Maui Tropical Plantation Wedding
Karen and Vu’s wedding at Maui Tropical Plantation had stunning mountain views as the backdrop for their ceremony, a day full of laughs with their closest friends and family, and the perfect mix of casual vibes and beautiful details. To top it all off, their reception at Gather on Maui kept the fun going in the best way. I was so surprised when they first reached out and told me they found me on Reddit! It was an honor to capture their day. Let’s get into the details!

The Love Story
Let’s start with how Karen and Vu met. It’s 2010, and Vu is heading to a blind date set up by one of Karen’s friends. But instead of arriving on time, Vu gets lost. This was back in the days of MapQuest, so instead of GPS guiding him, he’s working off printed directions. He shows up at Karen’s house a solid hour late. Somehow, she didn’t slam the door in his face. Instead, Karen gave him a shot, and clearly, it worked out. What is the moral of the story? Even being late can lead to love.
Fast-forward to the proposal, and Vu nailed it. Knowing how much they both love Haleakala, he decided it was the perfect spot to pop the question. Under a blanket of stars, in one of the most stunning places on the planet, Vu asked Karen to spend forever with him.





capturing karen & vu’s maui tropical plantation wedding ceremony
Their first look moment was everything. Vu got super emotional seeing Karen in her dress for the first time. Seeing someone get emotional during these moments reminds me of why I always tell people not to skip pre-ceremony photo coverage. You could miss these special moments.
Beautiful mountain views set the stage for their ceremony at Maui Tropical Plantation. It was a movie-worthy backdrop. Surrounded by palm trees and the warm, golden sun, Karen and Vu exchanged their vows. The casual and meaningful vibes made it feel personal to them, which is what every wedding should be about.












bridal portraits and a family-focused reception at gather on maui
Karen and Vu’s bridal portraits were a dream in the greenery of Maui with vibrant pops of color. Whether they were laughing together or sharing a quiet, romantic moment, every shot felt authentic to who they were as a couple.
The reception at Gather on Maui was all about good vibes, great food, and even better company. Friends and family filled the space with good vibes—it felt like one big reunion. Also, the tug-of-war photo op with the wedding party was so funny and creative. And I can’t forget the little details like the personalized crossword puzzle at the tables—fun, unique, and totally them.
See more: Oahu Elopement at Ho’omaluhia Bontanical Garden















consider a maui wedding with rodrigo moraes photography
If you’re even thinking about having a Maui wedding, let me just say: do it. An island wedding is an entire experience. You can’t beat mountain views, tropical greenery, and endless golden hour moments. Venues like Maui Tropical Plantation bring that perfect balance of natural beauty and space to celebrate with your favorite people. Embrace the laid-back island energy. Let the wind mess up your hair a little, dance barefoot in the sand, and laugh when things don’t go exactly as planned (cause you’re on vacation). Maui weddings are about connection over perfection.
Karen and Vu—thank you for trusting me to capture your day. It was such an honor to be part of it. Let’s make it happen if you’re reading this and dreaming of your own Maui wedding. Whether you’re eloping at sunrise or throwing a big celebration with all your people, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Shoot me a message, and let’s start planning!
vendors
Ceremony Venue | Maui Tropical Plantation
Reception Venue | Gather on Maui
Day of Coordination | A Perfect Paradise Wedding