Elizabeth Adams made a grand entrance on her wedding day that was much like a fairy tale. The sweeping train of her elegant gown flowed far behind as she made her way down the spiral staircase of Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel. Her sweetheart Dan Mandel stood in awe of the vision, and the pair locked eyes in a moment they refer to as “the first look.” “That indescribable moment of intimacy was the best part of our entire wedding day,” Elizabeth says excitedly.

The couple searched for a destination wedding venue renowned for both impeccable service and world-famous cuisine. The Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel, perched gracefully on the south west shores of Maui, offered the perfect ceremony backdrop. Maui’s majestic beauty, tropical weather, and endless outdoor recreation provided a fun-filled vacation for guests traveling from far off places like Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. “The Pacific Terrace is just steps away from the beach with the most breathtaking ocean views,” Elizabeth says. And as the bride puts it, “I could count on a solid surface for the ceremony to accommodate my heels!”

In the days prior to their wedding, the couple hosted a “sweet treat event” serving up their favorite dessert and coffee on the hotel’s lanai. Each guest was greeted with gifts including a personal letter of aloha from the couple, maps and walking trails of the island, and a list of activities and dining recommendations. In addition, tote bags filled with beach towels, sun care products, scrabble (one of the couple’s favorite pastimes), and chocolate covered macadamia nuts awaited them in their hotel rooms. A favorite gift among the family members was a personalized mix CD of the couple’s favorite music.

On July 1, 2006 a cool ocean breeze filled the air and the sound of waves crashing could be heard in the distance. Hawaiian Kahu Al Terry presided over the sunset ceremony in the tradition of his ancestors. “Al did an amazing job blending our different religious backgrounds,” Elizabeth says. “By the end of the ceremony he had everyone in attendance filled with tears and laughter.” The mother-of-the-bride shared the religious significance of lighting the unity candle while the groom’s mother explained the Jewish tradition of the breaking of the glass. A Hawaiian lei exchange added a fitting touch.

Elizabeth carried a bouquet of vendetta roses and white dendrobium orchids accented with blue hydrangea by Barbara de Wit of Floral Designs Maui. The couple’s mothers held lovely bouquets in sterling silver tussie mussies, a special gift from Dan and Elizabeth. Their fathers wore boutonnieres in their rival school colors, UCLA and USC. The entire affair was steeped in meaningful family tradition and island elegance.

“I had a lot of fun pulling all of the details together,” Elizabeth says. The bride reveled in the creative process, from designing the stationery to compiling festive gift bags. “In all of my wedding planning over the two years, Pacific Rim WEDDINGS magazine was the one I turned to for inspiration,” she says. The couple’s monogram could be seen throughout the decor: inscribed on the wedding program, dinner menu, and the cake topped with Swarovski crystal initials.

A framed photograph depicting each guest in a shared moment with the couple was displayed at their respective place settings as a wonderful memento of the occasion. Elizabeth and Dan’s wish for a fine dining experience culminated at a private reception held at Nick’s Fishmarket. Guests chose from an array of entrees including rack of lamb, filet mignon, mahi mahi, and fresh sea scallops. Elizabeth says, “When our wedding week was over, everyone agreed that it was a joy to share in the company of newfound friends and family!”

Photos by Alluring Grace