The bride wanted her Maui wedding day to feel like a family vacation where a ceremony happens to take place. Kelli and Duncan’s wedding at Papakea Resort in Ka’anapali, Maui was exactly that. With about 40 family members and friends gathered along the sea wall, the day felt like a long-awaited vacation with their love at the heart of the celebration.
Kelli has been traveling to Maui her entire life, and sharing the island with the people she loves — including Duncan’s family, many of whom had never visited Hawaiʻi — made this day especially meaningful. The couple envisioned something simple, relaxed, and rooted in what they love most about the island. From the ceremony location to the entertainment, every detail felt personal and connected to their love for Maui.
Getting Ready at Papakea Resort
Kelli and Duncan spent the morning getting ready in separate rooms at Papakea Resort, which gave us the perfect opportunity to capture both sides of the story at the same time.
During the getting ready, we also carve out time to photograph the details that make your day unique. We love experimenting with color, texture, reflections, and unexpected compositions to elevate items like your rings, dress, bouquet, and jewelry. Whether it’s sunlight hitting your earrings through tropical leaves or your rings appearing to float on water, these quiet details become tiny works of art. (Don’t worry — the rings aren’t actually floating. We would never risk that… it’s just a little camera magic. 😉 ) These small elements help tell the story of your wedding day in a way that feels artistic, playful, and genuine.
A Sea Wall Ceremony With Waves Crashing Behind Them
The ceremony took place right on the Papakea sea wall, facing the ocean as the afternoon sun slowly began its descent. Even though the weekend had been unusually rainy across West Maui, the weather cleared up just hours before the ceremony as if the sky knew it needed to make room for something important.
The light was bright, the breeze felt refreshing, and the waves were crashing against the rocks. Their family friend officiated the ceremony, keeping everything personal and heartfelt. Kelli walked down the aisle… and that moment, set against the expansive ocean backdrop, was unforgettable.
From emotional reactions to the subtle glances they exchanged, the whole ceremony carried a warmth that felt both sentimental and easygoing.
Our team at Vanessa Arias Photography worked together to capture every angle — the small details, the reactions, the moment Kelli walked down the aisle, and the quiet glances they shared throughout the vows. Having two photographers allowed us to document both the bride and groom’s perspective in a way that felt complete and intentional.
Their Maui Wedding Dinner at the Cabana
After family portraits wrapped up, everyone headed to the Papakea cabana for an intimate dinner. The couple wanted something relaxed and centered around togetherness, so the cabana’s open-air setting was perfect.
The evening included live entertainment by Manutea Nui, featuring an ukulele player and a hula dancer who brought a beautiful cultural touch to the celebration. Their music set the tone for a calm, joyful transition between dinner and the reception.
A Sunset Walk and Dancing at Kaʻanapali Shores
Just before sunset, we stepped away for a few quiet minutes to capture photos along the coastline. This part of the day is always special — sunset in Kaʻanapali creates soft, golden tones that highlight the ocean colors and allow couples to slow down from the pace of the event.
Afterward, the celebration continued at Kāʻanapali Shores, conveniently located next door. With dancing planned from 6–9 pm, the reception was full of energy, laughter, and the kind of candid interactions that make a wedding gallery feel alive.
A Wedding That Truly Felt Like Maui
Kelli and Duncan designed a wedding day that didn’t follow trends or expectations — it followed their relationship, their history with Maui, and the experiences they wanted to share with the people they love. It was family-centered, simple in the best way, and filled with meaningful details that reflected who they are.
Kelli and Duncan, congratulations again! It was an honor to document your beautiful Maui wedding. Wishing you a lifetime filled with the same ease, joy, and connection you shared on this day.
Planning a Maui Wedding? Here’s What to Know
If you’re dreaming about a wedding in Maui or anywhere in Hawaiʻi, Kelli and Duncan’s celebration is a perfect reminder that you don’t need elaborate setups to create something deeply memorable.
Some tips for couples planning a Hawaiʻi wedding:
- Choose your ceremony time wisely — sunrise and sunset offer the most flattering light.
- Consider having a second photographer if you want both sides of the story captured (getting ready, reactions, angles).
- Build your timeline around your priorities — family portraits, couple portraits, cultural elements, sunset photos, or activities leading up to or after the big day.
- Choose what feels authentic — Skip the expectations and plan a day that reflects who you are; whether that’s a quiet sunrise ceremony, a golden-hour sail, or a waterfall adventure. We will be there to capture it all!
- Hire local — it’s not only a great way to support small businesses but also a way to incorporate cultural elements that bring more depth and meaning to your day.
Whether your vision looks like a beachfront ceremony, a garden celebration, or a multi-day adventure across the island, Hawaiʻi has a way of making every wedding feel unforgettable.
If you’re planning a Hawaiʻi wedding and want photography that feels honest, intentional, and true to your experience, we would love to help you bring your story to life.
Click here if you’d like to learn more about documenting your Hawai‘i wedding!
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.