A Dream Wedding Maui | Stress-Free Wedding Planning, Destination Weddings, Personalizing Your Wedding

Your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye—and after months (or years!) of planning, the best gift you can give yourself is the ability to be truly present. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing six powerful ways to slow down, soak in the magic, and create memories that last a lifetime. From handing off logistics to your planning team, to building intentional pauses, to anchoring your favorite moments—you’ll walk away with simple, heartfelt strategies to actually enjoy your wedding day instead of rushing through it. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about a perfectly executed timeline or the exact shade of blush in your florals—it’s about connection, gratitude, and love. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🌸 Why “overplanning and then letting go” is the key to peace of mind 🌸 How to build intentional pauses that make the day feel less rushed 🌸 Why you should put your phone away (and who to give it to instead) 🌸 A simple gratitude practice to help you lock in memories 🌸 How to release perfectionism so you can focus on joy 🌸 The secret to anchoring memories you’ll treasure forever ✨ Whether you’re planning a beachside elopement or a grand oceanfront celebration, these tips will help you feel calm, present, and connected on your wedding day. 💌 Let’s Connect: Website: @adreamweddingmaui 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a new episode, and if this helped you, please leave a review or share with a friend who’s planning their big day!

Your wedding day will be unforgettable—but what if you could stretch that joy across an entire weekend? In today’s episode of the Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, Ashley shares how planning multi-day celebrations can transform your destination wedding into a full guest experience. Fresh off a three-day birthday celebration packed with unforgettable activities, Ashley shows how the same ideas can be reimagined for wedding weekends. From private luaus and canoe regattas to sandcastle competitions and sunset sails, discover creative ways to connect your guests, honor Hawaiian culture, and make memories that last a lifetime. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why wedding weekends create deeper connections with your guests How extra events allow us as planners to deliver even better service Unique activity ideas from a recent 3-day celebration, including: Private luau with music, hula, and cocktail competitions Canoe regatta with Hawaiian cultural experiences Garden lunch with a live art class and music Semi-private dinner at Nobu—perfect for a rehearsal dinner Sandcastle building competition on the beach BBQ lunch + sunset sail to wrap up the weekend How multi-day celebrations help guests from all over the world feel like family by the wedding day Options for full planning or à la carte event planning with A Dream Wedding Maui Links & Resources: 🌺 Learn more at @adreamweddingmaui

Hey friends, it’s Ashley! Today I’m diving into a problem that’s been growing in the wedding world lately — and especially here in Maui. And I’ll be honest…I’ve been part of it, too. It’s Amazon. What used to be one or two simple boxes from couples — a card box, some cocktail napkins, a few favors — has now turned into my team feeling like an Amazon fulfillment center. Dozens of boxes filled with candles, signage, chargers, and fragile glass arrive at venues, leaving us knee-deep in bubble wrap instead of where I want to be: by your side on the wedding day. In this episode, I’m sharing: ✨ The hidden costs of ordering décor from Amazon (time, waste, and stress). ✨ Why cheap online finds rarely hold up — fragile glass, paper-thin napkins, chargers that chip after one use. ✨ The truth about live flame candles in Maui (and why LED is the way to go). ✨ The new boundaries I’m setting so I can serve my couples at the highest level. At the end of the day, I want to be fully present with my clients, not unboxing Amazon shipments. Let’s rethink how we approach these wedding details and choose options that are beautiful, practical, and kind to Maui. 🌺 Find me at @adreamweddingmaui.

Most couples think the first step in planning a wedding is locking in the venue. But here’s the truth: booking your venue first is actually step two. In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m sharing why hiring your wedding planner before you choose your venue can save you time, money, and stress — and make the entire experience so much more enjoyable. Fresh from a full day of site inspections with one of my couples, I’ll walk you through: The common pitfalls couples face when booking a venue on their own. How my insider knowledge and venue relationships streamline the process. Why efficiency matters: how one couple planned on multiple days of site tours, but with my connections, we knocked it all out in a single day. The hidden benefits of site inspections — building trust, setting priorities, and laying the foundation for a great planning relationship. If you’re dreaming of a Maui wedding or just starting your venue search, this episode will give you the clarity to start planning in the right order. Resources & Links: Learn more at adreamwedding.net Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

In today’s episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara has inspired me—and how it perfectly translates into the way we serve our couples. Unreasonable hospitality isn’t just about doing a good job. It’s about surprising and delighting people in deeply personal ways—in the small details, the big gestures, and the quiet moments that aren’t written on the timeline. I’ll share three real stories from weddings we’ve planned: The last-minute LED sparklers that almost didn’t arrive—and how we made sure every guest had one. A groom’s pet peeve about lighting—and the lengths we went to dim a neon sign so the dance floor felt just right. The time I reconstructed a bride’s dress minutes before her first look—because she deserved to feel radiant and confident walking toward her groom. I’ll also open up about what this means as our business grows: my commitment to making sure every couple feels cared for, seen, and celebrated through this level of above-and-beyond service. Because to us, wedding planning isn’t just about logistics—it’s about memory-making. ✨ Resources & Links Learn more: @adreamweddingmaui If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a couple who wants a wedding that’s not just beautiful—but unforgettable.

Music is one of the most powerful parts of your wedding day. Long after the flowers fade and the cake is gone, the songs you choose will instantly transport you back to those unforgettable moments. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m walking you through the top 10 songs every couple should select for their wedding day—from the processional and bridal entrance to the dance floor opener and the very last song of the night. You’ll learn: Which songs set the tone for your ceremony Fun options for cake cutting and parent dances Why your first dance song is often the most personal choice of all How to choose the perfect dance floor opener to get guests moving Tips for creating a Spotify playlist, “must play” list, and “do not play” list for your DJ Whether you’re dreaming of a Hawaiian-inspired ceremony, a classic ballroom celebration, or a fun beach bash, music will help define the experience and create lasting memories for you and your guests. ✨ Resources & Links Book a complimentary consultation: @adreamweddingmaui If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another couple planning their big day.

Micro weddings are having a moment—and I am here for it! In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing all about Sarah and Aaron’s beautiful and intimate wedding at the Sheraton’s hidden gem: the Ali‘i Suite. From a sunset ceremony on a private lawn to a relaxed dinner on the lanai with their closest people, this day was low-stress, high-style, and absolutely unforgettable. Tune in to hear: What really defines a “micro wedding” (hint: it’s not just about the guest count) Why I love planning these stress-free, connection-filled celebrations A behind-the-scenes look at Sarah and Aaron’s wedding day flow My favorite Maui venues for micro weddings (including secret spots you might not know!) Tips for keeping your guest list tight—and why that matters with small venues How to make a micro wedding feel just as luxurious and meaningful as a big one Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or just want more quality time with your guests, this episode will inspire you to think small—in the best way. 🔗 Links & Resources: → Learn more at @adreamweddingmaui → Ready to plan your Maui micro wedding? Book a free consult 🌺 Let’s Make Your Wedding Feel Like You Whether your celebration is 15 guests or 150, we’ll help you design a day that feels effortless, elegant, and full of aloha. Subscribe for weekly planning tips and inspiration!

📋 Episode Description (Show Notes): Are timeless wedding styles making a comeback? I think so—and Savannah and Danny’s stunning celebration at Sugar Beach is proof! In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing all the beautiful details from one of our most elegant events to date. From a luxurious white and green floral palette to twinkle-lit chiffon ceiling draping, custom sweetheart table setups, and a heart-shaped Aloha marquee sign—this wedding was the perfect blend of sophistication, romance, and island charm. If you’ve been dreaming of a classic wedding design that still feels warm and personal, this one’s for you. 💡 What You’ll Hear About: Why classic white and green weddings are trending again How we brought Savannah & Danny’s vision to life at Sugar Beach Floral highlights (hello, white phalaenopsis orchids!) How to dress up the Sugar Beach space with lighting and thoughtful design The power of one inspo photo in creating a jaw-dropping event Why Sugar Beach is a top pick for formal or elegant Maui weddings The magic of surprise fire knife dancers (always a hit!) 🔗 Links & Resources: → Browse more real weddings at @adreamweddingmaui → Ready to chat? Book a free consult 🌺 Love This Look? Let’s Plan Yours. Whether you’re drawn to timeless elegance or bold tropical vibes, I’d love to help you bring your unique vision to life. Subscribe for more weekly inspiration—and don’t forget to trust the classics. 😉

📋 Episode Description (Podbean Show Notes): Not all vendors are created equal—and when it comes to planning a seamless Maui destination wedding, who you hire really matters. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing why our preferred vendor list is a total game changer for our clients. From florals to photography, DJs to dinner service, I break down how I personally vet each vendor we recommend—and why that list is actually quite small (for good reason!). I also share real stories of what can go wrong when couples go off-list—and what makes our vendor team such a dream to work with. If you're planning a wedding on Maui or anywhere, this is a must-listen before you start booking your vendors. 💡 What You’ll Learn: What a preferred vendor list actually is (and isn’t!) How I personally select and vet each vendor The difference between a smooth planning process and… well, chaos True stories that will make you want to trust the list Why assembling the right team is about more than just individual talent 🔗 Links + Resources: → Learn more at @adreamweddingmaui → Want to chat with me about your dream Maui wedding? Schedule a free consult 🌺 Let’s Stay Connected: Subscribe for weekly tips on planning an effortless destination wedding in paradise, and leave a review if you’re loving the show! Mahalo for listening and trusting us with your big day.

If you're planning a Maui destination wedding, you’ve probably wondered: Do I have to feed my wedding vendors? In this episode, Maui wedding planner Ashley Ulery shares her honest (and spicy!) take on vendor meals—what's expected, what’s reasonable, and what not to do. You’ll learn: What a vendor meal is and when it’s required The 4-hour rule every couple should know Why vendors should not eat when guests eat Whether it's ever okay for vendors to go through the buffet line The small gesture that vendors never forget Whether you’re a Maui bride, a groom, or just getting started with your wedding planning checklist, this episode will help you feel confident handling vendor meals the right way—with clarity, care, and a whole lot of aloha. Mentioned in this episode: Rule of thumb: Feed any vendor working 4+ hours Vendor meals don’t need to be fancy—just thoughtful and timely Why guest experience comes first How planners coordinate meal timing with caterers Why the phrase “Have you eaten?” means so much on a wedding day Connect with Ashley: 💻 Website: https://adreamwedding.net 📸 Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui Subscribe for more episodes on: ✔️ Maui wedding planning tips ✔️ Vendor selection ✔️ Destination wedding etiquette ✔️ Budgeting, timelines, and stress-free planning

🎧 Episode Summary: The big day is finally here — now what? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to expect on your Maui wedding day, from your first cup of coffee to your last dance. We’ll cover how the morning unfolds, what hair and makeup really looks like, why pacing yourself matters, and why a private post-ceremony moment might be your new favorite wedding hack. Whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest-of-honor who just wants to feel calm and prepared, this is your behind-the-scenes look at how the day typically flows — plus a few tips to help time slow down just a bit. You’ll learn: 💄 When hair and makeup usually start (hint: it’s earlier than you think!) 🍓 Why hydration, food, and minimal alcohol are game changers 📸 The real reason you want to gather your flat lay items in advance 💍 Whether or not to do a first look — and why it’s okay to change your mind 🕊️ What happens behind the scenes before the ceremony 🥂 Why you might want a post-ceremony private moment 💃 And how to actually enjoy your cocktail hour and reception Mentioned in this episode: Hair & makeup day-of prep Flat lay photo tips Vow timing (spoiler: don’t wait until the day-of!) How your wedding planner runs the timeline so you don’t have to Let’s Connect: Ready to start planning your dream wedding in Maui? 🌴 Book a consultation: www.adreamwedding.net 📷 Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui 💌 Don’t forget: Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and please leave a review if this helped you feel more prepared for your big day!  

After a whirlwind summer of family vacations and beautiful Maui weddings, I'm back—and full of fresh perspective. In this episode, I’m sharing surprising takeaways from our recent travels (yes, even Disneyland taught me something about weddings!). From the importance of a well-planned timeline to the emotional impact of how events begin and end, these reflections will help you think differently about your own wedding day. I also open up about how overwhelming travel can feel—and how that gave me new empathy for couples in the thick of planning. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights to help you stay calm, intentional, and focused on what really matters. What You’ll Learn: Why the beginning and end of your event are the most memorable How Disney inspired me to rethink how we wrap up weddings The parallels between vacation overwhelm and wedding planning stress Why planning ahead creates more freedom (yes, I use Aisle Planner for vacations too) The value of taking intentional breaks during the planning process Links & Resources: Book a free consultation: adreamwedding.net Follow on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui Let’s Connect: If you're getting married in Maui and looking for support, I’d love to meet you! Reach out anytime—DM me on Instagram or visit the website to get started.

In this heartfelt episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I sit down with Kayla and Armando—an amazing couple who celebrated their dream wedding on Maui with a ceremony at Sacred Hearts Mission Church and an unforgettable reception at Olowalu Plantation House. Together, we reflect on the design-forward planning process, a week full of activities for their guests (including a catamaran sail, golf course welcome drinks, and a sunrise bike ride down Haleakalā!), and even a flower mishap that turned into a beautiful win thanks to communication and trust. We talk about: How they chose Maui and what made them fall in love with Olowalu Planning a destination wedding with full-service support Creating an elegant design that felt timeless and Hawaiian Why it's worth planning multiple events during your wedding week How vendor synergy and a solid planner made all the difference The unexpected moment when bouquets needed a redo—and how we fixed it fast! Vendors Mentioned: Venue: Olowalu Plantation House Ceremony Location: Sacred Hearts Mission Church Catering: Café O’Lei Catering Music: Marvin Tevaga Music Photography: Dmitri and Sandra Photography Videography: No Ka Oi Media Coconut Bar: The Catered Coconut Planning Tip: Always communicate with your planner if something isn’t right. We’d much rather know and fix it than miss the chance to make things right. Case in point: Kayla’s bridesmaid bouquets weren’t what she expected—but one phone call later, we turned the day around.  Favorite Moments: The catamaran snorkel sail Something blue welcome drinks at Ka‘anapali Golf Course A surprise welcome speech that brought guests to tears Their dreamy white orchid lei wall and satin-ribboned place cards Connect with us at adreamwedding.net Follow along on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui Mahalo for tuning in! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with any couple dreaming of a Maui wedding.

While you're sipping champagne and enjoying hair and makeup with your wedding party, your planning team is already hard at work making the magic happen. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly what goes on behind the scenes on your Maui wedding day. From early-morning vendor confirmations to sunset photo coordination and post-reception pack-up, we’re walking you through the full day—from our perspective! Get a feel for the calm, confident energy we bring to each wedding, how we keep things running on time, and why working with trusted vendors makes all the difference. Whether you’re a few weeks out or just getting started, this episode will help you envision a stress-free day where your only job is to soak in the joy and say “I do.”  What You’ll Learn: What’s happening behind the scenes while you’re getting ready How we confirm and communicate with vendors (and what we do if they don’t respond!) Tips for seamless ceremony and reception setup The details we triple-check—so you don’t have to How we manage timelines, surprises, and last-minute requests with aloha  Links & Resources: Visit us: adreamwedding.net Follow on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui

Let’s talk about wedding rehearsals! In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of how we run rehearsals for our Maui destination weddings. Whether you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or just curious about what actually happens, we’re here to walk you through it all. We’ll share who should attend, how we set the ceremony lineup, why we rehearse in reverse (yes, really!), and how we ease those last-minute jitters the day before you say “I do.” From timing the music to giving pep talks to the wedding party, our goal is to make sure everything runs smoothly—and that you feel totally confident and calm heading into your big day. If you’re planning a wedding in Maui, this episode will help you show up to rehearsal ready, relaxed, and excited.  What We Cover: Why we usually schedule rehearsals for 9 AM the day before the wedding Who should be there—and who doesn’t need to worry about attending What to expect if you're bringing your own officiant How we plan your processional and ceremony layout Why we rehearse in reverse and how it helps everything click Our go-to reminders for pockets, sunglasses, bouquets, and more Why we leave the music timing to the pros—and skip the Bluetooth speaker  A Few Extra Tips: How to use Canva to visualize your wedding party lineup How we help families decide where to sit for the best view What happens if someone forgets their cue (spoiler: we’re there to guide them!)  Let’s Connect: Planning your dream Maui wedding? We’d love to support you. → Book a complimentary consultation: adreamwedding.net → Follow us for daily tips and inspiration: @adreamweddingmaui

Not sure who to tip—or how much—when it comes to your wedding team? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down suggested gratuities so you can show your appreciation without overextending your budget. We’ll talk about who to tip, how much is appropriate, how to prepare ahead of time, and some real talk about things like tip jars at the bar and those post-wedding “the check is in the mail” moments. Whether you decide to tip or not, this episode will help you feel confident, organized, and full of aloha. What You’ll Learn: Who typically receives a gratuity on wedding day (and how much is standard) Why gratuities are never expected when working with trusted pros The best way to prepare and organize your tip envelopes (cash is king!) What to do if you’re on a tight budget—but still want to show appreciation The do’s and don’ts of bar tip jars (yes, we talk about it!) Why saying “we’ll send something later” can unintentionally sting  How thank-you notes, kind words, and great reviews are also meaningful ways to say thanks Mentioned in This Episode: Book a free consultation Follow on Instagram @adreamweddingmaui Want help planning your Maui wedding? Let’s chat! Use the link above to view my calendar. 🌺 A Note from Ashley: This is Episode 21—such a milestone! I’m so grateful to each of you for tuning in every week. I created this podcast to give you practical, thoughtful advice to make planning your Maui destination wedding as seamless (and joyful) as possible. Here’s to many more episodes to come. 💕

Ever wonder what a wedding planner carries to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch? In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly what’s inside our wedding day toolkit. From fashion fixes to weather emergencies and tech must-haves, we are prepared for anything and everything — so you don’t have to worry about a thing! Tune in to hear the full breakdown of what we pack for every wedding day and why having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The must-have items in our emergency kit and repair tools Beauty and fashion essentials we always carry Tech tools and weather prep you might not think of Little-known wedding day hacks (hint: baby powder and museum wax!) Why being over-prepared = peace of mind for you and your guests Mentioned in this Episode: Liquid IV hydration packs Clear umbrellas (our secret good-luck charm against rain!) Fashion tape, fishing line, museum wax — and more toolkit essentials   Want more help planning your Maui wedding? Visit adreamwedding.net to schedule a complimentary consultation or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @adreamweddingmaui! Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found today’s tips helpful, please leave a review and share it with a friend who's planning their dream wedding too! Mahalo for listening — see you next Wednesday!  Ashley 

🎧 Episode Description: In today’s episode, I’m sharing a very real behind-the-scenes moment: I almost didn’t record this because I’m currently dealing with a pretty brutal skin cancer treatment (shout out to anyone who’s been through the dreaded chemo cream). But that’s exactly what inspired this topic—because even when I’m not at my best, the planning doesn’t stop. And that’s the beauty of having a team. If you’ve ever wondered why it might be better to hire a team of planners instead of just one solo expert, this episode is for you. I’m diving into how our team works together to support each couple with creativity, consistency, and compassion—no matter what life throws at us. Here’s what I’m sharing in this episode: Why I moved from being a one-woman show to building a full wedding planning team How we support each other (and you!) through sick days, travel, and long event weekends The benefits of multiple sets of eyes on your details—from guest lists to floor plans How we play to our strengths and work collaboratively to serve you better An exciting update about our new Design Specialist and what that means for your wedding! 📲 Let’s connect: If you’re newly engaged or just curious about what it’s like to work with our team, I’d love to hear from you. Visit: www.adreamwedding.net Follow me on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui 💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another couple planning their big day in paradise.

The RSVPs are in—yay! But now what? In this episode of my Let’s Get Maui series, I’m walking you through exactly what to do once your final guest count is locked. This phase is all about logistics, and I’m here to help you tackle it with confidence and ease. In this episode, I’ll share: How to start (and survive!) your seating plan What to communicate to your caterer—like entrée counts and food allergies How your final headcount affects rentals, transportation, and your budget Common mistakes I see with place cards and how to avoid them My suggested RSVP and planning timeline to keep things stress-free This is such an exciting milestone in your wedding planning journey, and I want to make sure you’re checking every important box before the big day. Let’s dive into these details so you can stay calm, organized, and ready to celebrate! 📋 Need help planning? Book a free consultation at adreamwedding.net 📱 Follow me on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Wedding Tip Wednesday!

This week, I’m sharing three wedding details that I am absolutely loving right now — straight from a stunning event we just wrapped at the gorgeous Olowalu Plantation House. From bold color palettes to guest-friendly lei walls and unforgettable entertainment, these ideas are all about creating joyful, meaningful experiences that reflect you as a couple. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why color is making a big comeback (and how to use it well) What a lei wall is and why it’s such a wow-worthy welcome Ways to elevate your guest experience — including my favorite surprise moment: fire knife dancing! Whether you're just starting to plan or deep in the details, this episode will inspire you to personalize your celebration in a way that feels vibrant, intentional, and completely your own. ✨ Let’s make your dream wedding come to life — with aloha. 📍 Ready to plan your Maui wedding? DM me on Instagram @adreamweddingmaui or book a consult — I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up!