Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Feature Photos Courtesy of Windermere Photography. Wedding Photos Courtesy of 28 North Photography.
Maika and Courtney Maile radiate the love and respect they share. Having navigated through personal tragedies, spiritual awakenings, and a journey to find each other, ultimately building a life filled with purpose and hope.
Maika grew up in Dr. Phillips, while Courtney Caggiano was raised in Windermere. Their upbringing in such proximity laid the foundation for their future paths to cross. Despite attending the same elementary and middle school and sharing mutual acquaintances, they did not officially meet until 2018.
The Caggiano family children grew up in Keene's Pointe, with Courtney and her twin sister Caitlin, the middle siblings of their two brothers, Garrett, and Jackson. Their parents, Tony, a prominent attorney, and Sara, were deeply rooted in their faith, which significantly influenced Courtney’s life. Growing up in Windermere, Courtney and Caitlin immersed themselves in music, playing piano and guitar, and exploring various forms of art, enriching their faith-filled journey. Courtney's faith was a central part of her life, guiding her through her career and personal endeavors. She worked as an Editorial Manager for a Christian book publishing company. As a writer and musician, she was always drawn to the expressive side of life.
Under the loving guidance of his parents Sione Kitione (Kiti) and Vickie Maile, Maika, is the youngest of three siblings: Analiku (Ana), born 13 years before Maika, and Kiti Jr., who is 10 years older.
Maika shares, “My parents could not have been any more different.” Maika’s father immigrated from a small Tongan village in the South Pacific. Though picturesque, the very foundation of these islands is born from volcanoes and has instilled in the Tongan people an enduring spirit and steadfast strength, making them a true reflection of the land they call home. Vickie grew up on a farm in Illinois, their two worlds were brought together in a chance meeting in Florida. Maika says “My parents’ diversity is a perfect example of how love is used to rewrite the past & change the future.”
From R-L Kitione, Vickie, Maika, Kiti Jr., and Ana, Maile and Dave & Brennon Seljestad
Kitione (Kiti) and Maika
Out of college, inspired by his Tongan heritage, Kiti played an instrumental role in infusing authentic Polynesian culture and entertainment into Disneyland and then Disney World's Polynesian dinner shows. His contributions, including traditional dances and music, were a beloved feature of the resort's entertainment.
Kiti’s influence extended beyond his initial pursuits in entertainment. A gifted athlete, in his free time he honed his skills on the golf course, it was not long before he transformed his hobby into a professional golf career. His achievements led him to become the head teaching pro at Disney World and recognition as the first Tongan to earn an American Class A membership in the Professional Golfers’ Association.
Over the years, Kiti provided golf lessons to thousands of tourists and visitors at Disney’s courses. Between his roles in entertainment and teaching, he is believed to have had more direct contact with the public than any other Disney employee.
Kiti and Vickie’s home was vibrant, radiating joy, energy, and love… filled with laughter and music telling a story of a rich cultural heritage and unbridled happiness. A tragedy when Maika was 10 years old, ultimately changed everything. Maika’s sister Ana was days away from moving to New York City to continue her music training when she passed away in a reckless driving accident. Maika shares, “We were all devastated, dad especially struggled, emotionally he just wouldn’t let things out, he felt like he had to be a rock for us.” Three years later Kiti took his own life at Ana’s graveside. Maika continues, “My dad’s heart was broken, he was recently prescribed a medication that he had a reaction to, he was taken too early.” Maika entered his teen years with an overwhelming and immense void in his life.
Like his dad and sister, Maika is an incredibly talented musician. At six years old his dad began teaching him to play the guitar, he was a natural. Maika loved spending time with his dad, learning the instrument and traditional Tongan songs, music became his passion.
At 13, Maika joined three friends to form a band. Their talent swiftly moved them from garage jam sessions to performing on local stages across Central Florida. After his father’s passing Maika immersed himself in music even more. In 2004, their band “There for Tomorrow" released their first album and quickly gained a dedicated following with their unique blend of alternative rock. With Maika singing lead and playing rhythm guitar their dynamic sound and lyrical depth earned them critical acclaim and secured them a coveted spot on the Vans Warped Tour. As a signed band they toured worldwide for almost a decade, with millions of streams, an MTV Award, and a Grammy nomination, solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene. Despite their disbandment in 2014, There for Tomorrow's music continues to resonate with fans old and new.
After the band dissolved, Maika experienced a profound awakening. For years he had navigated growing up without the support of his larger-than-life father, who he adored and who adored him, Maika battled the roots of abandonment and rejection. While experiencing extreme success with the band, it was during this time that Maika spiraled into a life of heavy drinking and drug use and lost himself in the chaos of addiction. Maika says, “I had a sense that he chose to leave us, I know now that isn’t true.”
Maika knew he needed a drastic change and decided to stop drinking. This decision set him on a path of recovery and spiritual renewal. During a period of intense searching, he rediscovered his faith through a series of spiritual encounters and deep dives into theology and scripture. He began studying Biblical Hebrew, understanding the scriptures in their original languages, and immersing himself in prayer and spiritual disciplines. This journey was both a personal and spiritual reformation.
Maika was still fresh on his path of redemption when he and Courtney officially met at a young adult event at First Baptist Orlando. Orchestrated by a pastor who saw the potential for a meaningful connection between them, this introduction was initially met with resistance by both Maika and Courtney but became a turning point in their lives.
Their initial connection was marked by deep conversations about faith, life, and even politics. Courtney saw in Maika a sincerity and depth that drew her in despite his past challenges. Maika, in turn, was inspired by Courtney’s steadfast faith and her understanding of grace.
Maika and Courtney experienced significant growth both individually and together as they challenged and supported one another. They began to embrace and understand the delicate balance between grace and truth. Courtney's patience and understanding, combined with Maika's relentless pursuit of spiritual truth, forged a bond between them.
In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Maika and Courtney got married. Originally planning a Disney wedding, they had to pivot due to the restrictions and found a charming Spanish farmhouse in Winter Park, Florida, Casa Feliz, for their intimate wedding ceremony.
From L-R Jackson, Tony and Sara Caggiano, Courtney and Maika, Caitlin, Sara and Garrett Caggiano.
Growing up in Keene's Pointe, Courtney always knew she wanted to live in downtown Windermere. She loved the small-town vibe and the sandy roads. For years, she noticed one particular home on Main Street. Courtney watched, as the family that owned it grew. She said, “It reminded me of a Hallmark movie.” As a newlywed, when Courtney saw that the home she had admired for years was for sale, she was thrilled!
She immediately called Maika who was working in a Miami studio on a project. Courtney says, "Maika didn’t hesitate” … the following day, with Maika still in Miami they made an offer and started the paperwork process. The cottage on Main Street she had dreamed of was theirs. It wasn’t long before Maika and Courtney found out their little family was growing. It was a year ago this month that their precious son Ezra John Maile was born. Courtney says, “It was exactly what she envisioned.”
Their families continue to play a crucial role in their lives. Maika’s brother and his family live in the home they grew up in, his mother and stepfather live in Dr. Phillips, Courtney’s parents still live in Keene's Pointe, where she grew up, and Courtney’s twin sister Caitlin purchased a home just a few doors down, emphasizing the importance of family bonds. This tight-knit family structure has been instrumental in providing stability and love, essential elements in their journey.
Courtney, Maika, Ezra and Violet
Maika continues to enjoy working in music production. Having produced for various artists and run a studio in Los Angeles. Over the years Maika has produced out of various studios in Orlando, Miami, LA, NY, Nashville, Austin, Japan & more. Maika says, “I’ve been honored to have produced and mixed many major & independent label releases, as well as countless insanely talented independent artists of every genre. As an artist myself, I've found this experience to be of immense value in the producer role since I can relate to what an artist experiences in & around every facet of the recording process. Many moments come up in working with an artist where I can help guide them through the highs and lows from my actual, real-world experience.”
Maika in his recording studio; Melrose Recording Room in LA
Looking forward Maika reflects on his legacy, “The most important part of my legacy is that our kids understand the truth and have an intimate relationship with God. I look forward to having very honest conversations with my children, so they understand how this world really works, and to look past the smoke and mirrors that culture puts up to mask intentions that may lead them astray. Along with furthering my music ventures, I started a real estate investment company to build capital and a portfolio to pass down to them in hopes of fulfilling Proverbs 13:22 which states, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.”
Courtney continues to pursue her gifting for writing and editing, working from home while raising their son. Her creative talents extend to various side projects, including personal color analysis, where she helps individuals discover their best colors based on their undertones. This blend of creativity and practical application reflects her multifaceted personality.
Their shared vision for the future includes expanding their home, and continuing to build a life that honors their faith, creating a nurturing environment for their family. They are also involved in their local church, Life Bridge, contributing to worship and community activities.
Maika and Courtney’s journey, marked by personal loss and spiritual rebirth, is an inspiration. Their lives exemplify how faith can transform and lead to a purpose-driven life in a world where struggles and setbacks are inevitable. As they build their lives, they do so with a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to share their blessings with others.
