A Dream Wedding Maui | Stress-Free Wedding Planning, Destination Weddings, Personalizing Your Wedding

042 // Why Full Service Planning Matters for You Maui Destination Wedding

In this episode, I’m sharing why full-service wedding planning is one of the best investments you can make when planning a destination wedding in Maui. After helping thousands of couples get married here, I’ve seen firsthand how full planning transforms the experience from stressful and overwhelming to calm, organized, and truly enjoyable.
I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes and why having a full-service planner saves you time, money, and emotional energy. From eliminating costly mistakes to managing vendor communication to creating a proven planning system that keeps everything running smoothly, full-service planning is designed to protect your peace throughout the entire journey.
In this episode, I cover:
Why “you don’t know what you don’t know” is often the biggest challenge for couples planning on their own
How full-service planning prevents last-minute problems like missing florals or overlooked fees
Why Maui vendors typically respond faster to planners and how that benefits your experience
How a well-refined planning system can save you over 300 hours of work
What I look for in contracts, timelines, and budgets to avoid surprises
Why full-service clients enjoy a more peaceful engagement and a calm, grounded wedding day
I also share real stories from recent weddings, including catching missing staffing fees in a venue contract, helping a couple navigate a forgotten floral order, and the behind-the-scenes work my team does to constantly improve our planning process.
If you’re wondering whether full-service planning is worth it, this episode will give you a clear understanding of what you receive, how it supports your vision, and why the long-term value goes far beyond logistics.
Resources Mentioned:Visit adreamwedding.net to learn more about our planning packagesFollow me on Instagram @adreamweddingmauiBook a consultation through my website or message me on Instagram
If you’re dreaming of a beautiful, effortless, and joy-filled Maui destination wedding, I would love to support you on your planning journey.
 

041 // How to Break the Holiday (and Wedding) Hamster Wheel: Creating a Wedding That Feels Authentic to You

As the holidays roll in this year, I’ve been feeling something I know many of you can relate to — that sense of being on a hamster wheel of expectations. Between the shopping, events, travel, traditions, pressure to “make it magical,” and worrying what everyone thinks… it’s so easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about.
And you know what?The same thing happens with weddings.
In this deeply personal episode, I share the emotional moment I experienced last Christmas — and the surprising clarity that came when my family and I talked honestly about what truly matters to us this season. Spoiler: we’re not scaling back everything… we’re actually going bigger on what brings us joy and letting go of the rest. Yes, tacos for Christmas dinner and yes… hiring a DJ for our house party!
This realization ties beautifully into how I encourage my couples to plan their weddings:Focus on what matters most. Let go of the pressure. Create a celebration that feels like YOU.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or struggling with expectations from family, friends, or social media — this episode will help you breathe again. I’m giving you the same framework my family used:
✨ Identify your non-negotiables✨ Invest your time, energy, and budget in what lights you up✨ Release the traditions and expectations that don’t serve you✨ Create a wedding experience that fills you with joy — not stress
Whether your dream wedding includes a packed dance floor, stunning florals, intimate moments with your closest people, or a simple, unfussy menu… you deserve a celebration that reflects your values and vision.
Inside the episode, you’ll hear:• Why holiday overwhelm mirrors wedding overwhelm• The emotional moment that shifted how I’m approaching this season• What my family chose as our “non-negotiable” — and what we’re letting go• How to identify your wedding priorities• Why you don’t need to impress anyone or follow traditions that don’t fit• How to plan a wedding that feels authentic, intentional, and meaningful• Three questions every couple should ask before (and during!) wedding planning
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded, connected, and true to yourselves during the wedding planning process — this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned:Follow me on Instagram: @adreamweddingmauiLearn more about planning your Maui wedding: adreamwedding.net
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with an engaged friend or leave a review — it means the world and helps more couples plan their dream wedding with ease and intention.
 

040 // Real Maui Wedding: Danyelle & Scott’s Joy-Filled Celebration at Olowalu Plantation House

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I sit down with my sweet bride Danyelle to relive her stunning summer wedding at Olowalu Plantation House. From her 12-year love story with Scott to her vibrant floral design and heart-melting father-of-the-bride moment, this conversation is packed with warmth, laughter, and inspiration.
Danyelle shares what it was like planning a destination wedding on Maui, how she personalized her design with thoughtful touches (including a basketball-bracket-style seating chart!), and the lessons she learned along the way.
We also chat about:💍 The moment she knew Olowalu Plantation House was “the one”🌸 Designing her dream wedding with Rochelle from Friday Flowers Every Day🎨 Infusing personality into elegant, tropical design🎥 Why trusting your planner makes all the difference in choosing vendors💖 The emotional surprises from her husband that brought everyone to tears
Plus, I include a quick note about vendor professionalism and why it’s so important to work with a planner you trust before booking any vendors — a small decision that makes a huge impact on your wedding-day experience.
Whether you’re planning your own Maui destination wedding or just love hearing real love stories, this episode will give you all the island wedding feels. 🌺
 

039 // How to Legally Get Married in Hawaii — Everything You Need to Know

Getting married in Hawaii? 🌴 In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing exactly what you need to know to make your marriage legal in paradise.
I’ll walk you through how to apply for your Hawaii marriage license, what to bring to your appointment, how long it takes to receive your official marriage certificate, and what to do if you’re bringing your own officiant from the mainland.
Here’s what I cover:💍 Who can legally get married in Hawaii (no residency required!)📝 How to apply online for your marriage license before you arrive📅 When and where to meet with a licensed agent on Maui💌 How long it takes to receive your certified marriage certificate🙌 What to do if your officiant is a friend or pastor from the mainland🌺 Bonus: Answers to the most common questions I get — from symbolic ceremonies to witnesses and same-day weddings.
Whether you’re planning a simple beach elopement or a full celebration with family and friends, this step-by-step guide will help you feel confident that your wedding will be beautiful, stress-free, and legally official.
💕 Connect with Me:
🌐 adreamwedding.net📸 Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui💌 Book your complimentary consultation today!

038 // A Maui Wedding from Berlin: Corissa & Jason’s Destination Love Story at Olowalu Plantation House

In this week’s episode, I chat with Corissa, who planned her stunning Olowalu Plantation House wedding all the way from Berlin! From an intimate welcome party at Hotel Wailea’s Birdcage Bar to a whale watch with Trilogy and a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by loved ones from around the world — Corissa’s Maui wedding was filled with creativity, connection, and emotion.
We dive into her thoughtful design vision (inspired by volcanic tones and still-life art), her best advice for other destination couples, and how she and Jason navigated time zones, planning stress, and post-wedding blues with grace and humor.
Whether you’re planning from afar or dreaming of Olowalu, this conversation is packed with inspiration and heart.
✨ In This Episode You’ll Hear:
How Corissa and Jason planned their Maui wedding while living in Berlin
The story behind their elegant, art-inspired design at Olowalu Plantation House
Why they chose a long engagement and how it helped them stay grounded
The vendors that brought their vision to life — from Maui Bars to Noni from Maui Palm Tree Floral
Honest reflections on post-wedding emotions and the magic of slowing down to soak it all in
Vendors Mentioned:
Planner: A Dream Wedding MauiVenue: Olowalu Plantation HouseFlorals: Maui Palm Tree Floral (Noni)Catering: Food for the SoulBar Service: Maui BarsRentals: Rio Event DesignTransportation: Maui Tours & TransportPhotography: Jacqueline LockeVideography: Stephan BökerDJ: Jesse with Maui DJ Services
🌺 Connect with Us:
Visit adreamwedding.net for Maui wedding inspiration and planning resources.Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

037 // Why We Ditched the Giant Wedding Checklist: Embracing Effortless Planning

Remember when every couple wanted a massive, super-detailed wedding checklist? The longer, the better? Well… those days are gone — and for good reason.
In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, Ashley shares how her approach to wedding planning checklists has completely evolved over the years. What used to be hundreds of detailed tasks has now become a simple, streamlined, effortless process — because that’s what modern couples truly want.
Ashley dives into:💡 Why ultra-detailed checklists can actually overwhelm couples instead of helping them🌺 How her team redesigned their planning system into easy, stress-free phases🗓️ The five signature planning phases — from vendor selection to go time✨ Why “effortless” has become her signature word, not only for planning but in life and personal style🤍 How simplicity builds trust and gives couples more space to enjoy their engagement
If you’ve ever felt buried under a never-ending wedding to-do list, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh Maui air.
🌴 Connect with Ashley:
Website: adreamwedding.netInstagram: @adreamweddingmaui

036 // How to Stay Present on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye—and after months (or years!) of planning, the best gift you can give yourself is the ability to be truly present. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing six powerful ways to slow down, soak in the magic, and create memories that last a lifetime.
From handing off logistics to your planning team, to building intentional pauses, to anchoring your favorite moments—you’ll walk away with simple, heartfelt strategies to actually enjoy your wedding day instead of rushing through it.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not about a perfectly executed timeline or the exact shade of blush in your florals—it’s about connection, gratitude, and love.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🌸 Why “overplanning and then letting go” is the key to peace of mind🌸 How to build intentional pauses that make the day feel less rushed🌸 Why you should put your phone away (and who to give it to instead)🌸 A simple gratitude practice to help you lock in memories🌸 How to release perfectionism so you can focus on joy🌸 The secret to anchoring memories you’ll treasure forever
✨ Whether you’re planning a beachside elopement or a grand oceanfront celebration, these tips will help you feel calm, present, and connected on your wedding day.
💌 Let’s Connect:
Website: adreamwedding.net
Instagram & Facebook: @adreamweddingmaui
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode, and if this helped you, please leave a review or share with a friend who’s planning their big day!

035 // Why a Wedding Weekend Beats a Wedding Day

Your wedding day will be unforgettable—but what if you could stretch that joy across an entire weekend? In today’s episode of the Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, Ashley shares how planning multi-day celebrations can transform your destination wedding into a full guest experience.
Fresh off a three-day birthday celebration packed with unforgettable activities, Ashley shows how the same ideas can be reimagined for wedding weekends. From private luaus and canoe regattas to sandcastle competitions and sunset sails, discover creative ways to connect your guests, honor Hawaiian culture, and make memories that last a lifetime.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Why wedding weekends create deeper connections with your guests
How extra events allow us as planners to deliver even better service
Unique activity ideas from a recent 3-day celebration, including:
Private luau with music, hula, and cocktail competitions
Canoe regatta with Hawaiian cultural experiences
Garden lunch with a live art class and music
Semi-private dinner at Nobu—perfect for a rehearsal dinner
Sandcastle building competition on the beach
BBQ lunch + sunset sail to wrap up the weekend
How multi-day celebrations help guests from all over the world feel like family by the wedding day
Options for full planning or à la carte event planning with A Dream Wedding Maui
Links & Resources:🌺 Learn more at adreamwedding.net🌺 Follow on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

034 // The Amazon Wedding Problem

Hey friends, it’s Ashley!
Today I’m diving into a problem that’s been growing in the wedding world lately — and especially here in Maui. And I’ll be honest…I’ve been part of it, too. It’s Amazon.
What used to be one or two simple boxes from couples — a card box, some cocktail napkins, a few favors — has now turned into my team feeling like an Amazon fulfillment center. Dozens of boxes filled with candles, signage, chargers, and fragile glass arrive at venues, leaving us knee-deep in bubble wrap instead of where I want to be: by your side on the wedding day.
In this episode, I’m sharing:✨ The hidden costs of ordering décor from Amazon (time, waste, and stress).✨ Why cheap online finds rarely hold up — fragile glass, paper-thin napkins, chargers that chip after one use.✨ The truth about live flame candles in Maui (and why LED is the way to go).✨ The new boundaries I’m setting so I can serve my couples at the highest level.
At the end of the day, I want to be fully present with my clients, not unboxing Amazon shipments. Let’s rethink how we approach these wedding details and choose options that are beautiful, practical, and kind to Maui.
🌺 Find me at adreamwedding.net or on Instagram @adreamweddingmaui.

033 // Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner Before Choosing Your Venue

Most couples think the first step in planning a wedding is locking in the venue. But here’s the truth: booking your venue first is actually step two. In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m sharing why hiring your wedding planner before you choose your venue can save you time, money, and stress — and make the entire experience so much more enjoyable.
Fresh from a full day of site inspections with one of my couples, I’ll walk you through:
The common pitfalls couples face when booking a venue on their own.
How my insider knowledge and venue relationships streamline the process.
Why efficiency matters: how one couple planned on multiple days of site tours, but with my connections, we knocked it all out in a single day.
The hidden benefits of site inspections — building trust, setting priorities, and laying the foundation for a great planning relationship.
If you’re dreaming of a Maui wedding or just starting your venue search, this episode will give you the clarity to start planning in the right order.
Resources & Links:
Learn more at adreamwedding.net
Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui