1. Real Weddings

A Simple Destnation Wedding at Merriman's Restaurant in Maui, Hawaii

Deana Javor, 26, and Brad Gunlikson, 33, a Scottsdale, Arizona couple, decided to take their wedding to Hawaii for an unforgettable vacation experienc

Deana Javor, 26, and Brad Gunlikson, 33, a Scottsdale, Arizona couple, decided to take their wedding to Hawaii for an unforgettable vacation experience with family and friends. The ceremony was held at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, which also features an incredible golf course. Classic floral arrangements of white blooms and green leaves was a major decor theme throughout the day, highlighted in Brad's single white rose boutonniere, Deana's white rose and orchid bouquet and the enormous, circular garland wreath, in which the couple exchanged vows on the freshly cut golf course lawn. Guests looked on as the couple exchanged vows with the Maui sunset and the pacific ocean as the perfect background. The relaxed vibe of the day meant that guests (even including the bride and groom!) could enjoy the vacation lifestyle right up until the ceremony. Deana's groom Brad even enjoyed a quick nap before the walk down the aisle! After the picturesque golf course wedding ceremony, guests moved to a local island restaurant in Lahaina called Merriman's that boasts an incredible view of the Maui's beautiful beaches and surrounding ocean waters. Visiting family and friends enjoyed fabulous food ranging from classic sliders and shrimp platters to filet mingnon and live music provided by the restaurant. The night ended with a sweet dessert: Vanilla wedding cake (two-tiers, decorated with all-white fresh flowers to match the couple's other floral arrangements) with chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries. "Everything felt so effortless. The fact that we were able to turn our wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for our families made me so happy," says Deana about the special wedding trip.

Deana says she splurged on her Jimmy Choo bronze colored heeled sandals for the day of her wedding, since she felt like she got her dress for a bargain at her local bridal boutique in Gilbert, Arizona. The shoes added a sparkly flair to Deana's overall wedding look.
Deana's bouquet featured exotic white orchids, and other white flowers including roses. The white and green color palette was reflected throughout the entire wedding day in every floral arrangement, from the boutonnieres to the garland ring where Deana and Brad exchanged vows.
Brad accessorized his charcoal suit with a light blue silk tie and a single white rose boutonniere that was both simple and elegant. His boutonniere matched Deana's all-white bouquet and the ring of florals where the two exchanged vows during their ceremony.
The bride kept it low-key for her wedding beauty look. She wore her long blond hair down in a simple, waved hairstyle and kept her makeup look natural. "While I was getting ready for the ceremony, my husband took a nap!" she explains of her super relaxed getting-ready time.
White and green mixed in this circular garland that the couple used to define their altar space at the ceremony. The florist used white roses and orchids mixed with leaves for the effect. The couple kept their ceremony decor minimal, as they felt the beauty of the island should shine through.
Guests enjoyed the picturesque Hawaiian beach scenery as well as impeccable golf course grounds as beautiful vistas while the couple exchanged vows in a simply decorated but gorgeous ceremony that used mostly nature as the main decorations.
Deana and Brad exchanged vows on the perfectly cut lawn of the golf course that overlooks the ocean at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua on the island of Maui in Hawaii. Once they said "I do," and kissed, a conch shell trumpeted the happy news to the rest of the resort.
At Merriman's restaurant in Lahaina, HI, guests were provided with a special menu that included mini Maui cattle filet and applewood bacon sliders, Keahole dungeness crab cake with spicy remoulade, pacific white shrimp cocktail platters, Caesar salad and filet mignon.
Guests had a stunning view overlooking the ocean while they mingled in a private room and deck at Merriman's restaurant in Lahaina, Hawaii on the island of Maui. The restaurant also books a band that guests enjoyed throughout the evening
Hand-passed appetizers were served by waiters at Merriman's, a restaurant in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii where the reception was held. Guests raved about the delicious food, like these beef sliders, while overlooking the amazing vistas the restaurant provided.
Guests moved from the ceremony location at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua to the reception location at Merriman's restaurant in Lahaina, where they enjoyed a cocktail hour with plenty of red wine, white wine, beer and other cocktails, as well as a reception dinner overlooking the ocean.
The couple's guests were treated to a delicious wedding cake with two tiers and a cascading design of white floral blooms in roses and orchids. Smooth buttercream topped the outside of the cake while each layer was lined with beaded frosting.
Deana and Brad met and work and were engaged a year later. Brad proposed at the restaurant Sassi in Scottsdale, Arizona where the two live. The couple celebrated their wedding in a laid-back ceremony and reception on the island of Maui in Hawaii.