Some love stories feel like a movie scene, like champagne on the floor and a bartender brave enough to ask for a phone number. The beginning of a story that developed through the years and lead them to a dreamy Maui destination wedding.
Alyssa and Connor met in Seattle when Connor was working as a bartender and accidentally dropped champagne in front of Alyssa. That small, imperfect moment turned into a conversation, a connection, and eventually a relationship that has now spanned over six years. From Seattle to Austin, Texas, and finally back to Maui, their story feels grounded, playful, and deeply intentional.
For Alyssa, getting married in Maui had always been a dream. Her family is from the island, and Hawaiʻi has always held a special place in her heart. For Connor, it meant stepping into a place full of meaning for the person he loves most. Together, they envisioned a destination wedding that felt relaxed, intimate, and focused on what mattered: their connection, their families, and the feeling of being present.
Their Maui destination wedding took place at the Royal Lahaina Resort, with a ceremony overlooking the ocean and a sunset luau to close the day.
Getting Ready at Royal Lahaina Resort
The afternoon began with getting ready photos inside one of Royal Lahaina’s peaceful bungalows. The resort is surrounded by tropical trees, flowers, boardwalks, and open green spaces that create a calm and grounded atmosphere, perfect for slow, intentional beginnings.
Shortly after we arrived, Maui’s weather reminded us why locals often call it “bipolar” in the best way. Rain moved through the area, which meant we pivoted and focused on indoor bridal portraits and details while everyone stayed dry.7
Despite the change of plans, Alyssa was glowing. Her energy was relaxed, sweet, and steady. Connor, playful and full of jokes, brought lightness to the space while getting ready nearby. One of the things Alyssa shared with us is that orchids hold deep meaning for them, especially since Connor buys her an orchid every Valentine’s Day. Incorporating orchids throughout the day felt like a quiet thread tying their story together.
An Oceanfront Ceremony with Personal Vows
Just minutes before the ceremony, the rain cleared and the sun came out, opening space for a beautiful outdoor ceremony by the ocean.
Alyssa and Connor chose to see each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle, which made the moment feel even more powerful.
Their ceremony felt intimate even with around 40 guests present. Friends and family surrounded them with warmth, excitement, and quiet support. They exchanged handwritten vows, adding a deeply personal layer to the experience.
One of the most meaningful traditions they incorporated was lei’ing their parents and bridal party. In Hawaiʻi, lei represent love, respect, and connection. Watching Alyssa and Connor place leis on the people who shaped their lives was one of the most emotional parts of the day.
Couple Portraits Around the Property
After the ceremony, we explored different pockets around Royal Lahaina for couple portraits. The resort offers a variety of backdrops, from ocean views to gardens, trees, and open green spaces, all within walking distance.
The wind was stronger than usual, which added movement and drama to their portraits in a way that felt cinematic and honest. Alyssa had shared that they had never taken professional couple photos before and would need guidance, so we focused on gentle direction, simple prompts, and creating space for them to interact naturally.
One of my favorite moments was their private dance by a large tree on the property. Connor had taken dance classes in the past, and incorporating that into their day felt like such a perfect reflection of who they are.
A Sunset Luau to Close the Day
Instead of a traditional reception, Alyssa and Connor chose to end their wedding day with a sunset luau at Royal Lahaina. It felt true to their vision of a destination wedding that blends celebration with experience.
Rather than focusing on a packed reception timeline, they prioritized being present, enjoying good food, and spending time with their guests. It was a beautiful, relaxed way to close a day that had been years in the making.
A Wedding Day That Felt Like Them
Alyssa and Connor’s Maui destination wedding was romantic, calm, playful, and deeply personal. Even with shifting weather and moving pieces, they stayed grounded in what mattered most: each other and the people they love.
Days like this are a reminder that a meaningful wedding doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to feel true.
Dreaming of Your Own Wedding in Hawaiʻi?
If you’re planning a Maui destination wedding and looking for a photographer who will guide you, support you, and document your day in a way that feels natural and intentional, I’d love to connect.
You can explore more Maui weddings and elopements at
www.vanessaariasphotography.com
Please note: The images in this post are optimized for web performance. Your final gallery will include high-resolution photos, perfect for printing and preserving your Maui memories.