Stephanie and Charles' Hawaiian Nuptials
Stephanie Mellor grew vacationing in Maui and Charles Fountaine loves to surf, so a wedding in the Aloha State made perfect sense for this San Francisco-based couple. Influenced by Hawaii's tropical flowers, scents, and colors, they crafted a destination wedding to celebrate the island, and the love they share, on January 26, 2013.
The Invitation Suite
A Day in May designed and printed the letterpress invitation, which featured an vintage map of Maui printed on vellum and a belly band printed with the Hawaiian proverb, "Ho'okahi makamaka o ko aloha" which means, "Our love begins the union of our life together."
Welcome to the Island
Green jute totes were stuffed with local treats like Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread, Maui Style potato chips, Hawaiian Spring water, personalized sunglasses, custom Hawaiian phrase booklets, Maui Coffee Co. coffee, Maui Babe sunscreen, and Mauicello lemon liquor.
Bridesmaids in Pink
The bridal party wore long chiffon Amsale gowns in various shades of pink.
Lush Bouquets
Bridesmaids carried bouquets of roses, anemones, hydrangea, ginger flower, geranium leaves, seeded eucalyptus, and Mokara orchids made by Teresa Sena Designs.
A Local Saying
A custom wreath hung on the church door with a calligraphed banner by Barbara Callow that read, "E lei kau, E lei ho'oilo I ke aloha" which translates to, "Love is worn like a wreath through the summers and winters."
The Ceremony
Stephanie always wanted to get married at the Keawalai Church in Makena, so on the big day her 150 guests joined her there. During the traditional ceremony, in addition to exchanging rings and vows, they exchanged leis.
The Flower Girls
Charles' nieces carried Hawaiian-made lauhala baskets filled with rose petals down the aisle and wore dresses from Busy Bees Kids.
The Fashions
Stephanie wore a lace Monique Lhuillier gown, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and a sleek updo. Charles accessorized his ensemble with a Vineyard Vines tie. A 5-strand Pikake lei and a Maile leaf lei were the finishing touches added on during the ceremony.
Dressed to Impress
The ring bearers wore suits from Busy Bees Kids that complimented the bridal party's attire.
Island Style
Even the custom marriage certificate had a tropical feel to it.
A Local Tradition
As a fun way to invite guests to the dinner tent after cocktail hour, a local conch blower lit torches and sounded his shell.
The Reception Decor
Arrangements of tropical flowers in varying peach and coral tones—including ginger and protea—anchored each table at the reception, which took place at Honua Kai Lani.
The Reception
Guests sat in open air-tents and dined on a butter lettuce and kula greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, toasted almonds, and shaved parmiganio; and sesame-crusted mahi mahi with ginger lime beurre blanc, haricot verts, and herbed rice pilaf.
A Hawaiian Cake
The wedding confection was a local specialty of ombre layered cake with guava and lilikoi decorated with a few fresh blooms.
The First Dance
The newlyweds chose Nat King Cole's "L.O.V.E" for their first dance song.
Sources
Photography: Meg Smith
Locations: Keawalai Church; Honua Kai Lani
Event Planning: Jenna Lam Events
Catering: Aloha Events Catering
Cocktails: Garnish Events
Flowers: Teresa Sena Designs
Stationery: A Day in May Design; PS Paper
Calligraphy: Barbara Callow
Music: George Kahumoku Jr.; Joel Katz; Nueva Vida
Tent: Island Rents
Linens: La Tavola
Hair: Eboni Prentice
Makeup: Jessica Waite
Conch Blower/Torch Lighter: CVP Entertainment
Getaway Car: Scott Williamson (808-276-0660)