Just Maui’d – Katelyn & Drew!

Ironwoods Beach, Maui Elopement

Katelyn and Drew had a dream of starting their lives together as husband and wife in the most incredible destination they could think of, Hawaii. They narrowed in on Maui for their elopement and made it a reality! With me being in the NY area and them in Alabama, it had been a few months of emails. It was so great to finally meet them in person. I was thrilled to be a part of their journey together! It was our first time on the island and we had a blast exploring the many landscapes that it has to offer. Such a great mix of relaxing beaches and adventurous jungles, waterfalls, and mountains!

The Wedding Day

As Katelyn and I were driving to the beach, we saw a vibrant rainbow gracing the fields in front of the mountains. We pulled over on the side of the road and got some magical bridal portraits! Pretty good wedding day luck!

We arrived at Ironwoods Beach, a secluded spot just north of Lahaina on the island’s west side. It was a dramatic backdrop with waves crashing into lava rocks. The sun would soon set and it was time to exchange vows. Katelyn walked down the rock formations to meet her soon to be husband. I just adore Drew’s reaction when he finally saw her! You could feel their excited and emotional energy. It was a beautiful thing to witness. Reverend Julienne performed a touching ceremony and the couple read vows they wrote to each other. Then, it was time for the first kiss and boy was it a good one!

We walked around the lava rock formations as the sun set. It sure was windy! But oh how beautiful it made Katelyn’s dress look as it blew her train in the air. The wind blown hair mixed with the ocean is such a romantic look! It began to get dark and it was time for them to head off to their celebration dinner at Merriman’s in Kapalua.

Sunrise Adventure Session

We met up again bright and early the next morning for a sunrise adventure session in the mountains! Maui sure has some incredible beaches, but the hiking trails are epic as well! The Hawaiian mountains are my favorite.

As the day’s first light appeared, we made sure to pull over and get portraits with that warm glow. It was a gorgeous view of the ocean below, made even more spectacular with vibrant early morning colors. Waihe’e Ridge Trail was our destination. We hiked up through picturesque forests to the clearing, and oh how breathtaking it was! Being surrounded by the incredible mountains and looking down onto the ocean below. It’s one of those times when you can’t help but be in complete awe of nature. Katelyn wore her Chacos and powered through the mud, not caring about her dress getting dirty, my kind of bride! I actually like a dirty dress at adventure sessions. In a setting like that, it looks so free spirited!

It was an unforgettable experience for sure. I’m so honored to have been able to document these milestone moments for Katelyn and Drew who are already planning their first anniversary, in Kauai perhaps! I’m right there with them. I leave a piece of my heart in Hawaii each time I leave. It will forever be a special place for them. How amazing it must be to say that they got married in paradise. Congratulations Katelyn & Drew!

It was an unforgettable experience for sure. I’m so honored to have been able to document these milestone moments for Katelyn and Drew who are already planning their first anniversary, in Kauai perhaps! I’m right there with them. I leave a piece of my heart in Hawaii each time I leave. It will forever be a special place for them. How amazing it must be to say that they got married in paradise. Congratulations Katelyn & Drew!

 

Click here to view a Kauai adventure elopement!

The Vendors

Officiant: Reverend Julienne

Videographer: Illuminated Visuals

Ceremony Location: Oneloa or Ironwoods Beach

Adventure Session Trail: Waihe’e Ridge Trail