Having experienced a romantic proposal while vacationing in the Maldives, Bethany Chong knew her wedding celebration with Nicholas Jung had to be just as magical. With only eight months of planning, the couple swiftly settled on a seaside venue. “So many of our first dates ended with strolls on the boardwalk,” the bride reveals.

Though the pair resides in Los Angeles, they liked the idea of a destination event so they’d have an opportunity to spend time with loved ones while on vacation together. “We picked the Montage Kapalua Bay because of its breathtaking ocean views where the ceremony and reception are held on the cliffs of Namalu Bay,” describes Bethany. Adds Nicholas, “The lawn area juts out into the cove, so it feels likes you’re totally surrounded by water… it’s absolutely incredible.”

When wedding planning began, the bride was also furiously multitasking – completing her master’s thesis, preparing for orthodontic residency, and starting off a new career – so she was grateful to have Nicholas take charge during the first few months. The groom took time to focus on their guests who would all be traveling for the occasion: “I wanted to make sure that everything was as easy and convenient as possible,” he says.

Bethany confides that it was an especially meaningful time for her because she was able to bond with her soon-to-be mother in law. “Nick’s mom stepped in and really helped me out when my mom – who lives in Texas – couldn’t be there,” she tells. “She went with me dress shopping, helped me pick flowers, etc… We ended up getting really close and had so much fun together.”

The wedding weekend began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, which included customs cherished by Nicholas, including the bride donning a gorgeous red silk gown. As guests arrived for the afternoon ceremony the following day, they found the picturesque area of the Namalu Lawn decorated in muted shades of blush, peach, and cream.

Bamboo chairs were placed beneath wooden structures bedecked with verdure and sheer ivory fabric, mimicking the style of the arbor created for the vow exchange. Bethany and Nicholas were equally timeless in their attire: the bride in a strapless trumpet gown of lace and the groom in a dark blue tuxedo with a crisp bow tie.

The classic décor continued to reveal itself in the reception space located on the cliffs of Kapalua Bay overlooking the ocean. “We wanted the place to feel really magical and special for our guests,” Bethany explains. “We used clear tents with ivory draping and twinkle lights on the ceiling to make it feel like they were dancing underneath the stars.”

Bamboo signage with elegant calligraphy welcomed attendees and provided seating information, whilst the same handwriting was found on glass table numbers placed in gold frames. Tables were cloaked in bright white linens and bedecked with floral centerpieces in a dreamy pastel palette. Charger plates rimmed in bullion were topped off with a custom menu card and a single green leaf noting the name of each respective guest.

The newlyweds admit that though the day felt to have passed quickly, it was filled with many wonderful moments. For both of them, the wedding ceremony was extra special. “Nick and I were debating whether we wanted to write our own vows, as both of us are very private people and it was scary to share something so personal,” Bethany explains. “But I’m so glad we did because it was one of the most memorable moments.”

Nicholas describes the romantic memory: “It was amazing to hear the waves crashing on the rocks while reading our vows to each other.” As the twosome left Maui, they looked forward to planning their honeymoon and enjoying their new life together. 

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