An Intimate Island Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua with Western Charm and Chinese Traditions
For Irene Yu and Leo Liu, their love story began in December 2020 and led to a breathtaking celebration of commitment four years later, set against the serene backdrop of Maui. With a love for minimalist elegance and a heartfelt connection to the Hawaiian island, their August wedding unfolded like a dream of soft pastels and warm ocean breezes.
A Proposal with the Perfect Wave
What Irene believed to be a casual graduation trip with friends turned out to be something far more magical. On the golden shores of Maui, Leo surprised her with a meticulously planned proposal months in the making.
"I had a feeling something was off when Leo put on an all-white outfit with sneakers—he's a sandal guy!" Irene laughs. As the couple walked along the beach at sunset, Leo dropped to one knee. “The moment I said yes, the words ‘Marry Me’ written in the sand were swept away by a wave, followed by the most beautiful ocean breeze. It felt like a sign from above,” she recalls.
“What meant the most was seeing our closest friends and family come together in this little paradise.”
An Island That Held Their Story
Irene had first visited The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua with her parents as a teenager. The memory stayed with her. Years later, she returned with Leo, and it became the place where he proposed.
“This island has always felt special to me,” Irene shares. “It was only right that we began our next chapter here.”
Planning an intimate island wedding of 100 guests, the couple infused their celebration with both Western charm and meaningful Chinese traditions. Mandarin translations of speeches ensured no family member felt left out, and a spirited round of door games offered guests a joyful taste of Chinese culture.
Wedding Design
The wedding design was built around a romantic palette of primrose pink and lavender fog, accented with pastel yellow, baby blue, soft pink, and pastel lilac. The interplay of pink and purple created a soft yet refined atmosphere—delicate, airy, and effortlessly elegant.
Crystal chandeliers cast shimmering reflections under the island sun, enveloping the venue in a veil of dreamlike light. In contrast, woven rattan chairs introduced natural textures, while transparent acrylic seating added a sense of modern lightness. A thoughtful blend of woven, wooden, and mirrored materials created layers of detail that felt both refined and distinctive.
Floral arrangements swayed gently in the breeze, and flowing drapery danced with the ocean air, bringing the entire setting to life. Sunlight flickered across blossoms and fabrics, infusing the celebration with a natural rhythm. Much like Irene and Leo’s love, the wedding design seamlessly wove together romance and elegance in harmony with the island’s embrace.
A Fashion-Forward Fairytale
Describing her wedding wardrobe as her own personal runway, Irene wore white Chinese QiPao during the door crash games and stunned in a romantic gown by Galia Lahav for the ceremony. For the cake-cutting and bridal speech, she wore intricately detailed designs by Indian couturiers Dolly J and Gaurav Gupta, and closed the evening in a playful Netta Benshabu mini for the afterparty.
Leo exuded classic charm in a Dior tuxedo and loafers, transitioning to a more relaxed yet refined Loro Piana look for the reception. The bridal party, dressed in dreamy shades of pink and purple, reflected the pastel elegance woven throughout the event. Irene encouraged her bridesmaids to choose their own gowns, ensuring everyone felt confident and beautiful.
An Intimate Island Wedding to Remember
From their emotional first look to the heartfelt vows and warm toasts, the couple’s intimate island wedding was full of unforgettable moments.
“What meant the most was seeing our closest friends and family, from different countries and backgrounds, come together in this little paradise,” says Irene. True to her nature, the bride’s top priority was ensuring every guest felt welcomed and cared for. “We wanted everyone to enjoy themselves, feel at home, and truly share in the joy with us.”
As the sun set over Kapalua and the ocean whispered in the distance, Irene and Leo began their married life surrounded by love, laughter, and the island that had become the backdrop to so many of their milestones.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii; Event Planner & Design: Manna Sun Events; Floral Design: Dellables Floral Artistry; Rentals: BBJ La Tavola Linen, Let's Entertain Maui, Set Maui, Maui Luxe Picnics; Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav; Makeup: Abbie Chung; String Trio & DJ: Manutea Nuie; Officiant: Fred Torres; Stationery: Miss B Calligraphy, Inkinity Studio; Photo Bus: The Maui Photo Bus; Videography: Kenson Production; Photographer: Daqi Vision