Married in Maui - Airport Advice

The Married in Maui series continues with advice regarding airport logistics.

If your flight departs between the hours of 10am and 2pm you will need to give yourself an hour to get through security (there are no first class or preferred airline status expedited lanes).  Therefore, I suggest giving yourself a good two hours to return a car, check in and get through security.

Additional screening is conducted throughout the airport for all carry on luggage (agricultural).   This is fast however slows you down if you are running to catch your flight.

Married in Maui - A Hidden Gems Journey

The series of Married in Maui continues with tips to find the hidden gems of Maui.  

Like a gem this trip is full of surprises, take-your-breath-away moments and once in a lifetime experiences.  During this journey you will see waterfalls, black beaches, red beaches, lava rock pools, caves and coasts.  The different aromas will fill your senses and the views will take your breath away. The locals call this "the road to hana".

The journey starts at mile marker 2 on the Hana Highway with the Twin Falls.  Once you see the fruit stand on the side of the road (and all of the other cars) you have arrived.  Following the gravel path you will experience a number of streams, mini waterfalls and at the end of the path you will arrive at the beautiful twin falls.

Attire for this experience: water shoes, swimsuit or athletic wear.  You cross a number of streams so shoes that are not water-resistant are not recommended.

Have your camera ready as you continue down the road to Hana you will pass mile marker 6.7.  As you do, look to the east at the painted Eucalyptus trees.  You will see the most beautiful colored bark on these trees.  The natural art of nature is worth a stop and picture.

If you miss mile 6.7 you will have the opportunity to see these beautiful trees again as you make your way towards the Garden of Eden Arboretum (mile 10.5) so keep the look out for them.

At mile 9.6 (or so) there is a bamboo and fern walking trail called the Waikamoi Ridge Trail.  This trail provides an intimate experience in the rain forest with the bamboo trees and ferns.  Note: this train I consider advance.  There are many wet, slippery areas so proceed with caution and proper hiking shoes.

The drive between mile 12 and 17 offer an amazing view of the Hana coastline.

At mile 16.9 if you take the road leading to the left down to Keanae Village it will lead you to the coast where you can enjoy powerful waves crashing into lava rock.  This area was nearly wiped out by a tsunami in 1946 - the only surviving building is the stone missionary church you can still see.

Mile 17 - 20 offer lookout points to stop enjoy, have lunch, and take a picture.

As you continue your journey you will drive past mile 19.5 in which you will see the Upper Waikani Falls.  Also known as the Three Bears Falls.

Mile 22.6 the Pua'a Ka'a State Wayside Park there is another, smaller, waterfall to enjoy.  On a hot day jump in a cool off in the pool at the bottom (if you are able to make the small hike sto the falls).

Just past mile 25 you can turn left off on Nahiku Road.   Go down this road (when the road “T's” go to the left, past the church).  Here you will experience a small waterfall flowing into the ocean (this is hidden however you can hear it from the parking lot so follow your senses and be prepared for the little hike down to the falls, cave and pool).

Mile 32 will take you to the black beaches!  Wainapanapa State Park (follow the signs to the park even though it says for camping).

The waves here can be aggressive.  It is an amazing experience.  Enjoy this and then plan to walk around the park.  It is beautiful.

At mile 34 you will see another set of waterfalls, Pua'a Lu'u Falls.

As you pass through Hana you will run into mile 51.7 (the mile markers start to count down after Hana).  Turn left onto Koki Beach Road.  It is a loop road.  The first beach you will see is offers read and black sand.  The next beach is worth the stop to experience.  The sand is so soft: the softest in the World that I have walked on.  It is like baby powder.  Ah!  Amazing.

Time for another waterfall.  Mile 45 offers a 200 foot drop waterfall you can see from the road.

By this time you are ready for your last and final stop at the Haleakala National Park ($10 per car).  Here you can experience 400 feet tall waterfalls, 2000 feet waterfalls and beautiful surroundings.  You will also get to experience the Seven Sacred Pools to jump in and enjoy.  Ah!  This was one of my favorite stops.

There is so much more for this journey to offer.  The Road to Hana has so many beautiful spots for a couple in love to take in and enjoy.  

Advice: bring a towel, extra clothes, water shoes, hiking shoes, camera and cash.  Most of the journey is "free"; cash is only needed for the local fruit/flower stands and shops.  Lastly, take your time and enjoy the beauty of Maui at the "aloha" pace.

Married in Maui - Organic, Fresh (sustainable) and Gluten Free Food

Married in Maui series continues with a commentary on where to find an organic, sustainable and gluten free options (that taste great) while on the island. The Four Seasons Resort and Spa in Wailea, Maui offers a nice selection of options. The breakfast buffet provides organic options such as eggs and yogurt. They have a gluten free menu as well as a stand-alone station for all GF dinners. The lunch and dinner menus at the various on site restaurants also have GF and organic menus. I was told that the hotel supports local growers providing fresh, sustainable, fruits, fish and much more (like the local granola - yummy!). If you are in the area and want an experience great, fresh food (with spectacular service) the Four Seasons Resort and Spa is the place for you.

Married in Maui Cupcakes - A Four Seasons Resort and Spa Recipe

The continuation of Married in Maui series... Here is a cute and amazing cupcake recipe from the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea.  It is great for weddings, showers, parties.  The recipe is easy, quick, and they taste oh-so-good!  Amazing.  
We had the opportunity to speak with the hotel chefs and get expert advice.  The best advice from the night...practice...practice...practice.  To make desserts look like an expert prepared them it takes practice.  My husband likes that.

Here is the recipe:
Ingredients: 4 oz unsalted butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 tbsp baking powder, 3/4 sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp salt.

Note: for chocolate, remove 4 tbsp of flour and add in 4 tbsp of coco powder.

Frosting (this is the best frosting I have tasted in a long time): 1lbs powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 tsp of vanilla, 1 stick unsalted butter.

Combine all ingredients (with love), except milk, and beat on an electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping bowl often.  Add milk according to desired consistency.

Prepare oven at 350F.  Line a muffin tray with paper cups (they used the small muffin size).
Cream the butter, vanilla and sugar together.  Add the eggs one at a time.  Scrape the bowl down well between additions.
Add half of the flour and milk, then mix.  Repeat until combined.
Scoop equal amounts into the cupcake pan.

Bake 15-20 minutes, or until done.
Enjoy

Here is a picture of one of the cute cupcakes on display!

Married in Maui

Want to get married in Maui?  My recent trip to the island will hopefully lend some great advice for you as you plan your perfect day:
1. You must visit your hotel before your wedding day.  Things are not as the appear on the internet; for better and for worse.
2. View the guest rooms.  Many times the fantastic exterior of a hotel masks poor, unkept guest rooms.  You don't want any surprises on your wedding day/week.
3. The time of day does matter.  Depending where you are on the island make sure your events are not scheduled when the winds usually pick up (20 mph) unless, that is, you want the wind blown look.
4. Plan for shade.  The sun can be very intense if you do not have clouds to provide you and your guests relief.
5. Water. A lot of the beaches are considered a desert therefore it is hot and dry.  Have water (or spa water) available for your guests as they wait for the ceremony to begin (depending on the time of day and time of year it could be cooler, hotter...).
6. Plan time for pictures.  There are so many amazing views to capture.  Work with your photographer and coordinator to insure you plan enough time in your day for this.
7. Enjoy.  Maui is relaxing.  Make sure you live the "aloha" and just enjoy the calm energy of the island.

A picture of the exclusive, soft, sandy beaches at the Four Seasons:

A picture of the resort at the Westin:

All you need is LOVE.

They say "all you need is love".  This rang true while I was enjoying an afternoon at the beach.  I had my beach towel, book and an ice cold cup of water,  when out of the corner of my eye I saw what appeared to be a wedding party.   As you can imagine this captured my immediate attention.  Sure enough, bridesmaids and groomsmen started scurring around cleaning up the beach and asking beach goers to politely move.  Shortly thereafter a bride made her way down the stairs and an intimate moment of love was shared.  How simple but sweet.  When you have love you really don't need anything else.  This wedding was a testimant to that.  Love.  That is all you need.

DIY - Bridesmaids Gifts

Do it yourself bridesmaids gift toppers.  How cute are these gift boxes?  This is a great way to take a brown box and make it spectacular and breathtaking.  For step-by-step instructions click the picture below.  Enjoy.

Just say it! Cute ways to express yourself.

Happy Easter readers!  I hope this day is bright and wonderful for all of you.

This week I am posting some different, fun, and cute ways to express yourself at your wedding or in your new home.

April showers bring May flowers

"April showers bring May flowers..." With the summer wedding season just around the corner what spring colors are capturing the wedding spirit this year?

Some of my favorite colors are the bright, earth colors... yellow, orange, sage green, cream, peach... Oh-la-la.

What are some of your favorites this spring?

Spring JCrew Weddings

April shower's bring May flowers.  Spring is on its way and JCrew is ready for the fast and coming wedding season.  Here a few pictures from their spring collection.

For the Bride

For The Bridesmaid

The Wedding Salon Show

LA Brides, Monday, March 21 you will find an exciting wedding show at The London West Hollywood.  The doors open at 4pm.  Enjoy a couture fashion show featuring Ines Di Santo.  See below for more information.

2011 BJ Linen Catelog

Every bride will be faced with the question, "what are your colors and what is your theme?".   To find the colors you love and a theme that is appropriate use a magazines, online resources and idea books to get inspired.  Cut, print, paste... all of your ideas until it is perfect.

If you are looking for an idea book you will be very excited to hear, the new 2011 BJ Linen Idea Book is out.  I just got mine in the mail.  You can view a copy online, click here.

Below are a few of my favorite ideas from the book.  Enjoy.