A Traditional Hawaiian Destination Wedding in Maui

Updated on September 20, 2018

Stephanie and Charles' Hawaiian Nuptials

Stephanie Mellor grew vacationing in Maui and Charles Fountaine loves to surf, so a wedding in the Aloha State made perfect sense for this San Francisco-based couple. Influenced by Hawaii's tropical flowers, scents, and colors, they crafted a destination wedding to celebrate the island, and the love they share, on January 26, 2013.

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The Invitation Suite

A Day in May designed and printed the letterpress invitation, which featured an vintage map of Maui printed on vellum and a belly band printed with the Hawaiian proverb, "Ho'okahi makamaka o ko aloha" which means, "Our love begins the union of our life together."

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Welcome to the Island

Green jute totes were stuffed with local treats like Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread, Maui Style potato chips, Hawaiian Spring water, personalized sunglasses, custom Hawaiian phrase booklets, Maui Coffee Co. coffee, Maui Babe sunscreen, and Mauicello lemon liquor.

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Bridesmaids in Pink

The bridal party wore long chiffon Amsale gowns in various shades of pink.

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Lush Bouquets

Bridesmaids carried bouquets of roses, anemones, hydrangea, ginger flower, geranium leaves, seeded eucalyptus, and Mokara orchids made by Teresa Sena Designs.

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A Local Saying

A custom wreath hung on the church door with a calligraphed banner by Barbara Callow that read, "E lei kau, E lei ho'oilo I ke aloha" which translates to, "Love is worn like a wreath through the summers and winters."

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The Ceremony

Stephanie always wanted to get married at the Keawalai Church in Makena, so on the big day her 150 guests joined her there. During the traditional ceremony, in addition to exchanging rings and vows, they exchanged leis.

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The Flower Girls

Charles' nieces carried Hawaiian-made lauhala baskets filled with rose petals down the aisle and wore dresses from Busy Bees Kids.

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The Fashions

Stephanie wore a lace Monique Lhuillier gown, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and a sleek updo. Charles accessorized his ensemble with a Vineyard Vines tie. A 5-strand Pikake lei and a Maile leaf lei were the finishing touches added on during the ceremony.

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Dressed to Impress

The ring bearers wore suits from Busy Bees Kids that complimented the bridal party's attire.

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Island Style

Even the custom marriage certificate had a tropical feel to it.

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A Local Tradition

As a fun way to invite guests to the dinner tent after cocktail hour, a local conch blower lit torches and sounded his shell.

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The Reception Decor

Arrangements of tropical flowers in varying peach and coral tones—including ginger and protea—anchored each table at the reception, which took place at Honua Kai Lani.

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The Reception

Guests sat in open air-tents and dined on a butter lettuce and kula greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds, and shaved parmiganio; and sesame-crusted mahi mahi with ginger lime beurre blanc, haricot verts, and herbed rice pilaf.

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