A clueless noob in need of help!

[mich3l3]

Okay, I’m raising my hand for some advice / suggestions over here! =)

 

I’m going to have my wedding in Maui – haven’t set a date yet but we’re thinking September 2009. It will be a small wedding with no more than 5–10 people attending.

 

I’ve never been to Hawaii (nor has my fiancé) so I’ve been browsing post after post and website after website trying to get a feel for Maui and where I want to have my wedding. As far as beaches go, The Cove at Makena seems quite nice but I worry about rain and there being too many other people around. Some of the estates / resorts look quite nice but honestly, they seem a bit out of budget. One reason we are wedding in Hawaii is to save costs. The gardens at Iao Valley are also appealing but as I’ve never been there I worry what it is like up close and personal. Is it crowded with tourists, etc? I’ve also looked at Seawatch as many people on here have mentioned it, but question whether I’ll get the “intimate†feel that I desire.

 

In regards to WC’s, it seems that a lot of people on here have used APDW and from the looks of their website, I’m thinking of contacting them.

 

So, my questions are…

 

1. What beach locations in Maui would you recommend?

2. Has anyone been to the gardens and if so, what are your thoughts on a wedding being held there?

3. What are your thoughts on having a wedding & reception at Seawatch? How intimate is the setting for a wedding? I’ve looked at the pictures and I get the feeling that a wedding party of 10 would look a bit drowned out …?

4. For those of you that have used APDW, any tidbits of information you’d like to share?

 

Thanks everyone!! =) =)

[montegobay09]

Well, I definately can't help you with your questions since I've never been there but I wish you luck with your planning! I'm sure it will all work out. Welcome!

[SAM]

Congratulations.

 

We are having a very small wedding too! Just our parents and siblings; 9 people total. We have been to Oahu but never Maui so I know the feeling of feeling alittle lost and worried about the decisions you are making. I feel that the lovely ladies on this forum have been beyond helpful.

 

I am on a very tight budget as we are footing the entire bill and I refuse to go into debt so I have cut back on alot of things. We are getting married at Kapalua Bay at 5:30 for sunset pictures etc. I've heard wonderful things about this beach from everyone.

 

I have heard wonderful things about APDW...I think Susan on the Maui forum used them. Gordan Nash is wonderful and does amazing work.

[mplscold]

It sounds like you are going to have the same type of wedding that we are planning. We are using APDW and Jo the WC has been great to work with so far. We will have Ian as our photographer. I have decided on the Cove because there seems to be so many photo opportunities there. It just looks amazing! We will only have 2-4 guests so not too worried about having enough room. I will let you know how it turns out after Feb 11th! Good Luck with your planning!!

[TA Dina]

What about having the ceremony at a resort? They can do it all for you in one shot. If you want to be on the south side of the island check out the Maui Prince. They've got a few locations for weddings on property and are on a great stretch of beach. So you have garden/lawn set up for the ceremony and then the beach for pics etc. Plus you're close enough to the Cove if you wanted to go over there too. Their room renovations were finally just completed too and they look pretty good IMO.

 

Kea Lani does a GORGEOUS setup on their lawn for smaller groups too. Or they have their Royal Fountain Terrace

 

Seawatch will fit what you want too. They've got quite a few different setups that can work for you.

[mich3l3]

Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts and advice. =)

 

Ta Dina, I'll look into the resorts you mentioned. My only concern with a resort wedding is the costs associated with it. Like Sam, my fiance and I will be paying for everything on our own and I do not want to even think about using credit. The wedding means a lot to me, but our future is my higher priority.

 

mplscold, you share my thoughts with how many pic opportunities the cove appears to have. I'll look forward to hearing from you after the big day in Feb! =)

 

Sam, I'm going to look into Kapalua Bay a bit more.

[azhuskergirl]

mich3l3-

 

I got married at Kapalua Bay in the am & while there were people on the beach, APDW did an amazing job of making it seem like they weren't there. Eric Dahl was my photographer & Arien Sherman was his assistant that day. Both were amazing. My pics are scheduled to be viewed by Friday, so look for those posts to be coming soon.

 

mplscold - I had Jo, too! I love her. Tell her Susan from AZ says hi. Oh, she was the best. Della was my on-site person on my wedding day & she couldn't have been better! Tell her you want a pineapple in your bouquet like mine....she'll laugh.

[mplscold]

Susan,

 

I will tell her hi from you, it will be nice to get to meet her in person, she has been great. Did you get your hair/make-up done for your wedding? If so, did Jo, line it up for you? I am still trying to decided if I want that done or not.

[azhuskergirl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mplscold Susan, I will tell her hi from you, it will be nice to get to meet her in person, she has been great. Did you get your hair/make-up done for your wedding? If so, did Jo, line it up for you? I am still trying to decided if I want that done or not.

If you go meet Jo before your wedding you'll see roosters running around outside the APDW office building. It was a trip!

I did set up my make-up through her. Regina was the woman's name. She also does hair, but one of my attendees is a hairdresser & did my hair for my wedding present, so I didn't need it.

[Nicole119]

Hi! I got married on Maui and am now a full-time resident as well! I also work in the wedding industry and would love to help you out!!

 

1. What beach locations in Maui would you recommend? It depends on if you are staying on the West or the South side. Let me know and I'll tell give you my best recommendations.

 

2. Has anyone been to the gardens and if so, what are your thoughts on a wedding being held there? I wouldn't hold a wedding here. It's beautiful, yes, but tour busses are shuttled in and out of this place all day. It will be crowded and not secluded in any way.

 

 

3. What are your thoughts on having a wedding & reception at Seawatch? How intimate is the setting for a wedding? I’ve looked at the pictures and I get the feeling that a wedding party of 10 would look a bit drowned out …? Weddings at the Seawatch are elegant and the view is amazing. I don't think that a wedding of 10 is too small for the Seawatch at all.

 

 

4. For those of you that have used APDW, any tidbits of information you’d like to share? I've never worked with this company but have worked with many many others that I might be able to help you with!

 

P.S. I got married at Makena (Secret) Cove beach on the south side. There were two other weddings going on at the same time. Everyone gets married there so it's not the most secluded place but it is beautiful!!