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

In this episode of the Dream Wedding Maui podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on what wedding planners actually do behind the scenes to create a seamless and effortless wedding day. Most couples think wedding planning is about choosing florals, rentals, and designing a beautiful space. And while that is part of it, it’s only a small piece of the full picture. The real work—and the real creativit...

After one of the most intense storm weekends I’ve experienced in nearly 30 years on Maui, I’m sharing a quick but powerful episode you don’t want to skip. Because here’s the truth: ✨ 99% of the time, Maui weddings are absolutely perfect… But it’s that 1%—when things don’t go as planned—that truly defines your vendor team. In this episode, I’m walking you through the top 3 questions you should ask...

If you're planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, one question almost every couple asks is: What happens if it rains on our wedding day? The good news is that Maui weather is beautiful about 99% of the time. But occasionally storms or rain showers do roll through, and when that happens, having an experienced wedding planner can make all the difference. In this episode of the Dream Wedding Maui P...

Planning your ceremony processional might seem simple… until you start adding parents, grandparents, stepparents, and your entire wedding party into the mix. In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, Maui wedding planner Ashley breaks down the traditional ceremony processional order and the most common ways couples customize it for modern weddings — especially destination weddings in Hawaii. You’ll l...

If you’re planning a Maui destination wedding or have been asked to give a wedding speech, this episode is for you. In today’s short and sweet episode of the Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m sharing: ✨ The traditional order of wedding toasts ✨ When to schedule speeches during your reception ✨ How long a wedding toast should be ✨ 5 simple tips for delivering a heartfelt, memorable speech ✨ What...

n today’s episode of A Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m joined by Deb and Mike—an East Coast couple who chose to elope in Maui in December. We talk about their 13-year love story (including the daily morning emails that helped nurture their long-distance relationship), why they chose an intimate elopement over a traditional wedding, and what it’s really like planning a Maui wedding from five time z...

In this episode of the Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I share why doing something “by the book” isn’t the same as truly being taken care of — especially when you’re planning a destination wedding in Maui. After reflecting on recent experiences with service providers who technically did everything right but lacked care, I talk about what separates good service from great service and why couples hire w...

In this episode, I’m sharing why full-service wedding planning is one of the best investments you can make when planning a destination wedding in Maui. After helping thousands of couples get married here, I’ve seen firsthand how full planning transforms the experience from stressful and overwhelming to calm, organized, and truly enjoyable. I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind...

As the holidays roll in this year, I’ve been feeling something I know many of you can relate to — that sense of being on a hamster wheel of expectations. Between the shopping, events, travel, traditions, pressure to “make it magical,” and worrying what everyone thinks… it’s so easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about. And you know what? The same thing happens with weddings. In this...

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I sit down with my sweet bride Danyelle to relive her stunning summer wedding at Olowalu Plantation House. From her 12-year love story with Scott to her vibrant floral design and heart-melting father-of-the-bride moment, this conversation is packed with warmth, laughter, and inspiration. Danyelle shares what it was like planning a destination wedding on Maui,...

Getting married in Hawaii? 🌴 In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing exactly what you need to know to make your marriage legal in paradise. I’ll walk you through how to apply for your Hawaii marriage license, what to bring to your appointment, how long it takes to receive your official marriage certificate, and what to do if you’re bringing your own officiant from the mainland. Here’s...

In this week’s episode, I chat with Corissa, who planned her stunning Olowalu Plantation House wedding all the way from Berlin! From an intimate welcome party at Hotel Wailea’s Birdcage Bar to a whale watch with Trilogy and a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by loved ones from around the world — Corissa’s Maui wedding was filled with creativity, connection, and emotion. We dive into her thoughtful de...

Remember when every couple wanted a massive, super-detailed wedding checklist? The longer, the better? Well… those days are gone — and for good reason. In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, Ashley shares how her approach to wedding planning checklists has completely evolved over the years. What used to be hundreds of detailed tasks has now become a simple, streamlined, effortless process — beca...

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 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 rei...

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...

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 insp...

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...

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 t...

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: W...

📋 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...

📋 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 re...

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 whe...

🎧 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...

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 ab...