When photographer Delbarr Moradi shared Chris and Hanniel’s destination wedding with us we were struck by the beauty of the location and the feeling of her images. Maui’s Iao Valley looked absolutely serene and ideal for a ceremony of love and celebration of family. Once we heard Hanniel’s touching story, we knew it belonged in the pages of Pacific Weddings and we titled their story, “On Sacred Land”. The bride says, “For our ceremony, we wanted to go somewhere that felt enchanted, somewhere that represented the miracle of this day,” says the bride. “It was beyond what we could have ever dreamed of— we felt as though we were on sacred land.”

After the outdoor ceremony in Iao Valley, guests changed into their swimsuits and gathered at Po’olenalena Beach for a picnic. A canvas tote screen-printed by hand with the groom’s rendering of the Hawaiian ‘Akohekohe bird welcomed everyone. Instead of fancy table settings, the newlyweds opted for woven blankets in the sand. Chris, a graphic designer, drew inspiration from retro Hawaiian paper ephemera in creating the invitations, menu and programs for the day. A signature Blue Hawaii cocktail was served alongside light fare: sandwiches and a slice of seasonal pie. The bride says, “We all had so much fun relaxing, swimming and sharing stories from over the years. It was really nice to spend quality time with the people we love most.” Later that evening, celebrants reunited for dinner at Three’s Bar & Grill in Kihei. The design-savvy pair teamed with stylist Rebekah of A & B Creative to add 1960s-inspired Hawaiiana elements to the breezy setting. A punchy, mod palette of persimmon, aqua, white and coral was their jumping off point for the décor. Colorful hanging paper flowers brought a touch of whimsy to the dining room. Even the sparse walls reflected the exotic island surroundings— scenes from the film Blue Hawaii played silently throughout the reception.

Photography by Delbarr Moradi of Delbarr Moradi Photography
Ceremony Location: Iao Valley Maui, Hawaii
Event design + planning: Rebekah Carey McNall, A & B Creative
Floral design: mother of the groom
Bride’s dress + shoes: J. Crew
Bridesmaid dresses: Anthropologie
Hair: sister of the bride
Groom’s suit: Banana Republic, Tie from Penguin
Invitations + Paper: Chris Andrew John (groom)
Catering: Three’s Bar & Grill
Cake: Maui Specialty Bakery
DJ: Thaddeus Cortez