Ariel & Ben’s Intimate Wedding at Palauea Beach: A Maui Love Story

Let me tell you about Ariel and Ben—two of the most down-to-earth, lovely humans you’ll ever meet—and their picture-perfect wedding day at Palauea Beach (also known as White Rock Beach). But what makes this dreamy elopement even more special? This wasn’t my first time stepping behind the lens for Ariel. Nope. Ariel and I go way back!

 

She first hired me years ago to shoot some family portraits during their visit to Maui. Then came the second time, another family session filled with laughter and love. So when I got her email about photographing her wedding, I might’ve done a little happy dance at my desk. (Okay, not “might’ve.” Definitely did.) As a Maui photographer, there’s something extra meaningful about clients who keep inviting you into their milestones. It’s like being part of a visual diary they’ll treasure forever.

 

The Scene: Palauea Beach, Wailea’s Hidden Gem

Nestled within the lush beauty of Wailea, Palauea Beach is everything you’d imagine when dreaming about a wedding in Maui. It’s not crowded like some of the bigger beaches, but it also doesn’t feel too remote. Think expanses of soft white sand, lava rock accents, and that framed-between-palm-trees vibe that screams “paradise.” Locals and seasoned photographers know it as the kind of spot you’d recommend if someone asks for a place that’s “romantic but not overly cliché.”

 

That’s one of the reasons Ariel and Ben chose it. They’d flown in all the way from Seattle, Washington, specifically for its secluded charm. And even though the day came with a soft veil of overcast skies (no blazing tropical sunshine here), it delivered a dreamy light that added depth to every single shot. Pro tip: Overcast days are often the best for photography—colors pop, and there’s no one squinting into the sun.

 

Ariel & Ben: A Love as Playful as the Ocean

If there’s one thing that stands out to me about Ariel and Ben as a couple, it’s their energy. It’s that kind of quiet, unspoken love that doesn’t need a spotlight—it just is. Some people show their connection with grand gestures; these two do it with quiet glances, shared laughs, and holding hands like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

 

Ariel wore the most delicate lace gown that felt timeless yet so uniquely “her.” And Ben? He kept things simple with that laid-back charm that feels right at home at a beach wedding. Together, they were pure magic.

 

As they said their vows, the waves rolled in behind them, almost as if the ocean was giving its own round of applause. It was intimate, heartfelt, and perfectly reflective of who they are as a couple—real and grounded in love.

 

Capturing the Moments: What Wedding Experiences at Palauea Are Like

After the ceremony, we stayed at Palauea Beach to capture a mix of portraits. Let me tell you, this beach is a Wailea wedding photographer’s dream canvas. You can shoot against the striking lava rock cliffs, but then there’s the contrast of the soft, powdery sand.

 

The sunset photos were something else. There’s this moment, just as the sky finishes meeting the horizon, where the light becomes this bold-but-subtle golden hue. That’s where the magic happened for Ariel and Ben. Their love story didn’t end at the beach, though. Afterward, I joined them at their friends’ house for photos of the cake cutting.

 

That “Third-Time’s-The-Charm” Kind of Bond

Photographing Ariel and Ben’s wedding was special, not only because of the stunning Palauea Beach backdrop, but because of the deep connection I already have with Ariel’s family. There’s a certain comfort that comes from working with someone you’ve photographed before. They trust your vision. They know you’ll guide them in a way that feels natural. It’s like reconnecting with old friends but also creating something fresh and new.

 

If you’re planning a Wailea wedding or an intimate Palauea wedding ceremony, this beach is truly a gem. And if you’re anything like Ariel—a planner with a knack for finding special little details—I’d love to help you capture every emotion and detail of your day.

 

Whether you’re in the early stages of planning your Maui wedding or just love dreaming about life’s “what ifs,” scroll through the photos below and soak up some inspiration from Ariel and Ben’s shoot. And if you’ve got questions or need a Maui photographer to bring your vision to life, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to help you create your own day of magic on this beautiful island.

 

Congratulations, Ariel and Ben, on a wedding day as authentic and beautiful as your love. Here’s to many more milestones ahead—and maybe a fourth photo session in the future? 😉

 

Enjoy the photos below, and let’s chat if you’re dreaming of your own Maui wedding experience!

 

With love and aloha,
Mark