Features
Pacific Rim Weddings
Summer/Fall 2003
Maui is a romantic island known for its diverse landscapes and hidden treasures. Tucked away in the lush green hills of Haiku, Pua Le'a Estate is one of those rare findings. Once Maui's first sugar mill, Pua Le'a is a historical landmark dating back to 1853. Now the spirit of this special place has been carefully rediscovered by owner Mickey Eskimo. His passion for European antiques has flourished over the last 16 years, with both Pua Le'a and the love of his stunning wife, Sylvia, to inspire him. Mickey is an artist who sees beauty in nearly everything that surrounds him.
As you tour the gardens of Pua Le'a you will be drawn in by his enthusiasm as he points out the many facets of his garden: an immense iron cross he couldn't resist in Paris, or a rare orchid he has collected from some faraway place. Pua Le'a is a magical setting. The entry is reminiscent of a European coliseum, a rustic archway covered in blossoming vines that leads to an incredible open-air garden. Encircled by old sugar mill walls, a natural carpet of soft grass is dotted with old stepping stones that lead up to a stone altar. According to Mickey, this is a world defined by romance. Inspired by the love of his life, he has lovingly cultivated the tropical gardens through the years, enhancing the ruins with antique architectural finds purchased abroad.
His restored cane house stands just outside the garden and is decorated all in white, the perfect bride's changing room and a cozy honeymoon suite for after the celebration. The ambience of this charming place takes you back in time. When not perusing the Paris flea market, Mickey and Sylvia continue to care for the grounds of their beloved Pua Le'a, a magical place meant for romance.
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- A garden setting requires a table to suit the occasion. I lieu of linens, velvety moss covers the table, set with rattan chargers and simple crystal glassware. Bouquets of white orchids and call lilies make natural centerpieces. A Limoges style pineapple box glitters at each place setting. Dramatic towers of Green Goddess calla lilies direct eyes upward toward an antique garden chandelier overflowing with white dendrobium and phalenopsis orchids. This elegant outdoor setting was designed by Eileen Woods-Takayesu & Sheryl Suzuki of Town and Country Flowers at the Four Seasons Resort, Wailea.
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- A pineapple top crowns this contemporary version of a French croquembouche designed by Heidi Cramer. The name "croquembouche" comes from the French "croquant" meaning crackling and "bouche" for mouth, referring to the tasty experience of eating the pastries of this fanciful dessert. Laced with fine strand of caramel call "angel hair", the croquembouche is often served at French weddings.
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- P 58: Tracy is breathtaking in a silk satin gown embroidered at the bodice with crystal beading.
P 59: The bride is a dramatic silhouette in a strapless gown of silk-satin-faced organza, bustled in the back for timeless elegance. Both dresses are from a collection at L'amour Weddings, a bridal house located on Maui's west coast. - Page 60 & 61 Text Inset
- P 60: Tracy is sophisticated in a strapless gown embroidered at the bodice with a silk satin skirt overlaid in organza.
P 61: A simply elegant a-line dress is accented along the neckline with embroidered sheer organza.