Kenny + Sarah
When I first moved to Maui in the winter of 2020, my heart was set to become an elopement photographer on the island. It was a photographers’ dream to live where both mountains and ocean collide. Having seven microclimates on the island means endless opportunities for the perfect destination elopement. Plus, who wouldn’t want to get married in Hawaii? After becoming more well acquainted with the island, I knew that Ho’okipa would make for a perfect location that screamed “island elopement”. I quickly reached out to my two good friends, Kenny and Sarah, and asked them if they would be interested in doing a styled shoot with me. I wanted this shoot to represent a casual Maui elopement, and to show that you can make your elopement anything you want it to be. Kenny and Sarah are both musicians, so Kenny packed his guitar, camping coffee kit, and picnic blanket. As they watched the sunset and listened to the waves crash against the cliffs beside them, they snuggled, sang, and sipped their tea (because they forgot their coffee). It made for the most beautiful, laid back elopement setting. I also collaborated with Misa, a very talented Maui florist, and Paige Teixeira for hair and makeup.
We started out the session taking some photos on the hillside, which is actually a cow pasture overlooking the north shore. Then we walked down to get a better view of the waves crashing against the rocks. There is nothing more incredible and humbling than witnessing nature show off its power. The water looked so clear and blue that day. You also get a beautiful view of the West Maui Mountains on a clear day from this spot and the sun as it slowly creeps down behind them, making for an epic sunset. This location was so unique, it felt like we were walking on the moon.
Anytime you are taking photos at an oceanside location, you might as well expect the wind to be blowing. If it’s not, then great! If it is, then you won’t be surprised. While the wind can be a pain in the butt, I honestly think it is so fun to work with. You may battle your hair blowing in ways you don’t want it to a bit, but some of those wind blown hair moments turn out to be some of the most beautiful bridal portrait shots. Also, can we talk about this beautiful gown Sarah wore? You guys, I LOVE going thrifting. Rainbow Attic in Kihei is the place to go on Maui if you appreciate a good thrift store. I was browsing around the store one day and came across this gown. I went back and forth a good 10 times on whether or not to bite the bullet and spend the $75 on it. Two older woman who saw me looking at it commented on how beautiful it was. I shared with them my vision for this elopement session and they said I had to get it. 100% glad I took their advice. This is a one-of-a-kind gown and can fit so many different shapes and sizes. It is now in my wardrobe for future clients to rent.
The bridal bouquet and haiku lei that Misa pieced together were absolutely stunning. I told her my vision for a simple boho feel and she brought it to life perfectly. I would highly recommend her to anyone planning a Maui elopement or wedding. You can check out her site HERE. Once Kenny and Sarah settled down on their picnic blanket after some windy seaside shots, Kenny pulled out his guitar and they both began to sing some of their favorite songs together. Sarah is actually a Christian folk singer/songwriter and her work is incredible too. HERE is a video clip of them from this evening (linked to my instagram). You can also check out Sarah’s music HERE. Keep her in mind as you plan a Maui elopement. Having her sing at your ceremony would make it SO romantic and special. And who said you can’t have a first dance at your elopement session?
Kenny and Sarah were the perfect models for this styled elopement. To be honest, I didn’t have to do much guiding for posing. I tried to sit back as much as possible and capture their moments together in the most authentic way. There are a million reasons I love destination elopements. You can go anywhere, make it anything you want, and it takes so much of the stress away that bigger weddings/receptions often bring. Not only that, you can save money by keeping things more simple, or you can invest in an elopement experience of a lifetime. I will say it over and over, you can make it anything you want to!
Connect with me here if you’re interested in booking an elopement session.
* I am now based out of St. Louis, MO but open to travel.
