Carrie and Jonathan love story is one for the books, and their journey to the aisle reached its pinnacle at the picturesque Olowalu Plantation House in Maui. The couple, who met in 2013 through a mutual friend, shared their insights into their Maui destination wedding, a celebration filled with love, laughter, and the beauty of Hawaii.

Choosing Maui for the Dream Wedding

The decision to have a destination wedding in Maui was a deliberate one for Carrie and Jonathan. With a desire for a beautiful outdoor setting that could accommodate their large guest list, the couple explored various options before realizing their hearts were set on Hawaii. Jonathan’s ties to Indonesia and friends scattered across California made Hawaii the perfect meeting point for their loved ones.

“Jonathan has a very large family from Indonesia, and we have friends all over California, so we knew people would be traveling anyway. We thought, why not take a trip to Hawaii with our favorite people?” shared Carrie.

The Perfect Venue: Olowalu Plantation House

Carrie’s meticulous planning, fueled by insights gained from wedding planning groups on Facebook, led the couple to the stunning Olowalu Plantation House. With its coastal charm, outdoor ambiance, and privacy, the venue checked all the boxes for the couple. The availability aligned with their desire to be in Maui during whale-watching season, adding an extra touch of magic to their celebration.

“It was so dreamy hearing the ocean in the background during our vows,” reminisced Carrie.

Decor and Personal Touches

The couple embraced a minimalist style for their decor, which seamlessly complemented the tropical flowers and the natural beauty of the surroundings. Unexpectedly, they found themselves crafting signs for the wedding, adding a personal touch to their celebration.

“We went with a minimalist style which looked great with the tropical flowers and scenery!” said Carrie.

A Ceremony Tailored to Them

For the ceremony, the couple opted for a non-traditional approach, eschewing a wedding party to minimize stress and allow everyone to be as involved as they wished. The ceremony, officiated by their brother-in-law, was light-hearted, funny, and full of love.

“Our only rule for him was not to make Carrie cry too much,” Jonathan joked.

Navigating the Distance: Pre-Wedding Visit and Advice

Planning a destination wedding from afar came with its challenges, but the couple took a pre-wedding visit to Maui, meeting their planner, touring the venue, and indulging in a taste of the local cuisine. This visit helped solidify their choices and offered a sneak peek into the paradise that awaited them.

Darren Keala, their wedding planner, shared insights into the unique floral arrangements: “Carrie and Jonathan’s wedding was quite amusing because Carrie had expressed her desire for muted tropicals. I had always wanted to do a wedding with muted tropicals, so I researched all the local farms in Hawaii and spoke to several growers to get the flowers.”

Memorable Moments and Lasting Advice

From the perfect Maui sunset to the late-night Korean-style chicken wings, Carrie and Jonathan’s wedding was filled with memorable moments. When asked about advice for future couples, the couple emphasized the importance of taking a moment during the big day to step away with your new spouse and savor the joy of the moment.

In the end, Carrie and Jonathan’s Maui destination wedding was a testament to love transcending borders and the magic that happens when two hearts unite in a tropical paradise.

Vendors: Photographer: MeewMeew Studios; Wedding Planner & Florist: Events by Darren Keala; Venue: Olowalu Plantation House; Cake & Catering: Cutting Edge Catering; Hair & Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry; Gown Designer: Enzoani; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suit Supply; Photo Booth: Bamboo Shootz Photo Booth; Rentals: Rio Event Design and Yard Games Hawaii; DJ: DJ Benjamin Jay; Cinematography: Ohana Films