Jessica Parsons was attending a promotion celebration happy hour at Stanford’s in Walnut Creek, California, when she noticed a handsome and muscular gentleman across the table. After a bit of liquid courage, she got up from her seat and went to talk to the attractive stranger. She learned his name was Garrett Jaronczyk, and that he was newer to the company; and within a few days, Garrett took Jessica on their first date.
Three years later, right before Christmas of 2013, the couple had just purchased and moved into their new home. That holiday season was spent in southern California, celebrating with both their families. On Christmas Eve, Garrett took Jessica outside by the fire, got down on one knee, and proposed while the whole family watched from inside.
“I CAN REMEMBER THE LOOK ON GARRETT’S FACE WHEN HE SAW MY DAD WALKING ME DOWN THE AISLE” JESSICA PARSONS
When the wedding planning process began, Jessica knew she wanted a destination wedding in Maui, as it was a special place for her and her family. Jessica’s grandparents fell in love with Maui in the 1960s, and her grandma Anita made sure the whole Parsons clan spent their summers together on Maui’s beautiful Kaanapali Beach every year.
Working with Maui's Angels Destination Weddings & Events made the wedding preparations a breeze. Although planning a destination wedding in Maui while living in California is typically an arduous task, Maui's Angels Destination Weddings & Events were on top of every single detail. They knew Jessica’s heart was set on having a classic, simple, black and white wedding. From the custom striped chair pads to the hand rolled guest towels, Maui's Angels Destination Weddings & Events executed her vision to perfection.
A little less than a week before the wedding, 55 friends and family members arrived on Maui to begin the wedding festivities. Several events were planned before the big day, allowing everyone to relax, mingle, and enjoy each other’s company.
Once the wedding day arrived, everything was seamless. Before the ceremony, the wedding party took separate pictures, keeping with the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before she walked down the aisle. As guests arrived, they enjoyed the lush beauty of the plantation before the ceremony began. “I can remember the look on Garrett’s face when he saw my dad walking me down the aisle,” Jessica says. “I will never forget how happy he looked.” The bride and groom also shared vows they had written for each other, which made the ceremony even more heartfelt.
The following reception was so intimate, it felt like a family gathering–exactly as Jessica and Garrett had hoped. Since their guest list was relatively small, they were able to sit and talk with each person in attendance. One highlight of the evening was the bride dancing with her grandfather to “That’s Amore,” and guests kept repeating that it was the best wedding they had ever been to.
“We were on cloud nine and couldn’t believe the night was over,” the newlyweds describe. “We felt so lucky to have our family and friends there to celebrate the best day of our lives.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Olowalu Plantation House, Lahaina, HI; Floral and Event Design, Planner: Maui's Angels Destination Weddings & Events, Lahaina, HI; Cake: Cake Fanatics, Lahaina, HI;
