WEDDING IDEAS

Alyson and Philip made their own invitations using linen card stock wrapped in Chiyogami paper. They couldn’t decide whether they liked the blue or orange invitations better, so they sent both!

Alyson asked her hairstylist to create an elegant, interesting, and organic look for her wedding day. She ended up with a low updo with a braid on one side and knots on the other, accented with a fresh, white phalaenopsis orchid. “I’m so happy with the way it turned out,” says Alyson.

Alyson’s bouquet was inspired by the colors of a Hawaiian sunset. Her florist used orange and gold Mokara orchids, green cymbidium orchids, Circus roses, orange dahlias, orange and red crocosmia, bupleurum flowers, green hypericum berries, and succulents.

Instead of bridesmaid bouquets, Alyson chose white paper parasols similar to those used by Japanese geishas (Alyson carried a blue one). The bridesmaids were allowed to pick their own dresses, as long as they kept with the ocean-blue color scheme.

Philip’s white linen outfit was just right for the outdoor ceremony. The groomsmen also wore linen pants with ocean-blue shirts.

Alyson lined the aisle with coral, tangerine, mango, yellow, and chartreuse paper lanterns. She and her father also hand-painted signs that read “wedding,” “croquet,” “feast,” and “merriment” and hung them around the wedding site.

Another DIY decoration for the wedding included Alyson and Philip’s bamboo arch. They wanted elements of their wedding to reflect the time they had spent in Japan, so they folded dozens of paper cranes and glued them to fishing line. “I love the pop of color they added!” says Alyson.

Philip and Alyson’s outdoor wedding took place on a secluded beach at the Olowalu Plantation House. Alyson’s uncle, an Anglican priest, performed the ceremony. “It was a remarkable, tranquil, profound moment,” says Alyson.

Alyson and Philip performed a traditional lei exchange at the end of the ceremony, and wore flower garlands as they walked back down the aisle together. Alyson’s gathered, spaghetti-strap gown was made by Toronto designer Barbra Allin.

After the ceremony, Alyson and Philip took a moment to sit and look out over the ocean. “It was a totally magical moment,” says Alyson.

Alyson and Philip danced to “There She Goes,” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and invited the guests to join them partway through the song.

Using vintage Hawaiian posters and steel pots, Philip and Alyson’s florist created unique containers for their vibrant orange centerpieces. Coincidentally, the couple chose the same postcard prints for their guest book.

Alyson and Philip had their two-tiered cake decorated with orchids and crocosmia and frosted with Hawaiian vanilla buttercream. The white cake was filled with lilikoi passion fruit and white chocolate macadamia nut mousse.

It was important to Philip and Alyson to support local businesses, so they served tropical-flavored soda by Oahu’s Waialua Soda Works.

Alyson & Philip in Lahaina, HI

Alyson and Philip hosted an intimate destination wedding in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Photos By: Joanna Tano, Maui, HI

Location: Olowalu Plantation House, Lahaina, HI

Philip and Alyson met in Gifu, Japan, where they were both teaching English. That night, he boldly told her that he was in love with her smile. At first, Alyson ignored his advances, but a funny email from Philip persuaded her to give him a chance.

The Bride Alyson Lewis, 29, teacher
The Groom Philip Smith, 29, financial administrator
The Date August 18

Philip proposed to Alyson on Christmas by giving her a jar of jewelry cleaner. Initially, Alyson was puzzled, but before she could ask Philip about her gift, he was down on one knee with a ring. Because their families live in cities all around the world, and because the couple had visited Hawaii many times, Philip and Alyson decided to have a destination wedding in Lahaina. The private beach at the Olowalu Plantation House was the perfect spot for their outdoor ceremony and reception.

-- Ariel Davis