MAGGIE & PETER

Ruins of Maui & Olowalu Plantation Wedding

Ruins of Maui wedding ceremony designed by Darren Keala

When I first met Maggie, it was to help in planning her Birthday Party Fashion Show in Kaanapali. We had a great time working together, so when she called to tell me she was getting married, I knew that this would be a big event. Giving me five weeks to plan was certainly an adventure, but I've learned thru our friendship that anything and everything is possible...

The Wedding Ceremony: The Ruins of Maui is our newest venue located in Olowalu. The excitement of decorating this unique property and working with great visionaries such as Artisan Events, Accel Rentals and florals by Dellables Floral Design and Copia Event Design made it a great collaboration. I love doing my own floral work but with such a large guest count I really wanted my team to focus on the uniqueness of the day and working with my dear friends to create and bring to life the florals was priceless. This beautiful historic church we transformed for an intimate Hawaiian Ceremony for 50 people. Kimokea officiated the ceremony along with Aunty Adeline & Hinano. Maggie wore a wedding dress that she created herself.

The Reception: A few hours later, we started the reception at the Olowalu Plantation House with guests arriving for appetizers and cocktails before sunset. When the sun began to set, we stopped all service and started our second ceremony. We created this so guests could enjoy a more extended reception and Maggie didn't want to be hot for her ceremony. So we came up with this "non-traditional" timeline. You know how much I love this! After the ceremony, Maggie danced the hula for Peter, and then we officially welcomed everyone.

The reception was unique in every way possible. When we opened again, it was with Seven Chef Stations, each with a wine pairing. The free-flowing space, cocktail lounge seating and sixteen-foot round white bar gave the party a nightclub/living room vibe. The fantastic teams of Chef Brian of Cutting Edge Catering and Steph of Garnish making magic all night long.

This celebration was undoubtedly one for the books and one I'll never forget as we danced to the sounds of DJ Joe of Next Level to bring us to the dance party.