Maui

Run Away with Me

December 17, 2014

Pacific Weddings

Down a winding tree-lined road in Kula, Maui sits a Tuscan-inspired villa in earthy shades of terra-cotta and tawny yellow. The twenty-acre olive farm is an exceptional setting for a wedding celebration. At an elevation of 2200 feet, the expansive Calasa Olive Tree Farm boasts incredible views of the island from above the clouds, enveloping owner Alan Battersby’s beloved olive trees and grapevines in the cool upcountry mist. Inspired by a deep rooted passion for his Italian culture and the life of pleasure it extols, Battersby recreated his childhood dreamscape in the verdant mountains of Maui. It is here that friends and family can gather over wine and cheese, taking in the tropical landscape of Maui’s island paradise amid ripening olives and grapes. The effortless pastoral setting lends itself to a lifestyle of the same— the notion that the gathering of loved ones and the enjoyment of simple pleasures is paramount.

Stationer Jenny Sanders of Moira Design Studio used the olive farm wedding locale as a starting point in creating this simply pretty invitation suite. A watercolor rendering of The Villa by artist Karen Keough was printed on an ecru envelope liner and invitation made of heavy card stock with deckled edges. Escort cards, save-the-dates and R.S.V.P. cards feature Jenny’s handwritten calligraphy and the olive branch motif.

Brimming with white fringed tulips, David Austin roses, ranunculus, green berzilla and bupleurum, this bouquet by Mandy Grace reflects the color story of the day. Midori’s Dupioni silk ribbon in dandelion yellow ties it together perfectly.

The unpretentious scene of Tuscan life is perfect for a destination wedding, and The Villa at Calasa Olive Farm offers the best of both worlds—European elegance with Maui's mesmerizing ocean vistas. Inspired by the abundance of natural foliage growing around the property, floral designer Mandy Grace created an arch of lush garden roses and white hydrangea mixed with olive branch and pepper berry greens. The Villa lawn is a sublime setting of Mediterranean elegance under the graceful olive trees. The bride wears Sarah Janks’ “Bethan” dress, a romantic portrait of tulle and antique gold beaded lace appliqué. Underlaid with a fine, bias-cut silk slip, the bodice extends into a full gathered skirt.

A show-stopping bridal bouquet by Mandy Grace contains ivory peonies, spray roses, Silver Dollar eucalyptus and leaves foraged from Upcountry, Maui. The bride's Gemy Maalouf strapless organza gown features lace in asymmetrical ruching.