Ocean Views, Wildflowers, and Heart | A Maui Wedding in Kula
When I saw that Ashley and Craig were engaged, I knew immediately — we had to photograph their wedding.
We’ve been documenting their family since 2022, back when Craig was in med school here in Kansas City. It wasn’t just their warmth or the natural way they show up together that made me comment, “We need to photograph your wedding!” It was also their daughter, Emmy, who completely captured our hearts from the very first session.
Over time, photographing them felt less like a job and more like following along as a story unfolded.
Their destination wedding in Kula, Maui — held at the Waiohuli Community Center — was nothing short of magic. Ocean breeze, soft golden light, and genuine emotion from start to finish. Every frame held something real.
If ever there were a wedding to prove that love can not only be seen, but truly felt through photographs — this was it.
The day began at a quiet VRBO tucked into the hills of Kula — the kind of place where the mountains stretch on one side and the ocean glows on the other.
Ashley got ready surrounded by florals that felt like they belonged there all along — wild and soft and utterly Maui. It was peaceful, calm, and beautiful in that way slow mornings before a big moment can be. Emmy flitted in and out of the rooms, bringing just the right kind of lightness to the air.
Their first look was just outside, beneath the most perfect mimosa tree in the front of the house — the same spot where we hung both Ashley’s gown and Emmy’s dress earlier that morning. It was intimate and effortless, framed by soft petals and that iconic Maui breeze.
The property wasn’t just a beautiful place to get ready — it also offered the most stunning natural backdrop for portraits.
Surrounded by native plants, blooming trees, and soft hillside light, we photographed the couple and their wedding party with a sense of ease and intention. Everything about it felt unhurried — like the day was unfolding exactly the way it was meant to.
As the afternoon light began to shift, we made our way down the hillside toward Waiohuli Community Center, ready to witness Ashley and Craig exchange their vows overlooking the ocean.
The ceremony took place at Waiohuli Community Center, tucked above the coastline in Kula, with sweeping ocean views and golden light all around.
The aisle was lined with petals and wildflowers that looked as though they had grown there naturally — soft, untamed, and full of life. The floral arch, designed by Cveta of Embellish Maui, felt more like a blooming sculpture than a traditional installation. Every stem, every bloom, carried the heart of the island — and framed their vows in the most stunning, organic way.
As Ashley walked down the aisle, guests wiped tears and held hands — Emmy beaming with pride just ahead.
It was emotional, light-filled, and completely unfiltered in the best way. You could feel how deeply these two are loved, not just by each other, but by every soul who came to witness their vows.
And in true Ashley + Craig fashion, they played a quick game of rock, paper, scissors at the altar to decide who would go first — a moment of laughter before tears, perfectly them.
After the ceremony, Ashley and Craig made their way into the reception space, surrounded by cheers and golden light.
Their first dance unfolded beneath soft string lights and an open sky — quiet, intentional, and full of emotion. With the ocean breeze behind them and music in the air, they moved together like no one else was watching.
They took their seats behind the head table, beaming and soaking it all in — the warmth, the setting, the people who had traveled across an ocean to be there. As the light began to shift, we stepped away for a few golden hour portraits — the kind of images you can feel when you look back on them.
As the sun dipped, Ashley and Craig made their way into the reception area, welcomed by warm lighting and the joyful hum of celebration.
Before the formal dances began, they celebrated with a traditional Pandango — often called a money dance — where guests lined up to tuck bills into Craig’s attire: his lapel, waistband, sleeves… and a few more unexpected places, too — all in good fun. Ashley moved through the crowd collecting each one with laughter and ease, a moment that was equal parts heartfelt and playful.
This wasn’t just a lighthearted tradition — it was a reflection of deep family roots and local culture. From the homemade food prepared by her family to the love surrounding every table, the entire evening felt like a true Hawaiian celebration: warm, generous, and deeply connected.
It’s hard to fully put into words how special this day was.
What began as a destination wedding quickly unfolded into something far more intimate — a celebration rooted in family, tradition, and the kind of love that leaves an imprint. From the sweeping mountain views to the quiet in-between glances during golden hour… every moment felt personal and full of meaning.
Ashley and Craig, thank you for trusting us to tell your story — and for making us feel like a part of it.