Judy Meepos and Oren Moses’ first date was at a dive bar in New York City, where Oren was working in finance and Judy was working for Meghan Markle as Style Editor for The Tig – the former lifestyle blog of the Duchess of Sussex. The two shared an undeniable chemistry that blossomed into a relationship. A few years later, after relocating to Los Angeles, Oren proposed during a trip to Santa Barbara, California, just before Judy began law school. “We had champagne on the beach at sunset, and he proposed with the most beautiful ring. It was like a dream!” she tells.

With the help of Geller Events, the two excitedly began planning their celebration. “Debbie Geller and Paige Blatt of Geller Events were the greatest resources and planners of all time,” the bride confides. “They, along with my mom, gave me all my planning advice, and every single bit was spot on.” Despite residing in Los Angeles, the couple decided to host a destination wedding on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Maui. “I knew I wanted to get married in Hawaii... Debbie and Paige then put my vision together into one cohesive, gorgeous look,” Judy explains.

“Spending time in Hawaii is incredibly special, and being able to get married in Hawaii surrounded by friends and family was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Each and every day felt like we were in paradise.”

During their three-day fête, the couple hosted a Jewish wedding ceremony that included the traditional ketubah signing and a gorgeous chuppah design for the vow exchange. “We really wanted our chuppah to stand out and reflect our wedding, and it was executed to perfection. [It] was natural, yet beautiful, in green and white flowers and plants, and truly encapsulated the look and feel of our celebration,” she smiles.

Focusing on the natural beauty of the Hawaiian locale, the couple pursued subtle décor in lieu of extravagant elements. “Because the wedding was in Maui, we wanted to keep it simple since the landscape and scenery is so stunning. I wanted the color scheme to be green and white with contemporary accents, and the aesthetic of the entire wedding turned out flawlessly,” the bride affirms.

In spirit of the island, the couple also hired fire dancers and gave out tote bags with a palm motif. “Spending time in Hawaii is incredibly special, and being able to get married in Hawaii surrounded by friends and family was a once-in-a-lifetime moment,” she says. “Each and every day felt like we were in paradise.”

Since she planned a gorgeous destination wedding from afar, Judy shares her confidence in hiring a professional. “Get a wedding planner! It’s impossible to do yourself,” shares the bride. “I could never have done this without Debbie and Paige of Geller Events. Having an expert or two is necessary and worth every penny.”