From Oregon to Maui: A Dream Destination Wedding at Olowalu Plantation House
Overview
This Oregon couple brought their loved ones to Maui for an unforgettable multi-day wedding celebration at Olowalu Plantation House. From a sunset sail with Kai Kanani to a stunning oceanfront ceremony planned by Love Struck + Co., their destination wedding was the perfect blend of relaxed island vibes and elevated elegance. If you’re planning a Maui wedding from Oregon, discover why working with a local vendor team makes all the difference.
When I first met this sweet couple from Oregon, it was during a family photo session here on Maui. I instantly clicked with their family — they were warm, fun, and full of joy. We spent the afternoon laughing together, and at the end of the session, they mentioned that they were planning a destination wedding. A few months later, they reached out to book me for their multi-day wedding celebration, and I couldn’t have been more excited to capture their day.
As a Maui wedding photographer, there’s nothing I love more than capturing couples who travel from the mainland to celebrate their love in Hawaii. This Oregon couple brought their friends and family across the Pacific for a full weekend of celebration — complete with a sunset sail, rehearsal dinner, and an unforgettable wedding day at Olowalu Plantation House.
A Maui Wedding Experience for the Whole Family
One of the best parts about this wedding was that it felt like a true vacation for everyone involved. Their wedding week kicked off with a sunset sail on Kai Kanani, one of my favorite local charter companies. The golden Maui light danced across the ocean while the couple and their guests sipped champagne, laughed, and took in views of Haleakalā in the distance. These moments — when everyone is relaxed and soaking in the beauty of the islands — make for such genuine and joyful photos.
Taking time before the wedding to spend with your guests is a great way to see everyone that’s come to celebrate with you. It also takes the pressure of needing to spend quality time with each guest the wedding day because you’ve already spent several days together.
The next evening, they hosted an intimate rehearsal dinner with their closest family and friends. I love photographing these smaller gatherings before the wedding day because they tell the full story of the couple’s time in Hawaii. It’s those heartfelt toasts, spontaneous hugs, and little in-between moments that add depth to the wedding gallery.
The Wedding Day at Olowalu Plantation House
Nestled along the Maui coastline, Olowalu Plantation House is one of the most iconic oceanfront wedding venues in Hawaii. The sweeping views, the historic charm of the plantation home, and the way the palm trees sway against the ocean backdrop make it a dream location for destination weddings.
On the morning of the wedding, the bride got ready with her bridesmaids in the bridal suite while I captured the details — her soft color palette, delicate florals, and thoughtful design elements that perfectly reflected her effortless, island-chic vision.
Alexis with Love Struck + Co. designed and planned the wedding beautifully. Every element was intentional, from the ceremony arch framing the ocean view to the tablescapes that glowed under the string lights as the sun set. Alexis is one of those planners who makes everything look effortless, and she truly understands how to design a wedding that fits seamlessly into the natural beauty of Maui.
Why Working With a Local Maui Vendor Team Matters
For couples planning a destination wedding in Maui from Oregon (or anywhere on the mainland), working with local vendors is one of the best decisions you can make. There are so many logistics to consider when planning a Hawaii wedding — from permits and weather patterns to cultural considerations and environmental rules.
Hawaii has unique restrictions when it comes to weddings on the beach, sound ordinances, and even certain types of décor or floral materials. A local vendor team knows the ins and outs of these guidelines and can help you plan accordingly so your day runs smoothly.
When you hire local Maui vendors — your planner, florist, photographer, and even your transportation team — you’re not only getting their expertise, but you’re also supporting the island community that makes weddings here so special. We work together regularly, which means your vendor team already has strong communication and shared experience. That teamwork translates to a more seamless and stress-free wedding day.
Planning a Maui Wedding from Oregon
If you’re an Oregon bride dreaming of a Maui destination wedding, here are a few tips I always share with my couples:
- Book early. Maui is one of the most popular destination wedding locations in the world, and venues like Olowalu Plantation House book up quickly — often a year or more in advance.
- Hire a local planner. Working with a planner like Alexis from Love Struck + Co. ensures that you’ll have someone on island managing logistics, coordinating vendors, and helping you navigate local rules and restrictions.
- Plan for the light. The lighting on Maui is truly magical, but it changes quickly! Talk with your photographer about the best ceremony and portrait timing for that golden, glowing light.
- Embrace the island pace. Things move a little slower here — and that’s part of the charm. Allow yourself to slow down and really enjoy the experience with your loved ones.
- Make it a multi-day experience. Some of the best memories come from the days leading up to and after your wedding — pool parties, sunset sails, or relaxed beach days with your guests.
Capturing Every Moment
What I love most about photographing destination weddings like this one is how much time couples get to truly be present. It’s not just one day — it’s an entire experience shared with the people they love most. From the ocean breeze during the ceremony to the laughter echoing across the dance floor, every moment is a reflection of the joy and connection that brought everyone together.
As a Maui wedding photographer, I’m passionate about documenting these once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for couples traveling from all over — whether you’re from Oregon, California, or across the world. Maui offers such an incredible mix of natural beauty and laid-back luxury, making it the perfect backdrop for couples who want an unforgettable destination wedding experience.
If you’re an Oregon couple planning a wedding on Maui, I’d love to help you capture every moment of your day. Whether your wedding is at Olowalu Plantation House, the Montage Kapalua Bay, or a private estate along the coast, I’ll help you create images that feel timeless, authentic, and true to your story.
Ready to start planning your Maui wedding photography?
Reach out here to get in touch — I’d love to help you bring your Hawaii wedding vision to life.
