Meet Deanna DiMichele, Owner and Licensed Minister of Kona Wedding Officiant®
- Deanna DiMichele
- Feb 22, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 1
Deanna feels blessed to be part of one of the most meaningful days in her couples’ lives. She believes the spirit of Aloha—which above all means love—is the heart of every Hawaii wedding. Specializing in intimate, romantic ceremonies rooted in Hawaiian tradition, Deanna welcomes all couples and denominations for marriage and vow renewals.
Though naturally introverted, Deanna shines in her role as an officiant, often finding herself—literally—in tens of thousands of wedding photos with “all eyes on her.” To recharge, she enjoys quiet time running, biking, doing yoga, swimming, and surfing. She also loves relaxing at home with her two cats and her fiancé.
With years of experience performing weddings across the Big Island, Deanna has a wealth of knowledge about local beach locations, permits, and island restrictions. She knows the most scenic and secluded ceremony spots and can easily guide couples through Hawai‘i’s permitting process to ensure their day is stress-free and compliant.
Deanna collaborates closely with couples to create ceremonies that feel true to them, offering drafts, templates, and flexibility. Whether incorporating Hawaiian elements like the Blowing of the Pū, or writing personalized vows, she ensures each ceremony feels unique and meaningful. Whenever possible, ceremonies are held on secluded beaches for an intimate experience.
Deanna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from Stockton University and a post-baccalaureate in English Language Arts from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She previously taught English, Social Studies, and Hawaiian Studies in the Hawai‘i public school system, where she learned local cultural traditions such as lei making, chants, and songs from respected Kumu. Her love of Hawaiian myths, legends, and mele continues to inspire her work today.
Before moving to Hawai‘i, Deanna worked as a professional wedding photographer in New Jersey, helping hundreds of couples capture their big day from behind the lens. An avid adventurer at heart, she also hiked 1,200 miles of the Appalachian Trail before relocating to the islands. Her love of the outdoors has given her a deep appreciation and understanding of Hawai‘i’s backcountry, scenic landscapes, and hidden gems. Deanna has paved the way for many couples’ Hawaii waterfall elopements, black sand beach weddings, and has helped secure permits for unique locations rarely used for ceremonies.
In 2020, Deanna became the proud owner of the United States Registered Trademark Kona Wedding Officiant®. As her company continues to grow, her love for her couples and her gratitude for this calling remain constant. She truly believes she has the best job on Earth.
Aloha for now,
Deanna DiMichele, Licensed Minister, Kona Wedding Officiant®
📧 konaweddingofficiant@gmail.com | 📞 808-209-6275
📸 @konaweddingofficiant on Instagram
📘 Facebook | 🎵 TikTok | 📍 Pinterest | ▶️ YouTube — @konaweddingofficiant
Kona Wedding Officiant® — Locally Rooted, Culturally Respectful, and Always from the Heart
At Kona Wedding Officiant®, every ceremony is crafted with care, cultural awareness, and genuine Aloha. Deanna takes pride in honoring local Hawaiian traditions while creating personal, heartfelt experiences for each couple. With years of island knowledge and a deep respect for the land, she helps couples find the perfect location—whether it’s a secluded beach, black sand shore, or a Hawaii waterfall. Every wedding is guided by love, connection, and authenticity—because your ceremony should feel as unique and meaningful as your journey together.
Associate Photography provided by Kona Wedding Officiant® Associate Photography Team — all editing completed in-house.
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