Black & White Sunset Wedding in Maui
CATEGORIES
November 27, 2023
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In a tale as beautiful as the Hawaiian sunset, Alexa and Josh embarked on their journey of love, culminating in a breathtaking destination wedding on the stunning shores of Maui. With the help of their talented vendors and meticulous planning, the couple created an intimate celebration that seamlessly blended their love story with the rich Hawaiian culture.
Their love story began when Josh coached Alexa’s little sister in high school. Through the twists of fate and the encouragement of family and friends, they found themselves on a sushi date that marked the beginning of a lifelong connection. The proposal, occurring on their fourth anniversary during a Hawaiian vacation, set the stage for their dream destination wedding.
For Alexa and Josh, the decision to have a destination wedding was rooted in their desire for an intimate celebration surrounded by their closest family and friends. Alexa explains, “We felt a smaller wedding would feel more like us and allow us to spend genuine time with people in our closest circle.”
Hawaii, with its tropical charm and sentimental value to Josh’s heritage, emerged as the ideal destination. Josh’s late grandfather, born in Kauai, Hawaii, had a profound impact on his life, making the choice even more poignant. Alexa says, “Hawaii just felt very right compared to other locations we had considered.”
After exploring various options, the couple discovered the Olowalu Plantation House in Maui, a private venue in nature with all the amenities they desired. Alexa recalls, “It seemed to fit the needs we wanted perfectly, and we just had a good feeling.”
To infuse their personalities into the celebration, Alexa and Josh incorporated a neutral, modern, and minimalist aesthetic with tropical undertones. Alexa took charge of the design, creating detailed presentations for vendors. She also embarked on DIY projects, including Capiz shell name cards, a welcome sign, and a seating chart with coconuts as a welcome refreshment.
The couple crafted a non-traditional ceremony, exchanging private vows during a first look to share their deepest thoughts intimately. Hawaiian customs, such as a prayer and conch blow, added cultural significance. Alexa’s mom walked her down the aisle, emphasizing the importance of family and the role her mother played in their love story.
Planning the wedding from afar proved seamless, thanks to the expertise of wedding planner Alyssa from Maui Love Weddings & Events. Despite not being able to visit before the big day, constant communication and visual aids, including videos and layouts, ensured a flawless execution of Alexa’s vision.
Reflecting on the experience, Alexa emphasizes the magic of their destination wedding. Hawaii’s beauty, culture, and intimate moments with loved ones made it a truly special occasion. The couple believes that the intimacy and time spent with their inner circle wouldn’t have been possible with a local wedding.
Alexa imparts valuable advice to future couples planning a destination wedding. A coordinator or planner is essential, managing not just the wedding day but also logistics like hotels and transportation. Investing in a great photographer is equally crucial, as the photos become cherished memories of the day.
In the end, Alexa and Josh’s Maui destination wedding was a testament to love, culture, and the enchanting beauty of Hawaii—a celebration that will linger in their hearts and photographs for a lifetime.
