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041 // How to Break the Holiday (and Wedding) Hamster Wheel: Creating a Wedding That Feels Authentic to You
As the holidays roll in this year, I’ve been feeling something I know many of you can relate to — that sense of being on a hamster wheel of expectations. Between the shopping, events, travel, traditions, pressure to “make it magical,” and worrying what everyone thinks… it’s so easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about.
And you know what?
The same thing happens with weddings.
In this deeply personal episode, I share the emotional moment I experienced last Christmas — and the surprising clarity that came when my family and I talked honestly about what truly matters to us this season. Spoiler: we’re not scaling back everything… we’re actually going bigger on what brings us joy and letting go of the rest. Yes, tacos for Christmas dinner and yes… hiring a DJ for our house party!
This realization ties beautifully into how I encourage my couples to plan their weddings:
Focus on what matters most. Let go of the pressure. Create a celebration that feels like YOU.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or struggling with expectations from family, friends, or social media — this episode will help you breathe again. I’m giving you the same framework my family used:
✨ Identify your non-negotiables
✨ Invest your time, energy, and budget in what lights you up
✨ Release the traditions and expectations that don’t serve you
✨ Create a wedding experience that fills you with joy — not stress
Whether your dream wedding includes a packed dance floor, stunning florals, intimate moments with your closest people, or a simple, unfussy menu… you deserve a celebration that reflects your values and vision.
Inside the episode, you’ll hear:
• Why holiday overwhelm mirrors wedding overwhelm
• The emotional moment that shifted how I’m approaching this season
• What my family chose as our “non-negotiable” — and what we’re letting go
• How to identify your wedding priorities
• Why you don’t need to impress anyone or follow traditions that don’t fit
• How to plan a wedding that feels authentic, intentional, and meaningful
• Three questions every couple should ask before (and during!) wedding planning
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded, connected, and true to yourselves during the wedding planning process — this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Follow me on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui
Learn more about planning your Maui wedding: adreamwedding.net
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with an engaged friend or leave a review — it means the world and helps more couples plan their dream wedding with ease and intention.
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By Ashley Ulery - Wedding Planner, Maui Wedding PlannerAs the holidays roll in this year, I’ve been feeling something I know many of you can relate to — that sense of being on a hamster wheel of expectations. Between the shopping, events, travel, traditions, pressure to “make it magical,” and worrying what everyone thinks… it’s so easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about.
And you know what?
The same thing happens with weddings.
In this deeply personal episode, I share the emotional moment I experienced last Christmas — and the surprising clarity that came when my family and I talked honestly about what truly matters to us this season. Spoiler: we’re not scaling back everything… we’re actually going bigger on what brings us joy and letting go of the rest. Yes, tacos for Christmas dinner and yes… hiring a DJ for our house party!
This realization ties beautifully into how I encourage my couples to plan their weddings:
Focus on what matters most. Let go of the pressure. Create a celebration that feels like YOU.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, feeling overwhelmed by decisions, or struggling with expectations from family, friends, or social media — this episode will help you breathe again. I’m giving you the same framework my family used:
✨ Identify your non-negotiables
✨ Invest your time, energy, and budget in what lights you up
✨ Release the traditions and expectations that don’t serve you
✨ Create a wedding experience that fills you with joy — not stress
Whether your dream wedding includes a packed dance floor, stunning florals, intimate moments with your closest people, or a simple, unfussy menu… you deserve a celebration that reflects your values and vision.
Inside the episode, you’ll hear:
• Why holiday overwhelm mirrors wedding overwhelm
• The emotional moment that shifted how I’m approaching this season
• What my family chose as our “non-negotiable” — and what we’re letting go
• How to identify your wedding priorities
• Why you don’t need to impress anyone or follow traditions that don’t fit
• How to plan a wedding that feels authentic, intentional, and meaningful
• Three questions every couple should ask before (and during!) wedding planning
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded, connected, and true to yourselves during the wedding planning process — this one’s for you.
Resources Mentioned:
Follow me on Instagram: @adreamweddingmaui
Learn more about planning your Maui wedding: adreamwedding.net
If this episode resonates with you, please share it with an engaged friend or leave a review — it means the world and helps more couples plan their dream wedding with ease and intention.