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Amber and Ronnie came all the way from California to get married in Hawaii! This Big Island wedding was such a special event.

Both Amber and Ronnie stayed at the Wyndham in Kona, where they got ready on the morning of their big day. Their first look was so cool! They didn’t want to see each other before their wedding ceremony, so they stood back to back to share a moment together. Holding hands, the two of them read letters to each other. After this emotional first look, it was time for their wedding ceremony!

Amber and Ronnie got married at an oceanside church called Living Stones Church in Kona, HI. With their dog Blue acting as the ring bearer, their ceremony began.

Pastor Andrew was awesome. You could really tell he cared about the two of them, and kept them calm with a good sense of humor. Their wedding ceremony was lighthearted yet still intentional and emotional!

After their wedding ceremony, everyone headed to Papa Kona for the reception!

Papa Kona has amazing food, and views of Kailua Bay in Kona because it’s located upstairs.

I love this venue – you can get married at Papa Kona, or just have your reception there like Amber and Ronnie did! Papa Kona’s team makes wedding planning a breeze with their on-site event coordinator and custom packages to fit your vision of your Hawaii wedding.

Amber and Ronnie had so many heartfelt touches within their Kona wedding day. Amber’s bouquet was decorated with a keychain to honor her father, and they had a lei throwing ceremony to commemorate loved ones who passed.

For their guest book, they had resin ocean art with beach sand and waves! What a neat way to commemorate a wedding that took place in Hawaii.

Vendors:

Officiant: Andrew West (Living Stones Church, Associate Pastor)

Cake: Papa Kona

Hair and Makeup: Indigo Grace 

Catering: Papa Kona

Florals: Grace’s Flowers

Wedding Dress: Calla Blance

Suit: Suitsupply

Justine has had a huge impact on my life! Justine used to be my life coach, and helped me realize that my passion is in photography. Justine gave me the mindset shift to focus on how much I love being a photographer! I look up to her so much, so it was extremely special to me to be able to shoot her Oregon wedding! 

Justine and Kyle’s wedding took place in a quaint farm in Sisters, Oregon. Justine’s family is from France, while Kyle’s family came all the way from New Zealand! It was awesome seeing a gathering of people from all over the world in one place, to celebrate Justine and Kyle.

Kyle’s vows to Justine were beautiful, you could see that their friendship was the foundation of their relationship. With Mount Jefferson in the background, their reception took place at the farm’s gardens with bountiful flowers and veggies. All of their food was local and prepared onsite, which is an amazing way to strive for sustainability! After Justine and Kyle’s gorgeous wedding ceremony in Sisters, we did a mini branding session as a “thank you”: things really felt like they came full circle. I feel so honored to have been able to document Justine’s wedding, when she gave me a helping hand in realizing my dreams!

 

Exploring around Central Oregon would then find me at Sisters Coffee Company, editing. Chai tea latte in hand, there is something so nostalgic about the space. I really fell in love with the whole town, and there are so many things to do in the area.

 

THINGS TO DO NEAR SISTERS, OR:

-Explore Smith Rock State Park

-Foodie adventures in Bend, Oregon. Places like Jacksons Corner for a yummy breakfast!

–Bend Whitewater Park. This spot reminds me of Hawaii! There is a section of river that creates surfing waves, so fun!

-Hike around Deschutes National Forest

-Visit waterfalls like Proxy Falls and Tumalo Falls

Justine’s Branding Session:

VENDORS:

Officiant/Planner: Weddings with Heart

Venue: Rainshadow Organics

Coffee Shop: Sisters Coffee Company

Mohan and Anthony adventured around on of Hawaii’s stunning black sand beaches for their elopement. Rising before the sun, they roamed around the sand, explored the vibrant green forests, and danced along the cliffside.

Karen and Phil met through mutual friends at a climbing gym that they both visited. Their relationship started off silly and playful at first, until they realized they had developed feelings for one another!

For their Hawaiian adventure elopement, Karen and Phil really wanted to take advantage of the diversity that The Big Island has to offer. They quickly determined that that would mean splitting up their elopement into two days! This ended up working great for them because they could enjoy their days together, without being too drained from all of the traveling around Hawaii.

Their ceremony took place in a beautiful valley full of greenery, where they were lucky enough to have their friend officiate! Karen and Phil wanted to experience the sunrise together, changing in the bushes for a first look on a black sand beach. First sharing the sunrise alone, their friend joined them for their ceremony. Karen walked down the “aisle”, as everyone watched with smiles and admired the beauty of their elopement ceremony and the valley! After their ceremony, we explored: ending at a river where they could share some private moments, just the two of them.

Since Karen and Phil made the choice to split up their elopement day, they could take the time to just enjoy the moments! They spent the rest of the day hanging out with their friends, and then chose to adventure throughout the next day by themselves.

I met with Karen and Phil in the super early morning the next day, as we had to ride ATVs in the dark to be at our location by sunrise! I was able to document the adventure of their day, where they could focus on being present and not necessarily worry about keeping their outfits clean. Karen and Phil raced around different locations such as lava rock areas and spots with natural salt deposits. With open fields surrounding them, they laughed, raced, and had the time of their lives during their elopement adventure! I love being able to help my couples’ elopement dreams come true, so they don’t have to worry! I coordinated the ATV guide, who also has camping gear available if you wanted to stay overnight!

As their elopement days came to a close, Karen and Phil ended their second day near a gorgeous tree. Splitting up their Hawaii elopement really worked for them, so that they could spend time on what really matters most.

VENDORS:

Groom’s Shoes: Rugged Oxfords from DSW

Florals: Lalamilo Flower Girl

Dress: Lulu’s Two Piece Maxi Dress

Hair/Makeup: Beauty By Ash

ATV Guide: Aloha ATV Adventures

Something that I think is really special about getting married in Hawaii is the ability to experience so much beauty and wonder during your wedding day. Having the adventure of starting off the day at sea level amongst the Pacific Ocean: swirling turquoise waters, the smell of salt in the air…and then venturing out to the tallest mountain on earth from base to peak: the sacred mountain of Mauna Kea. The definition of symbolism is abundant with Joey and Raegan’s Ocean to Mountain elopement on the island of Hawaii!

While I am always an advocate for exploring all of the stunning landscapes and habitats that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer, my priority will always lie with ensuring that our islands are taken care of. Mauna Kea is a sacred and magical location for Hawaii residents, and it is up to all of us who visit this enchanted place to treat it with respect.

Mauna Kea may not be able to serve as a backdrop for your elopement ceremony, but is the absolute perfect place to adventure to either before or after for more photos and to soak up the beauty of the volcano! Due to Mauna Kea’s significance to the people of Hawaii, we will leave the elopement ceremony for another area. Even having a part of Joey and Raegan’s Hawaii elopement day taking place at the top of the world on Mauna Kea adds magic.

Joey and Raegan met at a music festival through mutual friends, and have been together ever since! These two Floridians began their Hawaiian elopement day at the sea cliffs bright and early in the morning, in matching Vans shoes, with their moms in tow. People really appreciate how high the sea cliffs are, making a wedding ceremony there dramatic and beautiful.

Joey and Raegan’s mothers helped button Raegan’s dress, while Joey waited at the sea cliffs with videographer John and officiant, Tom. Having family help during an elopement is a great way to include them! Joey and Raegan decided that they wanted their ceremony to be just the two of them, bidding farewell to their moms to then meet back up with their families later that evening to continue the celebration.

Something really cute about eloping is that the officiants I often like to work with can be almost like family! Family in the sense that they bring comfort. Couples can often feel nervous, so I like recommending officiants that I feel like have a maternal or paternal comforting energy. And Tom fits the bill!

Tom helped Raegan walk down the “aisle”, while Joey gazed into the ocean. During their ceremony, Tom included traditional Hawaiian elements, different languages, and sacred meanings. There are also plenty of ways to make your ceremony “yours”. Joey and Raegan had a little moment together, and did a secret handshake. As the ceremony was ending, Tom noted that the sun began peeking over the trees. So special! 

Before we took a break for the day, we were treated by a goat sighting! Raegan loves goats, and it was so adorable to see how excited she was.

Later on, we met back up to make our way to Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is about 1 ½ hours from Kona, so it is not too far! 

Something to keep in mind is that Mauna Kea has been the center of indigenous activism because it is the proposed site of a telescope. This is controversial due to Mauna Kea being a sacred burial site! Many indigenous elders were buried near the top to be closer to the gods. 

Catching the sunset at Mauna Kea is simply magical. You are above the clouds, and it is something that I can’t put into words unless you experience it. It is also such a crazy experience that you can drive all the way up to a mountain that is almost a 14er! Depending on the time of year, there may also be ice or snow on the mountain. The fact that Joey and Raegan could include such a significant place during their Hawaii elopement is amazing!

Joey and Raegan mentioned that they had been taking sunset walks around their hotel during their stay in Hawaii. It had become a source of closeness for them, so naturally we had to document those special moments! Polaroids were scattered around their hotel counters, which helped inspire the film aesthetic for this day-after session. There was an air of playfulness and mischievousness as they lit a cigar and hopped fences. I gave them a little bit of direction when it fit their personality, instead of direction that may seem like it wasn’t their vibe. It really seemed like it was all about them, and as the sun set: we all celebrated with champagne together near the waves.

VENDORS:

Videographer: Bodhi Wedding Films

Shoes: Custom Vans

Dress: Bridal Gown Studio Orlando

Officiant: Kahu Tom

Hotel: Kona Coast Resort

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!

VENDORS:

Guide: Kona Boys

Florals: Lalamilo Flower Girl

Cake: Emilie’s Organics

Airbnb: Volcano Retreat