Michael and Katerina were hooked by the luscious greenery, fruit trees and beautiful European antiques of Haiku Mill on the North Shore of Maui, Hawaii — Southern California just couldn’t compare.

“Traveling and exploring together is what makes our hearts happy,” Katerina says. When searching for a venue in Hawaii, Haiku Mill stood out the most. It boasted a rich European history that blended with traditional Hawaiian grandeur, Haiku Mill offers a unique venue for an unforgettable destination wedding.

Leading up to the big day, Michael and Katerina put a lot of trust in their wedding coordinator. They knew that they wouldn’t have time to meet with all the vendors in advance.

“She definitely delivered,” Katerina says. “Our wedding would not have been as organized and flawless without having a wedding planner.”

The couple arrived a week before the wedding and the wedding coordinator had laid the groundwork to make sure everything went smoothly and ran efficiently. They were able to meet with most of the vendors and didn’t have any difficulty in communication. 

As the wedding day approached, people from all around the world — California, England, Bulgaria — arrived for the wedding on Hawaiian Airlines, which provided the group a 5% discount. The day of the wedding, it all came together. Michael and Katerina said “I do” at Haiku Mill and passed out their wedding favors made my Michael’s mother’s best friend.

“They are round magnets with a hand-painted sea turtle with a note that said, ‘The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, known as ‘Honu” symbolized good luck, endurance, and long life.’” Katerina says. “This was our wish for everybody who attended our wedding.”

Looking back, the couple has no regrets. At first It was not easy for Katerina when deciding on a destination wedding, since she wanted to please everyone. She says she had nightmares trying to figure out how to make everybody happy, and her advice to anyone else planning a destination wedding is this: be selfish.

“Remember this day is about the two of you celebrating your love and commitment to each other,” Katerina says.

She encourages couples to hire a wedding coordinator and a videographer to capture the moments while you’re living them.

“On the day of your wedding, take the time to look around, even if it is for a minute and take it all in!” 

Michael + Katerina from Sunlit Films on Vimeo.

Vendors: Photographer: Tamiz Photography, Wedding Planner: Nalani St. Germain from A White Orchid Wedding, INC, Ceremony/Reception Site: Haiku Mill, Maui, Hawaii Florist: Teresa Sena Design, Stationery: The Littlest Print Shop, Cake: Maui Sweet Cakes, Hair & Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry, Gown Designer: Sottero and Midgley, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Michael Kors , Caterer: Three’s Catering Maui, Ukulele Performer: Marvin Tevaga, DJ: DJ Del Sol from Maui Wedding Entertainment, Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Bar: Aloha Bars Maui, Videographer: Sunlit Films, Officiant: Pia Aluli, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Bill Levkoff/Michael Kors