Hotel Wailea Wedding: A Relaxed Maui Celebration 

Hosting a Hotel Wailea wedding on Maui’s South Shore was a dream for Avinash and Stephnie who gathered their closest family and friends for a day that celebrated their love and their family cultures.

Perched high above the ocean, the Hotel Wailea is an adults-only boutique hotel known for its serene gardens, sweeping views, and award-winning dining. With a waterfront ceremony and reception area, the sound of the waves and the gorgeous sunset made for a memorable celebration.

An Intimate Vision for Their Hotel Wailea Wedding

For Avinash and Stephnie, staying relaxed and having time to connect was the key. Rather than planning a packed schedule or inviting hundreds of guests, they focused on creating a laid back atmosphere. With only their closest circle in attendance, every detail felt personal, from the carefully curated tasting menu to the elegant fashion choices that honored their heritage.

Hotel Wailea’s gardens are full of tropical flowers surrounded by lush greenery and decorated with twinkling string lights, and the view looks directly out to the islands of Molokini and Kaho'olawe. Here, Stephnie walked down the aisle in a romantic off-the-shoulder gown by Olivia Bottega, paired with a delicate embroidered veil from Anthropologie Weddings. Her Lelet NY headpiece and earrings added a touch of modern glamour, while soft florals from Fernhouse Flowers completed the look.

The couple exchanged vows at sunset and later hosted their reception that featured world-class cuisine. 

A Garden Dinner to Remember

The heart of this Hotel Wailea wedding was the extraordinary dinner reception set beneath the stars. A single, elegantly set banquet table stretched through the garden, adorned with gold candlesticks, crystal chandeliers, and clouds of baby’s breath. Guests were seated on vintage-inspired chairs, each place setting thoughtfully arranged with fine linens, gold flatware, and personalized menus.

As twilight deepened into night, the garden transformed into a glowing wonderland. Overhead, Edison bulbs and hanging lanterns created a canopy of warm light, Dinner was served over 5 courses so guests could mingle between delicacies and each one was a reflection of the couple’s good taste and the hotel’s reputation as one of the finest dining destinations in Hawaii.

Personal Touches and Cultural Fashion 

In addition to their wedding attire the couple chose to honor their cultural roots with Indian and Nigerian designs. Avinash donned a traditional Indian suit by Nazrana Anj, while Stephnie wowed in a striking ensemble by Nigerian designer Wanni Fuga. An additional photoshoot during the day celebrated the blending of their backgrounds and made for some of the wedding’s most vibrant and memorable images.

A Unique Wedding Day Experience

While the beauty of the setting and details were undeniable, it was the overall experience that made this Hotel Wailea wedding so unforgettable. During the reception, a painter captured the couple’s story on canvas, providing a meaningful keepsake. Later in the evening, guests were treated to a surprise fire dance performance by Manutea Nui E, an exciting nod to Hawaiian tradition that lit up the night and left everyone cheering.

Moments like these reflected Avinash and Stephnie’s thoughtful, fun-loving, personalities that are deeply rooted in family and culture.

The Photographer’s Approach

The couple chose leading Maui wedding photographer Melia Sorenson of Melia Lucida Photography for their Hotel Wailea wedding and she approached the day with the same ease the couple had envisioned. Staying totally relaxed, Melia stayed in the wings for most of the day to focus on moments which allowed her documentary style to shine through. Capturing laughter, quiet emotions, and editorial style details she worked seamlessly without interrupting the natural flow of the day. From wide shots of the candlelit dinner table to intimate portraits of the couple’s first kiss over their retro cherry-topped cake, Melia’s work tells the story of a celebration that felt intimate and deeply personal.

Vendor Team That Brought the Day to Life

Every detail of this unique Hotel Wailea wedding was made possible by this talented team of vendors:

• Photography: @melialucida
  
   
• Venue & Catering: @hotelwailea
  
   
• Bride: @lah_laa
  
   
• Groom: @nashtradamus92
  
   
• Gown: @oliviabottega
  
   
• Veil: @anthropologieweddings
  
   
• Florist: @fernhouseflowers
  
   
• Bride’s Second Look: @wannifuga
  
   
• Groom’s Second Look: @nazranaanj
  
   
• Accessories: @leletny
  
   
• Fire Dance Entertainment: @manuteanuie
  
   
• Cinema: @stephanboekerfilms
  
   

At World’s Best Wedding Photos we celebrate weddings of every kind and from every culture, while promoting wedding photographers with experience, talent and distinctive style. Check out our list of Hawaii’s best wedding photographers and our directory of photographers from around the world, and get stunning photos of your wedding no matter where you say “I do”.