Cori and Jeff’s Hawaii Wedding at Napili Kai

Every love story has its own journey, and some take longer to unfold. Cori and Jeff’s path to their Hawaii wedding is a beautiful reminder that love can take root at any time in life. From their high school connection in Hawaii to reconnecting decades later, their story carries so much depth and meaning.

The couple chose to celebrate their union in places that held deep ties to their history. The Mauian, once part of Cori’s family legacy, and Napili Kai provided the perfect location for a day filled with cherished moments and thoughtful traditions. With Maui’s natural beauty setting the stage, their celebration was one to remember.

Coming Full Circle

Cori and Jeff’s story began in high school, where they were inseparable—sharing rides to school, proms, and even a job at Penguin’s Yogurt. Life eventually pulled them in different directions, with 80 miles and decades between them. Yet, as Cori reflected, “Occasionally, we’d find ourselves wondering about one another, where we were, and what kind of life we were leading.” A chance reconnection on social media reopened the door, starting with simple conversations about their lives and growing into something much deeper. Years later, their bond brought them back to Hawaii, ready to start the next chapter of their journey together.

Getting Ready at Napili Kai

The day began with Cori surrounded by her closest family and friends in the bridal suite at Napili Kai. Her choice to include her parents in the first look created a touching moment of gratitude and connection.

Meanwhile, Jeff prepared at the Mauian with calm anticipation. Getting ready just steps from the property where Cori’s family history is rooted added an extra layer of sentiment to an already meaningful day.

A Ceremony Grounded in Tradition

The ceremony was held at the Lani Pool Terrace, where the sound of ocean welcomed their guests. Cori and Jeff shared their vows in a setting that honored their love and family values. Presenting lei to their family members was a heartfelt gesture, symbolizing gratitude and respect.

With the Maui sunset behind them, they promised forever to each other. It was a moment of sincerity and togetherness, witnessed by loved ones who had come from out of state to celebrate their journey.

Capturing Every Moment

As photographers in Maui, we strive to document the raw and real moments that make each wedding unique. With Cori and Jeff, it was about capturing their story—filled with emotion, shared history, and the island spirit. From their first look on the lanai to candid moments with family, their wedding was a perfect blend of intimacy and celebration.

The wedding colors—soft beige, green, and pink—were inspired by nature and family traditions, adding depth to every detail. It was such an honor for our team at Vanessa Arias Photography to document this special day.

Planning Your Hawaii Wedding?

If you’re a local and you’re planning your wedding in Maui or you are anywhere else and dreaming of a Hawaii destination wedding, we are here to help!

Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, our team of Maui photographers will be there to capture every meaningful detail. Let’s create something special together—contact us today to start planning your Hawaii wedding!

*Please note: The photos featured in this blog have been compressed to optimize web performance. The final delivered images will be high-resolution and perfect for printing.