Rochelle and Midget’s intimate Maluaka ceremony felt less like a production and more like a quiet pause in their Maui trip – the kind of Hawaii wedding people imagine when they search for something simple, real, and close to the ocean.
Rochelle and Charles’ ceremony at Maluaka Beach was all about the people who love them, sunlight that held steady all afternoon, and a couple who has lived enough life to appreciate the weight of a quiet “yes.”
As their Maui photographer, I watched the light fall in a way that felt almost symbolic — warm, steady, and generous, much like the way these two care for each other.
A Love Built Slowly, Steadily, and With Intention
Rochelle and Charles (known lovingly as “Midget”) have known each other for three years, but their story feels longer — the kind of connection shaped by shared growth, personal redemption, and a deep respect for each other’s paths.
They first crossed paths through Rochelle’s mom, who mentioned someone with property available for storage. A week later, at a meeting she attended, that “someone” turned out to be Midget. But the second encounter is the one that stayed with him. Rochelle showed up at his home with hot tea, honey, and lemon when he was sick. A simple gesture. A quiet kindness. The kind people don’t forget.
From river days and Washington boat races to a birthday trip spent alone together in Maui, their best memories share the same pattern — time outdoors, water nearby, and a feeling of ease between them.
The challenges they’ve navigated together come from a place many couples will recognize: learning patience, understanding how differently two people can think while still meaning the same thing, and choosing each other without trying to change the other. “Two givers who never give up on each other,” they said. It fits them perfectly.
A Proposal Story Worth Keeping
Their proposal mirrored the heart of their relationship — thoughtful, personal, and a little playful. On an early September afternoon, Midget laid rose petals through the hallway, the bedroom, and out toward the Jacuzzi. Tiny signs led the way. A cake read, “Would you marry me?” and the ring sat beside it, waiting for her.
Their Ceremony at Maluaka Beach
It was one of those classic South Maui afternoons where the sky is a gradient of pale gold. Maluaka Beach looked calm, open, and bright; the perfect setting for a small gathering of fewer than 10 people, including their parents, daughters, and a couple of close friends.
Pastor Ben officiated the ceremony, weaving their personal history, faith, and shared growth into a blessing that felt both grounded and intimate.
After the lei exchange and traditional vows, he pronounced them husband and wife and immediately shifted into their first dance — playing the ukulele as the waves rolled in behind them.
It was simple. Unrushed. Exactly the kind of moment that stays with you long after the sand has been washed from your feet.
What Makes Maui a Meaningful Wedding Location
As a Maui photographer, this island is one of those places that feels honest. No extravagant parties. No overwhelming crowds. Just soft sand, clear water, and Haleakalā watching from behind.
On this day in particular, the conditions were perfect — clear skies, gentle winds, and the kind of natural light that makes ocean colors shift from turquoise to orange. For couples wanting a Hawaii wedding that blends scenery with privacy, Maui quietly gives you both.
Congratulations Rochelle & Midget! Cheers to a life full of joy and adventure.
Planning a Hawaii Wedding? Here’s What to Keep in Mind
- You don’t need a large guest list for it to feel meaningful.
- The best moments happen when you allow the day to unfold naturally.
- Locations like Maluaka Beach offer a balance of beauty, good weather, and accessibility.
- Light matters — sunrise and sunset both create incredible tones for photos.
- Choosing vendors who match your values (and your energy) will shape how the day feels just as much as the scenery.
If you want your Hawaii wedding documented in a way that feels intentional, warm, and grounded in your real story, I would love to help you bring that vision to life.
Click here to learn more about planning your Maui wedding and what photography coverage could look like.
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.
2 Comments
Ben
INCREDIBLE!!!
Rochelle Zollo
This is awesome from location, Pastor B. With his warm welcoming, one of a kind ceremony, Vanessa, our photographer with her gentle touch, the love of friends and family made for a beautiful day!