Romantic Tree House Proposal | Raynell and Denise | - Engaged on Maui

At Engaged on Maui, we believe the best proposals start long before the ring is ever purchased. They start with quiet feelings, unspoken hopes, and the courage to take a chance. Raynell and Denise’s romantic tree house proposal in October of last year was a perfect example of that kind of beginning.

When Raynell first reached out to us, he shared the story of how their relationship unfolded. Denise had been his coworker for several years. He had always wanted to get to know her on a more personal level but kept things professional because they worked closely together in a tight-knit group. During the holidays last year, they began spending more time together, and he realized he didn’t want to live with the regret of never asking her out. A friend asked him a simple but powerful question: would you regret not trying? His answer was yes.

That small push led to their first date…and from there, everything clicked. Raynell said he knew after just a couple of dates that she was the one. He didn’t rush it or overstate it. He simply enjoyed her company, focused on making her smile, and let their relationship grow naturally. That steady, joyful energy carried into the way he approached his proposal planning.

He already had a vision. After seeing our previous tree house proposal setups, he loved the candles lining the stairs, the sun setting in the background, and the idea of a romantic dinner for two surrounded by roses. He wanted that same magic for Denise. A private, intimate, and beautiful evening.

The Plan

From the beginning, Raynell knew he wanted the tree house. It felt adventurous yet secluded, elevated yet cozy. An experience rather than just a question. October on Maui brings warm evenings and soft golden sunsets, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic setting tucked among the trees.

We designed the proposal around the elements he loved most: candlelight on the stairs to create anticipation with every step, a glowing sunset behind them, and a thoughtfully styled dinner setup waiting after the “yes.” Roses added a classic romantic touch without overpowering the natural beauty of the location. The overall goal was to create something stunning but not staged.

One of our favorite behind-the-scenes moments came just days before the proposal. The photographer later shared that Raynell had a small mishap with a front tooth and wasn’t sure if he would be able to get it fixed in time. Instead of panicking, he called and laughed about it. He wanted to make sure we could position him in a way that would hide it if necessary. After chatting through options, he managed to get it repaired before the big day.

But what stood out most wasn’t the tooth being fixed…it was his attitude. His carefree personality was unforgettable. Rather than stressing, he trusted that everything would work out. He was focused on Denise, not on perfection. He laughed through the minor hiccup and kept saying he was sure things would be fine. That energy set the tone for the entire experience.

Proposals are emotional. They can feel high pressure. But Raynell approached it with joy, confidence, and calm excitement. That grounded presence allowed us to focus on creating the romantic atmosphere he envisioned, knowing the heart behind it was already strong.

The Proposal

As the sun began to dip lower in the October sky, the treehouse was glowing. Candles lined the stairs, flickering gently as golden light filtered through the trees. The dinner table was set, roses placed thoughtfully throughout the space, and the view stretched beautifully behind it all.

Raynell brought Denise to the location, letting the setting unfold naturally as they approached. The combination of sunset light and soft candle glow created an atmosphere that felt both cinematic and deeply intimate.

Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, the realization began to sink in. The quiet of the space, the romantic details, the effort behind it all… it was clear this wasn’t just another evening.

Raynell shared words that reflected their journey. He spoke about the years of knowing her as a coworker, the courage it took to finally ask her out, and the certainty he felt early on that she was the one. He talked about how much he loved simply making her smile and how grateful he was that taking that chance had led them here.

Then he got down on one knee.

He asked Denise to marry him and The emotion was immediate. Denise was surprised and full of laughter as she said yes. After they celebrated for a moment, their friends came over to congratulate them and snap a few pictures. Then it was time to do a little photoshoot at sunset around the area of the treehouse.

Afterward, they lingered in the glow of the moment. The romantic dinner setup allowed them to transition seamlessly from proposal to celebration. Instead of rushing off, they were able to sit together, take it all in, and begin dreaming out loud about the future.

Raynell’s relaxed spirit never wavered. Even in such a monumental moment, he was present and steady, soaking it in rather than worrying about how it looked or whether everything was perfect. That ease made the entire proposal feel authentic and deeply reflective of who they are as a couple.

Looking back, what makes Raynell and Denise’s romantic tree house proposal so memorable isn’t just the candles, the roses, or the sunset. It’s the story behind it. A man who quietly admired a coworker for years. A friend who asked the right question at the right time. A first date that changed everything. And the decision to take a risk rather than live with regret.

At Engaged on Maui, we are honored to help create moments like these—where love stories come full circle in spaces that feel both magical and meaningful. Raynell and Denise’s October treehouse proposal will always remind us that sometimes the most important step is simply asking the question, long before you ever get down on one knee.