little. When I was looking for venues for my own Maui wedding- the Royal Lahaina was on my short list. They have private beach front cottages where you can hold your wedding- and it's quite private. You'd have to rent the cottage for 2 nights though- as check-in times are late, and it wouldn't give you enough time to set up on the day of. But I think it would be a great spot to get Maui'd!!

@ Erica: Thanks for the compliments sweets! If you need any help drop me a message. I'd be happy to help anyway I can. ALL my vendors were out of this world (and budget friendlier than most) and I'm more than comfortable to recommend them 110%. As far as accommodations- there are several options for you and your guests that aren't going to totally break the bank.

I used Jessica Waite for makeup and Dan Sanchez for hair. Both were OUT OF THIS WORLD!! And I'd highly recommend them to anyone getting married on Maui.

I had my wedding at the Lahaina Oceanfront Estate (on Front Street). It was a stunning and super private location! It even had a heart shaped pool! The owner and overseer of the property were SO nice and accommodating!! Here is the website: Lahaina Accommodations Maikai Hale Although, I had about 30 people and it was the perfect size. Perhaps this property would be too small? I know there are lots of estates and properties (especially in South Maui) that can accommodate weddings and groups of that size. Have you done a simple Google search?!

Where are you planning on having your wedding? If it's on the west side of the island I have the BEST coordinator to recommend. She is CRAZY prompt with her correspondence (I never waited more than 24 hours for a reply), she's VERY organized, and.. just everything that you would hope for in a wedding coordinator. I was never surprised with any fees- she actually has a flat rate and that's all you have to pay. $750.00 (I think) for full coordination services plus the day of coordination!! I didn't find anyone else on the island that even came close to that price. I'm a bit of an organizer myself- but she let me have my hands in everything. However, she was there when I needed help or suggestions or didn't want to deal with something. I can't say enough WONDERFUL things about her!! Her website is outdated and doesn't reflect the kind of work she does- so please don't let that scare you (it did with me at first). But give her a call and talk to her. It's important that you get along with your coordinator and are on the same wave length. Here is her website. Seriously- Cherise is AMAZING!!! The Perfect Wedding A Beautiful Maui Experience

I 2nd Coco's suggestion of Food for the Soul. They include all your tables, chair, linen rentals and their prices are some of the best on the island. But the best part is their food is WONDERFUL! Our guests RAVED about their dinners (we had plated, but they can do buffet) . Tina really works with you on price, is super prompt with correspondence and... just a doll. My experience with them was 110% perfect and I would recommend them a hundred times over!!!! Edit: I just came back to post a link to their site for you- and found US on their home page!!! Tina said they were reworking their website and I gave her permission to use our pictures... but I'm just giddy to see how it turned out!! They really were a HUGE reason our wedding turned out as wonderful as it did. It's just so fun to see it showcased on their website!! Here is there website: http://www.foodforthesoulmaui.com/ Please contact them- you'll be really impressed with their service!!

The problem is venue- most private estates that are ocean front with a nice lawn have a minimum night stay- which adds up FAST! Have you checked out the Olowalu Plantation House? I think it ranges from $2k to $4k. For the size of your group- you need something larger like that property. @nursebecky: you will LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Della!!!! I still keep up with her and she is AMAZING with what she does!!

Dan was a dream come true... and the kind of fun guy I wanted to hang out with on my wedding day. Everyone loved him!

I've never been there myself- but I have a good friend (she's just an amazing girl) that had her small wedding reception at Gannon's Resturant after they got hitched on the beach. She (and a few others) left reviews on anther website called Project Wedding. You can find it here: Seawatch Restaurant - Kihei, HI Also- my friend's planning page on PW can be found here: ShellS's biography - Project Wedding Her entire wedding was TO DIE FOR! She planned most of it herself and designed most of the paper products herself. Actually, she has since opened the most darling Etsy shop that has just the most unique and beautiful wedding items. It can be found here: Designs by Sweet Peas and Seashells by sweetpeasseashells on Etsy I purchased my own (Maui Wedding) cake table runner and it's... oh, it's just BEAUTIFUL!! Hope this helps!

We got Maui'd April 7th, 2010 and (finally) received our certificate in early July. We also didn't do a rush- but do know it takes longer than certificates on the mainland. I think that's called "island time"

Aston Kaanapali Shores is directly next to Papakea (where my parents own a condo at). It too is owned by Aston. It sounds like a very similar situation. Though, having walked by Kaanapali Shores a millions times (my folks also have a condo on the opposite side @ Kaanapali Beach Club) I really like Papakea's grounds & pools better. But it's really depends on the "grade" of room you get. If you get an upgraded room- it makes all the difference in the world.

@Fall: I had 2010 pricing so I would recommend that you contact Melissa directly. Her email is: [email protected]. She is really prompt in her correspondence and would gladly give you a quote for your wedding. Let me know how it goes!!

Awww, thanks gals! I now have the chore of sifting through 1400 STUNNING pictures of my wedding for gifts, albums, etc. I suppose it could be worse though, right?