This was hands-down one of the most incredible weddings I’ve ever had the pleasure of shooting. It was truly a dream come true!!!

I met at Makaili and Mac in Washington, where they live, when I was at my cousin’s karate tournament. Makaili used to be their nanny so she was there too. We got started talking about their wedding and they ended up flying me out to Hawaii to photograph it!

They’re high school sweethearts and have been together for over 8 years. They bought a house together and were planning the wedding of their dreams when the pandemic hit. Sadly, they had to reschedule a few times, but it was all worth it in the end!

Since she was little, Makaili always wanted to get married at the Grand Wailea in Maui, which is the most luxurious resorts on the island! Her parents tied the knot there over 25 years ago in the chapel, so they decided to have their reception overlooking that beautiful chapel.

The Wedding Day:

They got ready at one of the villas at the Grand Wailea before having their ceremony and a private garden next to the beach. The whole day featured stunning decor and lots of sentimental moments. We were all in tears at some point during the day. Fun fact: Makaili’s favorite flower is the king protea, and it was her one request for her bouquet. Since they were out of season, her fabulous florist flew in 2 king proteas from the mainland for her bouquet. They were the only 2 of their kind on the whole island!!!

Makaili and Mark treated me just like family and made me feel so loved. They trusted my vision and let me be as creative as I wanted. They were truly down for anything! Talk about the best case scenario for a photographer like myself!

Makaili and Mac really know how to throw a party & make everyone in their lives feel loved. They’re soooooo made for each other too. I have so much love for them it’s insane!!! And as if this day couldn’t get better, this sunset really sealed it. It was windy as heck, but it created the most dramatic and magical look with her hair and dress. These photos leave me speechless!

Their love of Hawaii manifested into the most perfect day. And no wedding goes truly to plan, but besides the postponements and Makaili‘s dress zipper breaking at the very beginning of the day, everyone can agree that the day was actually perfect. To close off the night, the wedding party jumped into the hotel pool in their clothes!

All I want to do now is photograph them all day long and shoot more in Hawaii! I wish I could relive this day over and over again!!! Here are some moments from one of the most stunning days ever & of the sweetest, best couple ever.

VENDORS:

Venue/Coordination @grandwailea

Florals @fernhouseflowers

DJ @maui_tunes

Gown @aandbe_seattle

Cake @mauiweddingcakes

Makeup/Hair @mauimakeupartistry