1. Real Weddings

An Intimate, Tropical Wedding at the Sugarman Estate in Maui, Hawaii

Laura Williams (28 and a retail manager) crossed paths with Star Jackson (27 and a hospitality manager) as students while crossing the quad of the Uni

Laura Williams (28 and a retail manager) crossed paths with Star Jackson (27 and a hospitality manager) as students while crossing the quad of the University of Alabama campus. “I told him I liked his shoes,” Laura admits of Star's showstopping purple and teal Adidas sneakers. Six years later, the couple’s Maui wedding at the Sugarcane Estate mirrored their initial vibrant connection. "We wanted our wedding to be a mix of old Hawaii and bohemian chic," Laura says, who exchanged vows and traditional Hawaiian wedding leis alongside Star at the Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena, Hawaii. An intimate outdoor reception for 35 guests followed, where hula dancers kept the celebration going strong. "Since all of our guests were traveling great distances to celebrate with us, it was important that we give them the full Hawaiian experience," Laura says. As the moon rose over the ocean and sprawling green lawn, dinner and drinks were served on Kona wooden farm tables set with candles and lush garland runners made with rich pink and purple tropical flowers. Overhead, canopies were hung with delicate floral leis, adding to the night's romantic, enchanting vibe. Wendy Laurel Photography captured every bit of the event's blush pink, burgundy and fern green palette, all of which fit the breathtaking surroundings. As the night came to a close, each attendee received a locally made favor: A box of cookies from Maui Sweet Cakes for the men, and necklaces by designer Sophie Grace for the women. “Maui is a sacred place to us,” Laura says. “And I think we did a nice job of showing our guests the proper Maui experience.” —Carolyn Meers

Laura wore her grandmother's aquamarine engagement ring as her "something blue" for the day.
Laura wore a traditional Hawaiian bridal crown, called a haku, intertwined with greenery and pink blossoms.
Laura wore a colorful haku flower crown that reflected the event's vibrant palette of pink, greens and magenta.
"I wanted my bouquet to look like I was walking through a field of wildflowers and just scooped some up," Laura says. "It was wild with a lot of greenery and flowers going every which way. It was perfect."
In keeping with Hawaiian traditions, Laura donned ankle lei made with deep burgundy garden roses and pink plumeria.
Star wore a traditional Hawaiian wedding leu made with fresh greenery, white orchids and jasmine. His colorful Hawaiian print tie was a perfect match for the event's playful, casual vibe.
Lush bouquets of blossoming garden roses and budding plumeria brightened up the neutral sea-foam green bridesmaid dresses.
Boutonnieres were crafted with delicate fern sprigs and a single deep burgundy blossom.
Laura and Star exchanged vows (and ceremonial wedding lei) at the Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena, Hawaii.
Hawaiian hula dancers welcomed guests to the outdoor reception at Sugarman Estate and taught a few traditional moves.
Guests sat at Kona wood farm tables under bistro lights and canopies draped with flower lei.
Pink and burgundy flower lei hung from canopies above the large farmhouse tables. Centerpieces were a mix of candles, tropical blossoms and green ferns.
Centerpieces matched the bright pink and rich green palette and were made of pink plumeria, hibiscus, calla lilies and glossy greenery.
To enhance their guests' Maui experience, Laura and Star gave the men a box of locally made cookies and chose necklaces by a Maui designer for the women.
Chairs at the couple's sweetheart table were draped with white flower lei, greenery and lace.
Subtle peach garden roses adorned the two-tier cake from Maui Sweet Cakes bakery.
Traditional hula dancers led Laura and Star's guests through a few moves at the reception.
As the moon rose over the palm trees, bistro lights illuminated the dance floor and the four surrounding tables.
"I think the fact that our wedding and reception were very intimate and casual is a big reflection of who we are as a couple," Laura says. "Maui is a sacred place to us. I think we did a nice job of showing our guests the proper Maui experience."