Maile Garden-Hale Koa

Wedding Day

Wedding

Waikiki Ballroom-Hale Koa

Reception

Rehearsal Dinner

Our Wedding

I met Zachary and his friends in June of 2016 on a busy street in Honolulu in an odd and random set of events. They recognized me from my job at the gym, we had small talk and went on with our evenings. I would see Zach and his friend Andrew come in the gym often and would make small talk about politics or workouts but nothing too crazy. I was honestly in a place in my life where I wasn't really paying much attention to guys. Eventually Zachary asked his friend for my Snapchat (millennial love stories lol) and he began to snap me pretty often. Although he tells me he had a plan to talk to me and get my number but kept chickening out. He was so sweet and full of compliments and was always asking to make plans to hang out or go on a date. I was a stubborn one, and often didn't even answer him so finally Zach said forget this! (At the time I had plans to take a job offer at an aquarium in Oregon, and had done multiple things preparing to move home very soon as well.) Anyways, I noticed he had stopped making as much effort to talk to me, and I realized I didn't like that very much ( eye roll "women".)  I seen a video Zach had posted and was extremely drawn to him suddenly. His deep voice, beautiful eyes, and silly personality. I watched the video over and over with a huge smile. I then realized I wanted to know this guy. So I texted him and asked if he wanted to hike or see a movie and we chose a movie for that Friday! That day he came in the gym and as he was leaving I joked "Hey I hear you gotta hot date tonight?!" Yeah embarrassingly unoriginal but he laughed. Later that night we caught a movie, he was an extreme gentleman and I was my normal talkitive dorky self. After the movies we could both tell we clicked so easily and we didn't wanna leave yet. So we went to Denny's at 1 am. We got a booth and he sat next to me on my side (which he does every single time we go anywhere) which surprised me because it was unusual but so unique and adorable. We were laughing and talking so much that I forgot to look at the menu. So when the waitress came and he ordered she asked me what I wanted and I just said "I'll have what he is having" and she said "ooh adventurous, she must trust you, she's a keeper." And when she walked away we just started laughing because she had no idea that we weren't even officially together in fact it was only our first date. I knew then, when even after the movie and our meal at Denny's we couldn't seem to leave each other, it turned into a whole weekend of adventures. I knew right away that he was different. Something about him said stick around. Our first date was in August and we became inseparable, Zach officially asked me to be his girlfriend on September 11,2016. He left shortly after for a month and a half training. It was during my birthday but even from the desert miles away he had my absolute favorite flowers (sunflowers) sent to me. When he got back he asked to take me home with him to Virginia on his pre deployment leave in Nov, 2016. We went and I met all the people that made him who he is, he also surprised me with a promise ring from Zales. When we came back my grandparents flew to Hawaii and zach was able to meet them. We clicked with each other's family so easily that it was even more obvious we were meant to be. December of 2016 Zach deployed for 6 months. That was the hardest thing I've ever experienced. I watched my new love and half of my heart walk away from me and I felt like I was drowning in all the uncertainty of what was to come. We had weeks where we couldn't talk, terrible FaceTime connection, fights, struggles. It was scary, frustrating and lonely. But we made it. Zach reminded me everyday of the bright future ahead and how much he loved me. We knew it would make us so much stronger together. I occupied myself writing letters, working, making care packages and countdowns. He made sure to try to call as much as he could. In the first week of June of 2017 he returned and OH HAPPY DAY! Every terrible moment and lonely day was worth the feeling of seeing him again. 183 days a part. When I locked eyes with him my heart sank, along with my stomach and I was overwhelmed with uncontrollable tears of joy and relief. Ever since that day our life got back to normal only we were 100 times closer, happier and more in love. We got to take a trip soon after to both of our hometowns, where Zach got to meet officially the rest of my loved ones and see all the people and parts of my hometown that made me who I am. After Oregon, we then went back to Virginia where I got to get even closer to Zach's family and friends whom I love so dearly. We came back to Hawaii afterwards in the beginning of July and went back to real life-bills, work, school, stress. But every moment with Zach is my favorite. I don't care if we're dancing late at night in the kitchen, grocery shopping, cleaning or cruising hawaii, my heart is content. In fact my hearts been content since a year and a half ago on our first date. Everything makes sense with Zach. I found so much in Zach, a best friend, a lover, the only person that can drive me insane and mad in a split second, a partner in life and my rock. He supports me in every aspect of life. He's so thoughtful too, just like he surprised me recently with a helicopter tour that he booked us, to see all around Oahu. That tour was incredible! But the part I didn't expect was when we stopped halfway though at sunset, and followed the pilot up to a tower over looking north shore. As we were taking scenic photos Zach surprised and informed me that he had this all planned and that this was a custom helicopter tour, and began speaking about his love for me. He then got on one knee and asked me to make him the happiest man in the world and be his wife (and with my dream rose gold ring.) OF COURSE I SAID YES. The pilot served us champagne, chocolates, Lei's and a picnic set up and we celebrated as we watched sunset and then finished our helicopter tour. He even made an incredibly sweet go pro video about our engagement.  It was so thought out, and sweet. Just another incredible memory and adventure. We’ve also made another trip to Oregon for Christmas and LA for Universal Studios and our adventures will continue for many years. After our wedding we get to make another trip to Virginia and then Zach deploys again. If someone would've told me I would meet the love of my life in Hawaii at 19 and he would propose like that right before I turn 21, I would've laughed hysterically. But God is good, life is good and He has an amazing plan for us all. I always dreamed of someday but I I never thought I would meet and fall in love with a Marine from across the country from me in Hawaii of all places, but by golly I did. And it was the best thing I ever did. The last 2 years have been so incredibly blessed with him. So Zachary, as Shania Twain sings, "thank yah baby, for making someday come so soooooon." It's a long love story, but it's my favorite.

An Unexpected Blessing

Our Story

Details

Photos

One of grooms close friends from marine corps 

Mackson Pierre

Lucas Murieen

Tara Sundy

Basically a second lil sister to the bride, grew up together

Jaci Truttman

One of the Brides best friends since elementary school

Dakota Cash

Jaelyn Murieen

Madison Falk

Brides best friend since birth, literally.

Kaitlyn Solano

Jacob Spencer 

Andrew Falk

Austin Sundy

Kenny Bosanac

Wedding Party

Q + A

Registry

This is our wedding location! Located in the heart of Waikiki, Hale Koa Hotel is spread over 72 oceanfront acres, giving you enviable access to one of the world’s most celebrated shorelines, and all the scenery and fun that comes with it. Hale Koa Hotel has 818 rooms reserved exclusively for military members, families and sponsored guests to relax, explore and enjoy. This is a special place to experience an entertaining, affordable and family-friendly vacation in paradise. Zach and I can each sponsor 4 rooms, but we have to book soon!

Hale Koa Resort 

Get these apps for different transportation options! Uber & Lyft are cheap vehicle taxis basically, Biki are bike transportation with racks all over Oahu!

Uber, Lyft and Biki apps

Travel

There’s an abundance of things to do on the island of Oahu! Our wedding is conveniently in Waikiki, a very famous area of Honolulu. Tons of fun activities, events and sights are in walking distance! We can’t wait to see you! 

McKenzie & Zachary

McKenzie & Zachary

Travel

Hale Koa Resort

Uber, Lyft and Biki apps