With lush green gardens, soft sand beaches, and an ocean that sparkles like diamonds in the light, it’s hard to not fall under Maui’s spell. Enchanted by the island’s beauty, Shameem and Rachel knew this would be the perfect location for a tropical wedding.

“We loved the idea of a wedding by the beach. And a destination wedding allowed it to be a more intimate affair,” says the couple.  

To achieve their beachfront wedding dreams, the couple booked their wedding on the Ocean Front Lawn of  The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali. Included among the vast array of resort amenities are wedding planner services, which the couple utilized. 

Through Bliss Maui, the Westin’s planning services, vendor selection and communication were made easy for the couple. 

“Luckily, our wedding planners handled the majority of the coordination with vendors,” says the bride. “And then any communication we needed to do directly we were able to do via phone calls and emails.”

Unbeknownst to the couple and their guests, the destination wedding would be an even more momentous occasion than typical as the wedding date was scheduled just weeks before COVID-19 would halt travel. 

“Our guests loved it because it forced them to take a vacation,” says the couple. “And in hindsight, it ended up being even better than we thought because we were able to take a vacation two weeks before lockdown.”

The number of guests in attendance ended up to be smaller than had they had an at-home wedding. This offered the intimate and playful experience the couple desired. 

“It allowed our wedding to feel like a really awesome party with our closest friends and family,” says the couple.

On the day of the ceremony, the couple stood in front of an arch that framed them perfectly against the turquoise waters. On the horizon, the silhouette of the volcanoes peeked through the arch’s curtains, adding a hint of drama to the scenery. The sea breeze caressed the flowers that hung above them, perfuming the air as the brides exchanged their vows.  

As the sun began to dip behind the volcanoes, the couple and their guests made their way to the dance floor to celebrate the union. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple danced the magical night away under the glow of lights strewn between the island’s palm trees. 

Vendors: Photographer: MeewMeew Studios; Wedding Planner: Bliss Maui; Venue: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali; Stationery: Minted; Gown Designer: Watters; Suit Designer: Brooks Brothers; Bridesmaids Dresses: Adrianna Papell; Hair and Makeup: Misty Del Cuore