Hawaii Based
Elopement + Branding

Beck and Rob: Ocean Canoe + Volcano Elopement: Big Island, Hawaii

Fire, water, air, and earth. When it comes to the elements, Beck is drawn to fire, while Rob (who loves spending time windsurfing in their home state of Oregon) is water. Beck and Rob wanted to include this special representation during their Hawaii elopement.

Keeping their elements in mind, we wanted an elopement adventure that defined the two of them. We began with a gorgeous ceremony with Beck and Rob in an outrigger canoe, with help from a guide via Kona Boys.

Their guide paddled them to the middle of the bay, while I followed close behind in my kayak. Once we found the perfect ceremony place on the ocean, their guide jumped out of the canoe: coming to join me in my kayak so that I could shoot!

Beck and Rob included a knot tying tradition during their water ceremony. Knot tying is a simple step in which a couple will work together to create one of the strongest knots. This used to symbolize the bond between a couple!

Mother nature could sense the bond and connection between Beck and Rob too, because we were all treated to a special mantaray sighting! This is very significant because it is not as common to see manta rays during that time of day. I feel strongly that when wildlife shows itself to people, it is a reflection on them! Manta rays represent grace and flow, and their distinct black and white markings represent balance. How fitting that a fire element and a water element were shown this symbol!

While floating among the beautiful waters of Hawaii, I jumped out of the kayak with my waterproof camera housing and fins and bobbed in the water, taking pictures! Including fun, not-so-common ways of adventure is such an exciting concept for me when it comes to my photography approach! Being a Hawaii wedding photographer, whether it’s shooting in the water, on top of a mountain, in a helicopter…yes, yes, and yes!

We decided to take a break for the day, while I went out and picked up florals and a cake!

When you book me as your Hawaii wedding or elopement photographer, don’t forget you aren’t just getting a photographer. You also get a planner, guide, and someone who is there to help run errands and assist you at any point of your day!

Exhausted from the morning ceremony and drive to Volcano, Beck and Rob elected to meet the next day. Beck was all for having cake for breakfast!!! That next morning, I shot an intimate session of the two of them. Beck and Rob enjoyed tea at their Airbnb, and just lounged around together.

Having your Hawaii wedding or elopement take place over multiple days is a really great idea! You often avoid having to rush and squeeze things in over a certain amount of time, and your elopement adventure can take on a more laidback and easygoing approach while being spread out over an extra day or two. Definitely something to consider when planning your elopement in Hawaii, to help ease any stress! You call the shots: you have the freedom to take breaks if necessary, with a more relaxed vibe.

And now: comes the fire. Beck and Rob exchanged wedding vows at Volcanoes National Park, which does not require a permit if you are only there to take photos rather than an official ceremony! On the well maintained trails, Beck hiked the whole trail in her dress, just to prove that she could! You can do the same or change at the top etc, the choice is completely yours.

The trails are plentiful and easily accessible at Volcanoes National Park, which is a huge park with so many things to see and do while in Hawaii!

After Beck and Rob’s heartfelt vow exchange, the three of us headed back down the beautiful mountain. Beck and Rob would be staying another month in Hawaii, as an extended honeymoon to soak up more quality time together.

I felt so honored to be a part of their Hawaii wedding elopement, especially because we all vibed so well. Beck and Rob were a little more introverted, and felt comfortable to open up with me and take any necessary breaks from photos.

It is extremely special to be involved in a couple’s wedding day, which makes it important to have a great relationship with your photographer!

Beck and Rob, next time you are in Kona, I owe you a sushi date!