Exclusive: How Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Made Tradition With Their Maui Wedding
For Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham, everything happened after the final rose. On January 12, the reality couple exchanged vows before their loved ones, closing out a journey that seemingly ended in Peru, but was met with an eventual change-of-heart on ABC’s live broadcast in January 2018. Ultimately, it brought the pair to a converted sugar mill in Hawaii for their wedding day.
The pair had originally planned for a first look, Burnham surprised Luyendyk with a hilarious alternative option (his best man walked out in a dress, clutching a beer). The emotions were abundant, therefore, when he caught the first glimpse of the bride walking down the aisle in her wedding dress.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget,” Luyendyk tells The Knot in an exclusive interview. “As soon as I saw her, I began to cry. All I could say to myself was, ‘Hold it together!’ She looked just as I had imagined when I played the scene in my head a thousand times before that day… perfect.”
Burnham, too, was overcome with emotion as she saw her husband’s raw reaction as he awaited her arrival. “I knew I was going to be emotional once I saw Arie, because I, too, had been picturing that moment in my head over and over again,” she reflects. “I was tearing up as I walked towards Arie, but my dad did a good job of keeping things light for me.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
She adds, “I’ll never forget how handsome and sweet Arie looked down there at the end of the aisle waiting for me.”
Below, The Knot has all the inside details about the couple’s magical Maui wedding, including who they invited, what they wore, and what fun, unexpected moments made their wedding truly, uniquely their own.
THE VENUE
One of the first details that Luyendyk and Burnham released about their highly private wedding was where it would be held: Haiku Mill in Maui, Hawaii. The space was previously a processing factory for sugarcane, and now plays host to countless events and galas.
“I moved from Virginia to Arizona and we were Googling places all over the world, and this picture of this venue kept popping up and popping up,” Burnham previously told The Knot. “We kept coming back to that one and it was like, ‘OK. I think this is the venue. Let’s go for it.'”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE FIRST LOOK
“The anticipation was intense,” Luyendyk says of what he believed would be his first glimpse of Burnham on their wedding day. ” I was so ready to see Lauren… And I stood for what felt like 10 minutes just waiting her to tap me on the shoulder.”
Instead, best man Dustin Martin was sent out. “When the moment finally came, I was terrified to see my best man standing in a wedding gown drinking a Kona Beer,” the reality lead adds. “I should have known just by how hard he had tapped me, but it was still a complete surprise. Lauren definitely pulled one over on me and it was hilarious. It honestly lightened the mood and help me shake my nerves a bit.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE CEREMONY
Burnham’s father walked her down the aisle, while the bride’s grandparents stood in for a flower girl and ring bearer, much to the delight of the wedding guests.
The happy couple wanted to include as many of their loved ones as possible in their wedding ceremony—including Chris Harrison. The longtime Bachelor host officiated the nuptials (as he did for former Bachelorette Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum and other franchise couples) and struck a good balance between funny jokes ribbing the couple and heartfelt stories about the pair and their journey together.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
“He’s a true professional,” Luyendyk says. “It was great to hang out with him leading up to the wedding and it really allowed us to get to know each other outside of the Bachelor world. His speech was clever, funny and touching all at the same time. He really nailed it.”
THE DECOR
The overarching theme of the Luyendyk-Burnham wedding was, perhaps surprisingly, Twilight: Breaking Dawn. With Maui’s natural lush greenery and a waterfall fittingly serving as a backdrop for the couple at the altar, the pair’s wedding aesthetic was disarmingly magical.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
“Almost every inspiration photo that Lauren would text to me would be from the movie,” wedding planner Kimiko Hosaki of K.H & co. previously told Us Weekly. Several chandeliers hung suspended above the aisle leading toward the altar to add to the otherworldly look, and a giant, leafy arch framed their moment.
THE FLORALS
In keeping with the couple’s magical, ethereal theme, the florals for their wedding ceremony and reception were largely monochromatic. Mandy Grace Designs provided the flower arrangements, which consisted of a classic bouquet of white flowers for the bride (ranunculus and specialty garden roses), with an attention to detail for the centerpieces at the reception, made up of native Hawaiian flowers and plants.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE DRESS
Burnham had a very specific vision when it came to her wedding gown, and she wasn’t afraid to share it with designer Hayley Paige, who created the sparkly princess-inspired dress especially for the Bachelor alum. The gown featured an A-line silhouette that helped hide Burnham’s tiny baby bump (she and Luyendyk are expecting this June), paired with a plunging crystal neckline, modest train and floral embellishments.
“I wanted a fairy tale wedding, so I wanted to design a gown with Hayley that fit with the theme and the venue,” Burnham tells The Knot. “It was very unique and very me with head-to-toe glitter and intricate beading. I loved it so much that I think I’ll probably continue to wear it around the house from time to time.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE WEDDING PARTY
Neither Burnham nor Luyendyk opted to include many of their Bachelor Nation pals in their bridal party, choosing instead to invite their closest off-camera friends and family to stand by their side up at the altar (though, it should be noted, that Bachelor host Chris Harrison officiated, and Maquel Cooper was a bridesmaid).
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Burnham’s sister Heather was her maid of honor, and Luyendyk’s good buddy Dustin Martin was his best man. Burnham’s bridal beauty look was a fresh-yet-glamorous presentation executed by Maui Makeup Artistry.
Lindsay Marie Design made Burnham’s headpiece, as well as intricate pieces for each bridesmaid. The wedding party also wore robes from Hayley Paige’s Hologram Athleisure line.
THE WEDDING “SOMETHINGS”
Family played a large role in Burnham’s “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.” The expectant mom combined her something old with something blue by taking one of Luyendyk’s old suits and cutting a heart from its fabric. She then implemented the sentimental piece into her custom La Gartier garter.
Burnham borrowed a pair of earrings from Molina Jewelers, while her something new was a handkerchief from her mother.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE REGISTRY
The couple opted for a charity registry, spotlighting The Knot’s partnership with VOW, an initiative to eradicate child marriage around the world.
THE RINGS
In a sweet nod toward their good ole friend Neil Lane, both Luyendyk and Burnham donned hardware by the veteran Bachelor jeweler. Luyendyk’s band was rose gold and platinum, while Burnham’s was inlaid with an impressive 200 French-cut diamonds.
“Arie and Lauren have a special connection,” Lane tells The Knot. “I wanted their rings to be symbolic of their love: striking yet timeless. Both designs speak to their individual qualities and journey together as a couple.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE RECEPTION MENU
After Luyendyk and Burnham exchanged vows, the newlyweds invited their guests to join them for a two-hour cocktail hour followed by a multi-course dinner, all taking place in the same location elsewhere at Haiku Mill. Burnham and Luyendyk’s fathers gave toasts during the reception (their mothers both spoke at the rehearsal dinner the night before), and guests including former Bachelor star Sean Lowe and his wife, Catherine Giudici, danced the night away.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Guests noshed on prime rib and fresh, local seafood that showcased the wide swath of foods available in Hawaii during a multi-course meal served at long, communal tables decorated with candles, with hanging chandeliers and dangling greenery overhead. Cocktail hour bites included kalua pork wontons, mochiko chicken, Lokelani Sparkling Rosé from the Bubbly Bar and more libations from LeVecke Wine & Spirits.
THE CAKE
Luyendyk and Burnham enlisted the help of Maui-based bakery Cake Fanatic to create a sweet treat that matched their romantic setting. The four-tiered cake marble confection was frosted white with gold-leaf detailing and pale buttercream flowers wrapping their way around the structure.
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
THE ENTERTAINMENT
To keep things groovin’ through the night, the couple hired Island Encore to spin some tunes for their guests. The couple also showed off their dance moves (they took dance lessons leading up to their wedding) choreographed to Calum Scott’s “You Are the Reason.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
Additionally, as an extra unique touch, the pair called upon the talents of artist Jeanne Young, who live painted the wedding.
THE TAKEAWAY
Last fall, the couple explained to us why they’re a perfect fit for each other. “She senses when I’m stressed out about something and she’s really good about working with me through that,” the season 22 Bachelor said. “And that also goes with wedding planning too.”
“We’re just really happy with each other and we vibe well together,” Burnham added. “We’re best friends, so we’re just ready for that next step.”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
“It felt a little strange at first–but in the very best way,” Luyendyk concludes of his new marriage. “We’re getting used to it… Plus, it’s fun to call each other ‘husband’ and ‘wife.'”
Bachelor Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham Wedding. January 2019. Maui, Hawaii. (Credit: Matias Ezcurra / NV Maui Media)
—With reporting by Esther Lee.
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