2026 MWEA Board of Directors

Lee McBride – President
Committees: Political Action & Partnerships, Venues

Chef Lee McBride is an entrepreneur and the culinary visionary behind the memorable dining experiences at Sugar Beach Events. With a background in fine dining and a deep connection to the beautiful island of Maui, she has been sharing her love of food and elevated experiences here since 2004. Known for her artful presentation and dedication to personalized service, Chef Lee has earned a reputation as the premier full-service event venue on Maui.

Tara Lee Murphy – Vice President
Committees: Communications, Venues

Tara Lee Murphy is an award-winning destination wedding and elopement photographer raised and based on Maui. She is passionate about documenting the most meaningful moments of a couple’s life together, capturing the love, joy, and celebration that define a wedding day and preserving those memories for generations to come.

Inspired by classic film photography, Tara’s style is natural, romantic, and timeless. Her images reflect the laid-back elegance and nostalgic beauty of old Hawai‘i, creating photographs that feel both effortless and deeply emotive.

Having grown up immersed in the tourism and hospitality industry, Tara has a natural connection with travelers and couples who journey to Hawai‘i to celebrate their love. She brings a warm, welcoming approach to every wedding she photographs, helping couples feel relaxed while creating imagery that is both authentic and artful.

Her work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Destination I Do, and Green Wedding Shoes.

Courtney Cole – Secretary

Committees: Membership

Courtney is a Maui-born entrepreneur with over 24 years of experience in the bridal fashion and wedding industry. Founder of one of the top 50 Bridal Boutiques in America and Hawaii Flying Dress. She blends expertise and passion to create unforgettable experiences dedicated to empowering and celebrating women.

Reverend Julienne Givot – Treasurer 
Committees: Cultural Education 

Reverend Julienne Givot, fondly known as Rev. Jules, is an ordained interfaith minister celebrated for her genuine and heartfelt approach. With over 25 years of experience, she thoughtfully combines her rich background in spiritual studies, counseling, and the arts to create ceremonies as unique and vibrant as the couples and families she serves. She’s devoted to serving her community and engaging with visitors in a way that honors and preserves Hawaiian culture and the sacred place that she is grateful to call home.

Brian Etheredge – Past President
Committees: Political Action, Venues

Chef Brian Etheredge, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, has dedicated 35 years to the culinary arts, with over 25 years serving the Maui community. As the owner of Cutting Edge Catering, Tails Up Maui and Private Maui Chef, he is renowned for his commitment to excellence. Chef Brian is also a leader beyond the kitchen, serving as President of the Maui Wedding and Event Association, and co-founding both Fresh Help Maui, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity, and Grow Some Good, supporting local agriculture and food education for Maui’s next generation. He is a devoted father of four, husband, and a passionate advocate for the people of Maui.

Darren Keala – Board Member at Large
Committees: Cultural Education

Darren Keali’i Keala is an accomplished event and wedding designer with over 25 years in the luxury wedding industry. Raised in Pukalani, Maui, he started his career in 1998 as a food and beverage manager and launched his own business in 2006. He later co-founded several successful ventures in wedding, event, and floral design, including a boutique flower shop.
 
Darren has represented Hawaii at various conferences and was nominated for a Community Service Award by Hawaii Wedding Style Magazine in 2022. In 1983, his family was recognized as one of America’s top families at the White House. He is committed to his community and supports organizations such as Women Helping Women and the Maui Health Foundation.

Frank Robinson
Committees: Events

Frank’s bio coming soon…

Sherron Lawrence- Daniels – Board Member at Large
Committees: Events

Sherron’s bio coming soon…

Scott Doran  – Board Member at Large

Scott Doran is the owner of Maui DJ Services and Strike A Pose Maui, two companies dedicated to providing high-quality entertainment and interactive event experiences for weddings and special events across the islands. With more than 20+ years of experience in Maui’s hospitality and events industry, Scott has worked with thousands of couples and event clients to create memorable celebrations while building a reputation for professionalism, creativity, and a strong focus on the overall guest experience. Since founding Maui DJ Services in 2011, he has grown the company into one of the island’s leading entertainment providers, and in 2018 expanded his services by acquiring Strike A Pose Maui.

Scott is a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where he earned degrees in Business Marketing and Tourism Management. He began his career in hospitality with a marketing position at the Pacific Islands Club, Saipan before moving to Maui to join The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua events team. During his time there, he served as a Senior Meetings and Special Events Manager and later as Director of Creative Event Services, helping produce high-end events and weddings while developing strong relationships throughout Maui’s hospitality and events community.

Today, Scott remains deeply involved in Maui’s wedding and events community and is passionate about supporting collaboration, professionalism, and the continued growth of Maui’s event industry. He lives on Maui with his wife and their four-year-old daughter.

Lexi McGhee – Board Member at Large
Committees: Communications

Lexi McGhee is a wedding and elopement photographer and the founder of Hitched in Maui, a company specializing in thoughtfully planned beach elopements and intimate weddings. She has lived on Maui for eight years and is a licensed Hawaii wedding officiant, allowing her to both photograph and officiate ceremonies for couples visiting the island.
 
Lexi has been an entrepreneur for over 17 years and enjoys helping other businesses grow, staying actively involved in her local community, and creating a relaxed, supportive experience so couples can be fully present on their wedding day.

Ku’uipo Muscutt – Board Member at Large

Committees: Events

Kuʻuipo Muscutt is a Native Hawaiian wedding planner from Maui, Hawaiʻi. Born and raised on the island, she grew up surrounded by the ocean, rich cultural traditions, and the strong sense of ʻohana (family) that continues to guide her life and work. Her deep connection to Maui and her heritage inspires the way she designs and plans meaningful celebrations for couples from around the world.

With years of experience in the hospitality and wedding industry, Kuʻuipo is known for her warm spirit, attention to detail, and heartfelt approach to planning. She blends professionalism with the true spirit of aloha, creating events that honor both her clients’ love stories and the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi. Through her work, she strives to make every wedding a memorable and authentic island experience.