After a year of dating, Lauren and Melis couldn’t resist Maui’s mesmerizing beaches in the rainbow state. When looking into a location for their destination wedding, there was no question to revisit the incredible landscapes for their special day.

“From the moment we landed we completely fell in love with the island,” the couple says. “Maui was the obvious choice for our wedding, we wanted to introduce our family and friends to a place we love so much and where we grew more in love as a couple.”

While Lauren and Melis prepared for their wedding, the pandemic began, and the couple encountered a few setbacks. But with the help of their wedding planner, Cindy with Makena Weddings, they were able to plan their wedding in a short span of five months.

“Cindy was our absolute best friend through the planning process. Having a planner so familiar with the island, venues and vendors helped the flow and dreams come to life.”

However, with the pandemic at its peak, the couple still endured other setbacks with guest travel. To overcome the logistical stress, the couple created a unique itinerary for everyone.

“We found using our ZOLA wedding website to update information on travel mandates and where to give advice on parts of the island we love to stay, and places we love to visit, eat, and play at.”

Despite the few hiccups with planning around the pandemic, their wedding day was the ultimate, incomparable island getaway.

“There were moments where everything felt like it was adding up, but at the end of the day the value and experience was worth it. We had it all: the trip of a lifetime and a wedding that was designed for us and no one else.”

In the midst of the process, Lauren and Melis couldn’t picture another venue to introduce their love into a new chapter. To make it more special, the couple had secluded views of the stunning beaches behind them during their small romantic ceremony.

“We could not imagine a wedding at home, it was never in our playbook. Even when choosing  my dress by Zavana Couture, I had the vision of being at Kukahiko Estate and having the water in the background.”

As the couple celebrated their wedding in the beautiful island oasis, they couldn’t help but express the same advice to others.

“Follow your gut, heart, and head. It led you to the love of your life, so it knows what wedding details you really want.”

Vendors: Photographer: MeewMeew Studios; Wedding Planner: Makena Weddings; Ceremony Venue: Kukahiko Estate; Reception Venue/Cake: Gannon’s; Florist: Fernhouse Flowers; Hair & Makeup: Amelia Hair and Makeup; Gown Designer: Zavana Couture; Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randal; Groom’s Clothing Designer: New Edition Fashion; Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu; Groomsman ties/pocket squares: Birdy Grey; Audio Guestbook: FeteFone; Car Rental: Maui Roadsters; Rentals: Rio Event Design; Rings: The Diamond Girls; Gown Shop: The Bridal Studio