Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Category: Wedding / Bridal

  • Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    Our Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: Travel Fails, Laughs, and Lessons from Paradise

    Nightmare Honeymoon in Maui: When Paradise Goes Wrong 😅

    Excited to Travel Again… Until Maui Had Other Plans

    After months of wedding planning, we were beyond thrilled to be traveling again — and what better destination for a honeymoon than Maui, Hawaii? 🌺

    I can’t help but laugh as I write this because, while Hawaii is usually paradise for everyone, our honeymoon didn’t exactly go as planned. From resort mix-ups to transportation troubles, we somehow turned paradise into a series of unfortunate (and hilarious) events.

    A Promising Start in Paradise

    After our wedding-day chaos, we were ready for smooth sailing. Our flights were perfectly on time, luggage intact, and we were greeted in Maui with a beautiful flower lei from our travel agent. Everything seemed perfect.

    We checked into Mana Kai Maui Resort, thrilled by the ocean view and ready for the ultimate romantic getaway. The resort’s tagline — “Where heaven meets earth” — soon became an inside joke between us, because what followed was… not exactly heavenly. 😂

    1. Resort Restaurant & Store Closed

    Upon arrival, we learned that the resort’s restaurant, bar, and general store had all closed weeks earlier. Since we hadn’t rented a car, thinking we’d spend most of our time relaxing at the resort, this was not ideal.

    After our long 10-hour trip, we decided to deal with it the next morning.

    Highlight: We woke up early, walked down to the beach, and soaked in the sunrise. The warm breeze, golden sand, and sound of the waves turned into one of the best moments of our trip.

    2. The Mystery of the “Honeymoon Package”

    The next morning, I asked the front desk about our honeymoon package — champagne, chocolates, and macadamia nuts — which we had prepaid for. They claimed to have no record of it and asked for proof!

    Two days (and several emails from our travel agent) later, a grocery-store bottle of champagne and a bag of nuts arrived at our room. Not quite what we imagined!

    Then, to top it off, they said they could only hold our luggage until 4 p.m. on our departure day — even though our flight wasn’t until later. After more confusion (and some persistence from our travel agent), we were finally allowed to stay until 8 p.m.

    Highlight: That evening’s Sunset Luau Dinner Cruise was amazing! The couple who hosted it went above and beyond with live music, dancing, and Hawaiian history. The sunset views were stunning, even without the whales. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Maui! This is a low key event. Very small. So keep that mind.

    3. Stranded at the Lavender Farm 🌸

    Our next adventure took us to the Kula Botanical Garden, which was cute but still recovering from storm damage. Then we headed to Ali‘i Kula Lavender Farm, a beautiful (though smaller than expected) spot filled with the scent of lavender and a cute gift shop.

    Afterward, we planned to head to Maui Wine — but soon discovered there were no taxis or rideshares available in the area. After asking the staff for help, we were told cars rarely came out that far.

    We ended up walking for 30 minutes down the hill in the hot sun (not exactly dressed for hiking!) before finding a driver. Our winery reservation time had passed, but at least we made it back to the resort in one piece.

    Highlight: Our driver — originally from Poland — kept us entertained with conspiracy theories about Eastern Europe the entire ride back. He even recommended the resort’s “amazing restaurant,” not realizing it had closed. 😂

    4. The Beach Massage Disaster 💆‍♀️

    After all that, we decided to book a couples massage by the beach to relax. We confirmed everything by email — including that it would take place outdoors.

    When the masseuse arrived, she looked shocked and said, “You expected me to fit in here?!” Confused, we explained it was supposed to be on the beach. After some back-and-forth (and getting permission from the resort), she reluctantly set up on the most crowded part of the sand.

    It went downhill from there. The massage was… aggressive. When I asked for lighter pressure, she said, “Trust me, you don’t want it any lighter.” 😬 Let’s just say it wasn’t the peaceful spa moment we’d imagined. She even stuck her hand down my bikini bottoms.

    Highlight: She did manage to fix my neck pain — so at least there was that!

    The Bright Spots 🌴

    Despite the chaos, Maui still offered some unforgettable experiences:

    Sea Turtle Cove — Right by our resort. We spotted multiple sea turtles up close — a truly magical experience.

    Maui Tropical Express Tour — A must-try! Affordable, fun, and the best smoothie I’ve ever had.

    Ocean Vodka Distillery Tour — Educational and delicious. Fun fact: their chef once cooked for Tom Cruise! The poke bowl was incredible.

    Was our Maui honeymoon perfect? Not even close. But honestly, every mishap turned into a memory (and a funny story).

    If I could do it again, I’d double-check every detail — even when working with professionals. But sometimes, things just go wrong, and all you can do is laugh, stay flexible, and enjoy the ride.

    Here’s to future adventures — hopefully with fewer surprises! 😂

    Kula Botanical Garden
    Kula Botanical Garden
    Kula Botanical Garden
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm
    Ocean Vodka Distillery
    Sea Turtles
    Honorable Mention
    At the sea turtle cove!
    Ocean Vodka Distillery

    Send me a coffee! ❤
  • 4 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Extra Special ✨💍

    4 Tips to Make Your Wedding Day Extra Special ✨💍

    No matter where you are in your wedding planning journey — freshly engaged, knee-deep in details, or just daydreaming — I hope this post brings you a little inspiration (and maybe a few calm, happy feels).

    I can still remember the butterflies and joy that filled those days leading up to my own wedding. Things didn’t always go exactly as planned (do they ever?), but the day turned out to be so full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

    Today, I’m sharing four little things that made our celebration extra special — and I hope they help make your day just as magical. 💛

    💤 1. Have a Bridal Party Sleepover

    If you’re planning to spend the night apart from your partner before the big day, a bridal party sleepover is such a fun way to kick things off. It’s not just for kids anymore — it’s pure joy for grown-ups, too!

    The night before my wedding, my best friends and I stayed at the most beautiful local bed and breakfast. We ordered snacks, shared stories, laughed way too late, and soaked up those last few “before the aisle” moments together.

    The next morning, we got ready in that same cozy space — soft light streaming in through the windows, music playing, makeup brushes in hand, coffee cups nearby. The food was amazing, the vibe was calm, and the photos turned out absolutely gorgeous.

    It’s a memory I’ll hold close forever. If you’re on the fence about it — trust me — plan the sleepover. You’ll never regret it.


    💍 2. Include a Family Heirloom

    There’s something deeply meaningful about carrying a little piece of family history with you on your wedding day. It’s your something borrowed with a story behind it.

    For me, that meant including my grandparents’ wedding rings in my look. I wore them close to my heart on a delicate ring holder necklace (I found mine on Amazon, and I still wear it now — especially handy for days when I can’t wear my rings for work).

    Those rings have seen decades of love and life. Having them with me that day felt like my grandparents were right there, cheering us on. It added a layer of warmth and connection that made the day feel even more sacred.

    If you have a family piece — jewelry, fabric, a garter, a handkerchief — consider weaving it into your day. It’s a beautiful way to honor the love that helped shape yours.

    🎶 3. Cut the Music (in the Best Way)

    Here’s a tip I didn’t know I needed until my own wedding: you can cut your songs down to just your favorite parts!

    We worked with Elise Elm, who’s an absolute pro at music editing, and she created the perfect versions of our songs — about two minutes each. It kept the energy high, the moments sweet, and made our dances feel natural instead of nerve-wracking.

    The best part? We still got to enjoy the parts of the songs that meant the most to us. When I think back to our first dance, it’s the perfect length and memory — short, romantic, and completely us.

    If you’re feeling anxious about being on the dance floor too long, trimming your music might just be your secret weapon.

    💫 4. End the Night with a Last Dance
    Oh, the last dance. I’ll never forget ours.

    Whether you invite everyone to join you or keep it private between just the two of you, it’s the perfect way to close out your celebration. We chose a slow, romantic song and let ourselves soak in every second — the lights dim, the room softly humming with love and contentment.

    It was the sweetest transition into our grand exit and a beautiful reminder of what the whole day was about: us, together, beginning our forever.

    If you can, sneak in that last dance. It’s quiet magic.


    Image: IVORY+ ink

    💐 A Little Wedding Wisdom

    At the end of the day — even if the weather shifts, timelines blur, or something doesn’t go quite as planned — you’ll still be married to your favorite person. And that’s what truly matters.

    So take a breath, let the joy lead the way, and remember that the best moments are often the unplanned ones.

    I hope these ideas add a sprinkle of calm and creativity to your planning! I’d love to hear your thoughts — or any sweet traditions you’re including — in the comments below.

    Here’s to your beautiful day ahead, full of laughter, love, and maybe just a few happy tears.

    Send me a coffee ❤

  • Our Wedding Day: Lessons, Laughs, and a Little Chaos 💍✨

    Our Wedding Day: Lessons, Laughs, and a Little Chaos 💍✨

    Wow — where do I even begin? Our wedding day was truly one for the books. I originally planned to hop on here and share all the dreamy, picture-perfect moments, maybe with a few tiny hiccups sprinkled in for fun. But honestly? I could probably write an entire novel called “What Not to Do on Your Wedding Day.” 😂

    Don’t get me wrong — it was still the most magical, love-filled day of my life. There were heartwarming conversations with our guests, sweet stolen moments with my new husband, and so much laughter with our wedding party. But let’s just say… things got a little wild. I’m starting to think there might be something to that whole “Mercury in retrograde” theory!

    Still, I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. Every mishap taught me something valuable, and today I’m sharing my honest lessons, a few giggles, and some tips to help your day go a little smoother than mine did.

    1. Double-Check Vendor Details 📋

    It might sound simple, but this one’s a biggie. Make sure every vendor has the exact and most up-to-date information — from timing to names to final details. Staff can change, and small miscommunications can turn into big surprises later.

    I recommend confirming everything in person if you can (or at least over a video call). Trust me, it’s worth the extra time.

    2. Make Detailed Lists (Like, Really Detailed) 📝

    Lists are your best friend — for you, your vendors, and anyone helping out. Be specific. Don’t just say “family photos.” Write out which family members you want in those photos. It’s amazing how much smoother things go when everyone has a clear game plan.

    3. Listen to Yourself 💛

    Your wedding day is your day. You’ll get tons of advice from friends, family, and Pinterest boards alike — but at the end of the day, you and your partner know what feels right. Follow that gut feeling. It’s the one voice that always knows what will make your heart happiest.

    4. Savor Every Moment 🌿

    No matter what happens — good, bad, or hilariously unexpected — soak it all in. You only get one “I do,” and even the messy parts become beautiful memories someday.

    The Behind-the-Scenes Scoop

    Alright, you asked for it — here’s the inside look at how our wedding day really went down. Spoiler alert: there were laughs, tears, and quite a few “are you kidding me?” moments. 😂

    The Suits Saga

    The day before our wedding, we went to pick up the suits from Men’s Wearhouse… and found out the groom and ring bearer’s sizes were all wrong. Cue the panic! Thankfully, we sorted it out the next morning and everyone looked perfect.

    My advice: Write down all your confirmed sizes and double-check once they arrive. A quick confirmation email can save a lot of stress later!

    Set-Up Surprises

    I went into wedding planning with an open mind, ready for suggestions. But looking back, I wish I had trusted my original vision a bit more. It would have made the day feel even more “us.”

    My advice: It’s okay to take help, but don’t lose sight of what you truly want. Print out inspiration photos, share them with your team, and delegate! A friend, sister, or bridesmaid who knows your vision can be a huge help on the big day.

    Morning-of Madness

    The morning of our wedding started out lovely — breakfast at a cozy bed and breakfast, coffee in hand, the whole vibe was calm… until it wasn’t. Between forgotten jewelry, missing hair clips, and a slightly awkward “you’re my favorite” joke gone wrong, the morning quickly became chaotic. 😅

    Then came the classic “forgot the ring at home” situation (yep, that happened) — but despite all the bumps, we still managed to laugh through it.

    My advice: Have your glam team come to you. Pack your essentials the night before. And assign a “runner” — someone who can grab any last-minute items so you can stay in the moment.

    Music Mishaps 🎶

    Ah, the ceremony music — this one still makes me cringe a little. My dad and I were called up to walk, but we were confused and thought we missed our cue. I rushed up the stairs, my tiara tilted, veil slightly crooked — and then realized the DJ was playing the wrong song.

    It was a 57-second track that looped awkwardly with breaks of silence between repeats. Not exactly the romantic soundtrack I envisioned!

    My advice: Confirm all music details with your DJ in person or on a quick call the day before. And if possible, have them attend the rehearsal. It makes all the difference. Our DJ was a kind person, so it’s too bad!

    Photos & The Great Family Shuffle 📸

    Our photos turned out beautiful — but we missed a lot of moments I really wanted. Not everyone was present for family portraits, and we couldn’t get to every guest table during the reception.

    My advice: Be specific on your photo list. Don’t just write “family photos” — name each person. This small detail ensures no special moment slips away.

    Catering & Cake 🍰

    Our caterer forgot to cut the pork loin, which led to a bit of chaos. And our wedding cake… let’s just say it wasn’t exactly what I ordered. Thankfully, the vendor made it right later with a complimentary replacement.

    My advice: Reconfirm your order details the week of the wedding. Even a quick email with reference photos can make sure everyone’s on the same page.

    Reception Rollercoaster 🎉

    After the ceremony… honestly, I have no idea what happened. 😂 The timeline went out the window! Family photos were missed, the slideshow never played, and dinner ran late. But despite it all, we laughed, danced, and made beautiful memories with our guests — some of whom traveled from 12 different states to be there. That love and support meant everything.

    My advice: Assign or hire a day-of coordinator to keep things running smoothly. It’s one of the best investments you can make.

    Looking Back 💫

    Even though our wedding and honeymoon didn’t go quite as planned (because of course it didn’t!), I’m choosing to see it all as part of our story. Every hiccup, every laugh, every imperfection — it all made our day perfectly us.

    Some have even suggested a small vow renewal in the future, and honestly? I love that idea. Maybe we’ll do a little “redo” one day.

    If you’re planning your wedding, my best advice is this: plan your heart out, but hold your plans loosely. Focus on what matters most — marrying your best friend and celebrating with the people you love. Everything else? Just part of the story. 💕

    If you’ve been through your own wedding adventures (or have some advice to share!), I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Let’s keep learning, crying, and laughing together — one love story at a time.

  • Adding a Little Magic: How We Made Our Own Wax Seals for Our Wedding Invitations

    Adding a Little Magic: How We Made Our Own Wax Seals for Our Wedding Invitations

    When I think back on our wedding planning days, one of my absolute favorite little projects was creating our wax seals for our invitations. There’s just something so timeless and romantic about that soft shimmer of wax pressed beneath a beautiful stamp. It feels like a love letter from another era — a small, delicate detail that makes your guests feel like they’re opening something truly special.

    And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy (and affordable!) to do yourself. My husband and I spent an afternoon making them together — music playing, coffee nearby, wax dripping across our table in the best kind of creative chaos. It became one of those unexpectedly cozy memories I’ll always treasure.

    If you’re ready to add that elegant, old-world touch to your wedding suite, here’s exactly how we did it.

    What You’ll Need

    • A wax seal stamp (we used one with our initials — so romantic!)
    • Sealing wax (available in glue stick form or as small beads)
    • A wax melting spoon or wax seal glue gun
    • A candle or heat source if you’re using a spoon
    • Your invitations and envelopes, ready for sealing

    How to Create Your Own Wax Seals

    1. Melt the Wax
      If you’re using a glue gun, insert your wax stick and let it heat up until the wax flows smoothly. If you’re using a spoon, add a few wax beads and hold it over a candle flame until the wax melts into a liquid. (This part always felt a bit like potion-making to me — slow, calming, and kind of magical.)
    2. Test the Texture
      Before you go all-in, do a quick test on a scrap piece of paper. The wax should pour smoothly — not too runny, not too thick. When it’s just right, you’re ready to start sealing!
    3. Pour and Press
      Carefully pour a small puddle of wax where you’d like the seal to go. Then, gently press your stamp into the center. Hold it in place for a few seconds — just long enough to let the wax cool and harden.
    4. The Grand Reveal
      Slowly lift your stamp… and there it is! Your first beautiful wax seal. (I may or may not have squealed with excitement the first time I saw ours.)

    Once we got the hang of it, we set up a little assembly line — one of us melting and pouring, the other stamping and admiring our handiwork. It turned out to be such a fun way to slow down and add a touch of us to every envelope.

    There’s something really special about these little seals — they don’t just close an envelope; they seal in your love, your excitement, and all those sweet moments leading up to your wedding day.

    If you try this, I’d absolutely love to see how yours turn out! Share your photos or tag me — there’s nothing quite like seeing other couples add their own creative flair.

    Happy sealing, friends 💌✨

  • 💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    💍 My Honest Review of the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box

    Wedding planning can be so exciting — and a little overwhelming! That’s why I’ve fallen in love with small moments of joy along the way, like my latest discovery: the Maeven Bridal Subscription Box. If you’re a bride-to-be looking for a bit of monthly magic, this one’s for you. Each box is beautifully curated with over $120 worth of bridal goodies, designed to make the wedding planning process feel more special (and way more fun).

    When I subscribed, I decided to skip the Intro Box and go straight for the themed monthly boxes — best decision ever! I had tried another bridal box before, but the items just didn’t feel “me.” Maeven, on the other hand, nailed it. Every piece felt thoughtful, stylish, and high-quality. Here’s a peek at what came in my first box — and why I’m already hooked.

    🧶 MRS. Knit Pom Pom Hat

    I couldn’t love this hat more if I tried! Living in Iowa means cold winters, so this cozy “MRS.” knit pom hat couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It’s soft, cute, and perfect for those snowy morning coffee runs. Definitely going to be a winter staple!

    ☕ “MRS.” Glass Mug

    I’m obsessed with this mug — it’s so simple, elegant, and perfect for that newlywed glow-up. My fiancé and I are currently house hunting, and I can already picture myself sipping morning coffee from my “Mrs.” mug in our first home together. (Manifesting that kitchen counter moment ✨).

    🎈 Pop Fizz Clink Sign, Ring Balloons, & Acrylic Tag

    These are going to be so fun to use for upcoming celebrations! The “Pop Fizz Clink” sign will make a cute addition to my bridal shower mimosa bar, and I love the idea of reusing it for the bachelorette party — or even the wedding reception. The acrylic ornament/bag tag will be perfect for our honeymoon luggage (we’re still deciding between Japan and Canada — I’ll keep you posted!).

    🧦 Bride Vibes Socks

    Okay, these made me laugh because I literally had a similar pair that my fiancé stretched out with his giant feet. So, I’m thrilled to have a fresh pair that’s just mine this time! They’re soft, comfy, and perfect for those cozy nights of wedding planning with a glass of wine in hand.

    Overall, I am so impressed with Maeven’s attention to detail and quality. It truly feels like a box full of joy every month — perfect for brides who want a little luxury during the whirlwind of wedding prep.

    If you’re considering subscribing, I say go for it! It’s such a sweet way to celebrate your engagement journey and make every step toward “I do” feel a little more magical. 💕

    Have you tried Maeven (or another bridal box)? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below — let’s share some bride-to-be excitement together!

    I am absolutely delighted with the contents of this month’s Maeven subscription box. As a self-proclaimed leader in luxury bridal subscription boxes, Maeven has certainly lived up to their reputation. I am eagerly looking forward to discovering what surprises the next box holds. If you are considering subscribing or are already a subscriber, I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s connect and share our excitement!

    Send a coffee ❤

    Don’t forget to subscribe!

  • My Fairytale Pandemic Engagement ✨

    My Fairytale Pandemic Engagement ✨

    I have the most magical news to share—last week, my boyfriend of three years asked me to marry him! 💍 I was completely caught off guard and absolutely over the moon. Growing up, I always adored Cinderella, and Josh made my childhood dream come true with the most romantic, fairytale-worthy proposal. To top it off, he even surprised me with a stunning Cinderella ring from the Disney Bridal Collection. I still can’t stop staring at it—it’s pure magic!

    We’ve already started planning for our big day, aiming for a summer 2022 wedding. It hasn’t been easy with everything going on in the world, but we’re determined to make it happen. Our guest list is shaping up beautifully, and we’re so excited to pick our wedding party once we can celebrate together in person. In the meantime, we’re taking premarital classes online and soaking up every joyful moment of being engaged.

    To keep the celebration going, I subscribed to the Miss to Mrs. Bridal Box, and I’m officially obsessed! My first box included the cutest bridal goodies— a desktop wedding countdown, a bridal appointment planner, jewelry wipes, a sleek portable mug, an inflatable “love” sign, and a gorgeous necklace. Each item feels like a sweet reminder of this exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to see what the next box brings. (Stay tuned—I might do an unboxing soon!)

    💍 Bonus Tip for Brides-to-Be:
    If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, I highly recommend the Kate Spade Bridal Planner. With 48 beautifully designed planning pages, it covers everything—from your wedding checklist to honeymoon prep. It’s stylish, practical, and makes staying organized a total breeze.

    I’m so grateful for this season of love and excitement. To all my fellow brides-to-be, I’d love to hear your engagement stories and any wedding planning advice you have! Drop your tips and stories in the comments below—let’s share in the joy together. 💕

     Miss to Mrs bridal box

    The goodies!

     Kate Spade bridal planner

    Find our photographer at:
    Nataliegaydar.com