Mariane and Joshua’s Maui wedding was a true testament to the power of fate and love. The couple met in the most unlikely way – on a snorkeling excursion to Molokini Crater during a family vacation for Mariane. Josh was one of the guides, and little did he know it would be at work that he’d first meet his future wife.

Well, technically they didn’t officially “meet” on the boat, but Mariane was captivated by Josh’s looks. She simply couldn’t stop thinking about him after returning to California… She had to reach out in some way. After a few weeks of searching on social media, Mariane found Joshua on Facebook and sent him a message, leading to their long-distance relationship and eventual step of living together in Maui.

After Josh proposed, the island wedding planning went into full swing. Mariane, a makeup artist in the wedding industry, used her expertise to bring their vision to life. With a palm tree theme and vibrant tropical florals, their decor perfectly captured the essence of Maui and Hawaii as a whole. “I didn’t need to have anything super unique,” Mariane explained. “I did know I wanted the feel of Hawaii to be present.”

When it came to choosing the ideal venue, Gannon’s (now known as Gather in Maui) was the clear choice for the couple. The panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Molokini Crater held a special place in their hearts, and they knew they had to have it as the backdrop for their ceremony. “We knew it was significant to us to have Molokini in our view during our ceremony since that’s where our love story started,” Mariane shared.

Their ceremony was simple and sweet, with traditional vows and personal ones exchanged in vow books beforehand. The most significant aspect for them was having their closest family and friends witness their love solidified in a special place for the couple.

When asked what their most important tool in wedding planning was, the bride said, “…knowing so many of my vendors already since they were also my fellow colleagues in the wedding industry here on Maui. Although it was very hard to choose who I wanted to work with because they’re all so amazing, we were so happy with our wedding dream team!

For couples planning their own wedding from afar, Mariane advises enjoying the process and trusting it. “It’s so easy to let things (big and small) you have no control of get the best of you, but you’ll see when your wedding day comes, that the things you let sweat you never truly mattered.”

In the end, Mariane and Joshua’s Maui wedding was a beautiful reminder that destiny works in mysterious ways. As Mariane said, “It truly never ever gets old…whether I’m sharing the short version or long version of how we met, I’m so utterly grateful for this love story of ours.”

Vendors: Photographer: Tara Lee Photography; Wedding Planner: A Dream Wedding; Ceremony/Reception Site: Gather in Maui; Florist: Bella Bloom; Stationery: Etsy; Hair & Makeup: Meili Autumn Beauty; Gown Designer: Pronovias; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Allure Bridals; Videography: Sunlit Films