A Nautical, Rustic Destination Wedding at Olowalu Plantation House in Maui, Hawaii

Although Kate Helligso (25 and freelance artist/graphic designer) and Chris Paulson (25 and a US Navy submarine officer) had their destination wedding for loved ones on the island of Maui, Hawaii, they didn't want the typical Hawaiian theme. Instead, they treated guests to an authentic island wedding with a nautical, rustic style at the beautiful Olowalu Plantation House. "As soon as we saw the venue, visions of happiness exchanged between our family and friends flashed through my mind and I knew it was the place," Kate says. They combined the tropical environment with nautical details that reflected Chris's love for sailing and his profession with the Navy—from the blueprint wedding invitations designed by Kate to the sword they cut the cake with. Even the palette, filled with shades of blue, reflected their love for the sea. It was seen throughout day's details, designed by Kate. Wooden dining tables draped with blue linens had decorative elements of fresh fruit, antlers on top of hand-dyed fabrics and antique dinnerware, inspired by still-life painters that brought an artistic twist to the display. To sum it up, we loved that this island wedding truly reflected Kate and Chris as both a pair and as individuals. "The best advice I can give for the day of the wedding is to relax and let go of control and expectations," Kate says. "It’s about love, communion and the joining of friendship and family."