Nothing says Maui wedding more than a flower in the hair, sand between the toes and a sweet, sunset kiss to seal the deal. Denise and Albert’s sunny celebration at White Rock Beach is simple elegance with a beachy touch. Close friends and family joined the couple and shared their blessings and joy, with the waves nearby beating in unison with the hearts of the romantics. A quick little getaway from the crowds, where the soft sand and crystal waters meets, the two love birds expressed their deep love for one another. Another glorious day for the “Just Maui’d”.
Venue: Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)
Coordinator: Lori Lawrence at Tropical Maui Weddings
Officiate: Pastor Tino Rosete
Floral Arrangement: Maui Elegance Florals
Video: Sean Hower
Musician: Jamie Lawrence
Stylist/Hair/Makeup: Adiel Sneary at Salon 253
Wedding/Bridesmaid Dress: Wedding Dress- Mikaella Bridal and Bridesmaid Dress- Forever 21
Q and A with the Bride:
Q. How and/or why did you decide on Maui, and your venue, for your wedding?
A. We initially booked a trip to Maui with our closest family and friends in Sept 2011 for the first week of February 2012. Albert proposed on November 24th, 2011 Thanksgiving day in front of our family. We later announced that we would be getting married in beautiful Maui! What better time and location to get married? We wanted a small and inexpensive intimate wedding celebration. We love Hawaiian culture and knew it would be an awesome experience for us to get married in Maui. Our ceremony took place at Palauea Beach- White Rock Beach in front of about 60 guests. It was a beautiful location that captured the ocean, sand, lava rocks, and palm trees. After the ceremony, we attended the Wailea Marriot Luau, where we enjoyed the Hawaiian food and entertainment. Our destination wedding was also a great family vacation for us to take a tour of the island and participate in different excursions.
Q. How and/or why did you decide on Kaua Wedding Photography for your wedding?
A. We were referred by Lori Lawrence with Tropical Maui Weddings. It was a risk to plan a destination from San Jose, Ca to Maui, but Lori made us feel comfortable and we trusted that she would help us find the perfect photographer. Lori mentioned that Kaua would definitely match our personalities and would be able to capture the photos that we wanted. She was absolutely right! Kaua caught moments that we can forever keep and share with our grandchildren one day! We still look at our wedding photos and can’t believe how he captured our wedding day so beautifully. From the lava rocks, to the sunset, our photos were amazing.
Q. What were some of the highlights of your wedding?
A. Some of the highlights of our wedding were the Hawaiian traditions that we incorporated into the ceremony. We included the lei exchange, conch shell blower, Hawaiian wedding song, Hawaiian-style officiant, who performed a Hawaiian ceremony. We also shared our first dance (which brought me to tears) after the ceremony to Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are”. Having our family and friends fly to Maui for us was also very exciting. We are truly grateful and blessed to have them in our lives!
Q. What would be your advice to those who are planning their destination wedding right now?
A. To those planning their destination wedding, we would advise to do your research. Make sure to look at the reviews and look at popular wedding websites, where brides and grooms give their recommendations and comments. Also, planning a destintation wedding can be very inexpensive and more than likely, you are having a destination wedding to avoid large costs, which is why we would suggest to avoid the small details. In Hawaii, your location/venue is the island itself; the beach is it’s own backdrop to your wedding and the breathtaking view is free. Destination weddings are like mini-vacations for everyone to enjoy the island/city/etc. All that matters at the end of the day is the two of you. Rev. Tino stated during our ceremony, “When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage they create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written word. Marriage is a promise, a promise made in the hearts of two people who love each other, and this will take a lifetime to fulfill.”
