Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Travel Destination Weddings Liz and Michael's Laid-Back Destination Wedding in Hawaii By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 28, 2020 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos The Couple Bryan Derballa The day Liz Cebron met Michael Williams for a rooftop lunch arranged by a mutual friend in 2011, it was a scorching 90 degrees. The New Yorkers hit it off, but it's not the scintillating conversation that she remembers most. "Michael wore a black button-down shirt, and he wasn't sweating at all," says Liz, a digital strategist for J.Crew. "I thought that was pretty amazing!" When she and Michael, founder of a marketing firm and a style blogger at A Continuous Lean, met up a few weeks later at a music festival in Newport, Rhode Island, the pal Liz had come with wanted to head back to Manhattan early. Michael stepped up and offered to take Liz home later. "The rest," he says, "is history." Just over two years later, Michael popped the question, only this time he wasn't as cool. (In fact, his face and neck were so flushed, he told Liz he had razor burn.) Despite his nerves—and a few seconds of fumbling for the ring—he managed to propose during an evening walk in Central Park, catching her completely off-guard. That wasn't the only surprise: He also flew in Liz's parents from California for a celebration at a nearby restaurant. When it came to planning their April 26, 2014, wedding, the couple made it a top priority to trade the city for the surf, inviting 103 loved ones to join them for a luau at The Club at Kukui'ula, a private property on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. "It's hard for us to relax with the craziness of New York and our jobs, and it's hard not to relax and be happy when you're in Hawaii," says Liz. 01 of 14 The Invitations Bryan Gardner The engraved suite was intentionally minimal, putting the focus on the oversize, light gray lettering. It was designed by JP Williams at Design:MW and produced by Terrapin Stationers & Engraving Co. 02 of 14 Hanging Out Bryan Derballa Michael, with his groomsmen and groomswoman, relaxes on a Kukui'ula cottage porch before the ceremony. Many guests stayed on the property for the weekend. "It felt like college again, in a good way," says the bride. 03 of 14 The Ceremony Bryan Derballa The entire day was marked by just the kind of mellowness the duo craved. A slack-key guitarist played during the nondenominational ceremony, which took place in front of an elephant-ear tree on the six-acre farm at Kukui'ula. 04 of 14 The Bridal Party Bryan Derballa Each bridesmaid wore a sea-glass-green silk-chiffon J.Crew gown with the neckline of her choice. 05 of 14 The Bridal Bouquet Bryan Derballa Liz carried a bright clutch of peonies, phalaenopsis orchids, garden roses, cymbidiums, succulents, and scabiosa pods, created by Martin Roberts Design. 06 of 14 The Fashions Bryan Derballa Michael, in a custom Freemans Sporting Club suit, and Liz, in J. Mendel, celebrate their newlywed status poolside at The Club at Kukui'ula on Kauai. "Hawaii has everything that makes me happy," says Liz. "Surfing, warm weather, and the best mai tais." 07 of 14 A Beautiful Sky Bryan Derballa After a day of scattered rain and clouds, the sky cleared just after the vow exchange, revealing a spectacular sunset. 08 of 14 The Escort Cards Bryan Derballa Calligraphed escort cards by Paperfinger, set in wooden planks, were marked by painterly brushstrokes. 09 of 14 Island Style Bryan Derballa The couple's friend Teva wears traditional Hawaiian garb and sounds a conch shell at sunset to invite revelers to dinner. 10 of 14 The Reception Bryan Derballa Everyone took part in a traditional Hawaiian pig roast. After the meal, when the DJ pumped up the volume, the groom—who had been hurt in a ski accident just months before—had another surprise in store. "We didn't know if he'd heal in time to walk, let alone dance," says Liz. But true to form, Michael didn't sweat it. In the end, he didn't even need a leg brace, making their first twirl as husband and wife extra-unforgettable. By the morning of the wedding, Michael and Liz still hadn't decided on their first dance song. They ultimately chose The Beatles' "Something." 11 of 14 The Photo Booth Bryan Derballa The bride's father, mother, brother, and brother's girlfriend get goofy in the photo booth. 12 of 14 The Cake Topper Bryan Derballa In honor of the bride's Japanese heritage, custom kokeshi dolls of the duo and their pup, Lancey, top the cake. 13 of 14 A Tropical Touch Bryan Gardner Guests received "tropical nightcaps," which included mini bottles of locally distilled dark rum tied with calligraphed tags. 14 of 14 Sources Bryan Derballa Location, Catering, and Cake: The Club at Kukui'ulaEvent Planning: Marlene Mira at Mira*MiraFlowers and Event Design: Martin Roberts DesignPhotography: Bryan DerballaOfficiant: Niles KageyamaStationery: JP Williams at Design:MW [design]; Terrapin Stationers & Engraving Co. [printing] Calligraphy: PaperfingerMusic: Pancho Graham [ceremony and cocktail hour slack-key guitarist]; C Squared Entertainment [DJ]Videography: Kai MediaLighting: ET ServicesBride's Gown: J. MendelAccessories: Saint Laurent [shoes]; Platt Boutique [ring]Hair: Emiliano De PasqualMakeup: Mia MoriguchiMakeup Tutorial: Moani LeeBridesmaid and Groomswoman Dresses and Groomsmen Suits: J.CrewGroom's Custom Suit: Freemans Sporting Club Groom's Accessories: Charvet [shirt]; John Lobb [shoes]; Jaeger-LeCoultre [watch, custom-engraved by the bride]; Tiffany & Co. [ring] Groom's, Groomsmen's, and Fathers' Custom Ties: Alexander OlchTransportation: SpeediShuttleBridesmaid Gifts: Bamboula LTD Beach Bag from J.Crew, J.Crew Rashguard, Fuji Instax Mini 8 White Camera & Film, Love Birds LA clutchGroomsmen Gifts: Harry's Shave Kits, Onia Swim Trunks, Tanner Goods Dopp KitsKokeshi Doll Cake Toppers: Custom by Pegged Photobooth: ShakaPics PhotoboothTent: Lee's Rentals, Inc.Welcome Bags: Custom by Maptote Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit