Makayla and Jack are a real life Jim and Pam! They met through work and the whole office could sense some chemistry, which was something they laughed off for the next six years. Eventually the two went on a trip together to Arizona, where they soon realized they wanted to be more than just friends.

Time flew and one day Makayla got a meeting request at a winery she frequently worked with. When she arrived, she found her dad was waiting at the door. He walked her down a path lit up with candles with the couple's favorite song playing in the background, to find Jack waiting on one knee! After Makayla said yes she heard cheering and looked up to see their entire family above on the terrace. The couple celebrated the night with a surprise engagement party with all of their closest family and friends. Could you picture a more perfect engagement? 

In the midst of wedding planning, Makayla made the trip to Charlotte’s with her closest gals. Having worked in the wedding industry and tried on dresses before, she had a clear vision of what she was looking for. Makayla found her dream dress at Charlotte’s with the help of her stylist Stephanie, but life had its own plan. A month before the wedding, Makayla found out she was pregnant. She called her stylist Stephanie in a panic, worried she wouldn’t feel beautiful on her wedding day. Stephanie and the team at Charlotte’s calmed every nerve and helped her process feelings of loss over the original dress. She tried on ‘Vera’ from Justin Alexander Signature and realized it was the perfect dress to celebrate the little miracle they had on the way while still feeling beautiful on her big day. 

The couple got married on May 16th of 2023 in Wailea, Hawaii on the island Maui. They chose a destination wedding in Hawaii for a few reasons as it is where Jack’s family is from and where Makayla spent time while serving in the Military. Since working in the wedding industry, Makayla knew she wanted a wedding that felt like a vacation from work so the destination was perfect! To top things off, The Gather in Maui, was the same wedding venue Jack’s parents had their reception! 

Makayla describes her favorite part of her wedding was actually the days leading up to it, “where our family and friends had flown in and we spent hours at the beach and swimming in the ocean”. The couple enjoyed a two week-long celebration, surrounded by their closest family and friends in the most beautiful and magical place.

When asked what advice she would give to other brides, Makayla said: 

“Find time for you and your spouse to soak in the moment, it truly goes by so fast! I would also say to give yourself grace. Things change and not everything will go to plan, and sometimes that’s the best part! Our first dance song was wrong, but Jack and I laughed and danced through it, and it is one of my favorite memories looking back. Everything works out and the details matter, but they don’t make or break the day. Marrying your best friend will always be the best day of your life, no matter what.” 

Congratulations to Makayla and Jack, we are so happy we could be a part of your story!

VENDORS:

Venue: Gather on Maui 

Photographer: Lundyn Bridge Photography 

Florist: The Floralette 

Hair and Makeup: Meili Autumn Beauty 

Coordinator: Veronica Yawc, Your Aloha Wedding Company 

Caterer: Gather on Maui 

Rentals: Rio Event Design, Let’s Entertain Maui 

Videographer: No Ka Oi Films 

Officiant: Derick Sebastian 

Calligraphy: Miss B Calligraphy