Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Celebrity Weddings
  4. Renee Puente and Matthew Morrison's Destination Wedding in Hawaii
Martha Stewart Weddings

Renee Puente and Matthew Morrison's Destination Wedding in Hawaii

Skip gallery slides
Pin
renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w5646-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Not even Hurricane Ana could stop this model and actor from getting Maui-ed.

Start Slideshow

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Couple

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w5646-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography
See Renee and Matthew’s Wedding Video

In the hierarchy of pickup lines, "Howzit, sista?" wins the award for Best Use of Hawaiian Slang. (And yes, we may have just invented that award.) The recipient of this distinguished title is Glee's triple threat Matthew Morrison, who tried it on model Renee Puente when he overheard her speaking pidgin at a Hollywood party in 2011. He was familiar with the Hawaiian dialect from summers of singing backup to Don Ho, and she grew up on Oahu. "When he came up to me, I had no idea who he was," Renee says. "I just started laughing because it was so adorable to see this cute white boy talking pidgin."

They talked some more—this time, in plain old English—and after two years of dating, a month of which was spent on a bus as Matthew toured for his new album, he tearfully proposed in Maui with a sapphire-and-diamond ring. With the islands being such a big part of their story already, the pair began planning an intimate three-day modern luau that included a welcome dinner, a sunset cruise, and on the last day, their nuptials on a private estate.

However, even the best lei plans often go awry. Hurricane Ana rolled past Hawaii the exact weekend of their wedding, causing an emerald sunset the night of the cruise ("It was phenomenal," Matthew says) but a total downpour on their wedding day, October, 18, 2014. Luckily (or fatefully), "the moment my mom and I walked down the aisle, it stopped raining," Matthew recalls. The storm paused for the entire nondenominational ceremony while the pair exchanged self-penned vows and walked up a lavender-rose-petaled aisle to Pharrell Williams's "Happy." During the reception, where 43 guests sat at farm tables to enjoy kalbi short ribs, misoyaki cod, huli huli chicken, and fried rice, the weather continued to cooperate. Not a single drop fell as Matthew surprised his bride by playing the ukulele and singing her late mom's favorite song, "Top of the World," by The Carpenters. (There were plenty of teardrops, though.) And in a wedding-day miracle, "The rain held off until the band said, 'Okay, thank you, good night!'" Matthew says. "I can't even tell you how perfect it was."

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Postcard-Like Setting

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-001-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

After Matthew proposed in Maui, the couple chose the island to be the backdrop to their chic Hawaiian celebration. "We wanted a slower pace, and Maui is a great mix of touristy and natural beauty," Matthew says. 

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Invitations

stationery-hawaii-invitations-038-d111867.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner

Travel-themed invites by Details Design Studio outlined the three-day event's activities.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Fashions

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w5646-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

The bride, in a custom Gustavo Cadile gown, smiled with her Brooks Brothers-clad groom.

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All About That Lace

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-016-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Renee found inspiration for her Gustavo Cadile gown on Pinterest, then visited the designer, who custom-made it. "We looked through thousands of lace fabrics," Renee says. "But the first one I saw was the one we ended up going with. It was so beautiful."

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bouquet

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-010-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Renee's bouquet was composed of garden and spray roses, café au lait dahlias, scabiosas, clematis, veronicas, millet, and bay leaves. 

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Something Blue

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-041-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography
Read More About How Matthew Proposed to Renee

Matthew designed the sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring himself with the help of The Diamond Source in San Diego. "I didn't realize it until after the fact, when people started to say, 'It looks like Kate Middleton's ring,' that, oh yeah, it does!'"

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Party

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-011-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Renee's two sisters were bridesmaids, along with other pals; Matthew chose close buds for his crew. "By the day of the wedding, everyone was lifelong friends," Renee says.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridesmaids' Bouquets

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-012-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Each of Renee's bridesmaids held a grouping of lisianthus, irises, blue curiosa roses, ocean song roses, maidenhair fern, and scabiosa pods. The colors reflected the bride's favorite shade, lavender. 

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Sound of What's to Come

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-007-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

A blown conch shell marked the official beginning of the ceremony. 

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Processional

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-024-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

"As a little girl, I would make my dad buy me bridal magazines," Renee says of her father, who walked her down the aisle to "Feels Like Home" by Chantal Kreviazuk. "I was always that girl who dreamt of her wedding until I got older, and then I didn't want to get married anymore. But Matthew changed my world."

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony Setting

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-001-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

The ceremony arch bloomed with roses, lisianthus, veronicas, passion vines, eucalyptus, and olive branches.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w3776-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

During the emotional ceremony, Matthew pulled out a handkerchief he had embroidered with Renee's married initials, "RMM," to wipe her tears.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Flower Girl

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-021-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Renee's niece tossed rose petals as she walked down the aisle in a dress from FlowerGirlsCouture.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Happily Maui-ed

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-032-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography
Listen to Matthew and Renee’s Full Wedding Playlist

After exchanging vows, the pair recessed up the rose-lined aisle to Pharrell Williams's "Happy."

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cocktails

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-007-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Guests sipped on La Puente Calientes (a jalapeño martini) and Morrison Mai Tais during cocktail hour.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Weather

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w3348-2-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

A hurricane may have dampened the island, but not the guests' spirits—nor the actual ceremony, for that matter. "It rained all day long," Matthew says. "But the moment my mom and I walked down the aisle, it stopped. And the rain held up until the band said, 'Okay, thank you, good night!' Then—boom—it started pouring again." 

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Centerpieces

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-017-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

At each reception table, wooden bowls held arrangements of purple hydrangea, scabiosa pods, irises, lisianthus, ranunculus, campanula, clematis, allium, and roses. 

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Special Seating

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-006-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Hand-painted signs, olive branches, and lace marked the pair's dinner spots.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Island Style

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-w6042-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

"We were just hoping we'd get our moves right," Matthew says of their hula at the reception. "And we did!"

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-morison-053-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

All of the wedding's festivities—from Thursday's welcome dinner to Saturday's reception—took place at a private estate right on the beach in Kihei. 

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

renee-matthew-wedding-maui-hawaii-008-s111851.jpg
Credit: Natalie Watson Photography

Event Planning: Kevin Covey Wedding & Event Coordination

Catering: Celebrations Catering 

Event and Floral Design: Inviting Occasion 

Photography: Natalie Watson Photography; Watson Studios 

Videography: Perryfield Films

Photo Booth: Epic Entertainment Hawaii

Stationery: Details Design Studio

Music: Crazy Fingers

Conch Shell Blower and Hula Dancers: Manutea Nui E

Rentals: Signature Maui chairs; Envisions Entertainment & Productions, Inc. tables and wood canopies; Island Rents

Bride's Gown and Veil: Gustavo Cadile 

Bride's Accessories: Emmy London shoes; The Diamond Source jewelry

Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bebe

Flower Girl Dress: FlowerGirlsCouture

Groom's and Groomsmen's Suits: Brooks Brothers 

Lighting: Epic Lighting 

Transportation: Roberts Hawaii  

Child Care: The Nanny Connection

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Following Their Unofficial Las Vegas Elopement, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Are Now Legally Married
    • This Couple Hosted a Flower-Filled Rooftop Wedding Celebration in Downtown Washington D.C.
    • This Couple Tied the Knot Under a Chuppah Surrounded by Aspen Trees in Colorado
    • Ahead of Their 10-Year Wedding Anniversary, Jessica Biel Just Revealed How Justin Timberlake Proposed
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 The Couple
    2 of 22 A Postcard-Like Setting
    3 of 22 The Invitations
    4 of 22 The Fashions
    5 of 22 All About That Lace
    6 of 22 The Bouquet
    7 of 22 Something Blue
    8 of 22 The Bridal Party
    9 of 22 The Bridesmaids' Bouquets
    10 of 22 The Sound of What's to Come
    11 of 22 The Processional
    12 of 22 The Ceremony Setting
    13 of 22 The Ceremony
    14 of 22 The Flower Girl
    15 of 22 Happily Maui-ed
    16 of 22 The Cocktails
    17 of 22 The Weather
    18 of 22 The Centerpieces
    19 of 22 Special Seating
    20 of 22 Island Style
    21 of 22 The Reception
    22 of 22 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Renee Puente and Matthew Morrison's Destination Wedding in Hawaii
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.