Shixuan & Yi
Time has a way of weaving stories together in a way you can’t ever predict. And, for me, meeting Shixuan and Yi and getting to document their Olowalu Plantation House wedding was one of those examples.
The couple reached out to me after Shixuan had been talking to one of her coworkers (my previous client) about their wedding in Kauai. Shixuan and Yi were in the middle of planning their own Maui intimate wedding and already had their date and venue booked. After seeing a bit of the work on my website, they reached out and told me all about their wedding plans—a two day micro wedding in Maui.
Shixuan and Yi’s Two Day Wedding at Olowalu Plantation House in Maui
Day One: A Maui Micro Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Olowalu Plantation House
The first day of Shixuan and Yi’s micro wedding followed a pretty standard wedding day timeline. We started at The Ritz hotel where Shixuan got ready with her bridesmaids. This portion of the morning was the calm before the storm. Everyone was getting ready slowly and just enjoying hanging out before the wedding day officially started.
Once the wedding parties were ready, we headed over to the venue where the couple’s parents joined them. The moms began helping Shixuan steam her wedding veil and enjoyeda few special moments together in the bridal suite.
This is when one of my favorite moments of the day took place. Shixuan and her mom were in the bridal suite together and I was taking candid photos. Her mom doesn’t speak English, so I asked Shixuan to translate and ask her to to say whatever she wanted to Shixuan. With my limited Chinese understanding, I heard her say, “mama loves you” and at that moment they both teared up. What started as a prompt for her mom to not feel as worried about the photos, ended up creating this emotional moment for us all.
After their intimate wedding ceremony, the guests gathered on the lawn for cocktail hour while the couple and I walked the venue for sunset photos. One of my favorite things about the Olowalu Plantation House micro wedding venue is that it’s located right next to a beach. Within just a short walk, we had access to an incredible view without taking too much time away from their guests and the celebration.
After we returned to the venue, Shixuan and Yi did a grand entrance into their reception while singing karaoke. They walked around the tables singing while their guests blew bubbles and cheered for them. It felt like a whole collective experience of loved ones hanging out together, and meanwhile, I got to stand back and quietly document the whole experience.
Day Two: A Sunrise Adventure Elopement at Haleakalā National Park
On day two (which actually took place two days later so the couple had time to rest in between), we planned a sunrise adventure elopement at Halaeakalā National Park.
Not only is Haleakalā one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., but this particular adventure didn’t require much hiking.
We woke up early so we could get to the park before sunrise and drove out the summit. Despite the early hours, there were already a handful of tourists gathered at the top. Haleakalā Summit is one of the most popular places to view the sunrise in Maui so e drove around and found a private corner for photos where we could also practice Leave No Trace.
Pro Tip: If you want to elope at Halaeakalā National Park at sunrise, you will need to make timed entry reservation if you plan to visit the park between 3:00-7:00 am. Click here to learn more and book your reservation.
Henry helped to sort out many things, by coordinating with staff on the venue and worked so well with my videographer and coordinator, to ensure everything went smoothly as well as captured all the beautiful moments!
I found Henry through my coworker as Henry was also his wedding photographer. What I was looking for was a timeless, artistic and creative way to capture the day, and I’m kind of picky on. it. After I saw Henry’s work on IG and also all the great comments from my coworker, I reached out to Henry and we had a video call. Then I know, I must get him for my wedding photography! Because he is also so warm, sweet, understanding and professional.
We had a 2-day photo shooting experience with Henry: wedding day photography and an elopement style photo shooting. In the planning process, we had a few calls and Henry helped us to pick the location after understanding what we like. And we finally decided the to go to Haleakala for a sunrise and I’m very glad we decided this. Henry has the eyes to find out the most beautiful spot and angles for our photo shooting. We also went for a hiking together. I am an introverted person and not always comfortable being around people. But I must say, I feel very comfortable and natural to chat with Henry and being in his camera. He knows his job really well, not just in artistic and professional way, but also his way of communicating with people and caring about people! I would love to have him to document all my big moments in my life!
My husband and I had our wedding in Maui, Olowalu Plantation House. Since it was a destination wedding, we had lots of things to worry about and I felt a bit stressful on the day. Henry helped to sort out many things, by coordinating with staff on the venue and worked so well with my videographer and coordinator, to ensure everything went smoothly as well as captured all the beautiful moments! What he did really relived my pressure a lot! I bet he knew my wedding timeline schedule better than me LOL.
I’m very happy and lucky to find Henry and had him on my big day. Not just for the beautiful moments he captured, but also his full heart on every details of the day! He really knows his job very well! You will never regret to have him as part of your day 😊
Meet the couple & the best Maui wedding photographer everrrr!!! 🙂😘
Meet The Best Olowalu Plantation House Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography
Hotel: The Ritz Carlton
Venue: Olowalu Plantation House
Planner: Tropical Maui Weddings
Videographer: Films by Madeleine
Florist: Dellables Floral Artistry
Cake: Cakes by Joann Maui
Catering: Cafe O’Lei
Bar Service: Aloha Bars Maui
Hair & Makeup: Lynn Makeup Studio
Officiant: Your Aloha Wedding Company
Wedding Dress: Calla Blanche at Jaclyn’s Bridal
More Hawaii Wedding & Elopement Inspiration
Ready to Plan Your Own Maui Micro Wedding or Elopement?
Shixuan and Yi’s Olowalu Plantation House wedding gave the couple a true wedding experience with loved ones and allowed time for a private adventure. If you want to plan a similar experience, reach out to us. Whether as your Maui wedding photographer, adventure elopement guide, or both, we would love to help you plan your own special experience!
Meet Your Wedding & Elopement Photographer
I’m Henry Tieu, a dad and the photographer behind these honest, meaningful, and artful images of weddings and elopements across Washington and around the world. Since 2018, I’ve documented more than 200 celebrations across six continents. My work has been featured by Junebug Weddings, Brides, The New York Times, Green Wedding Shoes, Dancing With Her, and Sony, and recognized with international awards. But more than anything, I care about creating photographs that help people feel their memories both now and years from now.
