Audrey and Matt hosted a truly global affair for their destination wedding in Maui. Each from different parts of the world, it was important to them that they find a place that worked for all of their loved ones. And today they share their special story with us! “We selected Maui because the Hawaiian Islands are almost exactly halfway between our two hometowns in Florida and Australia. We only wanted to have one wedding- so we needed to make it as fair as possible for friends and family on both sides! We wanted our wedding to be fun, non-stuffy, and reflect our unique styles and personalities. We envisioned everyone laughing, drinking, and dancing- on holiday in one the most beautiful locations in the world. Since travel has been a huge part of our lives and relationship, and always will be, it made sense to do a travel themed wedding, which inspired our guests and the décor.”
“My dress was a simple, sweetheart-neckline, strapless tulle dress with Swiss dot overlay, a crossover bodice, and medium train. It fit like a glove, but I could still easily eat and dance in it, which was crucial to me. I loved how soft and light it felt- perfect for a breezy beach wedding. I also wore a birdcage veil, large dangling blue crystal vintage style earrings, and sandals. Matt wore grey suit trousers & vest, white button down, and leather flip-flops. It actually looked great and was exactly his style! No closed toes shoes at the beach! And just under the surface, the groom’s party had personalized undergarments (groom, best man, and more!).”
“Held outside on a grassy lawn adjacent to a long, white, sandy beach, attendees looked out over the water and islands off Maui. The ceremony was a very intimate, special, family affair, with every family member involved.”
“Our flower girl was Matt’s Japanese step-grandmother, Yoshie, who designed and made her own hot pink dress. Yoshie, the 3 groomsmen, 3 bridesmaids, Matt and his parents all walked out to Vitamin String Quartet’s version of God Only Knows. I walked out with both of my parents to Vitamin String Quartet’s version of Hallelujah, the first song Matt ever heard me sing.”
“My grandfather performed my parents’ wedding, and my father wanted to follow by creating a new family tradition. He got certified online and served as our officiant, which was a real treat. My younger brother Vince wrote and sang an original song for us, while Matt’s brother James accompanied him on the keyboard. His sister read the Hands Ceremony, and we gave each other our own, personalized vows.”
Destination weddings are not always predictable, but luckily for these two, weather proved not to be a problem. “The weather forecasted a hurricane that day, but fortunately it never arrived and you would never know about the forecast from looking at the photos.”
“Vintage suitcases decorated the space, and our ‘guest book’ was an antique globe. Everyone wrote messages to us over their home country and state- something we will keep forever!”
“We went with a vintage travel theme, with the main colors of mint and peach which gently reflected the colors of the tropics. Family and tradition are very important for Matt and I, and we had antique picture frames with old pictures (one on each dinner table) of the weddings of our family members. The large crystal chandelier hanging over our dinner table just glowed as the sun set over the Pacific.”
“We went in for the first dances and Matt and I danced to Meiko’s Stuck on You, while my dad and I danced to Free Fallin, our favorite song when I was little. We heard some hilarious speeches from our very international bridal party and everyone hit the dance floor. There were ‘shout out’ songs from the DJ for lots of our guests- music we picked specifically for them. Another funny thing was the groomsmen dropped their trousers just enough to show their printed “groomsmen” boxers, linking arms and backing it up across the dance floor! We also had a surprise video that our friend put together, with little video messages from friends and family abroad who couldn’t make it. Then we had cake, more dancing, and a big sparkler exit.”
“The day itself was absolutely perfect- clear, blue and sunny- a huge relief since a hurricane had been forecast for that day! I just remember being so completely happy and excited, I couldn’t stop laughing or smiling long enough for the makeup artist to do my lipstick. Everything ended up being exactly as we had hoped, and it felt so amazing to be marrying Matt and to know that we have so many wonderful friends and family who would travel around the world to be there for us!”
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Aubrey Hord Photography
Wedding Vendors: Location, Wedding Coordinator, Catering + Cake: Sugar Beach Events, Videographer: IMF Visions, Florist: Maui Floral, Hair: Amanda Nigbur of Maui Modern Hair, Makeup: Dacia Waller of Spa Lotus, Officiant: Bride’s father, Larry Schueren, Ceremony Musicians: Brother of the Bride, Vince Schueren and Brother of the Groom, James Edwards, Rentals: Hawaiian Style Events Rentals, Rio Event Design, Signature Event Rentals, DJ: Liam Grist
