When Adam overheard Kym at work, it almost foiled his plan of asking her out. “Adam heard me mention to a mutual friend that I would never date someone I worked with. Little did I know this conversation would delay our first date by more than a year!” recalls Kym. Luckily for her, a coworker intervened and set the wheels of fate in motion. “She told him she’d known he had been interested in me for a while. They must have had a compelling conversation because a couple weeks later Adam gathered enough courage to (finally) ask me out on a date. We have been inseparable ever since!” 

A destination wedding was a natural decision for the couple, as Kym and Adam’s families both lived on opposite coasts. Add their shared love of travel, and far-flung nuptials were the only option. “The idea of combining a trip with our closest friends and family seemed like a no brainer,” says Kym. “We also wanted to tie our wedding to an experience for our guests, and offer everyone the opportunity to feel like they were on the best vacation by attending our wedding.”

Ninety guests joined the bride and groom on the island of Maui for an unforgettable celebration. “Tradition, laughter and a ukulele player” were front and center for the lovebirds. Kym incorporated important customs from her African heritage on her father’s side. Kym’s eldest cousin flew to Maui from South Africa and, as part of the native custom, offered gifts to the bride’s parents. According to the couple, “This is seen as a way of thanking the bride’s family for bringing her up and symbolically represents the joining together of both families.” Kym’s parents also offered Adam’s parents gifts consisting of traditional Ndebele (Kym’s dad’s tribe) attire.”

A “creative black-tie” celebration immediately followed the meaningful nuptials on the lawn at the Four Seasons Maui. The couple described the reception as “vibrant, warm and intimate, with a stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian sunset and ocean, full of personal touches that represented us as a couple.”

In hindsight, planning a destination wedding had a few challenges for the couple, but with the help of their wedding planner, Erica Goldsmith from Couture Events, they were able to navigate with ease. One of the biggest obstacles was their initial venue backed-out about six months before the wedding. “Thankfully our wonderful planner, now friend, Erica with Couture Events, was incredible and was able to save the day by scouting out the new possible venues, including the Four Seasons, which turned out to be our dream venue,” says the couple. “Having a local event planner was critical to destination wedding planning!” They also enjoyed a few scouting trips to ensure they got exactly the kind of event they were after (and a good excuse to visit their favorite island paradise). 

The couple has some sound advice for those of you who are planning your own wedding away: “Lots of opinions get thrown at you when planning a wedding. People always recommend what they love, but it’s not their day. Your guests will have the most fun when they see an event inspired by your interests and one that represents you as a couple.”

Vendors: Photographer: Chris J. Evans Photography; Wedding Planner: Erica Goldsmith with Couture Events; Ceremony/Reception Site: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Florist: Teresa Sena Designs; Invitations & Save the Dates: Danielle Johnson; Invitation Calligraphy: Elizabeth Schuller (family friend); Décor Calligraphy: Miss B. Calligraphy; Gown Designer: Sarah McCarthy with Sphere Collective; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Generation Tux; Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Flo Atelier by Milena Dimitrova; Veil: Stylish Bride Accs; Officiant: Laki Kaahumanu; Coconut Favors: The Catered Coconut; Musician: Marvin Tevaga; Custom Bar: Artisan Events; Linens: La Tavola Linen; Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii