A Bohemian-Inspired Wedding At Olowalu Plantation House in Lahaina, Hawaii

Megan Hutcheson and Erik Hardin were both consultants for a large healthcare system in Sacramento when they first met. They were introduced during Megan’s first day at work and she was immediately drawn to him. “I wasn’t sure what it was that intrigued me, but I wanted to find out,” she says.

 Although Erik lived in Cincinnati, Ohio and Megan lived in Denver, Colorado, a wonderful friendship developed over the next several months and the two looked forward to the time they were able to spend together in California. Eventually, they both confessed their feelings for one another and started dating.

During their courtship, Megan and Erik took advantage of their travel perks by taking many personal trips together. “It’s pretty easy to fall in love exploring Japanese gardens, Hawaiian beaches, and Panamanian rainforests,” says Megan. Erik proposed in Old Sacramento, by the American River, and the pair celebrated their engagement with an elaborate meal and wine at the restaurant where they had their first date. The proposal was romantic and intimate–exactly what Megan had hoped for.

The first order of business during the wedding planning process was deciding where the event would take place. Megan and Erik’s family is spread out all over the country and many guests would have to travel; so they figured a destination wedding in Hawaii would be the perfect choice. Hawaii was also where Megan first thought Erik could be “the one,” so it was a special location for them as well.

The couple decided to host their destination wedding on the island of Maui, as they love the island’s mountains, craters, waterfalls, beaches, food, and local towns. Once the Olowalu Plantation House was selected as the wedding venue, Lena from Belle Destination Weddings and Events was hired as the wedding planner. “We were lucky to travel to Maui for a couple of planning trips, which allowed us to meet and select the most amazing vendors with Lena’s help,” Megan explains. “We even had an engagement shoot with Joanna Tano, and knew she was the perfect choice for our wedding photographer.”

Everyone arrived in Maui a week before the wedding, allowing them time to enjoy the sun, sand, and relaxation. By the time the big day rolled around, the bride and groom’s 60 guests were not only acquainted, but it was as if they had all been friends forever. The wedding décor included colorful flowers, inspired by the Hawaiian sunset, and the table arrangements were stunning. A selection of creative and delicious food was served, and a live ukulele player and DJ set the perfect atmosphere.

Even though they were the hosts, the newlyweds felt like pampered guests and were able savor each moment. “I was overwhelmed with everyone’s show of love and support, and humbled by the fact that they traveled so far to celebrate with us,” Megan says. “I woke up the next morning with the biggest smile on my face–partially because I just married Erik, but also because my dream wedding turned out better than I could have ever imagined.”