mplscold

I used Aekai Weddings. My coordinator was Jo and she was wonderful to work with. The photographer was Ian Sheppard and he was so patient and took so many perfect pictures. I purchased the flowers and hair and make-up through them as well. I was happy with all of their services and couldn't have asked for anything more. After the wedding we went to Kimo's restaurant in Lahaina and the food and service there was great. Hawaii Beach Weddings

Was married on February 11, 2009.

We also had Kimo Kirkman. He was awesome!!!

Feb 11, 2009: Trish + Bill @ Makena Secret Cove + Kimo's Restaurant Oct 14, 2009: Deb + John @ Kalaeokai'a Estate + Five Palms Restaurant May 22, 2010: Huey + Isaac @ Honua Kai Lani + Spago

We had 9 people at our wedding and the total for everything (with a dress) was $2200.00. It was the perfect wedding!

I have purchased from DB in the past and although I didn't have the terrible service that you did, IMO DB is the "Wal-mart" of Bridal stores. Its what you end up with by trying to save money which is sad but true.

I used APDW and had Ian as my photographer. He did an amazing job and took pictures for about an hour. I had more than 200 pictures. You get them all on CD and can develop any or all of them if you wish.

I had a beach wedding and wore my hair down with just a little of the sides pulled back and pinned with orchids in it. It worked out great. The stylists in Maui are completely aware of the wind on the beach and style your hair accordingly. Long hair down on the beach looks the best in my opinion. I would not worry about it. Just make sure that you get a style that you are comfortable with.

I had never been to Hawaii until I went to Maui for my wedding. We went three days before and drove to the site of the marriage to make sure we would know where it was and got our marriage license the day after we got there. That was plenty. I don't feel that we would have benefited by going there on a separate trip beforehand. Its not necessary unless you have the extra money to spend and want to take a vacation!

I used Pacific Whale Foundation. We had lots of fun!

Guilt is a self-inflicted emotion. Stop doing it to yourself and enjoy your wedding day. It will be the best time of you life!

You would not be selfish to go without your son. My husband and I have 4 kids 23, 20, 17, and 14. None of them would be able to pay for their own trip. That means that we would need to pay for 6 for food, accomodations, airlines, entertainment.... We would never had been able to have our dream wedding if we took our children. Plan a small getaway for the three of you before you leave and explain that you are doing that with him instead of taking him to the wedding. The wedding/honeymoon should be your special time with your husband. Kids actually accept things better than what we give them credit for. I was 16 when my mom remarried and I wasn't invited and didn't scar me for life

I was married on Maui two months ago and it is actually more beautiful than the pictures. We stayed at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and it was a wonderful condo to stay it our guests stayed at Aina Nalu condos and some of them shared a place so they actually ended up spending about $750.00 p/p for airfare and hotel. I don't think that 1200.00 is too much for them to spend as they will get to go on a great vacation as well as to your wedding. I can't comment on December weather as I was there in February and the weather was perfect for 10 days. We were actually married on South maui at Secret Cove in Makena. I would recommend that location because they rarely get rain and it was absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

I was married two weeks ago in Maui and used APDW which is essentially the same company as Aekai Weddings. I used their WC Jo Thurmann, bought my flowers through them, Photography was done through them by Ian Shepard, they lined up my minister, Kimo Kirkman, and my Hair/Make-up by Regina Campisi. All was under $1800.00 total. Everything was completely perfect from start to finish! My dress was very thin and was perfect for the beach. I wouldn't recommend a long train or any kind of netting in the dress. The lighter the better.

I was a BM in a wedding in 2007 and wore a brown dress. It was pretty, it looked especially nice with the GM brown tuxes. If I can locate a pic I will send it to you.

Your pictures turned out beautiful! What beach did you get married on?

What place would you suggest to have either a nice lunch after our wedding (we will be married at 10 am) in south Maui, (we are getting married at Secret Cove) or else an evening dinner somewhere in Lahaina. There will be six people. We aren't having a formal reception. Thanks for your help.

What place would you suggest to have either a nice lunch after our wedding (we will be married at 10 am) in south Maui, (we are getting married at Secret Cove) or else an evening dinner somewhere in Lahaina. There will be six people. Thanks for your help.

Awesome pictures! You will have a hard time choosing which one's to hang on the wall!!

Susan, I will tell her hi from you, it will be nice to get to meet her in person, she has been great. Did you get your hair/make-up done for your wedding? If so, did Jo, line it up for you? I am still trying to decided if I want that done or not.

It sounds like you are going to have the same type of wedding that we are planning. We are using APDW and Jo the WC has been great to work with so far. We will have Ian as our photographer. I have decided on the Cove because there seems to be so many photo opportunities there. It just looks amazing! We will only have 2-4 guests so not too worried about having enough room. I will let you know how it turns out after Feb 11th! Good Luck with your planning!!

I am staying in Lahaina and want to know what would be the best beach for a ceremony in February on the west side. Has anyone here had their wedding on a west side beach and what was their experience? Thanks.

AZHuskergirl, I would love to see some of your pics when you get them back. Thanks for the recommendation and congratulations on your marriage! Mplscold

I am trying to decide on a wedding planner and a photographer. Has anyone ever used Aekai Beach Weddings/Paradise Dream Wedding or A Promise Made in Paradise? If so, do you have pictures that you can send me? Having great photos is really important to me. Thanks for all the help.

That is a great suggestion, I will check it out. Thanks!