Maui Magic: Behind the Scenes of a Dream Destination Wedding
There are some places that simply feel like magic—and Maui is one of them.
This past May, I had the honor of traveling to Maui, Hawaii, to provide hair and makeup for an editorial wedding shoot that has since been featured in Over the Moon and Destination I Do. Being part of this creative collaboration was more than just a job—it was a chance to infuse a story with soul, beauty, and the unmistakable romance of Hawaii. From the salty breeze to the soft golden light, every moment felt cinematic. It was the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with this work in the first place.
The entire shoot took place at the Wailea Beach Resort, one of the most luxurious and picturesque venues on the island. The goal? To show how a single Maui wedding venue can inspire multiple, wildly different interpretations of bridal beauty and event design. We created two distinct weddings in one day: one modern and architectural with oceanfront drama, the other timeless, romantic, and lushly botanical.
As the lead hair and makeup artist for the shoot, I wanted each look to not only suit the bride’s fashion and surroundings but also feel true to the emotional tone of the editorial. It was important that the styling held up in the island elements (think: sun, humidity, and ocean breezes), while still looking polished and elevated on camera.
The Modern Oceanfront Ceremony
For the first editorial story, the vibe was chic and contemporary. The bride wore a stunning Danielle Frankel gown—structured, minimalist, and sculptural. It made a bold statement against the vast Pacific Ocean and black lava rock shoreline.
To complement the clean lines of the gown, I styled the bride’s hair into a softly textured romantic braid with a center part—timeless but very editorial. The makeup was soft yet sculpted: a semi-matte complexion, gentle contouring to enhance bone structure, and barely-there eyeshadow for an “undone but perfect” finish. I added a hint of warm highlighter on the high points of the face to catch the golden hour light, which was absolutely magical.
This look was all about restraint and precision—the kind of modern elegance that doesn’t scream for attention but commands it anyway.
The Lush Garden Romance
The second look of the day was a complete 180. We transitioned to a verdant garden setting with pastel florals, dreamy textiles, and soft, organic textures. The gowns here featured delicate details like floral appliqués and flowing silhouettes—pure romance. Think “secret garden meets island enchantment.”
For this look for the bride, I went with a more natural beachy wave style featuring soft airy tendrils around the face. The key was to keep it soft, touchable, and completely effortless-looking—even though the island humidity wanted to work against us! I used long-wear products and humidity-proof finishing techniques to make sure the look stayed fresh through the shoot.
The makeup palette shifted to warmer blush tones, petal-pink lips, and a dewy skin finish. I wanted the bride to look like she’d just stepped out of a storybook—natural, fresh, and absolutely glowing.
Behind the Scenes with an All-Star Team
Working alongside such a talented group of creatives is one of my favorite parts of editorial shoots like this. From the visionary lead photographer Sandra Aberg and other beautiful images featured by Chanel Productions to the floral designers Stoneblossom and Design stylists Taryn Stark Wyant and Dani Sabbag, everyone brought their A-game to the table. You could feel the synergy. Every detail—from the custom paper goods to the delicate table styling—was carefully curated to reflect the heart of a destination wedding in Maui.
It’s one thing to execute a beautiful look, but when the entire team is in sync, the final product becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. It becomes a visual love letter—something that inspires couples dreaming of their own celebration in paradise.
Why I Love Destination Weddings in Hawaii
As someone who’s worked on weddings all over the world, I can confidently say that Hawaii offers something uniquely special. The light is softer, the pace is slower, and everything feels more intentional. There’s a spiritual energy to Maui that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there. And when you combine that with couture fashion, luxury vendors, and a couple in love—it’s pure magic.
For me, creating hair and makeup for destination brides isn’t just about beauty. It’s about helping people feel like the best version of themselves—confident, radiant, and at ease. Whether that means building a look that holds up for hours under the tropical sun, or calming pre-ceremony jitters with a quiet moment and a deep breath, I see my role as part artist, part anchor.
Planning a Wedding in Maui? Here’s What You Should Know
If you're planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, here are a few tips from a beauty pro who’s been there:
Prep your skin before travel. Hydration is key! I always recommend a moisture-rich skincare routine leading up to your trip to keep your skin plump and fresh for your big day.
Trust the climate. Let your look reflect the setting. Dewy, breathable beauty almost always wins over full-coverage matte glam in tropical environments.
Choose long-wear, lightweight products. The combination of sun, salt, and humidity can be tricky—opt for pro-grade products that perform without looking heavy.
Hire vendors who know destination weddings. Timing, logistics, weather—it all requires extra consideration. Choose a beauty artist (and a vendor team) who knows how to roll with it and still deliver magic.
Let’s Make Something Beautiful
Make your memories stand out
Let’s create something timeless together. 🌺
Being part of this editorial shoot in Maui reminded me of why I started Lauren Shea Artistry. It’s not just about creating a beautiful look—it’s about being part of someone’s once-in-a-lifetime story. From the quiet moments before a bride walks down the aisle to the epic portraits framed by palm trees and ocean mist, I’m there for all of it.
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Hawaii—or anywhere else in the world—and looking for a hair and makeup artist who brings experience, calm, and creativity to your day, I’d be honored to be part of it.
