In our previous Instagram post, we praised Haiku Mill as one of the most enchanting wedding venues globally. This European-inspired gem in Hawaii is a true love letter to romance, with its lush greenery, stunning architecture, and whimsical charm (check out the beautiful elopement we featured there earlier this year). Coincidentally, we’ve been gifted another breathtaking celebration from this same venue, captured by talented photographer Anna Kim. Lan and David’s destination wedding is a testament to their meticulous planning, transforming the already picturesque setting into an opulent wonderland filled with luxurious textures, vibrant florals, and a symphony of twinkling lights and candlelight. Every detail was carefully curated, from collecting vintage stamps to sourcing unique entertainment for their special day. Scroll down to witness their intimate tea ceremony, heartfelt vows, delectable cocktails, and the showstopping reception under the starry sky.
Wedding Day Snapshot
The Love Story
As we ascended Haleakala at dawn in May 2015, David surprised me with a proposal that would leave an indelible mark on our love story. The 1am wake-up call had been well worth it – the breathtaking sunrise unfolding before us was a sight to behold, and I found myself snapping photos non-stop as the golden light crept over the volcanic landscape.
As the sun continued its ascent, David pulled out a small box and asked me to join him on the mountaintop. My heart racing with excitement, I couldn’t help but be completely taken aback by his words – ‘Will you marry me?’ – as he slipped the ring onto my finger.
The DIY Details
David’s passion for his family’s aviation heritage is evident in the meticulous details he brought to every aspect of their wedding planning. The couple’s shared love of vintage items led them to collect rare stamps from San Francisco, Hawaii, roses, and California – a unique touch that reflected their personalities. To create the tea ceremony invitations, David got creative with craft supplies, crafting each invitation by hand on gold paper with an embossed ‘double happiness’ letter. The finishing touches included gold ribbons and a red wax seal, making each one a true work of art. Even more impressive was David’s calligraphy skills, which he showcased through hand-lettered invitations that left their guests in awe. His artistic touch didn’t stop there – he also designed the ‘reserved’ signs and shaved ice menu, adding a personal flair to every aspect of the wedding. The dessert labels were another masterpiece, with David using his own homemade gold ink to create beautiful calligraphy. Having taken modern calligraphy classes, this was the perfect opportunity for him to put his skills into practice. But perhaps most impressive was the couple’s custom-designed wedding website, built from scratch by David. It featured a guest RSVP form that automatically populated a spreadsheet, making it easy to manage meal selections and transportation logistics. The end result was a modern, chic, and personalized website that reflected the couple’s unique style.
The Attire
I opted for a stunning white gown from the boutique Lovely in San Francisco, featuring a design by Lea Ann Belter from Toronto – a delightful coincidence given my Canadian heritage! The dress itself was a showstopper, made of silk organza with a sequined layer that added an extra touch of glamour. I fell in love with the intricate lace detail on the sweetheart neckline, adorned with white and clear beads, as well as the light-as-air skirt that floated behind me. For my red-hot reception dress, I turned to Shenzhen, China, where I commissioned a custom design featuring a long, flowing mermaid train. The pièce de résistance was the sparkly red lace from Japan, which added a pop of color and sophistication. To complete the look, I slipped into classic gold Jimmy Choos in Hong Kong – shoes that were as comfortable as they were stylish. For my wedding reception, I chose Badgley Mischka to match my dress perfectly. On the other side of the aisle, my bridesmaid dresses were a flattering nude shade from Donna Morgan’s ‘Rhea’ design, which complemented every skin tone beautifully. The groomsmen looked dashing in Michael Kors tuxes, rented from Tuxedos & More. As I exchanged vows at the Chinese ceremony, I wore Chanel pearl drop earrings and a gold ring gifted by my grandmother – sentimental touches that made the moment even more special. My ceremony earrings were actually designed by Haute Bride.
The Venue
Hawaii holds a special place in my heart, and I was thrilled to share this love with David during our 2015 vacation. The allure of the ocean, warm waters, and local cuisine – think shaved ice and poke! – is undeniable. A daily dose of pineapples only adds to the charm. And let’s not forget the breathtaking volcanoes, beaches, and waterfalls that dot the landscape.Initially, we had our hearts set on a French destination wedding, given my affinity for all things Gallic. However, as our plans evolved, Maui began to take center stage. What started out as a beachside ceremony vision gave way to the Haiku Mill, a venue I stumbled upon through a wedding blog and was left utterly speechless by its beauty – even more so in person than online. This stunning location became our final venue visit, leaving an indelible mark on my heart.
The Ceremony
As we designed our ceremony flowers, I envisioned a stunning all-white arrangement that harmoniously complemented Haiku Mill’s lush greenery. To add an extra layer of ambiance, floating candles were strategically placed along the staircases, blending seamlessly with the centerpieces on silk blush table runners from Adorn. The result was a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for our special day.To further set the tone, I hired Marvin Tevaga to perform live music during the ceremony and cocktail hour. His soulful voice and impressive ukulele skills won over the hearts of our guests, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
The Details
With meticulous attention to detail, I invested countless hours into crafting the perfect wedding experience. From curating vintage stamps for our unique invitations to selecting every single flower for the bouquets and centerpieces, no aspect was left untouched. Even the smallest details, such as choosing modern gold-rimmed place settings from Set to pair with ivory farm tables, were carefully considered. The pièce de résistance was undoubtedly the stunning floral arrangements, which featured my beloved peonies in soft pink and white hues. To cap it all off, we had guests gather around us for a romantic first dance under the stars, their sparklers casting a warm glow on the crystals and chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. The Mill’s rustic charm was transformed into a veritable fairytale setting, with the soft light of the sparklers bouncing off the crystals to create an unforgettable ambiance.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning their special day, newly engaged couples should start by setting a budget and allowing for some flexibility. The key is to make the wedding truly reflective of the couple’s personalities. Prioritize what matters most to you – is it the food, music, or drinks? Ultimately, the guest experience should be at the top of your list. You want your guests to leave feeling like they had an unforgettable time. As someone who’s been lucky enough to witness many beautiful weddings, I can attest that a well-planned destination wedding can be truly enchanting. Case in point: David and Lan’s stunning celebration was made all the more magical by its breathtaking setting. The couple did a wonderful job of making the day their own, and it shows. A huge thank you goes out to Anna Kim Photography for capturing this special moment, as well as David and Lan for sharing their love story with us.