A girl walks into a bar…only the punch line this time is, “They lived happily ever after.”

That’s what happened when Ashley met Paul at the Ivy Pool Bar in Sydney. While visiting her best friend, the two of them went out for cocktails and spotted some handsome gents at the bar and gestured them over. “The first thing he ever said to me was ‘You’re not Australian are you? No Australian girl would call a guy over.’ I responded with, ‘No sir, I am an American.’ We’ve been inseparable ever since,” recalls the bride.

Having loved ones spread all over the world helped solidify the decision for a destination wedding in Maui. Her family’s visits over the years also had Ashley dreaming of the destination from the age of 18.

An idyllic ceremony with the traditional blowing of the conch shell, the blue ocean in the distance and all their special loved ones there to witness was just what the couple was after. They added a special Christian dedication for their one-year-old daughter to make sure she was involved. “It was a beautiful moment and a way to share our love and commitment not only as husband and wife, but as parents.”

The reception included all the details the bride had envisioned during her planning: a floating chandelier over the dance floor, canopies over bare wood tables, lounge furniture and even gold-rimmed glassware.

One bit of advice the bride has for others, “Just let it go and enjoy this time with the people who love you and your fiancée the most.”

Vendors: Photographer: Tamiz Photography, Wedding Planning and Design: Belle Destination Weddings and Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: Olowalu Plantation House, Floral: Mandy Grace, Stationery: Erica Keuter, Bride’s Dress: Custom Couture gown from Pallas Couture Sydney, Groom’s Suit: Custom Suit from The Suit Shop Sydney, Bride’s Shoes: Emmy London, Catering: Aloha Events Catering, Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy, Bar Service: Garnish Events, Tableware: Set Collections, DJ: DJ Del Sol, Cake + Treats: Maui Sweet Cakes, Ribbon: Adorn Company, Videography: Cinemaui, Minister: Tino Rosete, Music: Vance Koenig, Bride’s Hair and Makeup: Maui Mira, Bridesmaids’ Hair and Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry, Rentals: Signature Rentals, Pacific Isle Rentals, and Winters Events.

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2016 issue. You can order a copy here.