1. Real Weddings

Mae & Jeremy: A Tropical Wedding in Maui, HI

Mae, an Army nurse, and Jeremy, an Army officer, met through friends when they were both stationed in North Carolina. However, the two were soon livin

Mae, an Army nurse, and Jeremy, an Army officer, met through friends when they were both stationed in North Carolina. However, the two were soon living on opposite sides of the world after Jeremy was sent to Japan six months into their relationship. Though they rarely saw one another, Mae says, “Distance definitely did make our hearts grow fonder.” The Bride Mae Andalis, 32, US Army nurse anesthetist The Groom Jeremy O’Donnell, 33, US Army officer The Date July 16 One New Year’s Eve, while Jeremy was on leave, he and Mae were celebrating their third anniversary together. Shortly after midnight, Jeremy surprised her with a ring and asked her to marry him. “The ring was perfect...exactly what I would have chosen if given the chance,” Mae says. The couple soon started planning their intimate tropical wedding in Maui.

So they didn’t overpower the gorgeous surroundings, the couple chose modest centerpieces. Short, square, glass vases were placed on a turquoise table runner and filled with coral roses, orange Mokara orchids, and light green leaves.
The bridesmaids stood out in Tiffany blue and coral dresses by Saeyoung Vu, each with a different cut. They each carried a unique bouquet made of different combinations of yellow cymbidium orchids, coral roses, and orange gerbera daisies.
Adding a pop of color to Sheraton Maui Resort’s luxurious Coral Reef room, each chair was tied with a Tiffany blue satin bow.
The couple shared their first dance to “God Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts, and combined the father-daughter and mother-son dances with Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years.”
“As soon as I tried on [Monique Lhuillier’s] Alencon lace gown with a sweetheart neckline and open back, I knew it was the one,” Mae says. Jeremy wore a casual yet classic dark khaki Hugo Boss suit with a maile lei, a tradition in Hawaiian weddings.
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the couple wed on the picturesque Moana Lawn at Sheraton Maui Resort, which was covered with rose petals.
Guests were greeted with colorful programs, which were fastened to decorative fans. The bride said the fans were the perfect remedy for the hot, humid weather.
The Reception Decor
Mae carried brilliant white roses accented with bright orange roses and calla lilies. Small shells made of pearls were placed throughout for an extra special touch.
The Couple
The favors, which doubled as escort cards, were tiny lauhala boxes accented with an orange clay orchid and filled with shortbread cookies.
Taking a less traditional route, the couple opted to serve tiny wedding cakes to match their casual yet elegant reception. One hundred mini cakes in chocolate mousse, raspberry, and coconut and macadamia were layered on a cake stand that was topped with a traditional cake for Mae and Jeremy to cut.