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nina1589 · April 30, 2009

Congrats and welcome! I am getting Maui'd on September 1st at the Four Seasons in Wailea. I have been doing lots of research if you have any questions.

jstinemari · May 1, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by da.shmoopies

Hi Justine! Welcome to the Forum.

I am getting married on Kalaeokai'a Estate this year in October. I'm also using Tropical Maui Weddings. Lori has been great!! I highly recommend her. She says that we will be the last couple married at this Estate, as they are no longer taking reservations. They are still committed to those who made prior arrangements, so we were safe. I'd double check or ask Lori if you work with her.

If they have changed this, just note that the estate is up past Lahaina, in Kahana, and is about 45 minutes from Kihe and Wailea. We didn't mind the commute because most of our guests are from the Bay Area and we are use to spending hours in our cars!

We chose to stay in Kihei because most folks have time shares there, but there are some good deals on hotels up in West Maui. Also, because Kalaeokai'a Estate is on a private beach, you can have Bring Your Own Booze... so we will be having a champagne toast there.

Hope this helps! I do really recommend getting a WC. It helps reduce the stress. Lori Lawrence from Tropical Maui Weddings has been a great help.

Deb

I spoke to Lori over the weekend, she's great! really nice and has alot of awsome ideas.. she told me about you! the lucky one who gets to be married at the estate before it's closed for weddings! i'm so jealous, i love that location. Fortunately it works out for me because it made my decision easier, lol, we're having the ceremony on holy innocent's lawn, or inside in case it rains. I love the chapel and the lawn is gorgeous by the ocean.
Then we can walk right over to the Fest of lei lei.. i think that might be where we're having the reception, havent decided yet though

BlakleyBrideToBe · May 1, 2009

Congrat!

Welcome!

jstinemari · May 1, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by MauiBride2B

Welcome Justine and Congrats!!! I am using Lori Lawrence and actually switched to her after I was soo unhappy with my first planner, Blue Sky Weddings. Lori is soo much more personable and makes sure everyone is done the way you want it! Unlike BSW who just wants to make a crap load of money off of you for things you done even need or want.

I would definitely recommend Lori 110% and I haven't even had my wedding yet! She doesnt charge hardly anything compared to how much love she puts into her work. And her husband Jamie has the greatest voice in the world, we're using him for our ceremony music.

We're getting married at Olowalu because the place is amazing and private and we can bring our own everything. The downside, you pay a little more for rentals. If you get married at a resort or restaurant, you are restricted to their services, but might be a good option if you are looking to make things easier on yourself from a planning standpoint (although that's what Lori is for!)

We are staying at the Westin Kaanapali Villas in Lahaina, just north of Black Rock. I know that food is quite expensive in Maui so I chose the villas because they have a fully equipped kitchen in each room and even bbq's on site so people can go to Costco and save a ton of money compared to eating out. It appears their rates are quite higher, but when you get a group discount for your wedding guests, its is more comparable to other resorts that dont have near the amenities as the villas. And the rooms are huge and have separate bedrooms if people want to share rooms. Beware of lower costs at other resorts because there are a lot of hidden charges. Most resorts charge a resort fee of $25 per day, plus parking and other things $10/day! When all that stuff is factored in, including their food and drink prices, it gets pretty expensive

I'd be happy to help if you have any other questions. I'm planning everything from the mainland and had never been to Maui before up until last weekend for a last minute trip to meet Lori and do a couple tastings.

Good luck with your planning!

Thanks for the info! my mother loves Olowalu, and it's my second choice, its gorgeous but i'm not sure if the place will be too much for a group of 20 or less?.
I'm going to look into the Villas... Me and DF want to stay at a nice hotel for a few nights, when we arrive in Maui and a day or 2 after the ceremony. We're planning on staying on the islands for a couple weeks though and are looking into vacation rentals and villas for the duration of our stay. Do you have any suggestions on places i can look at along with the villas or websites? thanks!