A Simple and Elegant Destination Wedding in Kauai, Hawaii

Michelle and Vineet met in 2011 during their medical residency training in Columbus, OH.  They became close friends and started dating the following year.  Vineet proposed to Michelle during a trip to the Bahamas, and exactly 2 years to the date, the couple rounded up 50 of their closest friends and family for a gorgeous destination wedding in Kauai, Hawaii.

This wedding was overflowing with beautiful details at every turn, starting with a unique ceremony set-up which included a white flower archway entrance and a circular enclosure to ensure privacy.  The color palette was a striking combination of royal blue and crisp white.  I especially loved the bold blue orchids used in the bouquet, centerpieces and even the cake!  This wedding was gorgeous from start to finish and I’d like to profusely thank Clane Gessel Photography for giving us the privilege of featuring it on DWD today! Enjoy!

Real Destination Wedding Advice from the Bride:

Why did you have a destination wedding in Kauai, and specifically at the St. Regis?

As a couple, our favorite thing to do is travel and our favorite place thus far has been Hawaii.  So we thought, what better way to celebrate our wedding than by doing what we love in our favorite place! In terms of venue, we wanted an incredible backdrop and phenomenal service so there’d be less stress.  I also wanted privacy and a unique reception area because I have a strong distaste for ballrooms.

How would you describe your wedding theme?

I guess simple elegance? We just wanted elegance but with a less-is-more philosophy.  Lots of flowers and candles but without over doing it.  The backdrop of Hawaii is so incredible in itself that it doesn’t need much else.

Was there a tradition that you broke or put a “destination wedding” spin on?

Instead of giving away welcome bags or favors, we paid for 2 nights hotel accommodations for our guests.

What was your favorite part of having a destination wedding in Kauai?

It was like being on vacation with all your closest friends and family for a whole week!

What was the biggest challenge in planning your destination wedding?

Not much actually.  I had an INCREDIBLE wedding planner through the St. Regis who was on top of every detail.

If you could give some advice to others planning a destination wedding in Kauai or elsewhere, what would it be?

Make sure to have a wedding planner and a good one! It makes everything run so smooth in the planning phase and during the actual wedding. It made for a stress-free process. Also, definitely do a first look. It was so incredible to take those moments to ourselves to just enjoy each other. It also allowed more time to spend with all our guests during cocktail hour instead of taking wedding pictures.

Vendors:

Photographer:  Clane Gessel Photography
Floral Designer: Martin Roberts Design
Bridal Gown: Pnina Tornai
Bridal Shoes:  Aldo
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bari Jay via Kleinfield’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire:  Brooks Brothers
Event Venue:  The St. Regis Princeville Resort
Wedding Planner: Michelle Younger via St. Regis Princeville Resort
Bridal Party Gifts:  Swarovski (Earrings/Necklace)
Decorations/Flowers:  Martin Roberts Designs
Stationary: Etsy: PennyAnnDesigns (Table Numbers, Place cards, Invitations, Menus, Programs, etc.)