Wedding planned & Event Design by Celebrations by Tori.
All photography by Chris J Evans.
How in love are we with Tony and Jake after planning 3 days of events with them? SO IN LOVE!!! And, their guests were AH-MAY-ZING!!! While it was A LOT of hard work, time, energy, and more, it did not matter. I enjoyed my time with them so much that it was as much fun for me to plan it as it was for them and their guests to experience it all.
The date was REALLY important, especially having it in 2020, because Tony is an ophthalmologist and we all need to see 20/20! These grooms LOVE a good party AND each other, so why not celebrate on the DAY OF LOVE??!!!?? Let's just call this wedding celebration a production, because it was. It began on arrival day at the Andaz Maui with a personalized lobby sand welcome and continued with a lit ALOHA marquee at their villa for their Welcome Party. Then there was a Meet & Greet Luau for all of the guests at Sugar Beach Events, where everyone enjoyed 5 star food by Chef Lee and entertainment from Manutea Nui E.
But today we are here to talk about the Valentine's Day WEDDING!!!! The main event, the wedding day, was BEYOND! Our work began on site at 8:30am. We first checked on our grooms, and then set up every little detail, and there were MANY. RIO Designs arrived with the Farm Tables, which were then decorated with Gold Charger Plates, Floral Garlands, Framed Photos of Places to identify each table, Gold Laser Cut Names to identify assigned seats, Candles, Ocean Vodka Bottles as favors, . KCK Entertainment arrived to set up the 20x24 LED dance floor and his equipment. Bree Rubin and her team arrived to do hair and makeup for all of the VIP women. Envisions arrived to do the lighting for the tent (the tent had been installed the day before) and the strung lights in the lounge area. They also had gobo lights that reflected palm designs outside the tent. All of this started before 10:30am. Photography by Chris J Evans began with the first look to put the grooms at ease for their big day. So many fun photos!!!
As the 120 guests (most from the East Coast) dressed in white or ivory made their way to the Laulea 3 Ocean Lawn for the ceremony, they were awed by the stunning florals from Asa Flowers and the breathtaking oceanfront setting. It was really a perfect Maui day for February! Guests were greeted with personalized sunglasses, a refreshing La Croix Passion Fruit Flavor Sparkling Water garnished with a Strawberry, and the sweet sounds of guitar and ukulele from Kaniala Masoe Music.
Kale began the ceremony with the blowing of the pu'u, which signaled the wedding party to make their way down the aisle to Ke Kali Nei Au...did you see the precious ring bearer carrying his sign? But then, surprise! Sister Michelle and Nephew Jarett serenade us all with the Crazy Rich Asians' version of Can't Help Falling in Love as the grooms make their entrance. The most beautiful ceremony began with a special hand shake and ended with a magical dove release and romantic kiss. Hugs and Congratulations followed the ceremony, as did a glass of Prosecco.
The fun continued at the Laulea I Lawn, where guests enjoyed Cornhole, Ping Pong, delicious hors d'oeuvres and Cupid's Arrow signature drink served through an ice sculpted luge by Darren Ho. Guests enjoyed libations from the hosted open bar aptly referred to as WOODY'S , paying homage to the place where the couple first met. The lounge area complete with cocktail tables, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, and blankets provided coziness for the guests to take in the sunset. The couple's love of travel was infused into the wedding décor via surfboard guest book and table assignments.
Guests were excited for the surprise that awaited them in the tent on the Laulea II Lawn, so they took a break from the Spotlight photo booth where Fatheads of Tony, Jake and their dogs were popular photo props, and located their seats so they could witness the most fabulous choreographed flash mob first dance that ever existed!
Which inspired EVERYONE to get on the dance floor.
There were parent dances...
And kisses...
And donuts from Donut Dynamite!
What better way to end the evening than with a magical Sparkler Departure!?!
Some questions you might have....
How did they all learn the choreography for the Flash Mob dance? That was a lot of work and dedication from approximately 40 of their closest relatives and friends! The couple first made a video of their choreography that they wanted everyone to learn. They then sent the video to the participants. Practice happened via Skype and Zoom, as well as when everyone arrived on island. One more rehearsal earlier on the wedding day, and then they were PERFECT! Here is the entire dance (it's worth the watch!)
What was on the menu? TRAY PASSED: 4 Hors d'oeuvres
Hamakua Mushroom Duxelle, Garlic Bread, Tru_le
Kalua Duck Rillettes, Pineapple Chutney, Pandesal Toast
Hand Sliced Wagyu Beef Sashimi, Horseradish, Garlic Crostini
Maine Lobster & White Tru_le Melt, Brioche, Marinated Tomato
DISPLAYED: Artisan Cheese Display (gf), Seeded Flat Bread, Seasoned Baguette, Fig Compote and Smoked Almonds (gf)
ACTION STATION: Made to Order Homemade Crab Cakes, Micro Greens, Caramelized Pineapple Vinaigrette
STARTERS
-Seared Steak Poke, Sweet Potato Chips, Sesame-Soy, Japanese Cucumber, Pickled Bean Sprouts (gf)
-Octopus Salad, Local Tako, Surfing Goat Cheese, Grilled Olive Bread, Citrus (gf)
-Seared Ahi Belly, Upcountry Mustard Greens, White Sesame Dressing, Pickled Mustard Seeds (gf)
-PAINA DINNER MENU (served Ohana style, which is family style)
Includes rolls and butter as well as coffee and hot tea. $195 per Guest Prices do not include 24% Service Charge and Tax
MAIN COURSES
•Kalbi Beef Hanger Steak, Kimchi, Pickled Shishito Peppers (gf)
•Mochiko Chicken, Namasu Cucumber Salad, White Sesame-Miso Sauce
•Maui Caught Fish, Seasonal Preparation (gf)
SIDES
•Farro & Foie Gras Fried Rice, Roasted Garlic
•Kaua'i Shrimp, Avocado, Fermented Pineapple, Cardamom (gf)
•Chilled Jumbo Scallops, Kimchi Cucumbers (gf)
DESSERT
•Assorted Hawaiian Inspired Truffles (gf)
•Mascarpone Cheesecake
•Dulce Caramel Cream Puffs
What were the ingredients of "Cupid's Arrow"?
Cupid’s Arrow” (Andaz Raspberry Lemonade- Tito's Vodka, Raspberry Syrup, Lemon Juice)
What were the donut flavors? Bacon Maple, Vanilla Bean, Miso Honey Strawberry Rose, Cinnamon Toasty Crunchy, PB&J, Mixed Berry Sprinkles, Candy Sprinkles
Who were all of the wedding professionals?
Wedding Coordination and Event Design- Celebrations by Tori
Photography & Videography- Chris J Evans
Venue- Andaz Wailea
Entertainment- Kaniala Masoe Music and KCK Entertainment
Rentals- Envisions Entertainment and RIO Event Design
Dove Release- Maui Wedding Cakes
Donuts- Donut Dynamite
Food and Beverage- Andaz Wailea Officiant- Kale Kaalekahi
Photo Booth- Spotlight Photo Booth
Ice Sculpture- Darren Ho
Hair and Makeup- Bree Rubin Hair and Makeup