Maui

Surprise Candlelit Vow Renewal

March 9, 2020

Ashley Cooper|Pacific Weddings

After a busy first year of marriage (including a new baby and finishing school), Sierra and Anthony returned to Maui for their one year anniversary. But little did Anthony know, Sierra planned an amazing vow renewal in the same exact spot they were wed overlooking Kapalua Bay.

Anthony had no idea that his wife had such a special evening planned. He was surprised with an outfit to change into and a special note from Sierra telling him to meet her on the lawn where they were married. When Anthony arrived at sunset, he was met by 

When Anthony arrived right at sunset, he was met by the officiant who performed their marriage and a candlelit ceremony spot. Sierra arrived soon after carrying their baby. Everything played out flawlessly, and the magical evening begun. 

Maui-based photographer Wendy Laurel captured the incredible vibrancy of the vow renewal to perfection. She shared all of her favorite moments with us: 

"Lorrie from Unveiled Hawaii designed the vow renewal with a nod toward their original wedding details, but with a more romantic, intimate feel.  The vision was  something out of an enchanted dark fairy tale.  It was dreamy. And with the coastline of Kapalua at sunset, where just one year prior Sierra and Anthony celebrated with 162 of their closest family and friends at The Montage, it was just that. Dressed in a Hayley Paige black long sleeve, illusion floral beaded bodice and tulle skirt, Sierra made her way to Anthony, holding Sage, their baby girl. The ceremony was lit with 100 candles in a semi circle on the ground and a string of twinkle lights above.  The ceremony started as the sun went down over the Pacific Ocean and continued through twilight."

"The couple exchanged vows at sunset with 100 lit candles from Teresa Sena Designs in a semi circle and shared in a family lei exchange with custom leis provided by Hawai'i Flora Fauna, followed by sunset photos. The surprise wasn't over though." 

"The Cliffhouse at The Montage Kapalua had been draped in a velvet merlot, floor to ceiling from Inspiration Events Hawaii, with the same exact chandelier installation placed the year prior over a perfectly whimsical table set for two. Again Teresa Sena Designs brought in over 100 candles that adorned the room to set a romantic mood, and also installed a 8ft by 10ft ceiling of greenery to bring this enchanted fairy tale vibe to life. Plants from Copia added flair, along with custom place settings from Set Maui and stationery branded just for Sierra and Anthony from Shindig Bespoke. With the same exact three course plated menu and wedding cake served the year before.

"If that was not enough, enter Common Kings; the surprise performers from last year, specially organized by the bride as a nod to their love story and songs that had significant meeting. They did it again, however this time in a very private, acoustic performance setting, of which after the couple took their seats, the faint singing of a special rendition of their hit single 'Fly' being softly played, and then slowly the wine drapery was pulled back, exposing the last surprise of the evening. 

Shocked wouldn't have described the feeling you could see on Anthony's face. It was more a look of adoration and love, beaming as he looked at Sierra, shortly after a long embrace, asking her for a dance. They would then enjoy their dinner alone with the crashing waves below the Cliffhouse, later joined back by the band and a few special friends, and most importantly, Baby Sage, who all enjoyed a special private performance made just for them."