Oh my heart, this day 🥹🤍
Getting to photograph Jilly + Bryan’s wedding at the Hyatt Regency Maui earlier this year was such a dream. Every single detail felt so intentional and so them. The prettiest florals, their favorite people gathered together in Maui, and so much genuine love everywhere you looked.
Their wedding was also a little different from the typical Hawaii wedding timeline. They had a daytime ceremony followed by a lunch reception, and I honestly loved getting to photograph something a little different.
If you’re planning a Maui wedding or dreaming about your own destination wedding in Hawaii, here’s a little peek into their day and some of the details I loved most.
This is the kind of stuff that makes my photographer heart so happy 🥹
Jilly + Bryan put so much thought into the little details their guests would experience throughout the day.
There were handwritten notes designed almost like little postcards, cards for guests to sign, and even a custom deck of playing cards made just for their wedding.
Their tablescape was another favorite. Beautiful florals mixed with Muscat grapes and all of these thoughtful little touches that made the whole setup feel romantic, colorful, and elevated without feeling overly formal.
These are always some of my favorite things to photograph because they tell you so much about a couple. Years from now, you won’t only have photos of how your reception looked. You’ll remember the tiny things you chose together and all the love that went into making the day yours.
If you’re planning your own Hawaii wedding, this is also your reminder that personal details don’t have to be huge or extravagant. A handwritten note, something your guests can interact with, or a little nod to something you both love can make the day feel so much more personal.
I know golden hour gets alllll the love when it comes to Hawaii wedding photos, but Jilly + Bryan’s wedding is proof that your entire day doesn’t have to revolve around sunset.
Their earlier celebration meant we had that bright Maui sunshine throughout the day, and I loved the colorful, happy, tropical feeling it gave their gallery.
As a Hawaii wedding photographer, I’m always paying attention to where the light is falling and finding the prettiest pockets to photograph in. Midday light is definitely different, but different doesn’t mean bad. I actually love that these photos feel like the sunny Maui afternoon they experienced.
And if you’re thinking about a daytime wedding in Hawaii, definitely plan for the sunshine!
Jilly + Bryan had the cutest parasols for guests, which gave everyone a little shade and also happened to photograph so beautifully. They also had plenty of beverages available throughout the celebration.
Such simple touches, but they make a huge difference when your guests are spending part of the day outside in Maui.
Think shade, cold drinks, comfortable seating, and how long you’re asking everyone to be in direct sun. Your guests will thank you. 🤍
Probably my favorite thing about this wedding was that it genuinely felt like their day.
The lunch celebration. The handwritten notes. The custom playing cards. The grapes tucked into the tablescape. The parasols. All of it worked together without feeling like they were trying to recreate someone else’s wedding.
So if you’re planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, choose the things that actually mean something to you.
You don’t need to follow the traditional afternoon ceremony, sunset portraits, dinner reception formula just because that’s what you see most often. Morning ceremony, lunch reception, sunset dinner, intimate elopement, huge party. There really isn’t one right way to get married here.
The sweetest day with the sweetest people.
Jilly + Bryan, thank you for trusting me with these memories. Getting to document your wedding in Maui was pure magic, and I’m so grateful I got to be a tiny part of it. 🥹🤍
And if you found this while planning your own Maui wedding or searching for a Hawaii wedding photographer, I hope their day gives you a little inspiration to make yours completely your own.
Venue: Hyatt Regency Maui Weddings | @hyattmauiweddings
Photography: Emily Rohman Photography | @emilyrohmanphoto
Florals: RMCo Flower | @rmcoflower
Makeup: Face by Cryslynn | @facebycryslynn
Hair: Hair by Kenzie Chavez | @hairbykenziechavez