An Intimate Waterfront Wedding at Olowolu Plantation House in Lahaina, Hawaii

For their mid-February wedding, Claudine Lam (34 and a consultant) and John Wallis (38 and a director of marketing) planned an intimate, tropical soiree in Lahaina, Hawaii with their closest family members and friends. A palette of white, gold and fuchsia hues allowed the natural beauty of the island shine through, while achieving the understated aesthetic the couple was after.

With its waterfront location, charming rustic plantation house and natural surroundings, the Olowolu Plantation House provided the perfect spot for an al fresco affair — exactly what Claudine and John had in mind. As the sparkling blue waves of the Pacific gently lapping the shore, the couple exchanged vows in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, complete with colorful leis, lighthearted ukulele music and a ceremonial blowing of the conch shell.

A long wooden table invited guests to gather round, with playful paper lanterns creating a whimsical canopy overhead. Mason jars wrapped in burlap and lace lined the tabletops, displaying cloudlike arrangements of baby’s breath and small votive candles that cast an ambient glow as the sun set over the water. “Along with our wedding party and families, we spent the day before the wedding making each vase unique and decorated them with lace, burlap and raffia,” says Claudine.

With fresh seafood being a local specialty, a raw bar packed with sushi, oysters and shrimp was a must. Feel-good tunes got guests in the mood to celebrate, while a Polaroid camera, perfect for taking candid pictures, was a big hit throughout the evening. “The small size and simplicity of the wedding really reflected us as a couple,” says Claudine. “We don’t like to complicate things. It was intimate, and we were able to spend time with each of our guests.”

A tip for the taking from Claudine and John: “Keep it simple. Spend more time on the big hitters like food and venue. Make your wedding true to who you are as a couple.”