In June, 2008 a small group of thirty friends and relatives came together in the quaint surroundings of Princeville, Kauai to celebrate the destination wedding of Marie Mazelis and Lewis Briggs. Throughout the week prior to the wedding day, guests gathered together at the couple’s rented villa, called Ikena Lani, a property large enough to serve as a home-away-from-home for their immediate families. It was a perfect setting for impromptu barbecues, casual meals and sunset cocktails by the pool. The unhurried time together created a precious bond between the two families, who soaked in the stunning ocean views from the villa lanai and wondered at the natural beauty of Kauai, known as Hawaii's Garden Isle. 

A designer by profession, Marie Mazelis’s position as creative director in charge of two high fashion lines, Herve Leger and Max Azria, means she is no stranger to pressure. But when it came time to plan her own wedding in Hawaii, Marie felt the intensity of the moment. She says, “Even though I put on four runway shows per year, my wedding was more of a production! First of all, it’s something I’ve never done before, and I wasn’t prepared for all of those details. On top of that, you only get married once and you want it to be perfect.” And perfect it would be. From the traditional Polynesian fire dancers to the fabulous Latin rhythms, Marie Mazelis’s destination wedding to Lewis Briggs was an event to remember.

With family and friends on their hearts, the couple made a decision to host a destination wedding so they could enjoy an entire week-long celebration with their loved ones. As with many who have visited the Islands, Hawaii seemed to be calling them back once again. Marie says, “We had fallen in love with the island of Kauai on a vacation the previous year, and we were hoping to share it with our families.” The relaxing pace of Kauai’s north shore was ideal in Lewis’s eyes. Preferring to wear no shoes at all, he says, “A flip-flop wedding sounded perfect!” Wedding plans ensued and Marie delved into the details with exuberance. The design for the event was predicated on the concept of blending traditional Hawaiian elements with a modern aesthetic. Both she and Lewis appreciate the minimalist flair of Asian décor, and this directed the wedding ambience—understated elegance without superfluous detail. Working across the ocean from her California home was a welcome challenge, and Marie admits to “rearranging furniture” as she refined the ideas for each table setting. She composed wedding centerpieces of vivid Hawaiian orchids immersed in tall glass vases towering with curly willow branches for height and drama. Once the arrangements were perfect in her eyes, she sent photographs to her Hawaii coordinator, Diana Gardener.

The traditional Catholic ceremony at the quaint St. Sylvester church in Kilauea, Hawaii was beautiful and intimate, just as the bride and groom desired. Marie entered the chapel in a chic silk gown of her own design and was instantly swept up in the magic of the occasion. When she first caught sight of her beloved she recalls, “I didn’t expect all of the emotion that I was feeling. I was very calm and composed until I entered the church.” In one brief moment in time, Marie took in the romantic milieu: rose petals scattered upon the aisle, the loving gaze of family and friends, adorable flower girls, a precious ring bearer, orchid sprays at the altar, and Lewis waiting regally in his striking heather-grey Marc Jacobs suit. It was even better than Marie had imagined.

Celebrants returned to Ikena Lani, which had been transformed for a sumptuous candlelight dinner. A long table accommodated the entire wedding party, and was set on the lanai overlooking a mesmerizing expanse of the Pacific. Marie’s vision for the table was executed flawlessly, with vivid chartreuse, fuchsia and yellow orchids in perfect balance with a backdrop of natural linens in a muted shade of grey. Contemporary Flavors Catering created a fabulous spread of Asian fusion cuisine presented in a sleek setting punctuated by tropical island colors. Dancing under the stars by the shimmering pool, the newlyweds had the time of their lives. Latin music set the mood, and Lewis’s mother, who was once a Flamenco dancer, pleasantly surprised everyone with her graceful moves on the dance floor. Marie and Lewis decided to turn up the heat (literally!) when they surprised their guests with a special show. Marie says, “As the night was winding down, we heard the sound of drums and we were called over to the other side of the house. We turned the corner to find an amazing fire show with dancers all dressed in traditional Polynesian costumes. It was a perfect, dramatic ending to the night.