Meeting your soul mate on behalf of mutual friends happens once in a blue moon; marrying them only happens once in a lifetime. Luckily for Josh and Natalie, their best friends got it right. 

With dreams of walking barefoot on the grass in a small, intimate wedding, the couple knew their destination wedding could only be in Maui, Hawaii. The couple got to share their love for Maui with 60 guests, complete with a quintessential island vibe, beautiful views and endless glasses of popsicle-adorned Champagne.

“Everyone was just so excited we were getting married, they didn’t care where it was,” the couple says. “We chose Maui because we are a laid-back couple and so is Maui.”

A pre-wedding, private catamaran cruise with live music and an open bar for the lovebirds and their guests was only one of the activities the couple planned during their wedding weekend. “I fondly remember picking everyone up from the beach and seeing their faces as they jumped and cheered as we approached was truly priceless,” says Natalie. “Everyone really appreciated that we didn’t overwhelm them with activities and they were given the freedom to do what they wanted.”

Keeping the ceremony officiating sweet and simple, followed by a beautifully arranged dinner and reception, the couple’s wedding day was an all-around celebration. Describing the reception as a dance party, the event was a breeze thanks to their wedding planner, Jessie.

After using Pinterest and Instagram as inspiration for the flower arch, the uniquely designed table settings and the flower arrangements, the bride said watching all her visions come together was one of her favorite wedding moments.

We asked the bride to share some advice for other couples planning their own destination weddings. “I would recommend doing a rehearsal dinner with all of your guests,” Natalie says. “[Ours] was so much fun, because it gave us more time to spend with everyone and it’s great practice for the wedding day, too!”

Vendors: Photographer: Dmitri & Sandra, Wedding Planner and Designer: Belle Destination Weddings and Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Sugarman Estate, Videography: Sunlit Films, Florist: Mandy Grace Designs, Invitations: Erica Keuter Designs, Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy, Tableware Rentals: SET Maui, Cakes: Cake Fanatics, Bar: Garnish Events Cocktail Catering, Other Rentals: Hawaiian Style Event Rentals, Gown Designer: Fame and Partners, Hair & Makeup: MeiLi Autumn Beauty, Shoes: Chinese Laundry and Steve Madden, Groom’s Clothing: Men’s Wearhouse, Bridesmaids Clothing Designer: Show Me Your Mumu and Revolve Clothing, Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Volcom and Matix, Ceremony Entertainment: Barefoot Minded, DJ: Maui DJ Services, Catamaran Cruise: Sail Trilogy, Childcare: Island Angel Care.