Areli and Raul are the sweetest couple that just happen to live here on the beautiful island of Maui, they have both called Maui home all of their lives, so it was such an honor that they chose Makena Weddings as their Maui Wedding Planner!

The couple went to the same high school (Lahainaluna) but never once met or crossed paths! It wasn’t until they started attending the same church in 2017 that they saw each other for the first time. Raul was instantly intrigued but it took him 2-years to finally work up the courage to talk to her, and 1-year after that they officially became a couple. A year later Raul proposed in the sweetest way, the bride shares:

On July 4th Raul proposed in the best possible way; at a spot in Lahaina that is very special to us. A place where we’ve shared laughs, tears, meaningful conversations and many beautiful sunsets. He surprised me by gathering both of our families at our special spot and had them walk out holding a sign that said, “Will You Marry Me?” I always said that I would never be one of those girls who cries during a proposal, but there I was in tears feeling overwhelmed with gratitude as I saw our loved ones and Raul on one knee to propose. It was such a special and unforgettable moment!

The couple chose a wedding palette in deep reds and dark tones, their vision was to have their wedding decor not be in the typical tropical Hawaii wedding colors that one might think of when they imagine a wedding in Hawaii. They joined together their love of boho and romantic styles with darker tones of reds, burgundy, grey and gold. Their decor was absolutely stunning and definitely represented the two of them as a couple perfectly.

Their entire Maui wedding day was such a dream and every one of their guests were genuinely wowed when they walked into their gorgeous celebration. We loved planning all of these gorgeous details with the couple and we’re so excited to share a peek of their Maui wedding with you today! Congratulations to the newlyweds from all of us at Makena Weddings!

Maui Wedding Planner: Makena Weddings

Maui Wedding Photographer: Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Venue: Gannon’s Wailea

Reception Location: Gannon’s Lower Lawn

Minister: Pastor Julio

Wedding Florals: Dellables

Videographer: All Time Media

Ceremony Musician: Marvin Tevaga

Reception DJ: Take 3 Events / DJ Mike Penn

Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Love & Beauty Maui

Place Settings: Set Maui 

Runners and Napkins: Reve

Wedding Rentals: Rio Event Design