A Dream Wedding Maui | Stress-Free Wedding Planning, Destination Weddings, Personalizing Your Wedding

Your wedding day will be unforgettable—but what if you could stretch that joy across an entire weekend? In today’s episode of the Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, Ashley shares how planning multi-day celebrations can transform your destination wedding into a full guest experience.

Fresh off a three-day birthday celebration packed with unforgettable activities, Ashley shows how the same ideas can be reimagined for wedding weekends. From private luaus and canoe regattas to sandcastle competitions and sunset sails, discover creative ways to connect your guests, honor Hawaiian culture, and make memories that last a lifetime.

What...

Hey friends, it’s Ashley!

Today I’m diving into a problem that’s been growing in the wedding world lately — and especially here in Maui. And I’ll be honest…I’ve been part of it, too. It’s Amazon.

What used to be one or two simple boxes from couples — a card box, some cocktail napkins, a few favors — has now turned into my team feeling like an Amazon fulfillment center. Dozens of boxes filled with candles, signage, chargers, and fragile glass arrive at venues, leaving us knee-deep in bubble wrap instead of where I want to be...

Most couples think the first step in planning a wedding is locking in the venue. But here’s the truth: booking your venue first is actually step two. In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui Podcast, I’m sharing why hiring your wedding planner before you choose your venue can save you time, money, and stress — and make the entire experience so much more enjoyable.

Fresh from a full day of site inspections with one of my couples, I’ll walk you through:

The common pitfalls couples face when booking a venue on their own.

In today’s episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara has inspired me—and how it perfectly translates into the way we serve our couples.

Unreasonable hospitality isn’t just about doing a good job. It’s about surprising and delighting people in deeply personal ways—in the small details, the big gestures, and the quiet moments that aren’t written on the timeline.

I’ll share three real stories from weddings we’ve planned:

The last-minute LED sparklers that almost didn’t arrive—and how we made sure e...

Music is one of the most powerful parts of your wedding day. Long after the flowers fade and the cake is gone, the songs you choose will instantly transport you back to those unforgettable moments.

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m walking you through the top 10 songs every couple should select for their wedding day—from the processional and bridal entrance to the dance floor opener and the very last song of the night.

You’ll learn:

Which songs set the tone for your ceremony

Fun options for cake c...

Micro weddings are having a moment—and I am here for it! In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing all about Sarah and Aaron’s beautiful and intimate wedding at the Sheraton’s hidden gem: the Ali‘i Suite.

From a sunset ceremony on a private lawn to a relaxed dinner on the lanai with their closest people, this day was low-stress, high-style, and absolutely unforgettable.

Tune in to hear:

What really defines a “micro wedding” (hint: it’s not just about the guest count)

Why I love planning these s...

📋 Episode Description (Show Notes):

Are timeless wedding styles making a comeback? I think so—and Savannah and Danny’s stunning celebration at Sugar Beach is proof!

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing all the beautiful details from one of our most elegant events to date. From a luxurious white and green floral palette to twinkle-lit chiffon ceiling draping, custom sweetheart table setups, and a heart-shaped Aloha marquee sign—this wedding was the perfect blend of sophistication, romance, and island charm.

If you’ve been dreaming of a classic wedding design that still feels w...

📋 Episode Description (Podbean Show Notes):

Not all vendors are created equal—and when it comes to planning a seamless Maui destination wedding, who you hire really matters.

In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing why our preferred vendor list is a total game changer for our clients. From florals to photography, DJs to dinner service, I break down how I personally vet each vendor we recommend—and why that list is actually quite small (for good reason!).

I also share real stories of what can go wrong when couples go off-list—and what makes...

If you're planning a Maui destination wedding, you’ve probably wondered: Do I have to feed my wedding vendors? In this episode, Maui wedding planner Ashley Ulery shares her honest (and spicy!) take on vendor meals—what's expected, what’s reasonable, and what not to do.

You’ll learn:

What a vendor meal is and when it’s required

The 4-hour rule every couple should know

Why vendors should not eat when guests eat

Whether it's ever okay for vendors to go through the buffet line

The small gest...

🎧 Episode Summary:
The big day is finally here — now what? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to expect on your Maui wedding day, from your first cup of coffee to your last dance. We’ll cover how the morning unfolds, what hair and makeup really looks like, why pacing yourself matters, and why a private post-ceremony moment might be your new favorite wedding hack.

Whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest-of-honor who just wants to feel calm and prepared, this is your behind-the-scenes look at how the day typically flows — plus a few tips to...

After a whirlwind summer of family vacations and beautiful Maui weddings, I'm back—and full of fresh perspective. In this episode, I’m sharing surprising takeaways from our recent travels (yes, even Disneyland taught me something about weddings!).

From the importance of a well-planned timeline to the emotional impact of how events begin and end, these reflections will help you think differently about your own wedding day. I also open up about how overwhelming travel can feel—and how that gave me new empathy for couples in the thick of planning.

Whether you’re planning a grand...

In this heartfelt episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I sit down with Kayla and Armando—an amazing couple who celebrated their dream wedding on Maui with a ceremony at Sacred Hearts Mission Church and an unforgettable reception at Olowalu Plantation House.

Together, we reflect on the design-forward planning process, a week full of activities for their guests (including a catamaran sail, golf course welcome drinks, and a sunrise bike ride down Haleakalā!), and even a flower mishap that turned into a beautiful win thanks to communication and trust.

We talk about:

How the...

While you're sipping champagne and enjoying hair and makeup with your wedding party, your planning team is already hard at work making the magic happen. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on exactly what goes on behind the scenes on your Maui wedding day.

From early-morning vendor confirmations to sunset photo coordination and post-reception pack-up, we’re walking you through the full day—from our perspective! Get a feel for the calm, confident energy we bring to each wedding, how we keep things running on time, and why working with trusted vendors makes all the di...

Let’s talk about wedding rehearsals! In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of how we run rehearsals for our Maui destination weddings. Whether you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or just curious about what actually happens, we’re here to walk you through it all.

We’ll share who should attend, how we set the ceremony lineup, why we rehearse in reverse (yes, really!), and how we ease those last-minute jitters the day before you say “I do.” From timing the music to giving pep talks to the wedding party, our goal is to make sure ever...

Not sure who to tip—or how much—when it comes to your wedding team? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down suggested gratuities so you can show your appreciation without overextending your budget. We’ll talk about who to tip, how much is appropriate, how to prepare ahead of time, and some real talk about things like tip jars at the bar and those post-wedding “the check is in the mail” moments.

Whether you decide to tip or not, this episode will help you feel confident, organized, and full of aloha.

Ever wonder what a wedding planner carries to make sure your big day goes off without a hitch? In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly what’s inside our wedding day toolkit. From fashion fixes to weather emergencies and tech must-haves, we are prepared for anything and everything — so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

Tune in to hear the full breakdown of what we pack for every wedding day and why having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

What Y...

🎧 Episode Description:

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a very real behind-the-scenes moment: I almost didn’t record this because I’m currently dealing with a pretty brutal skin cancer treatment (shout out to anyone who’s been through the dreaded chemo cream). But that’s exactly what inspired this topic—because even when I’m not at my best, the planning doesn’t stop. And that’s the beauty of having a team.

If you’ve ever wondered why it might be better to hire a team of planners instead of just one solo expert, this episode...

The RSVPs are in—yay! But now what? In this episode of my Let’s Get Maui series, I’m walking you through exactly what to do once your final guest count is locked. This phase is all about logistics, and I’m here to help you tackle it with confidence and ease.

In this episode, I’ll share:

How to start (and survive!) your seating plan

What to communicate to your caterer—like entrée counts and food allergies

How your final headcount affects rentals, transportation, and your budget

Common mist...

This week, I’m sharing three wedding details that I am absolutely loving right now — straight from a stunning event we just wrapped at the gorgeous Olowalu Plantation House. From bold color palettes to guest-friendly lei walls and unforgettable entertainment, these ideas are all about creating joyful, meaningful experiences that reflect you as a couple.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Why color is making a big comeback (and how to use it well)

What a lei wall is and why it’s such a wow-worthy welcome

Ways to elevate your guest expe...

In this special Mother's Day episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to honor moms and grandmas on your wedding day. Whether your mom is there to celebrate with you or you're finding meaningful ways to remember her in spirit, there are so many thoughtful touches to make her feel seen and celebrated. From processional roles and bouquet dedications to repurposing her wedding dress, I’m covering it all.

How to include moms and grandmas in the processional (and why it’s so important not to ov...

Welcome back to A Dream Wedding Maui! This week, we're diving deep into one of the most important pieces of your wedding planning puzzle: your wedding day timeline.

I'm sharing why a great timeline matters not just for you, but for your guests and your entire vendor team — and how the right flow can turn your big day into an unforgettable experience. From when to schedule hair and makeup to building in those special sunset photo moments, I’m breaking it all down step-by-step.

You'll learn:
✨ Why sunset time is the first thing we plan a...

Welcome back to A Dream Wedding Maui! In this episode of our Let's Get Maui series, we're talking all about wedding table settings — one of the most important details that sets the tone for your reception. Whether you're dreaming of tropical elegance or laid-back beachy vibes, a well-designed tablescape can make your guests feel truly welcomed and wowed.

Ashley walks you through everything you need to know:

What’s included in a standard Maui place setting

The differences between buffet vs. plated service setups

How to elevate your design with chargers, glas...

In this episode of A Dream Wedding Maui, we’re talking all about wedding day signage!

Signage is one of the most overlooked — but highly impactful — details of a destination wedding. Not only does it help guide your guests and provide helpful information, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to show off your style and personality.

From must-have signs like welcome signs and seating charts to fun extras like bar menus and directional signage — I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan for wedding signage that’s both functional and beautiful.

We’ll chat a...

Planning a full wedding in Maui and wondering what kind of support you actually need? In this episode, I’m breaking down the three full wedding service packages we offer at A Dream Wedding Maui—Month-Of Coordination, Partial Planning, and Full-Service Planning—so you can confidently choose the level of planning that fits your needs, your budget, and your stress level.

From timeline creation and vendor confirmations to 3D event walkthroughs, you’ll get a clear picture of what’s included in each package and how they differ—plus real-world advice on how to avoid costly mistakes.

Planning a Maui wedding? Rentals might not be the most glamorous part of the process, but they are one of the most essential. In today’s episode, I walk you through her proven process for securing wedding rentals—from what to book first to the details couples most often forget (and regret!).

Whether you’re a full-service client or navigating the planning on your own, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you stay organized, on budget, and true to your vision.

What falls under the “rentals” category (hint: it’s more than...

Aloha! 

Thinking about ditching the big guest list for a more intimate “I do”? In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, we’re diving into the beauty and simplicity of eloping on Maui.

I’ll walk you through why Maui is the perfect place to elope, my favorite elopement spots, our most popular elopement add-ons, logistics to consider for your elopement. 

Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of loved ones, Maui offers a magical backdrop for a stress-free, deeply personal wedding day.

Enjoy! 
<...

Aloha! 

Ready to bring your wedding floral vision to life? In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, we’re diving into the first steps of the floral design process. From gathering inspiration photos to breaking down your event into personal, ceremony, and reception florals, we’ll walk you through how to stay organized and make confident decisions.

We’ll also cover how to approach floral consultations, the benefits of creating a structured design board, and why starting with a budget can help you avoid sticker shock. Whether you choose to begin with an initial call with ou...

Aloha! 

We are back with part two of Maya and Ronnie's Maui Wedding.  

Here they talk about the actual wedding day, shout out their favorite Maui wedding vendors and give us some great tips on how to stay present in the moment throughout the planning process and on wedding day! 

Enjoy! 

Ashley 

Maya + Ronnie's Wedding Vendors: 

Venue: Olowalu Plantation House 

Florals: Events by Darren Keala 

Photography: Anna Kim Photography

Cinema: HI Focused Cinematography

Rentals: RIO Events...

Aloha Lovebirds!

We have a fun one for you today! Here I chat with Maya and Ronnie who were clients of A Dream Wedding and got married at Olowalu Plantation House. We hear all about their love story, how they decided to get married on Maui, what made them choose ADW and the unconventional ways that they selected their wedding vendors.

Happy Planning! 

Ashley

A Dream Wedding Maui 

Facebook and Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui 

Vendors mentioned in this episode: 

Catering: Food For the Soul

Ven...

Aloha engaged couple! 

You’ve saved the Pinterest photos and have a vision for your wedding, but how do you bring it all together? In this episode of Dream Wedding Maui, we’re kicking off the design process by focusing on rentals, general floral preferences, and floor plan ideas. We’ll cover what to prioritize, how to mix style with function, and why a well-planned layout makes all the difference. Tune in for practical tips to turn your inspiration into a beautiful, seamless wedding day. 

Happy Planning! 

Ashley 

Aloha!

Thanks for joining us as we discuss phase 2 of vendor selection. These are what I refer to as your experience vendors. We will chat about things to consider in booking all music vendors for your event, officiant and engaging activities for your guests to enjoy during your wedding.

Mahalo!

Ashley

Book a consult with Ashley: 

website: adreamwedding.net

social: @adreamweddingmaui

This week we continue our series Let's Get Maui'd, discussing vendor selection and the wedding kickoff call. You will learn the 3 things we cover on our first planning calls with clients and the first steps to booking vendors and creating your perfect wedding dream team.   Enjoy!   Ashley   Link to book a free consultation with Ashley:     

Aloha Engaged Couple!   Planning your Maui wedding? One of the biggest milestones in the journey is choosing the perfect venue! In this episode, we’re breaking down the top 11 things to consider when selecting your dream wedding spot—from pricing and privacy to vibe and views. Tune in to gain insights and tips that will make this decision a breeze. Ready to feel that sigh of relief? Let’s dive in!   If you’re planning to get Maui’d and want to learn more about our planning services, check us out at adreamwedding.net or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at...

Aloha Engaged Couple!   In this first episode of A Dream Wedding, we kickoff a destination wedding planning series called: Let’s Get Maui’d! I will guide you through those exciting first steps after deciding to tie the knot in Maui Learn what to expect during consultations with wedding planners, how to prepare for those initial meetings, and tips to keep the excitement alive without feeling overwhelmed so that you can enjoy the planning process.   If you plan to get Maui’d and want to learn more about our planning services, check us out at adreamwedding.net or follow us on Insta...

Aloha Engaged Couple!   Hey everyone, welcome back to Let’s Get Maui’d! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most important decisions of your wedding planning journey: choosing the right wedding planner. I’ll share the key factors to consider, red flags to watch out for, and tips to make sure your planner is the perfect fit for your big day. Whether you're just starting your search or narrowing down your options, this episode will guide you to your wedding planning soulmate. Don’t miss it!    If you plan to get Maui’d and want to learn more abou...

🎙️ Welcome to Dream Wedding Maui! 🌺

Planning your destination wedding should feel as magical as saying “I do.” That’s why we’re here—to guide you through every step of creating a wedding that’s organized, budget-friendly, and authentically you.

I’m Ashley Ulery, and after helping thousands of couples tie the knot in paradise, I’m sharing my insider tips, expert advice, and a little Maui magic to make your dream wedding a breeze. Whether you’re figuring out where to splurge, how to save, or how to make your day uniquely yours, this podcast has you covered.<...